Ice fishing can be a lot of fun, but not without its woes. For the most part, you’ll be spending long hours in sub-zero temperatures. As a result, you’ll want something to keep you warm and comfortable. That said, you’ll be better off investing in the best ice fishing shelters on the market. But here’s the challenging part, “how do you get to select the best ice fishing shelters?”
Well, there are so many varieties, which might leave you confused. So, how about we narrow it down for you? In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the best ice fishing shelters. We take into consideration durability, comfort, easy setup, and of course, affordability. Hence, you can’t miss one ice fishing shelter that matches your needs.
Table of Contents
- 10. Ice Cube 3 Man Portable Ice Shelter
- 9. Tangkula 2-Person Pop-up Ice Shelter – Waterproof Ice Fishing Tent
- 8. GYMAX 2-Person Pop-up Waterproof Ice Fishing Tent
- 7. Goplus Portable 3-Person Pop-up Ice Fishing Shelter & Tent
- 6. Shappell WH5500 Wide House Ice Shelter
- 5. Eskimo Outbreak 450I Insulated Pop-Up Ice Shelter
- 4. Tangkula Oxford Fabric Zippered Door Waterproof Portable Ice Fishing Tent
- 3. Elkton Outdoors Portable Insulated Ice Fishing Tent
- 2. Clam Outdoors Retreat Ice Shelter
- 1. FERRET Waterproof Pop-up Ice Shelter Tent Insulated Ice Shelter Fishing Tent
10. Ice Cube 3 Man Portable Ice Shelter
That extra fishing space matters a lot. And that’s exactly what Ice Cube shelter has to offer. The sides pop out. Hence, it creates additional space for your elbows, especially when pulling your line out of the water. Besides maximizing space, it offers excellent weather protection. First, it has a 300D fabric that creates an impenetrable wind barrier. Second, it comprises a blackout coating that offers excellent thermal insulation. Not to mention, it blocks out up to 90% sunlight should you need to catch some sleep.
The shelter has detachable windows that provide ventilation. An extra-wide skirting, on the other hand, keeps out the draught. Ice Cube shelter has an 80-inch ceiling, tall enough for users up to 6 feet tall. In addition, it has plenty of space for up to 3 people. Hence, you can bring a friend or two along. Furthermore, the lightweight construction of 21 pounds makes it ideal for the mobile angler.
Special Features
- A hub-style design creates extra room for elbows
- Wind-resistant 300D fabric
- Blackout coating blocks light and offers excellent thermal insulation
- Detachable windows for ventilation
- High-end self-tapping anchors
- 80-inch ceiling height
- Fits up to 3 people
9. Tangkula 2-Person Pop-up Ice Shelter – Waterproof Ice Fishing Tent
Tangkula is yet another hub-style ice shelter. As a result, it maximizes space by offering extra room for the elbows. The shelter can seat 2-3 people. Another remarkable feature is the 300D oxford fabric. It’s waterproof and creates an excellent wind barrier. Not to mention, it can withstand frosty conditions, up to minus 22°F. The fabric is not only sturdy but extremely lightweight at 22 pounds. For this reason, it’s easy to pack and carry. The tent has 4 windows that adjust for ventilation and lighting. Also, it has a zippered door that creates simple, resealable access. Thanks to the flexible poles, it’s easy to set up and pull down the tent.
Special Features
- Hubs provide extra room
- Weather-resistant and waterproof 300D oxford fabric
- Resists temperatures of up to minus 22°F
- Four detachable windows offer better lighting and ventilation
- Fits 2-3 people
8. GYMAX 2-Person Pop-up Waterproof Ice Fishing Tent
GYMAX ice tent is crafted from 300D oxford fabric. Hence, it’s not only lightweight but sturdy enough for excellent weather protection. It weighs 22 pounds, light enough to pack and transport. The fabric is completely waterproof. Not to mention, it withstands sub-zero temperatures, up to minus 22°F. The shelter has a pop-up design, which offers additional room on the sides. On the other hand, it has enough floor area to fit 2-3 people. A door provides easy access and zips up for safety. In addition, the tent has 4 windows. These allow in light while keeping out the draught. Metal hubs and fiberglass make this tent durable. Apart from that, they give an easy time taking down or setting up the tent. The package includes a carry bag should you want to pack and move to another fishing spot.
Special Features
- 300D oxford fabric is waterproof and windproof
- Frost-resistant up to minus 22°F
- Hubs create additional room
- Detachable windows provide proper ventilation
- Spacious enough for 2-3 people
7. Goplus Portable 3-Person Pop-up Ice Fishing Shelter & Tent
Unlike most tents of its size and material, Goplus manages to weigh a bit less at 18.5 pounds. Though it doesn’t look like much, those few pounds might come in handy for the mobile angler. The tent uses 300D oxford fabric. It’s windproof and waterproof. Not to mention, it keeps you comfortable in temperatures of up to minus 30°F. The tent has adjustable PVC windows that let in light. Since the package includes all six anchors, setting up this ice shelter is pretty simple. This ice tent is spacious enough to fit 2-3 people. Furthermore, it comprises a carry bag for easy transportation.
