Author Topic: Any Pak Shak users? (Read 3896 times)

WMUAngler · « **on:** Feb 25, 2008, 01:54 PM »

I swung by Gander during my lunch break and saw that they had the Pak Shak 1-man chair/shelter on sale for $49.99. (Normally $99.99)
I figured it would be perfect for days when I don't have a partner and I don't feel like lugging the Clam 5600 around. So anyway, I bought it and I'm just wondering if anyone likes them, hates them, or thinks they're ok. I'll probably test it out this weekend, and I'll make sure to update this with my review. It seems like it will be a little flimsy in the wind, but it should stay pretty warm with just my coleman lantern. Plus it is as portable as a shanty can get, so I should be able to keep moving, which I can't in the Clam. Anyways, I'd love some input.

fishybill · « **Reply #1 on:** Feb 25, 2008, 01:59 PM »

that thing reminds me of a garbage bag. Let us know if it holds up in the wind.

fishinainteasy · « **Reply #2 on:** Feb 25, 2008, 02:03 PM »

It is a great concept......but personally don't think it will hold up in the wind.....would love to hear how it works for you though!

jjmoser · « **Reply #3 on:** Feb 25, 2008, 02:05 PM »

I will tell you what......hold up to the wind......shoot it did not even hold me up for more than a season. I am not a small chap but I think that the chair should have been able to hold more than 200 lbs. 6'0 190 that is my specs. and the chair fell apart on the 6th time out, sweet idea though.

WMUAngler · « **Reply #4 on:** Feb 25, 2008, 02:06 PM »

Ha. I agree, it does have a hefty-bag look about it. I'm going to use it on Saturday, and I'll let you know. It looks like you can put your feet on the bottom flap so it should stay still in moderate winds. Who knows though; I might be spending half of Saturday morning trying to chase down a rogue shanty.

WMUAngler · « **Reply #5 on:** Feb 25, 2008, 02:08 PM »

Quote from: jjmoser on Feb 25, 2008, 02:05 PM

I will tell you what......hold up to the wind......shoot it did not even hold me up for more than a season. I am not a small chap but I think that the chair should have been able to hold more than 200 lbs. 6'0 190 that is my specs. and the chair fell apart on the 6th time out, sweet idea though.

Dang it. I'm 6'0 195. :embarassed:
Although, the girlfriend and I use the the 5600 just about everytime we go out, so if it lasts me 6 solo trips, it might get me through 2 seasons.

jjmoser · « **Reply #6 on:** Feb 25, 2008, 02:13 PM »

I could of just got a bad one, but for 49.95 that will pay for its self in keeping you out of trouble if it only lasts 6 times out, it did for me. More fishy less drinky

WMUAngler · « **Reply #7 on:** Feb 25, 2008, 02:27 PM »

Quote from: jjmoser on Feb 25, 2008, 02:13 PM

I could of just got a bad one, but for 49.95 that will pay for its self in keeping you out of trouble if it only lasts 6 times out, it did for me. More fishy less drinky

Wait a second there, you're not telling me that I can't drink in the Pak Shak are you?

jjmoser · « **Reply #8 on:** Feb 25, 2008, 02:56 PM »

There is two cup holders so I guess but for me when I am busy catching my beer turns to slush

fishinainteasy · « **Reply #9 on:** Feb 25, 2008, 03:03 PM »

Well I am 6'2" and 260....I will stick to my Clam 2000

WMUAngler · « **Reply #10 on:** Feb 25, 2008, 03:04 PM »

Quote from: jjmoser on Feb 25, 2008, 02:56 PM

There is two cup holders so I guess but for me when I am busy catching my beer turns to slush

Ah yes, I've heard of that problem before.

Since I rarely catch fish, my hands will probably be the only cupholders that I need.

