mine fits my tubs/sleds just fine and doesn't need to be in any thing else if i am to use it, i use either the cabelas plain extra large sled or the shappell fx100 tub just fine. for fishing with it, i will either drill a hole next to the tub and drop the ducer in to find fish or bottom or both.
if scouting w/o the tub next to me, then of coarse it goes on the ice and i get on a knee or sit on one or both feet while fishing that hole.
maybe if i was using a snow machine of some kind, it should be in a hard case of some kind.
i'll set up a shack if i think i need to stay put for the duration (strong winds), it goes on top of what ever bucket i want to use thats with me. normally it goes on top of a rectangle litter bucket that has a lid that swings open and has my heater, lantern, 1# propane bottle and stand for it, all inside. thats the only time it goes on top of any thing for viewing.
i keep an empty bucket inside another with gear in the inner one. the outer one can be used for several things, like an extra dead man rig, carry fish home with ice shavings, flip upside down for a a table top or seat, hold a minnow bucket from leaking all over.
also, i cut the top third of a 5 gal bucket to put on top of another 5 gal bucket to help protect my rods. so its an extension if you will for my rod holder.
so i carry that bucket, the litter bucket with heater ect, the bucket inside a full bucket of gear. so i carry 4 buckets every trip.
