Hub style popup

I see everyone is making these now and a lot of different models from square to 6 sided etc. I think I am looking for an insulated hub that I will use by myself most of the time and with the family some of the time. How big of a house do I need, I don’t need room for a 4 people and all their gear and 8 holes, maybe 2 adults 2 kids and 4 holes when needing to be inside. What size do others recommend and do other people use on here? Anything new that came out as a must have? Thanks

I would recommend the Eskimo Outbreak 450i. Plenty big for 2 adults and 2 kids, full length door so no stepping over the bottom to get in/out, insulated, easy to set up/take down, great anchors.

Clam X600 or Otter XTH Pro Resort. Both quality shelters.

I personally have the Otter Lodge XTH PRO. I have had a Clam and an Eskimo in the past and like my Otter the best. Very durable, zippers work great, and some added extras like removable windows and built-in tool holders.

The size of the hub is great; I am able to fish up to 4 other people in it fairly comfortably or set it up solo without much hassle.

Been using a fatfish 949 for 5 years at least? Never had a problem. It’s 23lbs and can comfortably fish 3 adults and some gear. I use it solo and it gives me lots if room which is what I wanted. Also can stand up without a bending and I’m 6’2. Lots of options out there

I have the Otter XTH Pro Lodge (middle sized one, 64 sq ft) and it’s advertised as 4-5 people. I’d say it fishes 3 gear-stocked adults comfortably and you could get away with 2 adults and 2 kids just fine. I’ve fished 4 out of it frequently and it’s not ideal. I’ve fished 5 once with single holes and it wasn’t the best.

The Otter HTX Pro Cabin (smaller size, 36 sq ft) is advertised as 2-3 anglers and I’d venture to guess it’s more like 1-2 in reality.

For the modest weight and price difference I’d steer you toward the Lodge or comparable size from competitors. Anything larger sounds like overkill for your needs. Best of luck with your search.

My experience or maybe more my opinion I’ll throw out there.

If a hub says 4-5 anglers, figure 2-3 (maybe) comfortably. It’s amazing how quickly they seem to shrink when anglers and gear are brought inside. And how long do kids sit still? Inevitably they’ll want get up and move around without stepping on stuff or people. You’re going to want a BIG hub in my opinion.

Which leads to another dilemma for you. If you’re going solo the majority of the time, a large hub is over dressing for your party of one. Plus, I have found it can be rather challenging to setup a larger hub myself without help, especially if there’s wind. Then add that you’ll limit your mobility compared to a flip-over style.

Personally I have a larger hub for group outings and a single flip over when I’m on my own.

Just my 2 cents…

I would go sit in some that are set up. This is the type of purchase I need to see and feel before buying. What may be adequate space for somebody else may make you feel cramped or vice versa.

Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:

My experience or maybe more my opinion I’ll throw out there.

If a hub says 4-5 anglers, figure 2-3 (maybe) comfortably. It’s amazing how quickly they seem to shrink when anglers and gear are brought inside. And how long do kids sit still? Inevitably they’ll want get up and move around without stepping on stuff or people. You’re going to want a BIG hub in my opinion.

Which leads to another dilemma for you. If you’re going solo the majority of the time, a large hub is over dressing for your party of one. Plus, I have found it can be rather challenging to setup a larger hub myself without help especially if there’s wind. Then add that you’ll limit your mobility compared to a flip-over style.

Personally I have a larger hub for group outings and a single flip over when I’m on my own.

Just my 2 cents…

Agreed on this. The reason for a portable is mobility. Having a small flip over is great when you are by yourself. I know from experience that trying to setup a hub style shelter in the wind by yourself sucks. You won’t want to move in that circumstance.

Eskimo fatfish 949i love it by myself or with 3 kids
quick to set up very warm and plenty of room

i would tell you to buy a polar bird but they don’t sell them here anymore. Best hub house on the market 4 years ago. i do like the new ones where the zipper door goes all the way to the floor though. hate having to step over the doors

rod-man wrote:

Eskimo fatfish 949i love it by myself or with 3 kids
quick to set up very warm and plenty of room

Ditto! I bought mine from an IDO’r and besides a faint smell of sturgeon slime it is great.

I was originally thinking 949ig but will also look at any good used ones for sale now. I think that size should be ok, I’m also open to clam or otter in the same size, seems unless either have any known issues. Thanks

I have the Eskimo quick fish 3I, one guy you are in heaven, 2 guys a-okay,3 guys nope.

I have a clam refuge thermal which can fish 3 people pretty easy. I’ve used it with 2 adults and 2 kids also. The clam 560 is a nice size also which is just a little smaller than the refuge. Scheels had the refuge on sale the other day for a good price

Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:

Personally I have a larger hub for group outings and a single flip over when I’m on my own.

Ditto.

I just got a fatfish 6120i this season, and I love the thing! I havent had a hub in the past, but I cant imagine that having the 6-sided is any harder than the 4-sided ones are, as it is pretty darn easy to pop and anchor. I got mine because I knew that I was going to occasionally be fishing 2 adults, 1 kid, and my large dog. There is a lot of room, but when everyone is set-up it doesnt feel like you’re wasting space. The buddy heats it just fine in the cold, and maintains t-shirt temps on low.

It is pretty heavy, but much like WalleyeStudent suggested, I also have a solo flip sled for days that I can get out without packing the whole family.

My ultimate suggestion: get yourself a HUGE hub and fish for comfort. Give yourself elbow space. Also, grab the cheapest solo flip you can find used on CL, and slam some ice by yourself on occasion without breaking your back.

Remember the bigger you go the bigger the heater you will want if it’s cold out

I have a flip but the problem I have is dragging it down the road to the lake, I am looking to be able to pack everything on the wheeler. I leave from my house on the wheeler….now if only I could find the fish. 2 trips out there, about 60 holes drilled, one 10 inch eye….must be some reason I’m the only one out there.

What about using a little trailer to put your shack and gear on?

I did that the first time out but I need a better trailer. Part of the plan is to get a better trailer for the kids to ride out on. But we won’t be out there very long if I can’t find some fish. Looks like it will warm up next week so I’ll get out and try again.

Reeds has the clam C-560 on sale for 229 with free shipping right now, this looks comparable in size to the 949, if I don’t fund a better deal I think I may go with this.

I have the Eskimo 5i and it’s great. 3 adults and gear fit very well..anymore than that it would get a little cramped and non-essential gear would have to be left outside or in the vehicle. From what I’ve looked at from Eskimo, Otter, and Clam I don’t think you’d go wrong with any of their hubs. Comes down to personal preference and best bang for the buck. That deal on the Clam C-560 sounds like a winner to me!