New Pack shack?

[fishin fool]

Has anybody used this new portable shelter from Nature vision?  I was looking at it thinking it would be great for a light packer, who doesn't use a snowmobile or atv to get where he wants to go.  Any thoughts?

Jeff

[fozsey]

I think it is a great idea. I have a Frabill tripple seater and have a hard time loading and unloading it by myself. I don't have a snowmobilie or 4 wheeler and most years a snowmobile would do no good. I would like something light weight that I could use by myself. I do fish alone without my shack but I hate carrying my power auger. It is a recipie for disaster.

[madawg19]

used mine for the fist time this weekend.  Very comfy to fish out of.  Not really any less roomy than some of the higher priced one man flips.  Had it out in 15mph winds and it held up very well. 

This is a great shack for someone who pond hops alot or fishes smaller lakes.  Not sure it would be too good for larger lakes with potential for high winds.  It's amazing that a guy can get a quality shack (Pak Shack) and a flasher (Marcum VX1) for less than 300 bucks.  BTW, I also used my new VX1 this weekend for the first time as well.  Great piece of machinery for the price....

Only drawback on the Pak Shack.  It is a real pain in the rear to load back in the carrying case/bag provided with it.  In frigid temps/night this will be an issue.

md19

[RandyH]

might not be what you're looking for but if weight is the issue have a look at the Eastman IceCube. I have one (4 man version) and it comes in its own roomy carry bag. Weighs about 22 lbs. and has straps so you can carry it like a backpack. Sets up/comes down very quickly. Stands up well to strong winds. Have used mine on Lake Manitoba.

Might be worth checking out.

[keithdterry]

I checked it out thoroughly in the store.  It has about the same amount of room in front of you on the ice.  I liked that it was light-weight, and pretty sturdy for it's weight.

The major drawback to me was that you have to carry the PakShak on your back + your auger + your poles + your Vex + all the other junk we all tend to carry (lantern, heater, minnow bucket,......you get the point)  I opted for a 1 man flip style because the sled was built in.  I'm really glad I did.

[lotwfisher]

Carrying all your stuff is a problem that nature vision faced when they came out with the pak shack and I think that is the main reason they had to come up with the pak sled...IMO

Robin

[snot rocket]

Has anybody used this new portable shelter from Nature vision?  I was looking at it thinking it would be great for a light packer, who doesn't use a snowmobile or atv to get where he wants to go.  Any thoughts?

Jeff

just used my brothers today...pretty nice!! It was 8 degees Farenheit out and sunny, in very little time it got up to 62 degrees insicd shak sans heater. got cloudy and still stayed nearly 40 degrees inside.

                                  Snot Rocket

[jeepsw1]

Just picked up the last one at the local Dicks, as it was the floor model i got it for $50..

plan on trying it out tommorow.  i'll let people know how it works

[jeepsw1]

My take on the Pak Sack

Negatives:
In high winds your in for a problem...in todays moderate winds (10-15), the shack shook and rattled.
without a heater, the single window fogged up continuolsly
the single strap, instead of a double strap, on the bag, makes it hard to carry across your back
would not use heater inside shack, anywhere you put it might be too close to walls

Positives:
plenty of room inside the shack for gear,  - heater
temp inside the shack without heater rose to almost 45 degerees....34 outside
2 pockets(much like a tents) to store gear in
chair is large enough to accomadate most body sixes(i'm 6-1, 250lbs)
cupholders for your beverage of choice.

[thereeltruth]

Truly portable, quick and easy to set up. I've used this one just a few times, it already has become an important piece of ice fishing equipment for me. Years ago, you toughed the elements or had a non-portable shanty. I think today's portables are great, The Pak Shack is great when you are alone or just want to have lightweight shelter available for warming up. Today, I had a 3-1/2 year old inside it with me sitting on a short bucket. We had two holes and a lot of fun catching perch. I have the snowmobile and ATV, but when I want to go for a quick outing because I don't have the whole day available- Pak Shack gets thrown into a sled with gear and I'm out there in no time. I was out when it was around 0 the other day, removed the coat in short order. Perhaps if it dips below -20 and is breezy, I 'd consider bringing the buddy heater, seems like there is plenty of room inside for it. Haven't been in wind over 15mph, I've consider anchoring down when it gets over 10mph but I haven't yet (don't get off the chair with it expanded in the wind). Back to the wind helps keep it from flapping. I found that frost (when it's really cold) or condensation forms inside after a few hours, I let it dry indoors by taking it out of the rugged bag. I also found that the single strap works best, if you really want to carry it, by putting your head and one arm through the strap and carrying it diagonally. It'll be great for early/late ice, quick outings, or for keeping warm when you don't want to bother with the a bigger shack. While it will not replace the larger shacks, it will get me out on the ice more often.

[mcully]

Buddy of mine road out twenty plus winds Saturday morning in his. The cover blew down the lake once but the shack held its own. He likes it for what it is.

[eyestroker]

*Bump* Does anybody have anything to add on these?  I am considering gettin one would like to hear more opinions.

[icejunky]

my opinion is dont waste your cash..they are super liter weight and will not be durable at all, being in side one give you little to no room to fish...sure it will give you a minor windbreak, but it is not worth the asking price.

Be sure it sit in one befor you buy

[gotcrappie]

I've seen some good discounts on the shelter this year.  I bought the cheaper knock off, HT Polar Express two years ago.  I like the portability of the shelter, great for quick trips on smaller waters.  Does not hold up well in wind.  The bottom tube frame is bent, i've had to repair the fabric in several areas, and fix the connections where the shelter hooks into the portable chair.  I've thought about replacing mine with the Pak Shak, seems to be made out of stronger material. I saw that Reeds has both the one man and three man shelters on sale for half price.  Check it out here:  http://www.reedssports.com/Category/main.taf?cat=1905 . 

[eyestroker]

Thanks for the input guys.  I was just about to pull the trigger at reeds when I happened into the local Dicks sporting goods and found it there for $44,  How you like them apples?  at $44 it's a no brainer, even if it only lasts a season.(heck I might go back and by another)  That being said I think there is a market for this product,  especially if a manufacturer can make it better and keep it at a price point less than $80.  Yeah I know you can get a clam kanai for around $160.00 but it's the mobility and the ability to carry it on the back, or fit in a sled that intrigues me.  (also the cost)  Then again I may be totally off base in my thoughts......