Eskimo vs Clam - Monster Ice Shelter Comparison

[@nicktyczkowski6576]

I like the little race at the end. Especially the bleeped out expletive. Adds a humbling sence of reality. Thank You for another awesome video.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Lol. Thanks we try to keep it fun but our competitive nature usually still takes over 😂 thanks for watching! 🙏🏼

[@nathanmciver6496]

I don't think being humble when all people have is treat you unkind, is the answer! Anyway. Neat, it's weird how aweful that got! Its like going back home to still think of how aweful that was and laughing knowing thiers worse and you will never see them again! No thanks to a third time

[@nathanmciver6496]

​@@TheNorthwoodsFamilylol. I DON'T REALLY HAVE THAY ANYMORE! I LIKE THEM!!!!!!!!!! THE ONE'S WHO KEEP MY LIFE CLEAN TOGETHER WITH ME! HAPPY TENTING

[@katrinasherryshow]

I bought the clam 560 and I was buyer shy from reviews as well. Used it for first time this past season and was very happy so far with no issues. Thanks for the review as I’m interested for the full size model.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

You bet! Glad it was useful. Yeah, we just are a little more careful bagging it up and with the door zippers since that seems to be where others have had an issues. We really like fishing out of it.

[@MR-cl2ls]

Hey Guys ... thanks very much for sharing this video. These are the exact two shelters I am looking at for our ice fishing here in Canada. Great explanation and pro/con detail on both units. We are similar in height to you folks and so (6'2'/5'11") so it's nice to get that perspective. Well done !

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Glad it was helpful! Tight lines! 🤙🏼

[@davidlindell9605]

I believe Clam was one of the original fishing shelter manufacturers back in the day. Everyone else came along afterwards and improved on designs and materials. Both manufacturers in the video are awesome and depending on what your needs are, you decide and go with it.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

I remember friends with Clam stuff from when I was a kid, so I’d bet you’re right.

[@johnzach8528]

Aw man your kids ever lucky! Wish I had been able to ice fish and ice camp when I was younger. Only getting into it now in my mid-teens. Better late than never, though!

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Thanks!!! I don’t know that they realize it now but I think they will someday!

[@dillondiemert4401]

I'm gonna get the c890 thermal. Pop ups all around it. Always nice to have the space.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Sweet! We love the size, and height of the ceiling. Especially for the entire family.

[@chrishill4927]

Awesome review! Thanks for the added in field clips, well done!

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

You bet!

[@TinyGoHomes]

The tether is so you can mark your ice tent with a name. My tent came with a plastic and tent materiel thing that hangs from it. It has a piece of paper inside it that says - Freedom convoy 2022- 😊 hehe.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Roger that. Yeah ours came with a tag too, our DNR regs say you have to leave your name and address I think if it’s unattended overnight or something.

[@rede1806]

This was really helpful! I have kids and was struggling to find side by side reviews related to taking them out and even considering camping in them.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck!

[@charleslefebvre5515]

Awesome video. I loved the depth you went into between the two.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Thanks!!! Glad you found the video worthwhile!

[@Marc-we4gf]

Thanks for the review 👍 good job

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

You bet. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@charleslefebvre5515]

I got lucky and got a returned 850xd at cabelas. Saved over 30% off regular price. I loved it. It was just to big for me. 95%of my fishing is either just me by myself or with my 2 year old son. It was a lot of tent to set up and tear down on your own over and over. I ended up going to the 450xd which is awesome but now got the OK to by a flip over as well. Which will be awesome for my solo trips and trips with the kid. Now I might sell my 450 and get the 650 for when friends or my nieces come out with me. The extra room would be nice for another 2 or 3 people.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

That’s a good score! Use it once and you’ve got a used shanty after all 😆 Some days this winter I just took my son out because my wife was at work and I my daughter was in school - and yeah, they’re too big. I’ve thought about buying a smaller shelter myself now. I do like having some extra room but something a little easier to handle by myself might be nice.

[@johndelong6728]

Thank you, Guys. Great review. I'm looking for my first shelter now and this was very helpful.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

You bet! Really glad you found it useful.

[@JonathanGomez-lj4jb]

Great thorough info and awesome real feed back

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Glad it was helpful!

[@loganmesserly2685]

I spray KIWI camp dry on the zippers. I think it helps a bit. We had heavy rain this last Sunday for 12 hours and it seemed to be fine

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Good idea. We’ll have to try that. Thanks!

