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I have the otter thermal resort and in terms of wind there couldn't be anything better. Because of the anchor system. I have been in an Eskimo 949i and have seen guys camp in them on ice. I don't think there as good as the otter in terms of wind. They don't have the extra nylon strap nor do they have pockets for the guylines .But they are very solid pop-ups. I've never been in a 450i. It looks like the otter Lodge and the 949i are about the same weight So if you're looking for ease of use when by yourself they're about the same. My otter thermal resort is almost too much for one guy to lug around.
I have the Eskimo Sierra Thermal, but have not had it out in bad wind. It doesn't have any anchor points but you could add those. I think the worse I have been in was about 10mph wind and it wasn't even a problem. I have had my Eskimo Quickfish 5i in 20+mph wind and it did ok with proper anchors and tie outs. seen somebodys hut go flying across the lake that day so it was windy.
The otter lodge thermal does have that 61 or so sq2 feet of fishable area. my buddy and i brought the GF's out. and we all fit inside pretty comfortably.i purchased the Otter lodge (thermal version) for windy days and days when i have more than 2 people fishing.SO far easy set up, easy take down, and the afore mentioned Tie-Down system (why i purchased it) it is a little more than an eskimo i think, but to me its worth it
One day out there is freekin plenty I don't know how you can sleep out there-
Hell yeah Kang, Sheet is good if you like it!
bought the sierra thermal already still debating on the 450i or otter, now need to get rid of my Eskimo 2 flip over and honda gas auger and couple if my marcum lx5 😀😀😀
I've been thinking about camping in an ice hut on a multi-day ice trip. Alas, my fishing buds are candy-ass bourgies... Let us know how it goes for you.
first thing my old-school buddy said about my otter lodgespeaking about my clam nanook xl " Compared to your old one, i could camp in this! i might actually hang out in here"he never joins me in the tent, even if its blowing 30 mph frozen snowballs onto his neck he'll stand out in it lol. we have discussed getting some cots and camping out there on the ice. we'd need some sort of flooring but it would be easy!
The otter lodge handled Wyoming winds pretty good. I always anchor no matter what on the gorge. Weather can be unpredictable out there. Just remember to sit opposite of the wind blown hub, in case it collapses in on you and gives you a nasty kiss! 🤣😂