Which tent to take for winter fishing? The first thing that comes to mind if you have never been on ice is the same one as usual! There are camping ones - larger ones, there is a lot of space. There are smaller tourist ones: they are not so comfortable. Reality with frost, wind, tanning guys and a natural draft from under the bottom of the tent usually puts everything in its place.
A non-specialized tent is not suitable for fishing. We will only spoil her if we go out on the ice with her. It is difficult to set up a large tent in the wind: smooth pegs will not be secured in the ice, and guys made of ordinary material (not reflective) will greatly interfere in the dark. It is more difficult to warm up a regular tent: the heat will simply be blown out by a stream of cold air from below.
The problem is that there are a lot of tents with “Winter” and “For Fishing” written on them in black camouflage. But not everything is a fisherman’s tent, one in winter camouflage or simply called a fishing tent. Let's figure out what to look for in a tent and what makes it winter and fishing friendly.
Table of contents
1. The shape of the tent for winter fishing is arc, umbrella or cube
2. Tent weight and dimensions
3. Select a winter fisherman’s tent based on the number of layers
4. Arcs made of plastic and arcs made of metal. The right tent is on the inner arcs
5. A good tent does not have a bottom, but even without one it can be difficult
6. Skirt, pockets and windows are mandatory and desirable elements of a tent
7. Automatic tents: what’s wrong with them
8. Portrait of an ideal tent from PIK-99
Rating of winter tents from 5 thousand to 10 thousand rubles
The tents presented in this section correspond to the price and quality. In most cases, domestically produced designs are much better than those from abroad. The tents are adapted to winter weather, which changes frequently. The frame is distinguished by its strength and quality of material. The awning will protect the owner from cold and precipitation. Also included are stretchers and snow skirts. By purchasing such a tent, you can say with confidence that you will only have positive emotions from fishing.
Company name Characteristics Advantages Disadvantages
Mitek Nelma-3 Lux
Large tent. The frame is duralumin, quickly disassembled, umbrella type. Tent made of dense material. Capacity: three people. Metal rods, stainless steel. There is ventilation and pull loops.
- capacity and size;
- snow skirt;
- light weight;
- high-quality material of the awning and frame;
- Suitable for fishing in all weather conditions.
- bottom is not included.
Lotus L3-S12
The tent quickly unfolds. Umbrella mechanism. The frame is arc, stable, durable fiberglass. The tent provides good protection from wind and cold. The awning is waterproof polyester. There are fastenings for fixing guy wires. Capacity: three people.
- light weight;
- capacity;
- ventilation;
- frost and moisture resistance;
- resistance to strong gusts of wind;
- there are protective skirts;
- high-quality and durable material of the awning and frame.
- internal insulation and base are not included in the package;
- It’s easy to come across a craft.
Penguin Thermolite 2
The frame is six-rayed. Aluminum rod. The awning has three-layer insulation. Umbrella design. The tent is quickly assembled and dismantled. Capacity: two people. There is ventilation.
The tent is equipped with loops for guy lines.
- high-quality, durable frame and awning;
- long warranty period from the manufacturer;
- light weight;
- there are internal pockets;
- There is a carrying case, ventilation, and loops for zip ties.
- The bottom is not water-repellent.
Bear Cube 2
The frame is reinforced, aluminum. The tent itself is small in size. The awning is three-layer and insulated. There is a protective skirt that does not allow wind and precipitation to pass through. There is ventilation. Capacity: two people.
- quick, easy installation and dismantling;
- The kit includes a case;
- reliable protection from wind and frost;
- light weight and size.
- Floor is not included.
1) Tent shape for winter fishing
There are four traditional forms of a winter tent. The main ones are a cube and an umbrella. Less common are arc tents and automatic models: the ones that unfold instantly and by themselves, but fold up... More on that later.
Arc tents: minimum weight and acceptable comfort
Small and lightweight arc tent
Not the most common type of tent for going out on the ice, but it is inexpensive and very light: a rare arc tent weighs more than 1 - 1.2 kg. It is easy to set up: like a regular tourist tent.
How long an arc tent will last depends on the material of the awning and the poles. The awning can be either waterproof or breathable. The last option is rare: mixed breathable fabric allows water to pass through too well. Tents with waterproof flysheets are the choice for late fall or early spring, when it rains almost more often than snow and temperatures are not as cold as in the depths of winter. Water resistance plays a cruel joke in cold weather: the tent breathes less well, so the “minus” inside is accompanied by high humidity. Being in it, and going out into the cold with wet clothes is not very pleasant.
Arcs can be made of Chinese fiberglass (it will not survive severe frost) or aluminum tubes. This frame turns out to be light and strong, but its price is higher.
Arc tents are chosen because they:
- are cheap;
- weigh little;
- easy to unfold. Especially in the hands of those who are used to summer tourist tents.
The disadvantages are the small useful volume (it is impossible to stand at full height in them) and restrictions on use.
Umbrella tent: quickly unfolds and does not notice the wind
Compact, lightweight and quickly deployable umbrella
The design of this type of tent is the same as that of a regular umbrella. They open easily - in 30 - 40 seconds - and assemble a little slower. It will take more time to straighten the awning (otherwise it may get jammed by the hinges of the folding mechanism) than to install it: when it’s dark, cold and windy, umbrellas are very convenient. If you need to change the location, no problem: the umbrella can be removed instantly. It is not necessary to fold it completely: just collapse it to make it easier to carry. They brought the umbrella to the new place and ten seconds later it was ready to receive guests.
The mechanism of the umbrella tent consists of a hub star and folding aluminum spokes. Hub (asterisk) - the central part into which the beams are mounted. Made of aluminum alloy: it is not afraid of cold, does not rust.
Umbrellas are available in 1-4-seater versions, single-layer or three-layer: in the umbrella segment, you can choose a model both for one-day trips to the ice and for fishing for the whole weekend.