[@jschneider28]

Thanks for the videos. I decided on a Eskimo 650XD because of the great information and demos you've shared. I'm wondering if you have come across any forums or websites that have examples of creating a DIY rainfly for an ice fishing tent. I live in Colorado and we use the Eskimo year round, as it gets chilly enough up in the mountains overnight even mid summer. The problem has been the rain slowly seeming through. I created my own footprint, and I think I can make a rainfly in a similar way, but would love to learn from other's success/failures before cutting up a $100 tarp. Thanks for all your help!

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

You bet! Glad the video was helpful. We bought a second Eskimo, a little smaller one for when just two of us go out. It is a bummer none of them are truly waterproof. I haven’t seen any ideas, but was thinking pitching a tarp over the top might be the best solution. If you come up with something cool let me know!

[@enhancepropertymaintenance9167]

Very thorough summary

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Thanks! Just finally getting could enough here to break them out again this year!

[@davidmn3z179]

Y'all are cool. Thanks to your reviews, I now have a year round shelter...

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful.

[@2usa87]

I love ice fishing, thanks for sharing both of them…

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

You bet!!

[@otahu26]

Are you Sleeping or fishing?? I like the Claim for being able to get the hole's away from each other and I own an Eskimo will be switching to Clam for my own use.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Both! I agree. The Clam I can spread holes out more, move around better with the kids inside and I can stand up fully. The Eskimo is larger and the floor plan works better for our 3-4 cots for sleeping plus equipment.

[@Poohflinger123]

Great review! I’m looking at Clam X-Series 400 vs Eskimo 949i. This in depth video was perfect! And Indian motorcycles are the best! 😎👍

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Awesome!!! Thanks glad it was useful! Indian rocks! 🤘🏼

[@jasonfisher281]

Nice video. Thnx for insight

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

You bet. Thank you.

[@DerekPetersonLives]

I think the D-loop is for posting your information on the shack for the DNR

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

that would make sense!

[@Wreck6987]

Thanks for the in depth side by side review. I run the otter pro series resort and monster lodge. Glad to see I’m not the only one that camps the family on the ice in this way. Tight lines this season

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

You bet glad it was helpful! People say those otters are nice :) We're raring to get out there. Good luck!

[@tyrrellroach5872]

So for the Eskimo drill attachment I ordered mine on Amazon

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

I finally found em and bought TWO!

[@mewhoelse3554]

Otter beats them both. Thanks for the vid.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

You bet! I've seen a nice Otter or two out on the ice!

[@sawyermierau]

I’m trying to buy a tent what is better on the otter compared to eskimo

[@rachaelpino6914]

Hey, this question is going to seem really odd...buuuut, is the clam big enough to fit a massage table?

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

😂 Yep! No problem… we fit several cots in there for ice camping… it’ll fit a massage table easy.

[@michaeldeclerk5663]

I made an attachment at work for mine before I found out the make an attachment

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

I was thinking about doing that too but we just used lag bolts and a 7/16 drive the first season. I have the attachment now and it works well.

[@ecohunter]

Does one retain heat better than the other? Or warm up quicker than the other?

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Hard to say. The Eskimo seems to have a little thicker material… and we prefer to sleep in that one. But can’t say so definitively.

[@georgecollins7860]

How do they hold up with a snow load while camping. I have an Outbreak 450 and my brother has a Clam similar your yours, maybe a tiny bit smaller. Mine held up great, his roof collapsed a couple times throughout the night. Same storm, right next to each other. But I'm looking at the 850 now and wondering about roof load capacity..

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

You know, haven’t had a ton of snow on these. If it gets too heavy and wet, sticky, they can collapse. It’s happened to my hunting blinds which are pretty similar design - actually owned by the same parent company as Eskimo. These are more durable than my hunting blinds - at least the Eskimo is, so I’d expect they wouldn’t perform worse. Roof collapse is one thing.. it’s not a big deal so long as you catch it, and clean it off. If you leave it unattended and the snow continues to build, and the wind picks up - that’s when they can be damaged.

[@davidhoyt9654]

Good review

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful.

[@precisionanglingYT]

I love my Eskimo 650XD. I’ll never have a shelter that doesn’t have the full walkthrough door.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

That full walk in door is REALLY nice!

[@rarityd]

Thx for the review guys. Do you think these would survive the whole NW winter being left out in the environment?