Swift · « **Reply #11 on:** Feb 25, 2008, 03:06 PM »

Friend likes his but he's only 5' 10"/160. Seems to hold up fairly well in 20mph winds. Only complaints are the lack of rod holders, gets tight with HT wire holders. Other is no partial up position, all or nothing. $50 seems as a decent deal.

ahester14 · « **Reply #12 on:** Feb 25, 2008, 03:14 PM »

It is a great idea but is built way to flimsy...Ive used mine all season and all I have to say is keep the wind at your back..It is fine that way but if your getting wind from the side it dosent hold up well..

klzeprobe83 · « **Reply #13 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 02:31 AM »

My Review on it:

I paid 90.00 for it from Dunhams back around Christmas. For the time, it was awesome due to having the comfort of my own space, etc. And really, it wasn't bad in the wind. Just packed a little snow around the bottom seal and it was fine. The chair was comfortable, and I was easy able to bring my 24 pack with me to just put next to my feet.

The bad:

As many have said, the chairs do not hold up at all. I returned my first one due to the bolts already bent after one use. If you look at the design, you would really have to rig something to make it work in the chair to hold the aluminum rods together. I got it replaced, took the second one out, used it once to see the bolts bent once more. Brought it back and just spent the extra money.

If you are looking for something around 50-100.00, then just check craigslist. If you don't mind spending the extra money, then the 3 man pak shack is awesome, and reasonably inexpensive. Around the tune of 130-150 depending where you look. If not, then a clam is your best alternative along with a chappell, etc..

WMUAngler · « **Reply #14 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 09:55 AM »

Actually they still had some 3-Man Pak Shaks at Gander's for $99, if anyone is interested. 95% of the time that I'm on the ice is with my girlfriend, so we normally bring the Clam 5600. I just picked up the Pak Shak for that other 5%, like this weekend. I appreciate all of the info though, and I might even try to figure out a way to make the chair a little sturdier. I'll be alittle more careful about how I sit down in it as well. It will probably last a little longer if I slowly sit down instead of just plopping down. It will get it's first real test tonight, when I try to find some crappies somewhere.

abishop · « **Reply #15 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 10:02 AM »

Watch out for old mother nature.

Quack_Attack · « **Reply #16 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 10:22 AM »

Let's just say that when I walk into the men's store ta buy a new suit they take me to a section that says "Portly"

this is a special section in the "Big and Tall" area.

I purchased a Pak Shak the beginning of the season in '06 I have probably used it about 8 times, it has worked well for me when I've used it. I use it only when I don't want to drag the Trap or Shappell out on the ice (deep snow, walkin' up/down hills, long hikes, etc.) Have not fished in it in high winds (most was about 15mph) it does get it dark enough to sight fish or easily read the Vex on bright sunny days. I have drug/carried it out o the ice about a dozen times when I have not felt the need for a shelter but just in case I would need it. The Quad Chair is a Quad Chair and requires TLC from a man of my "Portly" dimensions, as they are not made to take much abuse. It is a great tool for use on those short trips or when on foot and ya don't what to drag a bunch of stuff around.

hardysf · « **Reply #17 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 10:36 AM »

I like mine too. I am a hole hopper, and the chair is light and easy to move when you get on a hole with some active fish. They are much more roomy than a usual shanty too. I get clausterphobic in some of those Clams.

stalefish · « **Reply #18 on:** Mar 01, 2008, 07:36 PM »

I like my pak shak... I mainly use it when I have to hike into areas with and go down and up steep banks or don't want to drag my fish trap through think snow or slush. I haven't had a problem with mine.

WMUAngler · « **Reply #19 on:** Mar 31, 2008, 07:22 AM »

The pack shak works great however I need to use it without the lantern next time. It got a little windy and I melted a hole in the side and burned of a line. Luckily I was able to get my rap jig back by snagging it with another jig. All in all, it works great for my solo trips but my clumsiness made it a little more difficult than it needed to be.

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Author Topic: Any Pak Shak users? (Read 3896 times)