Advantages of umbrella tents:
- quick assembly - in 30-40 seconds, plus the same amount of time to straighten the folds of the awning;
- light weight - even three-layer umbrellas (for example, STEC-UMBRELLA-4 ELITE for four people weighs 4.7 kg);
- wind resistance - the higher the number of spokes in the tent, so large four-person models with six spokes resist the wind much better than tiny single-person ones;
- on average, umbrellas are cheaper than cube tents;
- easy to warm up;
- quick and easy to carry.
The only disadvantage of umbrellas is their insufficient height and area. The umbrella mechanism eats up 10 cm of the “passport” height of the tent, and the rounded walls do not allow you to stand at full height around the perimeter. But the area of the umbrella tent is large: where you can’t stand, you can always place your equipment.
Winter cube tents: for long fishing trips
Tall, comfortable, spacious and warm cube
Cube tents are a solution for comfortable fishing; you can live in them for several days and store equipment. Therefore, if you are fishing not alone, but in a small group, choose a cube.
For large companies, tents KUB-3 three-layer DOUBLE or KUB-2 three-layer LONG are also suitable. The first is a kind of twin cube, two combined cubes. Its area is more than eight square meters. The second is an elongated cube with an area of almost 4 m².
The automation of a cube tent is an umbrella multiplied by five: that is how many semi-automatic umbrella mechanisms are used in the design of the cube. The shape of the hub of the cubes is complex; they are made of frost-resistant durable plastic. It takes longer to unfold it than an umbrella: it is inconvenient in strong winds. But the cube is tall - you can stand in it not only in the middle, but also closer to the walls. They are convex, so the habitability - the convenience of living and being in it - is better.
Among the cubes, you can choose either a lightweight single-layer tent or warm two- or three-layer ones. The type of fabric also changes from model to model - there are a lot of options to choose from. Cubes can have either a breathable roof or one made of waterproof fabric. The first is suitable for fishing in severe frosts, the second is suitable for going out on the ice in constantly changing weather conditions, as it will not get wet in rain or sleet.
The removable floor also adds comfort to the cube: it can cover at least part of the ice under the tent. On the route to the fishing spot, it is more convenient to carry a floor than a pack of foam, even rolled up into a tube.
To the table of contents>>
Which tent is better to buy for winter fishing?
The frame of the structure determines its strength and stability in strong winds. It can be plastic - made of carbon or fiberglass (fiberglass), or metal - aluminum or duralumin. The first is used in inexpensive models. This is a lightweight but short-lived material. Plastic tubes break easily and lose flexibility in the cold. Aluminum models are strong and durable, but are much more expensive than plastic.
The most sophisticated tents boast a high-strength and ultra-light Kevlar-graphite frame, the price of which is several times higher than that of metal.
Tent awnings are most often made of synthetic polyamides (nylon, nylon) or polyesters (polyester or lavsan). All of them are quite cold and wind resistant. But PE fabrics are less susceptible to stretching when wet and destruction from ultraviolet radiation. In addition, polyester or lavsan shelters weigh less than their nylon counterparts, although they are not affordable.
The strength of the fabric directly depends on the method of weaving the threads in it:
- Taffeta is a classic option for the vast majority of models and is often used for awning walls.
- Oxford is more durable and is used to make artificial flooring.
- Rip Stop - reinforced threads are used here, forming a frame that is resistant to tearing.
On the product label, the fabric density is indicated in tex (175-310T) or den (200-450D). The higher the value you see, the more durable, thicker, but also heavier your tent will be.
Additional moisture resistance is provided by coating with a thin layer of silicone (Si) or polyurethane (PU). For example, the PU5000 indicator indicates that the shelter is capable of holding a 50-centimeter layer of water on the surface.
If you live in a cold region or like to fish in extreme conditions, it makes sense to get a two- or even three-layer tent with a dense thermal insulation floor. In the presence of any heating system, such a shelter becomes similar to a living space where you can fish without outerwear and spend the night in comfortable conditions. For those who like long-term outings, it is better to buy a model with a ventilation tube or at least a window with a zipper. This will avoid the formation of condensation on the outer walls of a multilayer or inside a single-layer model.
According to the installation method, all tents can be divided into automatic and manual. The first ones can be quickly and effortlessly disassembled and folded like an umbrella or a spring. The latter require manual assembly of the frame - they are less mobile, but there is no risk that the automatic mechanism will jam at the most inopportune moment.
It is also worth paying attention to the hinges with which the temporary shelter will be attached to the ice. They must be made of durable material with reinforcing gaskets, well stitched, preferably with iron or at least plastic rings inserted inside for reliable fixation on the fasteners. Responsible manufacturers complete their products with special screws (gimlets) for reliable and correct fixation of the tent.
The designs of winter tents are very diverse and the choice of a specific type depends on the preferences of the fisherman or the weather conditions of ice fishing:
Umbrella
The type of folding resembles an umbrella with a regular hexagonal shape of the walls, inclined to the surface at an angle of 45 degrees. Installation of this design takes just a few minutes. The models are distinguished by their low weight, good resistance to strong gusts of wind and quick heating. The downside is that the interior space is very cramped even for one fisherman, although there are two-seater options declared by the manufacturers on sale.
Spring (automatic)
The type of assembly is reminiscent of a children's playhouse, which opens itself when removed from the case. The shape is a cone tapering upward. Among the advantages, it is worth noting simple installation, accessible even to a beginner, light weight and small volume when assembled. The main disadvantage is the lack of rigid ribs, which can lead to deformation of the walls from strong winds.
Trekking (arc)
The frame of the product is made up of intersecting rigid arches to which the awning fabric is attached. These models are the most affordable, have good capacity and lightness. The main inconvenience is fiddling around with the installation, but if you get the hang of it, the whole process will take a matter of minutes.
Cube
Despite some windiness and prolonged warming up, this type of shelter is rapidly gaining popularity due to its maximum convenience for the fisherman. The spacious cubic shape with convex walls allows you to stand up to your full height and stretch your legs that are stiff from sitting still. Cubes are more expensive than umbrellas and cones, as they are often equipped with a high-quality frame.