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

They are tough, the Eskimo maybe a little more so, but I don't know if I'd want to leave them out all winter. I'd probably leave them out for a week at a time or so, they can take some high winds and stuff, I just think with anything fabric like this - I'm thinking about my hunting blinds, the constant sun and elements takes a toll after a while.

[@thomasperry313]

I'm wondering if the X600 is more comparable to that particular Eskimo?

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

It is. They’re very similar. I don’t think the X600 was out then or at least we hadn’t seen it when we did this video. But those two are very similar from what I have seen now.

[@thomasperry313]

@@TheNorthwoodsFamily I'm leaning towards the x600. Not 100% yet. I appreciated your review! Cheers!

[@danlevecque7203]

You should be using the x series of Clam hub shelters for comparison. Much higher quality and price comparable.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

I’ve heard good things about the Clam. Looks very similar in construction to the Eskimo so it would be cool to see them side by side.

[@matthewmcnulty698]

Where are. You guys out of

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

SW Wisconsin

[@matthewmcnulty698]

@@TheNorthwoodsFamily awesome

[@matthewmcnulty698]

@TheNorthwoodsFamily I am in south eastern wi

[@reidsimonson]

Biggest problem I see with Clam is the small and minimal windows, and windows don't open. The nicest part is how tall they are. All things being equal turns out the best ice shack of 2022 was the Eskimo 650XD. This season however otter now has the full doors so they are back in the game for being the best.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Yeah both have trade offs! Being tall, I like the Clam cause I can stand up. I was looking at one of the Otters... looks really nice!

[@howtogetoutofbabylon8978]

@@TheNorthwoodsFamily I want the Otter Vortex Pro Resort! Hexagonal so busy for high winds, and smallest sides of all their Vortex lineup, so best to shed wind.

[@rubengors8618]

I’m 5,4 and go fishing by my self, how hard do you think it will be to set up the clam by my self

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Jeez. Hard to say sorry I’ve always been tall! I think you’ll be able to pop out the sides fine first, But going inside and popping up the ceiling may be tough. That said, if it’s too tall, using a rod box or tip up to extend your reach a little would probably do the trick. Just need to get the ceiling up high enough for it to pop up. Then take down shouldn’t be too hard.

[@acmund]

Eskimo customer service is second to none!

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Yes indeed!

[@TonyKGent]

The outbreak 650 is probably a closer replica to the clam, in shape etc for a more apples to apples comparison

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Good to know thanks. I’m considering picking up one smaller shelter for when it’s just me or me and one kid so I will look at the Clam too

[@Lilmickcrocodiledundee0001]

Eskimo all the way. I'm 6'3 , I'll deal with bending over for more area LoL. Great vid excellent break down of the two with footage of it in use. Hope all is well and stay blessed and tight lines from Wisconsin

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Thanks! Got a trip planned with some friends coming up and the Eskimo is getting picked for this one, will need the bigger space. That’s why we bring chairs anyways! Cheers 🍻

[@sylvainlaurence1554]

Otter monster lodge is crazy 👑👑👑

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

That’s what people are saying. I haven’t checked it out yet in the store. We don’t have an ice fishing sponsor so if you know someone over at Otter who wants to send one our way… 🤷‍♂️ 😆

[@leed1245]

Zipper wax. It’s so silly but it works. Use zipper wax. 🧐

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Thanks for the tip!

[@caseyobrien1133]

Different activities

[@stevethompson1488]

right about the zippers We been screaming at the manufacturers for years to make a better zipper, You do Not know the hell I have been through because of broken zippers, opossums and raccoons coming In while sleeping eating Mine and the Dog and Cat food one I thought was rabid and letting Cats out Not to mention letting In the cold I would gladly pay a extra 25 dollars for better zippers.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Raccoons and opossums 😂 I’ve had nice hunting jackets, bibs, sleeping bags all go early because of cheap zippers. Drives me nuts!

[@WmFiske]

So when will Eskimo use your family in their marketing ads? You’re all decked out in Eskimo gear. Now you need Eskimo vinyl wrap for the General.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

😆 they make really nice stuff!! Those bibs are awesome. Warm, waterproof and they help you float if you go through the ice. I think I’m gonna snag a coat for next year too.

[@levilindamood7125]

I believe otter to be better than both

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Otter makes some really nice stuff. I’ve been looking at one of their flip-overs for when I’m solo or just me and one of the kids.

[@dillondiemert4401]

That is a tie off for an awning outside the entrance.

[@TheNorthwoodsFamily]

Ahhh! Makes sense. Thanks!