Ice Shelter

[FISH.FILLET]

I am looking for an ice fishing shack. I want a two person, with a floor and also it would be nice if you could stand up in it. I would like it to fit in a car trunk if it is possible. The suitcase style shacks might work. So the question is, what would you recommend for a two person ice shack. Thanks

[graybeard]

Shappell DX3000 or DX4000. Depending how tall you are, you might be able to stand in the 3000. 4000 is taller and larger.

[Bates]

I would agree with graybeard on the Shappells. Both suitcase and flip overs have their places. My first hut was a cheap Shappell it did what I needed it to do until some jackoff stole my ice fishing stuff. The suitcase style can be a pain with snow, I put skies on mine which really helps. The carpeted raised floors are nice too.

[jumbo chaser]

X2 gray beard

[Cotacatchers]

X3

[squ1rr31_]

Don't post for sale ads in this post. The member is just looking for opinions. Anyone who posts ads in this area will be moderated. I'm sure you guys think I'm a jerk but thems the rules. If you need a refresher please find the rules post and read up.

[FISH.FILLET]

It looks like shappell seems to be winning. What sporting goods store has shappell shacks? Scheels, bass pro, mills fleet, sportsmans warehouse?

[Iabowhunter77]

I believe FleetFarm carries Shappell.  Which brings up the only beef I have with them, on this exact subject.  I hope you can find it in store, they carried the one I wanted online, but wanted to charge $70+ shipping. When I asked. If thy could simply ship it to my local store, I was told that that was something they don't offer.  Am I in left field on this one?  How could thy not ship to a local store for pick up?  Seemed strange.  Otherwise, I really like FF. 

A quick google search for them will make you a better consumer as prices vary wildly. I ended up choosing a Clam BigFoot XL2000.  It is huge and I love it.  80" center height is awesome an being 90"x90" wide a guy could put a cot in there and brave the cold night.  Toss a blanket over the top, yep, a guy could shack up in there... However, it doesn't have a floor, which is the way I like it.  I simply shovel the snow away when I set up. Anyways, good luck and tight lines!

[graybeard]

I'm not sure, but I think I've seen ads on CL for Shappell shacks from Glen's in DM? Wouldn't cost nothing to give them a call anyway. Shappells aren't as common as some others, but I've always thought they were good shacks. I'm using a Frabill now, but will probably go back to Shappell next time, due to the heavier fabric.

[todalake]

Fin and Feather in Iowa City had several Shappells.l

[adkRoy]

I reccomend a Hubstyle shanty like a Shappell ice house 5000

[Joboo2334]

Been fishing out of my old shappel for 10 years now. Wouldn't think of changing brands. The hub style has caught my eye though.

[squ1rr31_]

I'm a big fan of the Frabill products, if you get the DLX models they usually have the better fabric. I actually bought the thermal fabric and haven't had to run my heater any higher than the lowest setting unless I'm blasting the cold out quick.

[Ihawkangler]

Look at Reeds Sporting Goods, Glen's Army / Navy ( see link banner link here) or Thorne Brothers.  As much as I like to buy local, many places are sold out or down to their high end huts, augers, flashers.  All 3 of the sites I mentioned have free shipping on shacks except the sled style.  Nobody sells Shappell in Eastern Iowa, but I have seen them around Des Moines and Ames.  All things being equal, look at Glen's first since they are an advertiser on the site.  I wouldn't overlook doing a quick scan of craigslist either, as guys are unloading last year's gear.   

[jkujawa81]

Hanks live bait and tackle has any tent you want and if he doesn't have it in stock he can get them fast

[c.r.rick]

I love shappells but another good option to look at would be a clam 2000 I am 6'3" I I can stand in it slighty hunched but it will easily fit in trunk

[FISH.FILLET]

Since some have mentioned shacks without a floor. Does it make a big difference? Could I get a hub style shack? That would fit into the car trunk easy.

[tricohatch]

Glenn's Rod and Reel in Des Moines carry Shappell. I love my Clam 5600 that I have customized extensively,including a thermal cap made out of "Reflectix" on the inside of the roof. I stay toasty even when it's below zero outside!

[Bruiser]

I've seen guys try and put up those suitcase style shacks in the wind versus guys popping the hubs up in the wind, and hands down, the guys with the hubs were able to do it a lot faster. I have a flip over shack and love it, but I also have a truck. If you're wanting something that's going to fit nicely inside of a car, I would go with the Hub, personally, however, keep in mind, a Jet Sled JR might also be something you will want to purchase additionally to throw your gear inside for the haul onto the ice. I'm not a fan of the suitcase style shacks, but to each their own. They look like a real pain to put together on the ice, especially if you plan on getting onto the ice in the dark. There are some really nice Hubs out right now that aren't costly. Open floor plans let you decide where you want to put your holes and seats. Just use some folding camp chairs. They pop up in seconds and take down just as quickly.