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2) Weight and dimensions of the tent
The packed size of a winter tent is impressive, especially when compared with tourist or small camping models: a packaged single-person tent is more than a meter long, while the “package” for a three-person tent is close to one and a half meters in length.
If the winter fishing tent looks too compact in the package, then the matter is dirty. Most likely you are looking at a cheap arc
or an automatic tent from the most budget ones.
You need to understand that when the manufacturer indicates the capacity of a tent, he means the comfortable placement of seated fishermen in it. You can only stand up to your full height in a four-person umbrella tent or a three-person cube. Therefore, you need to choose a tent according to the number of seats with a reserve.
Umbrella tents:
- if you fish alone, take a one- or two-person tent (its outer height is only 150 cm, and its inner height is about 140 cm);
- if you go together - a three-seater (height approximately 160 cm);
- A four-person, two-meter tent is enough for three people.
Cube tents are more convenient in terms of comfortable accommodation: a two-person model with a height of 175 cm is enough for two with a reserve, and a two-meter three-person model is enough for three.
The weight of good winter tents is not too different from tourist tents. Although winter tents only have an awning (there is no interior, like in a tourist tent), their frame is not made of tubes, but of rods. Single fisherman's tent STEC-ZONT-1D ELITE with breathable fabric
weighs 3.2 kg, and a double with reinforced awning fabric - 3.8 kg.
To the table of contents>>
TOP 10 best winter tents for fishing
To make shopping easier, we will provide a rating of ten specific models with descriptions. These shelters are deservedly in demand among fishermen who are keen on ice fishing.
10. Mitek Nelma Lux 3
The model with an umbrella-shaped dome is designed for three people. The frame is made of durable duralumin, and the manufacturer used Oxford fabric to make the tent. Therefore, the product does not allow moisture to pass through and retains heat well. The windproof skirt ensures high stability of the structure.
Characteristics:
- Stands: aluminum.
- Awning: nylon.
- Height: 190 cm.
- Number of seats: 3.
- Weight: 5.5 kg
Advantages:
- quick installation system;
- ventilation windows;
- wind valve;
- good water resistance;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- The internal volume is small for 3 people.
conclusions
Despite the fact that the tent is positioned as a three-person tent, there is not enough space inside for three people. However, it will be comfortable for one or two people. For a very reasonable price, you get a comfortable, reliable design that provides good protection from any environmental influences.
Lotos Cube Classic C9
This is a “semi-automatic” with a fiberglass frame. The awning is made of Oxford 210D PU1000, this material can withstand increased tensile and tear loads and has good wear resistance. The prismatic shape provides good wind protection.
Characteristics:
- Frame: fiberglass.
- Awning: polyester.
- Height: 180 cm.
- Number of seats: 3.
- Gross: 6.2 kg
Advantages:
- fireproof impregnation;
- wind protection;
- coating that protects from direct sunlight;
- quick installation;
- Possibility to purchase and install additional insulated flooring.
Flaws:
- low water resistance, which makes the model inferior to many analogues;
- heavy weight.
conclusions
This model is not cheap, but its characteristics fully compensate for the costs. You can install a stove or other heating equipment inside, which will allow you to feel comfortable even in severe frosts.
STEK Kub 3 Trehsloynaya Long
A three-person shelter that reliably protects fishermen from wind and frost. Its main feature is the internal awning. It is two-layer, consists of lining fabric and padding polyester, which retains heat well. Installation is carried out in just four simple steps and is similar to opening an umbrella.
Characteristics:
- Racks: fiberglass + carbon.
- Awning: polyester (Oxford 240D PU 2000).
- Height: 200 cm.
- Number of seats: 3.
- Weight: 9 kg
Advantages:
- insulated inner layer made of padding polyester;
- quick installation;
- high level of water resistance;
- reliable wind protection;
- reinforced frame with carbon fiber.
Flaws:
- heavy weight;
- not very convenient entrance.
conclusions
STEK Kub 3 Trehsloynaya Long is a solution for areas with harsh climatic conditions. The synthetic inner layer retains heat well, so you can spend many hours fishing without fear of freezing or catching a cold.
Penguin Prisma
The Penguin Prisma windproof fishing shelter has a cubic shape. It can easily accommodate two people at once. There is no floor, so you can drill holes without leaving the shelter. You can also, if necessary, purchase an insulated floor for better protection in severe frost.
Characteristics:
- Frame: aluminum.
- Awning: polyurethane.
- Height: 175 cm.
- Number of seats: 2.
- Gross: 5.9 kg
Advantages:
- light weight;
- easy installation;
- polyurethane awning that does not allow moisture to pass through;
- two entrances;
- effective wind protection.
Flaws:
- The carrying case is too narrow.
conclusions
Penguin Prism is a good development that has virtually no drawbacks. Using heating equipment, you can stay in it for a long time without feeling cold.
STEK Elite 3 Odnosloynaya
Very light umbrella design. It opens quickly and does not require any physical effort. Well suited for two people, although it is advertised as a three-seater. Due to the single-layer nature of the tent, it is not suitable for areas with harsh climatic conditions.
Characteristics:
- Stands: aluminum.
- Awning: nylon.
- Height: 160 cm.
- Number of seats: 3.
- Weight: 5.3 kg
Advantages:
- quick installation;
- light weight, easy to transport;
- wind protection.
Flaws:
- low level of thermal insulation;
- no storm lines.
conclusions
In relatively warm winters, this lightweight, durable tent provides good shelter. It is inexpensive and has fire-resistant impregnation. A special coating will protect the awning from ultraviolet radiation.
Canadian Camper Beluga 3
The very warm tents of the Canadian Camper Beluga 3 series are in demand among fishermen, as they reliably protect from the wind. The reasonable price also attracts buyers. These models have an umbrella frame. Large windows allow you to do without artificial lighting. Ventilation valves are adjusted depending on the outside temperature.
Characteristics:
- Frame: fiberglass.
- Awning: polyester.
- Height: 200 cm.
- Number of seats: 3.
