Eskimo Outbreak 250XD questions

[ABFisher]

Hoping some people with experience can answer some questions on this shelter.

1. I’m 6’4”, 250lb so not a tiny guy. Will I be ok in this shelter?

2. Will another guy about the same size fit in as well without sitting on each others lap?

3. Any issues with the zipper freezing to the ground given its ground level position?

I’ve been considering this or the 949i so anyone that has experience with both I’d be happy to hear recommendations. Thanks!

[slipperybob]

250XD Two people can fit just fine.  Very roomy for one person.  Personally I would get the 350XD/450XD for two people, cuz I like to have all gear inside my shelter too.  Zipper never freezes.  Unless someone drips water or slush onto it.  Full size door is rather short, but still better than a side crescent door crack.  Shelter seam is not sealed if it rains, there will be drip spots, especially at windows, by design.

949 is a little larger over 250XD and more roomy.

[burgerunh]

I have the 450XD and it is plenty roomy for 2 big guys.  If I were you I would step up to that size.

[Nitz]

I own an OUTBREAK 250XD and an OUTBREAK 450XD [both purchased in DEC 2021].  I used the 250XD just one time.  My thought process was it would be nice to have the smaller one for solo ventures.  Well, I take the 450XD out even when going solo.  The 450XD is plenty manageable to setup/take-down by myself while the 250XD fills up quicker than you might think.

The Outbreak XD series are top-notch hubs.  A friend of mine bought an Otter Vortex Pro Lodge hub this year - it is nice, but I prefer my Eskimos.  Another friend of mine has the FATFISH 949I - bigger (NOT better design or quality) than the 250XD, but still fills up quickly if actively fishing.

I completely agree with others here, go for the OUTBREAK 450XD - you will not be disappointed.  I sometimes think I should upgrade to the 650XD. 




1. I’m 6’4”, 250lb so not a tiny guy. Will I be ok in this shelter?
-You alone, without much gear?  You will fit.  Being "ok" is subjective, as I said above, I prefer having the 450XD out on the ice when solo.

2. Will another guy about the same size fit in as well without sitting on each others lap?
-It will be tight, especially if actively fishing.  Just sitting in there w/out much gear waiting for flags would work but would be much cozier than I prefer.

3. Any issues with the zipper freezing to the ground given its ground level position?
-I have had zero zipper issues on my OUTBREAK hubs -Zero issues of any kind.  And I have fished the 450XD on 0F degree days.  It is worth noting that I do not pack the skirt into the ice w/ snow - I have had no need, their StormShield™ Insulated Fabric holds heat very well.

[ABFisher]

Thanks for the replies.  I was looking at the 450XD as well but figured it would be too big/bulky for solo trips.  Sounds like that isn't the case.  For heating the 450XD, is a buddy heater sufficient, or would people recommend the big buddy?  I'm not talking heating to living room levels, just enough to take the cold off and keep lines unfrozen.

[Nitz]

"For heating the 450XD, is a buddy heater sufficient, or would people recommend the big buddy?  I'm not talking heating to living room levels, just enough to take the cold off and keep lines unfrozen."


From experiences with my 450XD, the Portable Buddy® Heater MH9BX [4,000 or 9,000 BTU] will suffice for the vast majority of days.

I usually take my Buddy FLEX® MH11BFLEX [8,000–11,000 BTU Variable] and keep it at the lowest setting.  I had the 450XD out 12x this season.  On the two coldest of those days, I brought my trusty Single Tank Top Heater MH15T [10,000; 12,500; or 15,000 BTU] - both times kept at the lowest setting after an initial warm-up.

[theskydiveguy]

i'M 6'4" and fit in my 250 just fine with my daughter and all our gear!

I do have a Otter Vortex Pro l;odge I use for camping. But my little hut is mint for day trips. I have livescope - camera - heater - rod bag - food for the day etc etc etc.. It all fits fine. And it's way lighter and easier to manage.

In terms of setup - it's the same as my Otter - 4 sides, one roof. If you move around a lot - it's easier to maneuver because it's lighter.

That's my two cents.

[Evil Tom]

I have the 450xd and my buddy has the 350xd.2 people fit in either comfortably the 450 is a little bigger and taller which is a plus for taller guys.The 250 I believe might be to small for 2 guys and I’m basing that on 350 size.You’ll never regret going bigger.

[GBguy]

Another vote for uprising to the 450xd if you can. I have one and it has plenty of room for 2 guys and you can really spread out 3 lines if fishing solo.

One thing I usually suggest when someone is considering buying an ice shack is to first buy a roll of painters tape and tape out the footprint on the floor and try putting all your gear inside the tape and marking out your holes. Works great if you have an open corner in the house so you can similulate 2 of the walls.

[hillestadj]

2 big guys - you can make it work, if you have to.  You'll be cozy.  Wouldn't recommend it unless its a 250 or nothing...