Hands down Otter sled for sure, but I sure like the canvas tops Canvas Crafts have to offer.

They started the whole ball of wax with the flip top on an Otter sled and they have the quality in every thing from windows, zippers, to burn resistant material.

Plus they are an FM sponsor just like Otter . Check them out:


Canvas Craft Inc click here!

Over all Otter has the best portables in my opinion.
The sleds are the most durable, the pole design in the new Ice Camo and Ice Blue houses is the smoothest I have ever seen and the canvas is tighter and holds the heat better with its black coated inside. The new windows are a much softer and flexible plastic and dont have cold issues. The new flip up seats make storage easier. Plus my favorite new thing is the Sportsmans Caddy that can hold a ton of tackle and gear as well as hold your pop and munchies while your fishing. It stays mounted by your seat (But Can Come off just as easy as the seats) leaving more room in your sled for other gear.
I actually was out cleaning up my Otter Ice Camo Cabin the other day. I was amazed how little use it showed after a full season of being pulled behind a snowmobile and truck.
As I tel everyone, always get the Hyfax runners for your sled. Its amazing how much these strips save on your sleds. Plus they seem to help the house pull truer.
The St .Paul Ice Fishing Show will surely have some good deals on portables.

I have an otter den and absolutely love it.

I did not see the "sportsmans caddy" on the otter website. Is this option available, or do you have to get a package to get it??

They have great deals on "discontinued" portables on the website (green versions of their shacks). May want to check it out, there are big discounts - save over $200 off retail on their packages (sled, tent, seats, sled cover).

Interesting ... They only sell the ice camo and the arctic blue (makes them look like Fish Traps). No more green or purple.

One can still purchase the Wild version of the Otter portable fish houses.

Otter may not have the Caddy on their website yet but I'm sure they will have it at the Ice show.

The Wild version is a great value - Don't have any personal experience using one. I sat in one at FF, if you sit too close to the front of the sled - it caused the whole shack to tilt to that side (probably telling me I need to lose weight :-)

I'll be looking for the Otter Sportsmans Caddy at the ice show - always looking for better ways to haul/store equipment for the shack.

My vote is for the frabil r2 tec 300.

You can't go wrong with an Otter!

I like my Clam Guide for pulling out on foot. Very light but just big enough to get all my stuff and a power auger in it. I didn't mount the second seat so it has plenty of room for one guy. The poles don't slide like they once did, but good enough. I've had it 2 seasons, and should last me for years with proper care.

I would say a lot depends on your style of fishing. Are you going to be pulling the unit behind a snowmobile or wheeler? How often do you plan on using it? Are you a run and gunner or more of a sitter? I have owned both an Otter and now a Clam Yukon. Both units are top notch in my book. There are a lot of pros and cons on each unit...depending on how you plan on using it. I switched to the Yukon because it fit better in the back of my truck...but I miss the sled style on the Otter for hauling capacity. Lots of things to think about before you spend all that sort of money. Good luck in your search.

Cliffy

Love my otter but have seen a lot of others that look nice. Otters are very durable though. That being said, I would go as big as you can afford. I have a smaller cabin and would love to get the lodge. Try to go up to a three man even if you think you are only going to fish two. I'm a bigger dude and have taken another bigger dude out and fished a full day in mine without a problem. But it would be nice to stand and stretch and not be too tight. But I still love my otter.

What's best for you may not be what's best for the next guy only a few really gave good info and thought to your question.

Size of car or truck you have will it fit
Are you pulling this by hand only
How many will be fishing with you
Bench seat or bucket

I own three different manufactured shacks and each one has it's pro's and con's.

On brand I don't have is a Shappel but in the two man it has two D doors in front so when fishing with some one less heat loss and no tripping on rods,heater or flashers.

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Gotta go with Otter. A shell that breathes...unlike some of the other brands, including the other popular brand from Minnesota. Square tubing that is super strong. The biggest and toughest tubs. Windows that don't crack. Skirts that keep cold air from drafting in next to the tub. The most spacious packages out there, with the most ala carte options for things like rod holders, seats, travel covers, hitches, etc. Customer service that is second to none in the unlikely scenario where you do have an issue.

You get what you pay for...the Cadillac of fish houses.

I realllllly really like the ice camo magnum. I believe that is going to be the purchase. Any of you guys made a wood floor for the ice inside your portable? im really intrested with that idea. i was thinking some type of green treated or marine grade 3/8 plywood with some 2x2s to keep the floor up off the ice some.