- Gross: 13.2 kg
Advantages:
- reinforced frame of walls, roof;
- effective ventilation;
- easy installation;
- easy to move from place to place;
- Reflective elements for safe use at night.
Flaws:
- heavy weight.
conclusions
Yes, the tent is a bit heavy, but it is well insulated and boasts expanded internal space. This makes it well suited for a group of three.
Snegir 4T
The cubic tent Snegir 4T stands out among its analogues due to its high quality of workmanship. The aerodynamic frame allows the product to easily withstand even strong gusts of wind.
Characteristics:
- Stands: fiberglass composite.
- Awning: polyester.
- Height: 190 cm.
- Number of seats: 4.
- Weight: 15.5 kg
Advantages:
- simple convenient installation;
- reliable fastening of the floor for transportation on ice without disassembly;
- three-layer construction with insulation inside;
- durable lightweight frame.
Flaws:
- heavy weight.
conclusions
If you often go fishing in severe frost, then the Snegir 4T insulated tent will reliably protect you from the cold. The manufacturer thought well about the ventilation of the interior space, and also used modern types of coatings to protect against direct sunlight and fire when using the stove.
Mitek Nelma 3
The Nelma 3 winter tent stands out from its numerous analogues due to its reinforced corners, which significantly increase its stability. The bright dome is visible from afar, which is important when fishing in remote places. We also note the fire-resistant coating of the fabric, as well as protection from direct sunlight, due to this the shelter will last much longer.
Characteristics:
- Frame: aluminum.
- Awning: nylon.
- Height: 160 cm.
- Number of seats: 3.
- Gross: 5 kg
Advantages:
- lightweight, durable design;
- corner reinforcement;
- quick assembly/disassembly;
- windproof skirt.
Flaws:
- users did not find them.
conclusions
An easy-to-transport compact tent will be a good solution for a small company going fishing. The waterproof nylon awning does not add weight and provides reliable protection from any environmental influences.
STEK Kub Dubl 3 Trehsloynaya
An insulated fishing shelter with a padding polyester inner layer copes well even with severe frosts. In addition, it reliably protects the fisherman from the wind, thanks to its special design. The cubic shape slightly increases the internal volume, making the tent more spacious and also convenient to use.
Characteristics:
- Stands: fiberglass composite.
- Awning: nylon.
- Height: 205 cm.
- Number of seats: 6.
- Weight: 15 kg
Advantages:
- large height, so you can stand freely inside;
- quick assembly;
- insulated inner layer;
- polyurethane impregnation to increase the strength of the awning.
Flaws:
- heavy weight.
conclusions
The six-seater three-layer model STEK Kub Dubl 3 is the choice for a large group of fishermen. It has two rooms and two separate entrances, which makes its use very convenient.
STEK Elite 4 Trehsloynaya
The rating is topped by the STEK Elite 4 automatic tent with a three-layer awning and an umbrella-type aluminum frame. It opens in literally 30 seconds. Approximately the same amount of time is required to dismantle and place in the case. Reliable protection from the wind is provided by a padding polyester layer.
Characteristics:
- Frame: aluminum.
- Awning: polyester.
- Height: 210 cm.
- Number of seats: 3.
- Gross: 6.4 kg.
Advantages:
- polyurethane impregnation;
- effective wind protection;
- insulation from padding polyester;
- light weight;
- The aluminum frame ensures high stability.
Flaws:
- not detected.
conclusions
Hemispherical model. It will protect you in severe frosts with wind, as it has sealed seams and a canopy skirt. You can safely install heaters of any design inside the space - fire-resistant impregnation will protect the fabric from fire.
3) Select a winter fisherman’s tent based on the number of layers
Even a good winter tent may only have one layer. And even the bad one is to “show off” three layers at once: with a membrane, impregnation and insulation. What is more important is not the number of layers, but what materials they are made of, how they are connected to each other, and how much a tent with one, two and three layers weighs.
Single-layer fishing tents
This can be a waterproof awning on a frame, or durable breathable fabric. The manufacturer usually indicates the water resistance of awnings in single-layer tents to be no more than 1 - 1.5 thousand mm - in practice it may be less. Although the awning is not designed for heavy rain for many hours, only for drizzle. In wet snow it will have to be cleaned periodically to prevent leaks. Well, it’s hard to breathe under a waterproof awning, especially for two people. Otherwise, “single-layer” tents are an inexpensive, good option for a tent for winter fishing. They weigh a little: not even the lightest single-layer tent Stack Elite 1 is only plus 3 - 3.2 kg to your luggage.
A single-layer tent may not be enough for comfortable fishing. The wind is too strong or the weather forecasters made a mistake - and now the tent cannot be warmed up or it begins to leak under the pressure of a mixture of wet snow and rain. Therefore, they cannot be classified as universal.
Single-layer tents with a reinforced waterproof awning are only suitable for warm winters. For frosty weather, a single-layer tent with a breathable roof is best. It is made of tarpaulin or mixed fabric and has good air permeability, so it is easy to breathe in the tent, even if you decide to light a burner for heating.
Why choose a single layer tent:
- low price. If you are not sure that you will devote more than one season to winter fishing, take a “single-layer”, it is cheap;
- light weight. If you are walking or alone, so as not to carry extra weight.
Double layer tents: windproof and free insulation
In double-layer tents, an inner tent is added to the awning (it protects from precipitation). Its fabric is Greta, a cotton-blend material: it allows steam to pass through (breathes), so it is comfortable to be in the tent. Due to this, the design provides better protection from the wind. Double-layer tents also have insulation, which you get for free - this is the air between the awning and the inner layer.
Double-layer cube tent: both breathes and warms
There is no problem of condensation in two-layer tents: the inside breathes and allows moisture to pass out, where it freezes on the tent. But there is a weight problem: if the tents are the same size and shape, then a two-layer one will weigh more than a three-layer one.
Why choose double-layer tents for winter fishing:
- this is a balanced tent - it is warm, does not accumulate condensation and keeps out the wind;
- mixed fabric of the inner tent - sometimes it’s just nice that there’s more than just synthetics around;
- Due to the breathability of the roof and the inner tent, it is cozy in the cold - moisture accumulates less inside the tent, so even a serious disadvantage is easier to bear.
