Which flip shelter and how to organize it??

I currently have an Eskimo 949i pop up style shelter and I am getting frustrated with setting it up and taking it down especially when by myself. I am thinking of buying a flip style shelter but I have some questions. I do not have an ATV or Snowmobile so I either walk out on the ice or drive my truck. However, most of the time I walk. So I am wondering which 2 man flip shelter can be dragged by hand and also carry all my gear as I drag it. The shelter would have to fit my ion auger, rod case, 2 electronics, heater, bait bucket, and misc. small gear. Do any of you have pictures of how you place all your gear in the sled of your shelter? When I look at the different shelters in stores they just don’t seem to have the room needed to get all your gear on the ice. As far as budget goes I know you get what you pay for and I’m willing to work to get the best. However, I also like the most bang for your buck. So my two questions are: Which shelter is right for me? And how do I store my gear in it? Pictures would be great!! Thanks in advance!!

I picked up an older Otter II Magnum Lodge this season. I also walk it (no ATV or snowmobile). I can easily pack a Mr. Heater, extra 1 lb propane tanks, cooler, bait bucket, 2 rod cases, Marcum VX-1, & a hand auger. The sled is large so can hold much more, however, it is heavy and can be difficult to walk very far. It does have the hyfax runners on the bottom which helps but I think the lodge size are meant for towing. I would have purchased a smaller model (cabin or cottage size) but I got it for free so I couldn’t pass it up. It is still easier than pulling a sled and putting up my Sharpell 6500 pop up though!

If you go to the ice fishing forum and just start scrolling thru the titles I think you’ll find endless threads regarding smitty sleds and the pros and cons of every house on the market.

Unless someone has the luxury of being able to afford everything you have to decide where to make sacrifices. Some cheap used skis and a minimal amount of lumber will make a sled that lighten your load significantly.

I drag my otter xt1200 lodge full gear in 6-8″ of snow all day. I’m 5’5″ 180lbs and it gives me a great workout every time I go out. A breeze if its on ice though… you barely had to put any effort. If you’re looking at prices IMO the new Eskimo flip is also nice and prices just under $700 for the insulated model.

im with the others in saying the otter lodge is the shack you want, well its the shack i want and i am in the same boat as you. if you get one of those and, as belletaine says, build youself a smitty sled you should be able to drag it out without too much trouble. thats the best 2 man house on the market IMO and ive done a lot of research on them. My problem is the lake i like to fish has a large hill from the parking spot so i dont know how i am going to drag it up that hill once i buy one but hell its worth it, those houses are the bees knees

All I can say is it would be fun going down to the lake coming back up not so much! My 2 man thermal is 117 lbs. By the time I add heater, rod safe 4 rods, electronics and small tidbits I am over 135 not counting my auger.I grunt and snort to slide it up the ramps into my pickup let alone start pulling it very far especially if there is much snow. Maybe a short distance but up hills or very far after a days fishing sounds like no fun. Otter lodge is a 124 lbs. empty plus then add gear,so two trips up hills, all I can say is have fun. Smitty sled for sure if u try go far in snow. Fish safe.

No matter which one you get here is a good idea. I used to do with my flip. Load all you stuff in the sled except the auger. Then take the auger and lay it across the two rails of the sled, so the auger is pointing east and west if the sled is facing north and south. Then I would take a bungee cord or two and bungee it to the rails. This worked good for me, as I would not have to try an figure out where in the sled to put my auger.