portable shelter opinions

[Creek Kid]

I'm looking at buying my first flip-over style shelter. I've got the portable blue tarp/plywood floor right now. Looking at the $400 price range what's the give and take between Frabill and Clams? Are there other flip-over brands in that price range?

[Dave]

It'd help if you state what size you'd like in a flip-over. One can even find a good deal for a used Otter Lodge flip- over if you keep your eyes peeled in the For Sale forum.

[Creek Kid]

Planning on buying at least a two-person.

[Dave]

You're really going to have to try them out in person. I've fihed two people in my Otter Ultra-wide Cottage before. It was cramped but, for a day or two, no big deal. I also have the Otter Lodge which is the ultimate two person flip-over shelter but, it's a little more money and a bit heavier. It really depends on how you plan to fish. You bring everything but the kitchen sink? A larger sled is handy to haul gear in but heavier to pull by hand. The larger flip-overs offer height to stand up in as well.

[Catmendo]

As is always the case........you will get many different responses on many different flip over style portables simply because there are so many "good" models and makes to choose from!

I owned a two man clam and these days I'm fishing out of a range Tri-plex which I absolutely love! Check them all out, you'll find most are good and most will meet your expectations and needs. Frabill's Ranger Du-plex is a little beauty and it's in the price range you quoted!

Good-Luck!

[Bobberboy]

I'm still a big fan of Eskimos. The quick flip II or III are both good portables. I've had my III for 3 winters and find it comfortable and almost maintenance free. I would recommend them to anyone.

"Your bobbers down!"

[Holaey]

Creek kid,

drop me an e-mail ( [email protected])

I will send you some information on otter style sleds.

Holaey

[hanson]

Creek Kid-

You've determined that you are already going to get a flip-over type of shelter.

Does this type of shelter "fit" the way you fish better? If you pull your shack behind an ATV, snowmobile, or even by hand for distances, a flip over is definitely the way to go. If you just fish out of the back of your pickup, SUV, or car, you may already have an ideal house for your situation.

The flip-over obviously provides more mobility but it also provides a snow and ice covered floor for your house. Sometimes, this is not fun.

My dad & I used to spend hours in our 4'x8' suitcase style house which had a plastic floor. We loved it and it did the job.

We realized it just wasn't the way to go when we needed to pull it out behind the snowmobile. Thats why I went with an Otter fish house, was for the mobility and durability. There are just no other houses on the market that can match the durability of an Otter tub. I've got 2 Otter houses, a 1 man Den and the 3 man Lodge. The Lodge is a 2 person house IMO but you could do 3 guys in there.

I guess I'll just say buy an Otter, and worry about buying your next shack in 10 years. It'll last that long.