Need opinions on HT or Eskimo portable shelters?

[mjhowe]

Any one have any experience with the HT Polar express one man or the eskimo 1 man shelters?? I need some opinions on these units!

Thanks,
Mike Howe
Kalispell, MT

[SpikeRoberts]

Mike,
I used the Polar Express [actually I think it's the Polar Escape] all last winter and was quite pleased -- instant set-up, durable, all-around decent shelter and a great buy for the money (I paid $119 new for mine). My only "complaint" is that it runs on the small side - by the time you drill two holes, set up your heater, position your lantern, and set down your beer there isn't any room to spare, but like I said I am pretty pleased for the money.

[This message has been edited by SpikeRoberts (edited 08-28-2002).]

[Jig stick]

mjhowe, go Small OTTER! you'll love it.

[Rick]

I would also recommend the 2 person Glacier. It's lighter than the models you're talking about, sets up easy and gives you room to move around.

If you're going to fish with 2 people regularly, then I'd go with the 3 person Glacier.

The price is right too.

You can see it here:
http://fishingmn.com/glacier.html

[mjhowe]

Thanks for the input. I have bought a fishtrap scout for my solo "run and gun" rig and will also be purchasing the 3 man glacier for the family trips. Got the trap for the same price as the eskimo or HT was gonna cost. BRING ON THE ICE!!

Mike Howe
Kalispell, MT

[slick2526]

dont over look frabill. i have a rangerxlt and its probally one of the nicest houses on the market. the bench seat is nice and there is enough room to set your propane sunflower heater in the sled, coleman black cat propane cooker,and 2 buckets. if you drill holes right you can fit 3 people on the bench with 2 holes each

[Raven]

Hey Slick - I have a Frabill XLTwin also and wouldn't trade it for anything. Really can haul everything and has plenty of room. One thing I do is drill 3 holes. Drill the first two a little ways apart and the third just above them. Drop the ducer down the top one and you can read both holes. Works great for 2 people. I also have a Otter single and have parked it since getting the Frabill.

[slick2526]

you guys ever have any ideas on how to keep your feet from not getting cold on the ice. i was thinking maybe some indoor/outdoor carpet and mark holes in the carpet, cut them out and lay it down, and could also double as a marker to mark your holes. Ive fished out of a few different houses also and in my opinion i do think frabills are the best. otters have a nice sled but frabills shelter cover is by far the best i have ever seen.

[Guest]

I like a two person model because of the added space. I fish out of a Fish Trap II and haven't had any complaints but I'm sure other two person models are just as good. Easy to move around too.
Good Fishing, Matt.

[Raven]

Hey Slick,

I have worn Lacrosse IceKings for the past two years and they are fantastic. Just wear a light pair of cotton socks and a pair of wool ones over them. I used to have a real problem on ice and in my tree stands. Not since I got these. My Sorrels couldn't keep up. A logger up here put me on to them. Said they were the best he ever had and they can take a pounding too. They are a little spendy, but worth every penny.

Raven

[slick2526]

Thanks for the info raven, where you located at anyways?

[Rick]

Slick,
I agree with your assessment of covers between the Frabill and Otter.

The new Fishtrap and Glacier Covers are easily as good as Frabills (If not a little better).

[Raven]

Hey Slick,

I live near Turtle River - about 13 miles North of Bemidji. Where do you hang your hat?

Raven

[slick2526]

raven, im in the detroit lakes area. ever stop around this area?

[Raven]

Slick - catch me at [email protected]. I was through that area yesterday coming back from Fargo. Maybe we can hook up one day when this winter. Raven