Winter is the time of year when people get out their ice fishing gear and head to a frozen lake.
But before you grab your rod, make sure that you have made plans for shelter: either an insulated or non-insulated one will do the trick.
Which one should you choose?
This blog post will compare and contrast both types of shelters so that you can decide which type suits your needs best.
We’ll also talk about what sets them apart from one another as well as their pros and cons.
After reading this article, you’ll know which sort of shelter is best for your needs.
Contents
What is an insulated ice fishing shelter?
An insulated ice fishing shelter is a type of structure made to keep the person on the inside warm while they are ice fishing.
Insulated shelters usually have some form of insulation such as Styrofoam or foam boards that helps to reflect heat into the shelter and cut down on drafts, but also tend to be heavier and less mobile than non-insulated structures.
The best ice fishing shelter for you depends on what your needs are.
If you want something to keep the wind and snow off of you, a non-insulated shelter is probably all that you need.
However, if you want something with built-in heaters or insulation to help retain heat, an insulated shelter might be better.
The decision ultimately comes down to what your priorities are: do you need protection from the elements?
If so, then an insulated ice fishing shelter may be right for you!
Insulated Vs Non-Insulated Ice Fishing Shelters: Breaking it Down
When to use insulated vs non-insulated ice fishing shelters?
An insulated ice fishing shelter can be a great idea if you want to retain heat and avoid drafts.
On the other hand, if you are looking for something that can keep snow and ice off of you then a non-insulated shelter is probably all that’s necessary.
It depends on what your priorities are!
Non-insulated shelters are lighter and more mobile than insulated ones because they don’t contain insulation, so these types of shelters can be great for taking on day trips.
Insulated ice fishing houses tend to be heavier and sometimes a little more expensive than a non-insulated shelter.
Non-insulated shelters can be great if you want to save on weight and cost, but the lack of insulation leaves them less effective in cold weather conditions.
A non-insulated ice fishing shelter is ideal when you are concerned about keeping out of elements like rain or cold winds.
How Do Insulated and Non-Insulated Ice Fishing Shelters Work?
Insulated ice fishing shelters are designed for protection from the elements.
Insulated shelters are designed with insulation between the walls and ceiling which helps trap heat inside the shelter, keeping you warm.
The benefits of insulated ice fishing shelters are that they are sturdy and durable.
Insulated shelters come in a variety of different sizes to accommodate your ice fishing needs, whether you’re going out with the family or just by yourself.
You can find insulated shelters that have benches along the walls inside so you don’t need to sit on the cold ground when waiting for fish to bite!
They can be used in all types of weather, from snowstorms to hot summer days.
When it is not so cold out or when fishing conditions are relatively stable, many ice anglers find that a non-insulated shelter does the job just fine.
However, if the temperature in a non-insulated hut is largely different from the temperature outside, condensation builds inside the tent.
With an insulated shelter, this problem is minimized because the insulation acts as a barrier between the inside and outside of the house.
A non-insulated ice fishing shelter is a temporary structure used by people who go ice fishing.
It can be made of anything rigid, including plywood, metal, or plastic sheeting.
The person shelters in the tent either before or after coming out onto the frozen surface of the water to fish.
Some models of tents can be collapsed down for easy storage.
Non-insulated ice fishing shelters are meant to give the person shelter from wind, sun, and precipitation during their time on the water.
They provide little protection against cold temperatures, though.
Most people use them only in warmer weather when they do not need added insulation or warmth provided by an insulated shelter.
Some ice fishing shelters are portable; they can be moved from place to place on the ice as needed.
Others come in one piece and only fold up for storage between uses.
Those that do not collapse typically require two people to carry them on a hand truck or sled across the surface of the water since they have no wheels or other means of transport.
Are Insulted or Non-Insulated Ice Fishing Shelters Affordable?
Insulated shelters offer more protection from the elements, but these are typically pricier than their un-insulated counterparts.
The benefits of an insulated shelter for ice fishing include less condensation, better visibility, and protection from wind and rain.
The downside is that they cost significantly more.
Insulated hub shelters are more expensive because they are heavier and typically made with thicker material.
If you know that you will be ice fishing frequently, the investment in an insulated shelter is worth it because they offer better protection from harsh weather conditions.
When you’re on a budget, this could be a deal-breaker.
If this will be your first time purchasing a hub-style shelter or perhaps only plan to go out on the weekends during certain times of the year, a less expensive non-insulated shelter might be a better choice.
If your main priority is saving money, then it makes sense to go with a non-insulated shelter as they tend to be cheaper (but not as warm).
Non-insulated shelters are more affordable because they typically weigh less and are made with thinner material.
What are alternatives to insulated and non-insulated ice fishing shelters?
If you want the best of both worlds – high quality at a good price point – then go with a semi-insulated shelter that offers some insulation but at a lower price point.
This is a great alternative because it is versatile and still offers a lot of protection from the elements.
One good thing about these ice fishing shelters is that they are usually lighter in weight because there isn’t as much insulation to add extra bulk.
Another option is to purchase a non-insulated shelter and add insulation yourself, such as thermal reflective bubble wrap or Styrofoam panels on the inside of your tent.
This is a great alternative because you can choose the insulation that works best for your budget and needs.
One downside to this option is that it does require more time, energy, and money because you have to go out of your way to purchase materials and then put them together yourself which isn’t always easy if you aren’t particularly handy.
This alternative may not be for everyone, but it is a great way to save money.
Another option would be to go with a pop-up ice fishing tent which can sometimes come insulated or non-insulated depending on what you buy.
These shelters are usually lower in price because they aren’t as heavy-duty as other tents and are meant to be used for a shorter period.
One good thing about these shelters is that they are easy to set up and take down because you can sometimes pull them out of the bag or case in which they arrive, unfold them into shape, then pop up your shelter.
These ice fishing tents are great if you are in a time crunch or you are looking for something simple that is easy to use.
One downside of these tents, however, is that they aren’t very durable and can sometimes be blown around in the wind if it picks up during your fishing trip.
In conclusion, there are many different choices for ice fishing shelters on the market today which can make things confusing when trying to decide between insulated and non-insulated ice fishing shelters.
There are many things to think about when choosing an ice fishing shelter, such as how long you plan on staying put, what kind of weather conditions you expect, and your budget.