Three-layer tents: a winter house for a fisherman
Lightweight, compared to double-layer ones, these tents are quite suitable for the role of a winter house for 2 - 4 days of fishing. They are warmer than double-layer tents, are not afraid of condensation, and hold the wind well. Three-layer tents are insulated with padding polyester. The design is made of waterproof awning, padding polyester and lining - everything is like a normal winter jacket.
Why three-layer tents are chosen for winter fishing:
- light weight - a three-layer umbrella for two people weighs only 4.7 kg;
- universal - you can live and fish in a tent both in slight minus and in severe frosts;
- no condensation inside;
- They warm up quickly and do not lose heat - thanks to a layer of thermal insulation and a wide skirt around the perimeter of the tent.
To the table of contents>>
The best tents for winter fishing under 5,000 rubles
The low cost of the products is explained by the inexpensive frame materials (most often plastic and fiberglass) and the low degree of moisture resistance of the awning - no more than 2000 mm. Such shelters will not save you from heavy rainfall and stormy winds, and additional elements are not included in the package of a budget tent. But fishing in open, windy reservoirs with slight frost or light rain will be as comfortable as possible.
Condor WDT1515K5
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
98%
buyers recommend this product
A very popular automatic model among fishermen from a well-established Chinese manufacturer. The product automatically unfolds in 15 seconds into a spacious tent 1.5x1.5 m at the base and 1.5 m high, which allows the fisherman to sit freely inside on a chair or fishing box.
The durable frame is made of 2 mm thick metal plates, covered with Rip Stop nylon, adapted to low temperatures, with silicone impregnation. The shelter has a bottom with an unzipable window for a hole that keeps other things warm and dry.
Pros:
- Easy to fold and disassemble;
- Comes with a convenient backpack with straps for carrying on the back or shoulder;
- Sturdy metal frame;
- Convenient two-way zipper at the entrance;
- Lightweight and compact when folded.
Minuses:
- Screwdrivers for fastenings must be purchased separately.
A fairly high-quality budget option for both beginners and experienced winter fishermen. To ensure that the tent lasts for many years, the manufacturer recommends drying it thoroughly after fishing.
Helios Delta yellow
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
A light and comfortable tent from a Siberian company with an unusual gable shape has a height of 1.8 m and a base length of 1.6 m. The two sides have a convex cube shape, so 2 people can easily fit inside. The stable fiberglass frame in the corners is additionally reinforced with special webbing pockets and fabric inserts.
The awning is made of durable Oxford 240D PU 2000 polyester and has loops on the roof and sides to secure guy ropes that prevent the product from sailing during strong gusts of wind. To create a comfortable microclimate inside, the model is equipped with a ventilation hole. Light weight (3.2 kg) and a convenient case with backpack straps allow you to easily carry the shelter.
Pros:
- Rigid frame with frost-resistant metal arch connections;
- Ventilation with external protection from snow and rain;
- Transparent window with light-proof curtains;
- Wide snow/windproof skirt with eyelets for stretch marks;
- Equipped with six screws and two guy wires;
- Light weight and compact dimensions when folded.
Minuses:
- The screws are of low quality (scroll).
The tent is quite spacious due to its two cubic walls. The bright yellow color of the awning creates a good mood and warms you up in the sun.
Elite 2 stack
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
A comfortable and warm two-person tent from a Russian manufacturer will reliably shelter a fisherman from bad weather and keep him warm even in the bitter Ural frosts. The three-layer fabric of the awning forms an air cushion and provides comfortable conditions for ice fishing. A quick-dismounting semi-automatic umbrella-type frame, consisting of durable aluminum-duralumin rods, covered with windproof Oxford 210 PU 2000 nylon.
The top of the shelter has a breathable canvas insert and is equipped with a ventilation valve, which allows you to safely use any type of heating. The bottom is made of frost-resistant fabric and reinforced with a snow-protective skirt. The height of the product is 1.5 m, the diagonal of the base is 2.2 m.
Pros:
- Windproof hexagonal shape;
- Durable metal frame;
- Ventilation window and entrance with two-way zippers;
- Installs and folds in less than a minute;
- Light weight (5 kg);
- Convenient carrying case.
Minuses:
- No inner bottom;
- "Flimsy" locks.
A pretty decent option for an insulated tent for winter fishing enthusiasts. It’s a bit cramped for two anglers, but one will have room to turn around and even drill a few holes.
Siweida 8611092
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
A spacious and functional tent from a reliable and inexpensive manufacturer from the Middle Kingdom is designed for comfortable accommodation inside two anglers with base dimensions of 2x2 m and a height of 1 m 35 cm. The model has an external frame made of stable fiberglass arches, to which a waterproof and windproof polyester awning in popular colors is attached under camouflage. The product disassembles and folds in less than two minutes and is compactly packaged in a special case with comfortable wide straps.
Pros:
- Wide snow skirt;
- The presence of a ventilation window with a zipper;
- Light weight (just over 2 kg);
- It unfolds quickly and without any problems.
Minuses:
- There is no artificial bottom;
- Weak moisture protection.
An excellent tent for lovers of reliable folding structures. Due to the small moisture resistance of the awning (only 1000 mm), the shelter may not save you from heavy torrential rain, but the durable frame can easily withstand strong gusts of wind.
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4) Plastic arcs and metal arcs
The vast majority of winter tents have an internal frame. This is safer and more convenient: the awning and other layers (insulation, lining) are laid out along with the frame. If you see a winter tent with an external frame, it is most likely cheap and made somewhere in the hot jungles of southern China.
The advantage of such tents is their very low price. But they are enough for one season. You definitely won’t like laying them out in the cold: as a rule, the plastic on such tents does not tolerate low temperatures well, it cracks, and the installation process is drawn out, because first you need to secure the poles and then hang the awning from them. Most likely, at the beginning of spring your tent will appear as a lot on Avito.
