Otter XT PRO Cabin or Lodge (1-2 people + dog)?

Hi Folks! I’m new to the forum – looks like a great place to share information – thanks!

I will be adding an Otter flip-over shelter to my ice fishing gear this year and I’m trying to decide whether to go with the XT Pro Cabin or Lodge. Input from members who bring their four-legged friends with them is MUCH appreciated – our one year old pointer will be fishing with us this year. I’ve had a fixed bob-house and currently have an Eskimo hub-style shelter but want to add the run-and-gun ability of a flip-over to my arsenal. I’m a big guy (6-2) and the dog is 65 lbs. The flip-over shelters are new to me and I’m having a hard time figuring out which size shelter would be best. Would the Cabin be enough, or should I go Lodge? Any advice on what accommodations you make for your four-legged companions would be great too! Thank you!

I would personally go with a lodge. Cabin is good for 1-2 people (without the dog) or 1 person and a dog. However, if you wanted 2 people and a dog, it would be really tight. If you have the means to haul/transport a lodge, it would be a better option. I am 5’10” and sometime its a little tight being able to stand up. Have a couple extra inches will certainly help in your case as well. I do have a pro cabin for sale as well if you end up wanting to go with cabin and not a lodge. Good luck on your purchase!

Thanks Fishtrekker! I do have the means to transport either one. This will be my first Otter and these are some heavy units so no lifting in and out of the truck bed – slide it onto the snowmobile trailer next to my sled and tie it down.

Yes, the height is a good point. It is nice to be able to stand up straight now and then and the Cabin is a bit low.

If you are looking new, check out the new Otter x-overs coming out on the 14th. Side steps which would give you a lot more versatility having a dog with too. Throw some hyfax and hitch kit on the sled since you will be pulling with a snowmobile and add accessories as you see fit.

I don’t see these on the Otter website. You must have some inside info?

There have been a couple websites that had them up prior to the actual release on the 14th. They have since been pulled down but have given some people the buzz (see previous thread about the new x-overs in this ice fishing section). You wont see them on the web or Otters website until the unveil. But from what I have seen, they are going to be a great addition to their already great products.

I would definitely go with a lodge over the cabin for 2 people and a dog. The new X-Over might be especially nice when the dog is along.

Lodge for sure

I think I found the X-Over thread you guys are referring to. It looks like what Otter calls an X-Over is a flip with the door on the side – that could be nice!

When I first read your posts I was thinking X-Over like what Eskimo came out with last year, which is a hybrid flip-over/hub shelter https://www.geteskimo.com/Product/7549/evo-2it-crossover-shelter. These Eskimos are spacious but there’s more set-up/take-down time than I want for a run and gun shelter.

I will keep my eye on the Otter website for the 14th. Thanks!

Go with the lodge. Or the resort. I have the resort and never regret the room.