Portable ice shelters have revolutionized the way we fish. From early models that served a singular purpose, often for only one angler, to larger models now that can be used for a host of extra purposes like ice camping or hunting, there’s a number of reasons to own one. To the hardcore anglers, I like to hole-hop as well, but when wind or cold makes it difficult to effectively present a bait to fish awaiting below, there’s nothing like the convenience of a portable to remain both mobile and comfortably stationary. Dropping tiny tungsten to panfish in less than 10 degrees or in winds greater than 10mph, makes owning a portable of any kind, worth the price of admission.
If you’re in the market for a portable house, there’s but one big fork in the road. You can go with a hub-style shelter, which is a heavy duty exterior, often insulated, draped over a collapsible framework of semi-flixible poles that meet in several “hubs” throughout. Or, you can opt for the flip-style shelters, which incorporate a sled as their base, and have a series of hard-metal poles that retract or expand to form the framework of the shelter when packed or set-up. Each have their upside when it comes to getting out on the ice, and sometimes it’s even nice to own both depending on what types of fishing you do. Here’s a run-down of the best of each.
Hub-Style
Hubs have taken the icescape by storm, being once only hunting blinds and uncommon across frozen lakes, to literally the standard portable shelter for so many. It’s for good reason too, as there’s a lot to love. First and foremost, there’s really no other way to get as much warm, fishable space for the money as with a hub shelter, with even more large and expensive models being just over $500. That translates into a relatively easy purchase to even non-serious ice anglers that just want to get the wind off their back.
Of course, there’s also the mobility factor, especially if you hand-tow, or even take a truck out onto the ice. Often, it’s easier to pull the hub bag out of the back of a truck and setup the shelter, or to drag small sled through snow that holds the lighter hub system. Both use-cases are prime hub-territory for anyone looking to have a portable, yet stay nimble along the way. There’s also the space factor. A large hub can really hold the whole family, much better than a flip-style shelter, offering more places to put gear and ultimately keep people warm and fishing.
That doesn’t mean that hubs are only “beginner” shelters either, as there are a host of features in todays hubs that make them as functional as they are fun. Look for entryway doors that go all the way to the ice and prevent you from tripping as you enter or exit. Also, look for custom storage solutions, like pockets for gear, rod-holders, and even a port for your propane hose to keep it out of the snowy mess. Oversized carry bags to easily stow a frozen shelter, along with a secure ice anchoring system are all what you should expect for the upper-end hubs on the market.
Flip-Style
Call these the originals on the marketplace, for a number of uses, they still represent the greatest advantage for ice anglers everywhere. Almost without question, if your on-ice transport is via snowmobile or ATV, flip-style shelters are the clear choice. With options to reduce sled-wear like hy-fax runners, along with rugged hitch-systems that are roto-molded into the sled frame, there is simply no more rigorous shelter that can stand up to the elements when towed across the open ice.
Some of that sturdiness comes from a bit more weight, mostly on account of the sled. The upside comes with secure storage that hauls everything in a self-contained unit, all the way out to the spot and back. That leaves your travel vehicle free for other accessories or riders, and allows you to travel far more rapidly out onto the ice. More-so than thinner sleds and even strapped down hub shelters, the flip-style house with its encompassing travel cover makes for easy transport. For anglers fishing big water or remote areas, these systems are simply the way to go. Not to mention, there’s a host of great features to these shelters too.
While originally, most flip-style shelters featured main front doors, most these days have that option plus a handy side door. Heater goes on the ice in front of the anglers, and they can enter exit their individual side without fear of burning suits or shelter. That’s a handy feature in and of itself. Of course, accessories to store everything from batteries, to hang gloves to warm, and hammocks to house gear of all kinds are really extending their use.
Which to Choose?
For so many anglers, it comes down to hand-tow or truck fishing (hub shelter) vs. ATV and snowmobile (flip-style) as they’re making their decisions. Yet, there are a few more interesting use-cases that pop up. Especially for hard-house owners, portable hub shelters are a great value to extend either fishable space when extra guest arrive, or use them as a portable pop-up bathroom. Hubs can easily and cheaply add to the fun when you need an extra spot to clean fish, setup a food buffet, or even send the kids when they need a change of scenery.
The same can be said for anglers who want all of their gear self-contained. With the help of a buddy, a sled/shelter with propane, electronics, augers, rods, and tackle can be easily hoisted onto the ice, setup, and made ready to fish in mere minutes. If you’ve got a truck or SUV with the space to hold this unit, many anglers prefer to drive up to the spot, plop down, and fish with no hassle of assembling or gathering a pile of items that were sloshing around in a sled.
Ultimately, it’s hard to make a wrong choice, and the used market is strong should you wish to explore other options later. Consider the four “S”’s when purchasing any shelter, top to bottom. Shell – premium fabric with high insulative capacity will keep you warmer and prevent condensation. Structure – aluminum poles on the flip style sleds that are square prevent twisting and binding in heavy winds, while adding to the strength of the overall framework. Seat – either a bench or bucket style seat that’s lightweight and comfortable will keep you fishing longer. Sled – If you’re shopping flip-style, a roto-molded sled is the premium option for years of service and durability.