New Ice Gear/Plans for 2022/23 Season

[dubob]

So Bob, you're going to have to tell me about the new shelter idea... Is this like the Bayrunners that Matt and Skyler have been using only a little more room?  I assume you're selling the Nanook and the Evo??? (Is that your other single flip over?)  You didn't ever use that Nanook much did you?  Seems like you got the red one soon after and I didn't ever see you use your Nanook that much, why didn't you like it, if you don't mind me asking?  I've loved my Nanook for run and gun days, but since I got the x200 I haven't been using it as much because it takes longer to set up and isn't as nice (carpeted deck, higher roof, more room) as the bigger shelter, but it's sure a lot lighter and more convenient to move around and load... I guess my draw backs with the Nanook is I need the table to hold my gear and it's a slow put together table and I have to assemble everything each trip... would be nice to have stuff that stayed in place so it was fast to set up and fish...  I think I need to modify my nanook to a single person fish platform instead of leaving it possible to fish two from it... Since I have the x200 now I don't need to use the smaller one to fish double, so I think I just got a new project to start working on... Maybe I'll fish the Nanook more this year... Would appreciate hearing what your thoughts are moving to the new shelter... Thanks Jeff

Jeff,

I have no problems with either the EVO1 or the Nanook.  The EVO1 has lots of fishing room when set up, but because of the hybrid style (part hub; part flip) it isn’t the easiest setup for this octogenarian.  Also, it doesn't have the half open function to allow use as a windbreak like some of the flips have.  That is a nice feature on sunny days.  

The Nanook is a smallish 2 person that works well, but is heavier than I need and is getting harder to move around when loaded up with ALL the gear I take (but don’t really need ).  I haven’t needed a 2-person shelter in over 3 years.  Everybody I fish with has their own shelter.

My new shelter will be the Eskimo WIDE 1 XR THERMAL.  It has a width expandable frame that gives 17.5 sq ft of fishing area inside the tent and has the windbreak functionality.  Weight is only 65 pounds including the swivel seat.  Inside height is 64.5”.  Since I don’t do ice camping, I can go smaller and be very happy.