Different carrying method for the QF4???

[mixxedbagg]

Alright, I just got the QF4 and I can't stand the bag. So far, I haven't been bagging up the shelter most of the time because it's such a pain on the ice. Three of us tried last night and only partially succeeded before saying 'screw it'. I'm worried though that NOT using the bag could lead to damage.

I would imagine the QF3 is a little easier to handle and bag, but has anyone come up with a better way to protect and carry either? (Maybe a QF4 bag with a QF3 shelter? ) I have a feeling that the people at Eskimo never actually took their product on the ice and tried stowing it. Or, if they did, it was a bright sunny warm day with no snow and 3 guys to help.

[russ]

I have the QF3 and can relate. I cut the bag down the side and put a zipper in, now it's like a duffle bag and works much better.

[BartmanMN]

Hockey bag or military duffle bag is what we came up with in a different post on the same topic.

[croixflats]

I'm not familiar QF4 but I assume the unit does not collapse small enough to stuff into the bag provided.

Could you use 3 bungee cords around it to tighten it up before trying to place in the bag?

[TruthWalleyes]

I just bought a qf3 from a buddy last night...So would you guys figure out how to resolve this problem quick before I get my Marcum back from being fixed and head out on the ice with the same problem you guys are having

I read the topic on the qf3 and the carrying bag, so i'll probably just look into a duffle bag while the marcum's away.

[mixxedbagg]

Hmmm. It would have to be quite a bag to accommodate the 4. Collapsed, the QF4 is 62" long, plus you have the cold air barrier, clip on shelter tag, and the anchor kit.

I was wondering if a body bag (CREE-PY! ) or a kid's sleeping bag would be the answer.

I don't think I can sew well enough to put a zipper on the bag.

[tonkapat]

I put one or two pull straps around mine to cinch it up and it slides right in. I have reflectix on the roof of one and I can still get that in the bag without much effort. I have tried bungees and they don't work nearly as well as a strap.

[Northlander]

How about a tent stuff sack?

[Ed Carlson]

The oversize Goose Decoy Bags do well. And they also allow air to circulate so they hang dry easier when brought inside.

Many guys once I pointed them out chose to upgraded to decoy bags on lots of the Eskimo models due to the size and convince over the one provided by Eskimo.

[MN BassFisher]

I spend about ten minutes trying to get my buddies QF6 in the bag last night with a wind chill of around zero. The eskimo bag just seems like a dumb design, of course it's going to be very snug after using it out in the freezing cold! The material stiffens up and it's a tough fit in those bags. I think Clam's have the nicest bags, comfy shoulder straps and accessory pouches and they seem oversized. My Glen's hub bag is like the Clam's but no pouch and it doesn't seem as oversized although I haven't spent more than a few minutes putting it away on the ice. Clam should sell just their bags!!

[mixxedbagg]

Yeah, the Eskimo bag is a dumb design. I'm with ya....it was cold last night trying to repack the QF4.

I suspect a tent bag might work for the 3, but I certainly don't have access to a 62" long tent bag.

That decoy bag idea is pretty good. I'll have to see if either of my deke bags fit the QF4.

I can't believe Eskimo didn't do a better job on the bag.

[fishinfey8]

It's all in how you decide to "bundle" it together before slipping it into the stuff sack. Try to fold/stuff all loose flaps to the inside as much as possible and it will slide in a lot easier. It helps to have some sort of cinching method whether that be bungee cord or strap - especially when you are by yourself. I like that it's not big like a decoy bag. I don't have unlimited space in my sled, so I like that it is as small as possible. The quality of the bag...now that's another topic...

[Hammy]

I use a 10 ft strap w a metal cleat on one end. I wrap the tent up a few times and put it in the sled. I also always have an anchor line for the windy days.

[MJBaldwin]

I would try to sew a zipper on if you could. If not maybe call a few places that would make one up for you the (CORRECT) size it seems like all of those things NEVER come with a bag that works. Yes when you get it isnice an compact but the first time using it takes a half a day to get into the case. I would rather pay 5 dollars more to get a product that the bag/carry case actually works more than once. But that is just my 2 cents.

[Stringerless!]

How bout a couple straps with velcro in the right place ? Maybe they would ice up.

[ANYFISH2]

Haven't had this problem yet with my qf3, always goes into bag fine! better plan for it I guess.

[MJ1657]

Are you taking the moisture barrier off before trying to bag it? The eskimo rep at the ice show said it won't fold up good with it attached.

Did it come with the velcro strap to wrap around the house when its collapsed?

I have the qf4 and thought it goes in the bag easily.

[HammyDavisJr]

I don't bag my QF3 when I leave. I like to bring it home, inside the house, and I spread it out so it can dry for a day or two. Then I put it back into its bag.

Snowboard zip up bag?

[ditchpickle6996]

QF3 here and my bag is put away until summer storage. 3 bungee cords holds it together and strap it on the atv and go!

[fishinfey8]

Yes when you get it isnice an compact but the first time using it takes a half a day to get into the case. I would rather pay 5 dollars more to get a product that the bag/carry case actually works more than once. But that is just my 2 cents.

Yeah I've had mine for years and haven't spend more than a minute or two getting it into the bag. And that's by myself! I Already stated earlier that if you figure out how to bundle the shack correctly, it slides right in. A little patience and practice would do some of you guys good.

[mixxedbagg]

Now you're expecting a lot!

[fishinfey8]

Ha ha I know...I just went back and re-read my post and it sounded quite similar to what my day used to say to me when we would work on projects. I got frustrated with that bag too, until I paid attention to how the best way to get it to fit...and since then I have had no problems since!