Theoretically, the performance characteristics of a tent should not depend on the location of the frame: inside or outside. But it is what it is: cheap tents with an external frame are worse, while more expensive and technologically advanced models with an internal frame are more convenient.
The same can be said about tents whose poles are made of Chinese fiberglass: the material does not withstand frost and cracks.
This is what fiberglass looks like. If your frame from a Chinese tent is broken, you can buy sections for repair from us
A good winter tent has a frame made of domestic reinforced fiberglass or aluminum-based alloys. Fiberglass is a type of fiberglass. But the domestic one is of higher quality and thicker, and the reinforcement makes it more resistant to bending loads - which are inevitable when setting up a tent in the wind.
Fiberglass with carbon tolerates severe frosts well, is flexible and resilient, and weighs little
Aluminum alloys B-95 or 7075 are even stronger than composites with carbon - it is springy and does not bend. The most wind-resistant tents are made with an aluminum rod frame.
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The best tents for winter fishing under 10,000 rubles
In the price range from 5 to 10 thousand, shelters with the optimal combination of price and quality are presented. Many domestic manufacturers produce tents that, in terms of technical and consumer characteristics, are not inferior to expensive foreign analogues.
The models are maximally adapted to the conditions of the changeable and harsh weather of the Russian winter: they have a durable composite or metal frame and an awning with good heat and moisture protection. Additional fixation with stretch marks and insulation with snow skirts allows you to fish comfortably even in strong winds.
Mitek Nelma-3 Lux
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Another very reliable and practical winter tent from a Russian manufacturer with quite impressive dimensions (240x280x190 cm). The model on a quick-dismounting umbrella-type duralumin frame with a dense Oxford 300D 2000PU awning can easily accommodate three fishermen.
The shelter is thought out to the smallest detail: stainless steel connections of metal rods, ventilation valves, numerous guy loops for fixing on the ice, an observation window and internal pockets for fishing accessories will make fishing as comfortable as possible. Installation of the product is very simple and takes a few minutes.
Pros:
- Bright, visible colors in the snow with reflective stripes;
- Good capacity;
- Wide door with large double-sided lock;
- The presence of a wide snow skirt;
- Multi-level spacious pockets and ceiling loop for a flashlight;
- Convenient bag-case included;
- Light weight – 5.5 kg.
Minuses:
- The bottom is purchased separately.
Excellent technical characteristics and reasonable price place the model in the top three among similar tents in its price segment. The shelter is recommended for ice fishing in open, windy reservoirs in all weather conditions.
Lotus L3-S12
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
One of the most popular models, combining the advantages of the quick folding of the umbrella mechanism and the stability of the arc frame. The tent is made in a streamlined and heat-saving dome shape with a rigid and durable fiberglass composite frame, the rods of which are almost impossible to break. During assembly, the arcs connected by hinges are folded three times, and the product is compactly placed in a special portable case.
The awning is made of high-tech waterproof Oxford polyester fabric 210D PU 1000 and has 24 external fastenings for fixing guy wires on the arches, walls and along the entire perimeter of the outer and inner skirt. The dimensions of the shelter (2.7x2.5x1.8 m) are designed for three seated fishermen or the free arrangement of one cot.
Pros:
- Light weight - just over 6 kg;
- Wide doorway and spacious hanging shelf;
- The presence of two ventilation valves and one valve for air suction;
- Frost-resistant windows closed with a zipper;
- Wide protective skirts (outer 20 cm, inner 15 cm);
- Pleasant light colors with reflective inserts.
Minuses:
- Internal insulated awning and floor must be purchased separately;
- There are fakes.
The model was designed specifically to take into account the harsh climate of the Russian winter. The tent can withstand not only severe frosts and heavy rainfall, but also the extreme weather conditions of the Urals and Siberia.
Penguin Thermolite 2
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
A reliable and aesthetic tent with a high-quality six-beam frame made of aluminum rod and an insulated three-layer awning (Oxford 240 PU 2000 / padding polyester 80 / Oxford 240 PU 1000) will make fishing comfortable in any weather. Thanks to the umbrella design, the shelter can be installed in a matter of minutes. The spacious dimensions of the model 190x140 cm allow two fishermen to comfortably accommodate.
Ventilation is provided by a zippered window in the upper part of the dome, and wind protection is provided by a wide outer skirt. For additional strong fixation on ice over the entire surface, the product is equipped with loops for stretch marks.
Pros:
- Lifetime manufacturer's warranty on frame;
- Weight is a little more than 5 kg;
- There are many internal pockets;
- Reflective stripes on the outer dome;
- It is possible to order any color;
- Carrying case included.
Minuses:
- There is no water-repellent bottom.
Despite its decent size, the tent can be freely moved when unfolded across a body of water without leaving it. At each new place, the manufacturer recommends securing it with guy wires, even in the absence of wind.
Bear Cube 2
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
A very decent cube tent of excellent quality on a reinforced aluminum alloy frame has dimensions of 180x180x180 cm and is covered with a three-layer insulated awning. The outer layer of the material is made of Oxford 210D PU2000 polyester, the inner layer is made of 190T taffeta thermal stitch on padding polyester, the top is “breathable” Gretta.
The shelter is reliably protected from the blowing of cold air and snow by a protective skirt. The formation of condensation and external crust inside is prevented by ventilation windows with inserts under the heat exchanger pipe.
Pros:
- Simple and quick assembly in a minute;
- Easily fits into a convenient case with a large zipper;
- Light weight (8.2 kg) and compact dimensions when folded;
- Multiple interior pockets for small items and a flashlight loop;
- Dries quickly even when folded.
Minuses:
- Does not include flooring.
The tent can easily accommodate a couple of fishermen with full equipment and several holes each. Despite some natural windage of the shape, the model reliably protects from strong winds and low temperatures. And when using an internal heating system with a heat exchanger or stove, you can fish inside in light clothing.
