otter vs fish trap ice shelter

[irv johnson]

Sirs,
about 2 months ago there was a discussion mentioning the Otter and the Fish Trap. I cannot recall them via the archives. I want to buy the shelter thats most windproof and sturdy. I have had 2 others and they all seem breezy and hard to heat.
I was up in Ignace,Ont. 2 weeks ago and the wind chill was down to 45 below f. Wind just whipped the heat right out. Was using a 20# tank heater. Thanks for whatever thought you have on these 2 seemingly most popular brands.

[vetspet(ind)]

the otterskin is sturdier, more windproof, but heavier and more difficult to transport...i got a metal carrier to fit on my 2" receiver, and it is much easier to get from point a to b...the clam is much lighter, smaller sled, easier to take down and put up but not as sturdy...just bought the magnum 2 otterskin this yr...it is sort of a pain to put up and down but very warm and sturdy and wind proof..steve

[Nordicron]

I just got an otter medium this year and love it! Built a bench seat for it that flips up from front can sqeeze three guys in if needed. I don't see how this sets up any slower than any other flip over style. Most times you just sit down and pull over canvas and your fishing. If it is windy you may then want to clip support poles on, but most cases you won't need them. I would say otter has a much better sled than the trap but the trap sure does have a nice seat setup. So once you factor seats in otter will be much more expensive. As far as heat I don't feel any brand will be any better than another, none will be as easy to heat as a cabin style house. I hope I helped you a little.

[blue boy]

I have a Frabill that two person that i've used for two years. Sets up nice and easy and holds the heat very well. Built in bench seat is very good. Only problem is that it is heavy. Need a sled or a four wheeler to pull it .I don't even want to think about pulling it by hand.

[Z]

I have had a fish trap for over 20 years. I have put aprons around the outer limits of the sides and front to load up with snow when it is windy. We leave them up over the weekend on lake superior which can get windy. All are made from canvas or nylon so you loose heat no R factor in eather. The trap pulls easy on a sled or wheeler plus we load all of our gear in an otter sled and pull them both out on top of each other. With alittle care the trap will last a long time. And if you use a p.u. just slide it in no problem.
I hope this helps

[TONY ON ICE]

The Otters are as simple a flip over shelter as any on the market and the only time it takes a few extra seconds is when you have to put the support rods in for exreme windy conditions.
I don't like the seat that Otter offers but I have a good buddy in Mnnesota who makes a custom folding seat made out of cedar or oak and t's the hot set up !
The seats in the Fish traps are OK...If you're 5 feet tall or less.
They're way too low for anyone over 5'10" or so.
As far as the fabric or Skin goes, the Otter Skin made by Canvas Craft, is (www.canvascraftinc.com) the superior product and it's made in black instead of purple or green so it warms up faster and holds the heat better.
I ran a piece of chain through the bottom of the skirting so when you flip the cover over, the materila stays on the ground even if the wind is howling.
Also added a flap of canvas to the rear of the skirt where it meets the tub on the front corners where the wind and light always come in. It's held in place with velcro strips.
Durability is Otter all the way !
Their tubs are twice as thick as the Fish traps and pull very easy right out of the box. They're designed to accept runners and have built in hitch bracket recepticles.
Right now, I have the Canvas Craft Medium Otter and an older Frabill Ranger and love them both athough I need a Clydsdale Horse to pull the Ranger !