12-08-2006, 04:52 AM
I had a eskimo heavy flip-up shelter and found 7 out of 8 times I didn't fish in or use much after hefting it on and off the ice. I sold my shelter and bought a couple of very light weight 3 sided "wind break" tee-pee type sheltes that you sit on ( basically a folding chair with 3 tall sides). 2 of them will fit nicely inside my sled along with my power auger and other gear. You can get these at Cabela's for around $60. It sets up in seconds, provides a comfortable place to sit and has pockets in the inside for gear /poles. It allows you to see everyone and be socialable with all those around you. I really like the ability to move to other spots easily . With the big shelter, it was a real PITA to move often. The only thing that really bothers me while ice fishing is the Wind [pirate]. Now with the wind blocked on 3 sides, wind is no longer an issue. For the times the snow is coming down hard, the tent would be nice, but then again, I usually leave when the storms hit (tent or no tent) .
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