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5) A good tent does not have a bottom, but even without it it can be difficult
Almost all winter fishing tents are sold without a bottom. This is more convenient, because it is not known how many holes will have to be drilled in the tent, and for this you will have to either bend the bottom or remove it altogether. Also, if the tent does not have a bottom, it weighs a little less: you won’t have to drag another kilogram of dense material.
The bottom of the tent: it can be bent or removed altogether if you need to drill a lot of holes
To be fair, bases for winter fishing tents are still sold - after all, with a bottom it is warmer and more comfortable. If you don't plan to spend several days in a tent, just take a camping mat with you.
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How to make a tent bottom yourself
Manufacturing will require straight hands, materials, a measuring tool, a sewing machine, or a lot of patience and free time. In fact, making the bottom of a tent yourself is not at all difficult.
You can start with this option. On the orange-yellow resource it is quite inexpensive.
You can buy it here. The aluminum backing does a good job of reflecting heat back into the tent. But it is better to modify this option as described below.
The first thing you should do is accurately measure the disassembled tent . Based on this, the required amount of material will be purchased and a working diagram will be drawn up. If you're going to make a floor for a tent that already has a floor, it's even easier. Take a worn sample and record all its geometric parameters. Be sure to pay attention to the way the bottom is attached to the main awning of the tent. You will have to either make a new type of fastening, or completely repeat the old one. If we are talking about a winter tent for fishing, then it is quite possible to fix the bottom with loops on the protrusions of the umbrella frame or in the corners of the cube.
Next you will need material - material can be obtained in several ways. Buy the material itself - impregnated Oxford fabric, or buy a large inexpensive awning with the required water resistance and sew the bottom from it. It is much easier and more convenient to buy awnings. It will be a little more expensive than the original material itself, but the awning can be found in any store.
If we are talking about a winter day for fishing, which is most likely, you will need zippers and insulation .
Zippers are sold at any sewing store; you need to buy them as long as possible and preferably with leakage protection.
Izolon or any porous material for thermal insulation can be used as insulation
It is sold on any construction market. The thicker the insulation you buy, the more comfortable it will be to be in the tent. It is very convenient when the bottom is made of material with a foil surface. Izolon also comes in foil. By placing this material with the foil facing outward in both directions (both towards the user and towards the ice), we get decent heat savings. Heat flow rays are “reflected” from such a surface.
You also need to get a sewing machine or a lot of patience and a needle. In the latter case, you probably won’t be able to do it carefully unless you have a lot of sewing experience.
Then you need to figure out how the porous material will look when folded. If the material is thick, it will have to be divided into blocks, which you will cover with the awning material and they can be stacked on top of each other into a compact size.
When all the described steps have been completed, you need to start manufacturing directly. Cut out the material, think over the type of holes for the holes, think about a way to fix the isolon inside the awnings. You can make each compartment with a zipper to make it easy to dry the bottom of the tent. You can also make holes and hatches for holes on the zipper.
Don’t forget that the outer contour needs to be either tucked or the entire isolon bag should be turned inside out. Otherwise, the material will ride up and deteriorate at the edges. It would also be really nice to reinforce the edges with a webbing strap.
It makes no sense to post some ready-made patterns, since marking the bottom yourself will not be difficult even for a person who has never done such things. Therefore, our action plan is something like this :
- Take measurements of the unfolded tent
- Buy the necessary external material - an awning or a piece of oxford fabric
- Buy internal insulation material - foil-coated isolon works well
- Cut a piece of isolon of the size and shape required for the bottom. Don't forget about the desired holes for the holes.
- Try to fold the material in the optimal way
- If the material does not fold into an easy-to-carry arrangement (and it will not), then you need to cut the future bottom into pieces according to the fold lines or less. Mark based on the desired size of the rolled bottom
- Cut out the desired piece of outer material and place insulation inside it, like in a duvet cover
- Sew the material, quilt the insulation if necessary
- Sew on zippers, brakes or fastening straps
6) Skirt, pockets and windows are mandatory and desirable elements of a tent
A skirt is an essential element of a tent for winter fishing. How well the tent will hold up to wind and snow depends on its geometry and size. In the best models, the skirt is wide and solid - it’s much warmer. Just good quality winter tents can have a short skirt with slits: the places where the skirt wedges do not overlap each other should be sprinkled with snow.
If the tent does not have pockets, you will have to place small items at the bottom or directly on the ice, with the risk of losing them, trampling them, or even drowning them. Any good tent should have pockets. And better are the classic ones, sewn onto the awning or inner layer of the tent. Hanging pockets are more convenient only at first glance: they make it difficult to move around the tent.
It would be great if every tent had windows. But this complicates the design and makes the tent more expensive. The window - no matter whether it is sewn or glued into the awning - is the weak point of the structure and will be the first to break. Therefore, it is better to buy a tent without windows: even if you add a powerful camping lantern to your purchase, it will be cheaper.
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Reviews from fishermen
I recently bought this tent. Therefore, I can’t say anything special yet. I haven't found any flaws in the device yet. I like the design, I am very pleased with this device. I think she's great. But let's see how the tent behaves further. So far so good. Grade:
Alexander about the CANADIAN CAMPER Nord Fox 2 tent
Just purchased. I tried it right away. Installs quickly. Good thermal insulation. It is convenient to transport because the weight and dimensions are small. And the carrying case is a very convenient thing. I haven't found any drawbacks yet. And then we will watch and study. So far so good. Grade:
Sergey about the “Umbrella” tent FW-8618
Perhaps I was unlucky. Bought. The weight is indicated - 6.2, but in reality - 8.9. Inside, instead of the stated white color, it is yellow. The covering material is the same as the inside. What water resistance is unknown. It looks like we're going to drown.
Grade:
Vladislav about the STEC Elite 4 tent
It unfolds quickly, installs quickly, and the price is reasonable. But it does not fasten well on ice (the fastening loops are poorly stitched), there are no fastenings included. Designed for two people, but can actually accommodate one. Grade:
Vyacheslav Demchenkov about the STEC Elite 4 tent
I liked the tent. All parameters correspond to the stated ones. It doesn't blow anywhere, there's no snow. Installation is fast and free. Everything is ok, even the price. Thank you. Grade:
Andrey about the “Umbrella” tent FW-8618
As you can see from the reviews above, you can really miss the mark when buying a tent for ice fishing. Therefore, be careful when choosing such a product.