Special Features
- Waterproof and windproof 300D oxford fabric
- Frost-resistant up to minus 30°F
- Hubs create plenty of space
- Fits 2-3 people
- Double-layered PVC windows provide better lighting and ventilation
6. Shappell WH5500 Wide House Ice Shelter
WH5500 as a hub-style tent, one that creates extra room on the sides. The tent is constructed of heavy-duty polyester. Hence, it’s completely waterproof and offers an excellent wind barrier. The tent has a 75” x 75” floor area, spacious enough to fit up to 3 people. It has a ceiling height of 68 inches. Though not as high as most tents, it’s still comfortable to move around. Whereas most ice shelters comprise four windows, WH5500 has 6 windows. For this reason, it offers more lighting. Not to mention, the windows are detachable and resistant to sub-zero temperatures of up to minus 15°F. The tent has air vents for ventilation. Moreover, it includes reflectors, making it visible in the dark. Since the tent consists of all anchors, setup is pretty quick and easy. This is a lightweight tent, weighing 22 pounds.
Special Features
- Heavy-duty polyester fabric
- Hubs create extra room
- Frost-resistant up to minus 15°F
- 6 windows let in more light
- Includes safety reflectors
- Spacious enough for 2-3 people
5. Eskimo Outbreak 450I Insulated Pop-Up Ice Shelter
Thanks to a 600D fabric, this ice fishing shelter is more durable and twice as thick as most ice tents. Besides, it’s more waterproof and highly resistant to winds. Because of the thickness, it offers excellent insulation. This hub-style tent has 75 square feet of fishing area. As a result, it can comfortably fit 4-5 people, making it one of the largest options out there. The tent has a panel door for easy access. Not to mention, the door zips down to the ice. Thus, there’s less risk of tripping over the door frame. Windows give better lighting while air vents keep the tent well-ventilated. The tent includes anchors for easy setup.
Special Features
- Super-tough 600D fabric
- Fully insulated
- 75 square feet of fishing area fits 4-5 people
- 80-inch ceiling
- Multiple windows offer maximum lighting and proper ventilation
- Large, flared door for easy access
4. Tangkula Oxford Fabric Zippered Door Waterproof Portable Ice Fishing Tent
This ice-fishing tent holds more without adding extra weight to the overall design. At 22.5 pounds, it’s as lightweight as the 2-person Tangkula tent. Nonetheless, it holds as many as 4 people. A 300D fabric keeps out the cold. Besides, it’s completely waterproof. The tent has detachable 2-layered detachable windows. This includes a transparent PVC layer for better lighting. Not to mention, the tent offers up to minus 30°F frost resistance. The ceiling is 78 inches, high enough for the average person. Moreover, the package includes a carry bag for easy transportation.
Special Features
- Weather-resistant 300D fabric
- Hubs create extra room
- Frost-resistant up to minus 30°F
- Spacious enough for up to 4 people
- Windows provide better lighting and proper ventilation
3. Elkton Outdoors Portable Insulated Ice Fishing Tent
At 36 pounds, Elkton ice fishing tent weighs more than some models out there. Nevertheless, it’s still portable enough for the mobile angler. Not to mention, the extra weight is a result of a three-layered quilted fabric. Comprising nylon, PVC, and tarpaulin, it provides double insulation of most ice tents. Besides, it offers extra protection from weather elements. The tent includes multiple storage pockets for personal items. There are two versions of this ice fishing shelter. First is the single tent, which has 34 square feet of internal space.
As a result, it can accommodate 3-4 people. Next is the 68 square feet double tent, spacious enough to hold 6-8 people. Both tents include multiple vents and windows for ventilation. Moreover, the package comprises anchors for easy setup.
Special Features
- Single-hub for 3-4 people and double-hub for 6-8 people
- Rugged 3-layered quilted fabric
- Insulated and waterproof
- 80-inch ceiling height
- Multiple windows and vents for proper ventilation
2. Clam Outdoors Retreat Ice Shelter
Retreat ice shelter has a durable 600D fabric. As a result, it has a double thickness of most ice fishing shelters. That means extra insulation and protection from weather elements. Still, it manages to remain portable at 35 pounds. Another unique feature is the black roof. It traps and retains heat to keep you warm. The tent offers 56 square feet of fishing area. That’s a bit more in comparison to other tents in its class. It measures 90 inches from hub to hub. Besides, it has an 80-inch ceiling, which offers plenty of headroom. There are storage pockets for personal items. Also, you get an oversized carry bag that fits in the tent and other gear.
Special Features
- Weather-resistant 600D fabric
- Black roof traps and retains heat
- 56 square feet of the fishing area
- 80-inch tall ceiling
- Multiple windows for ventilation
1. FERRET Waterproof Pop-up Ice Shelter Tent Insulated Ice Shelter Fishing Tent
Ferret ice tent comes in a choice of three sizes. There is a small one, which holds 1-2 people. The medium size, on the other hand, accommodates 3-4 people. Lastly is a large size, which holds 6-8 people. Except for the small version, all tents are insulated. A 300D fabric makes the tent waterproof. In addition, there are air vents that provide adequate ventilation. Multiple windows come in handy to provide additional ventilation and adequate lighting. Not to mention, the windows are detachable to provide a clear view of the outside. This pop-up ice tent sets up in seconds. Also, the package comes with a carry bag for easy transportation.
Special Features
- A choice of three sizes for 1-2, 3-4, and 6-8 people
- Weather-resistant 300D fabric
- A layer of insulation keeps the inside warm
- Air vents and multiple windows for proper ventilation