Portable Condensation

[Buford T]

A good amount of condensation forms on the inside of my heavy canvas portable while I'm fishing with the heater running. It's not a big deal, but when the heater is shut off and I want to pack up and move, the condensation freezes and the canvas gets pretty stiff and hard to fold back onto the sled neatly and out of the way. I was wondering if the ice armor, frabill, eskimo, and other fabrics do the same.

Also, I don't have a garage, so it can be difficult to make room inside the house to allow the canvas to dry. Not to mention I hate having to haul it inside and set it up.

I suppose it's just a trade-off having a sturdy shelter that is sturdy on cold, windy days, but doesn't breathe very well.

[Corey Bechtold]

Welcome to FM Buford T, I like your avitar. All portables are going to get some condensation. If you leave it outside in the sun for a while most of the condensation will go away. I have heard that Polar Sport's and Otter's canvas is more breathable than others and would not condensate as much.

"Junior, when I get home I am goin to punch your mama in the mouth, because there is NO WAY you came from my loins!"

Good Luck,

Corey Bechtold

[loebs93]

Welcome and I like the picture.

I think that is going to happen with most houses. I have a Fish Trap, my brother has a larger Otter and my dad has an older Mankato house and all get condensation on them. The only thing I do is open all the vents in the house, turn the heat up a little higher and bring along a dry towel. The towel is in with my gear to wipe off the fish slime on my hands but I usually just use it to wipe all the water off the walls in the house.

[M.T. Bucket]

If you use a Mr. Heater-style heater that can be tilted forward or upward, you'll get a little less condensation by facing it upward because you won't be melting the snow and ice under it.

[so haaad]

M.T. Bucket is right. Clam told me to keep the heater pointed away from the ice, or even behind you in the sled if possible. Many of the flip over style portable houses will create more condensation versus the pop up style because of the exposed floor. You will also notice door zippers to start freezing up when it gets really cold out. I've been meaning to bring a rubber mat or some kind of temporary flooring along to see if that minimizes condensation in my Guide. Haaad

[Gus]

I notice when I leave the door open 4-6 inches for venting at the top of my shack (Frabill Speedshak Cub) I can almost keep all frost from forming except for the corners where my jacket goes. Try venting more even if you have to have the heater turned up a little higher. It seems to work for me.

Good luck.

[I'llTakeWhatiCanGet]

I think its just one of those things we have to live with It kinda sucks to get dripped on, but either take a towel to it, or bring along something long enough to whack the fabric above your buddy's head, causing a cascade of water to fall down the back of his shirt That should cause enough action that the steady drip, drip, drip will soon be forgotten

[Ole #1]

My portable has 0 condensation. I bought it from canvas craft in anoka, it's the insulated canvas. All other portables I've fished out of do have condensation, but not the insulated canvas.

[packattack]

I have the Frabil ranger, I just keep the top 8 inches of the zipper open. This almost eliminates the frost problem for me.

[Buford T]

So haaad, instead of finding a rubber mat to put on the ice, take a look at Matt Johnson's HSOforum. There's an article for modifying portables, and a guy by the name of Eric McCalla built a tri-folding plywood floor to lay on the ice in a flip over style shelter. Not a bad idea I guess, if you don't mind the extra weight.

http://www.mattjohnsonoutdoors.com/mod2.html

[Guest]

BUFORD T Have a folding wood floor with insulation on the bottom and carpet on top with next to no moisture and the floor stays pretty warm,works very good.