Select carefully, even scrupulously, check the compliance of all declared characteristics. This way you will not only get convenience and comfort, but also save your health. Be careful.
7) Automatic tents: what’s wrong with them
A modest automatic tent: it is unknown how the folding mechanism will behave in severe frost. And even if it gets snowed in...
Lightweight, weighing from 2 to 3 kg, and even unfolds in seconds - what could be wrong with an automatic tent? “What’s wrong” may be with the mechanism itself: how long it will work and how it will behave in severe frost cannot be predicted. But the price of self-folding tents is significantly less than semi-automatic umbrellas and cubes.
The package is flat and round, like a tambourine, with a diameter of up to 70 cm - it won’t fit in a tourist backpack, only in a wide one, like a “dacha resident / kolobok”.
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FRAME
Mobile sauna-tent MORZH
Each of the compared winter shelter options is great for fishing and recreation, you just have to take into account their advantages and disadvantages. Knowing about the disadvantages of the design, you can minimize them in advance. For example, the windage of a cube can be reduced due to reliable fasteners and guy ropes.
There are weaknesses that are difficult or impossible to remove, but knowing about them in advance will not come as an unpleasant surprise to you. So, when choosing an “umbrella” type shelter, you know in advance that you will have to sit in the tent in the center and in order to stretch your stiff legs you will need to leave the tent. But at the same time, quick assembly and the absence of windage will be the advantages of this model for you.
Portrait of a tent for winter fishing from PIK-99
Portrait of a tent for winter fishing from PIK-99We figured out what criteria you should use to choose a tent for going out on the ice. We found out what the difference is between cube tents and umbrellas, arc tents and automatic ones. It's time to choose.
For severe frosts and hurricane winds - three-layer umbrella tents from the ELITE series. This is a waterproof awning, a breathable roof, a wide one-piece skirt to protect against blowing, a strong aluminum frame and an indestructible metal hub sprocket. With such a tent you can safely go winter fishing either alone or with a group.
If it is not clear what will happen to the weather in a couple of hours, or you plan to go fishing for at least two or three days, a two-layer cube tent will be comfortable not only for fishing, but also for simply living.
Severe frosts are not expected, but will you have to deliver the equipment yourself? Then choose lightweight single-layer cubes and umbrellas.
All tents in the PIK-99 store are checked before sale - there are no defective products among them. Thanks to the inspection, you can also save money: tents with minor defects are sold at a discount. Well, if defects do not allow the tent to be used normally, it becomes a source of spare parts for those that have been in service for more than one year and need the attention of the owner. Tents are not checked selectively, but without exception: if a tent does not fall into the discounted category, it means it has been installed, folded and inspected several times.
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How to choose a tent and umbrella for winter fishing?
Please note the following when purchasing this product:
- The lighter it is, the easier it is to move with it. No need to use additional transport. That is, you need to choose a design with minimal weight.
- Square. There should be at least 1.5 square meters per fisherman. m.
- Dimensions.
- Ventilation should be increased and thermal insulation should be higher.
- The entrance must be equipped with a thick zipper. This saves heat inside.
- Several layers of tent covering. The more layers, the higher the thermal insulation.
Particular attention should be paid to:
- Wind protection. The material from which the coating is made must be resistant to cold. In addition, its structure should not be rigid. Otherwise, the canvas will crack and break during folding and transportation. The sheathing should not let the wind inside.
- Air circulation. Lack of ventilation leads to condensation, resulting in the formation of ice on the surface of the tent.
- Water resistance. The higher it is, the better the protection from sleet and freezing rain.
- Construction. It is recommended to buy a high-strength product made of composite materials that is light in weight.
Please note that umbrella tents:
- They are light in weight;
- They are convenient to transport;
- Well protected from precipitation;
- It is possible to install heating devices.
9) What else might you need?
We have collected products that will be useful in addition to a fisherman's tent:
- screws - you can’t drive an ordinary peg into the ice, so you need a special one, in the form of a tube with an external thread and handles for screwing in;
- gas heater - a manual heater will help warm the tent even in severe frost and spend the day and night in comfort;
- spare parts - if the frame, awning, cover or sprocket of the umbrella mechanism is damaged, you can buy a replacement part from us;
- reflective ropes - winter days are short, and reflective ropes are clearly visible in the light of a flashlight and the moon, so you won’t stumble;
- lanterns for tents, head and hand-held - will illuminate the road, tent and fishing area in the dark winter;
- floor for the cube - it makes the tent warmer and more comfortable. The cold doesn't come from ice. And the snow does not melt inside the tent when it is heated to above-zero temperatures;
- Thick foam mats are a universal thing for winter and summer.
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Cube tent
You won’t have to look for a cube tent in a store for a long time - the name speaks for itself. The tent is in the shape of a cube, quite high, with convex walls.
This tent model is suitable for both avid experienced fishermen and novice amateurs, because it is comfortable, warm and convenient to try yourself in a new business. To make sure that a cube is your option, we’ll tell you about all the pros and cons of this model.
Winter tent Cube 1.8x1.8 yellow lumi/gray PREMIER (PR-ISC-180YLG) Premier Fishing 7,655 for 1 piece. Tent LOTOS Cube Junior LOTOS 8,050 for 1 piece. Winter tent Cube 1.5x1.5 yellow lumi/gray Premier Fishing 6,615 for 1 piece. Winter cube tent 1.8x1.8 insulated for winter fishing Helios 14,610 for 1 piece. Fisherman's tent Mitek Nelma-Cube 1 Nelma 11,930 for 1 piece. Winter cube tent 1.5x1.5 insulated for winter fishing Helios 11,760 for 1 piece. Tent Bullfinch Polar Bird 3T long Bullfinch 27,900 for 1 piece. All cube tents in the catalog
