OTTER VORTEX PRO LODGE - Unboxing & Review

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

UPDATE: There is a small plastic support wire around the large door frame which has broke/come unattached and pierced through the fabric. I have reached out to Customer Service and will update when I hear back. UPDATE: Feb 1st, 2022 - Unfortunately Otter never replied to me. I ended up returning this ice shelter.

[@adrianl9366]

Do you have any photos of the support wire issue? Also did you have any other problems? I just bought the Otter Vortex Pro Resort on the weekend and now reading all the problems with the Pro Lodge and wondering if I should just return it to save myself the hassle. Not sure if they fixed all these issues with the Pro Resort.

[@howtogetoutofbabylon8978]

@@adrianl9366 In my well researched opinion Otter is one of the best Shelters out there, along with Eskimo and Clam. I do have a question are the zippers YKK what number are they? I'm assuming they're YKK but I want to know for sure I don't see any pictures anywhere. The only company I found that is very proud of their zippers, -the fact that they use heavy duty YKK zippers is Eskimo of course they have a lot of shelters, I understand. but I still don't like them as much as I like Clam and Otter but I want to know if they use YKK zippers; thank you very much I appreciate it.

[@Maritime2020Outdoors]

Did you end up getting the same one, or go a different route? I just purchased this one as well. It was between this Lodge PRO and the CLAM 400X. I chose this based on the door. I know there was some pretty poor reviews but decided on it anyways.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

@@Maritime2020Outdoors I went with the Otter Vortex Cabin after the experience I had with the door

[@jeffdicks]

@@ActuallyAndrewFishing How do you find the cabin? I'm going to pick up one this week. I was originally looking at the Pro Lodge for all the extra space, but I think it might actually be just a little too big for how I fish. I am concerned about the size and weight of the Lodge since 99% of the time I'm on foot and I'm dragging a lot of gear already. The lighter and smaller Cabin just seems to make more sense to me now

[@tackleboxtonyy]

i love otters. so well designed and top of the line quality. truly blown away by the vortex series and really glad you picked one up. can’t wait to get the cabin this year.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Im liking it so far. GREAT quality.

[@tackleboxtonyy]

@@ActuallyAndrewFishing this didn’t age well lol

[@taylord9772]

Picked mine up today after seeing this review, took it out today it’s great, it was -26 and stayed warm with a little buddy heater. Best part is it fits easily back into the back when your hands are fozen…. Game changer

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

It's a great shack! Can be heavy for shorter sessions, but for full day trips / overnighters it's a home run.

[@truenorthangler]

Very nice product. I see you’re excited about the ice fishing season. Hopefully we get to go out at least once this year on the ice.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Oh we will my friend.

[@rafaelsakarya]

Haha, bought the same one! Should be coming in this week. I thought they were miss-priced at 599 on the site. Only an extra 50 from the vortex lodge for more square footage and the thermal fabric. Called a couple places and seemed like its going for more elsewhere. Excited for more space and heat retention (hopefully) this winter!

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Thats awesome! Yeah funny enough I noticed them too more expensive and sold out everywhere else.

[@thepineshack3451]

Looks super easy to assemble and good quality too!

[@hyoutdoors7054]

I put my ceremonial single peg in before popping mine up last time and the wind flipped her right over on me. Really lucky I didn't skip the peg.

[@hyoutdoors7054]

Kinda wish I went with this vs the cabin. Cabin nice for bad weather though. Small easy to heat, easy to handle in some wind.

[@TTangOutdoors]

This shelter is exactly what I'm looking for! About the same size as Eskimo 450XD but cheaper and in stock at Cabelas! Waiting to see if it goes on sale. Gonna be a great upgrade from my Eskimo fatfish 949. Great video thank you sir! Subscribed😁

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Awesome! I’ve never used an Eskimo. Thanks for joining the channel!

[@deafscotty6246]

Bought it same as your few week.ago. excalty what you said plus easier for elderly and kids to enter and exit. Definitely wider and taller door than breakout 450.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Great point, I didn't think about that either. the last place you want an injury is out on the ice

[@deafscotty6246]

@@ActuallyAndrewFishing updated.. 80% of customers tent have metal hub ceiling are bend.. only required to reweld to make it stronger... It is easy fix.. they will definitely make hub stronger next year...

[@victoreiriksson6165]

Never mind see you returned it

[@BillMikesAnglingAdventures]

sweet shelter - hopefully it wont be long til your out on ice

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Thanks buddy! Hope you have an awesome trout season and looking forward to do a little fishing with you one day. Cheers

[@dcrogers59]

Great review. Thanks for doing this. So are you still happy with it or do you have some issues?

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

I had many issues with it and ended up returning it. I contacted customer service and never got a response.

[@DonaldRogersBaldEagle]

So is there a better unit that you would recommend at this point?

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

@@DonaldRogersBaldEagle I switched to the Otter Vortex Cabin. It's smaller but I haven't had issues. I have also been exploring Eskimo products. I believe their builds are better.

[@howtogetoutofbabylon8978]

Question: In my well researched opinion Otter is one of the best Shelters out there, along with Eskimo and Clam. I do have a question are the zippers YKK what number are they? I'm assuming they're YKK but I want to know for sure I don't see any pictures anywhere. The only company I found that is very proud of their zippers, -the fact that they use heavy duty YKK zippers is Eskimo of course they have a lot of shelters I understand. but I still don't like them as much as I like Clam and Otter but I want to know if they use YKK zippers; thank you very much I appreciate it.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

I'll have a look and let you know

[@markcrew3696]

It's funny how people think I'm on the opposite spectrum I don't like the door that zips all the way down to the floor cuz it lets in bugs and ants because the way I'm using my Lodge is for different purposes thank you for the review

[@howtogetoutofbabylon8978]

Four Season Shelter!!! Right on. if it's good enough for to keep you warm in the winter it's good enough to keep you cool in the summer. I invented a subsurface heating system port it's good to go to fire hole rocket stove kit sleeping warm ground keep the thing extremely warm in the winter time no matter how cold it is outside it's a better Hut you got the better off you are I'm going to get the Otter Vortex Pro Resort. It is six-sided basically it's closed to round as you can get so it'll be best for shearing wind. The sides are shorter than the lodge by a long ways and even shorter than on the cabin only 69 and 1/2 in so it's the most wind resistant and biggest and heaviest of those three am I going to count the monster Lodge cuz that's just a monstrosity for year-round camping I think that that's the way to go the other Vortex Pro Resort with an inground heating system. I I'm working on getting it patented I need to come up with a name for it; Earthen Rocket Thermal Mass Heater System?

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

More Ice Fishing Videos Here: kzbin.info/aero/PLDfKOW9sw7CKah5JsJaEry5UHNVYY1S8x

[@gunterromeo8979]

Great video , just bought one of those

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Smart getting it early. I feel like stock is going to be sold out early.

[@fishingthebackcountry]

Great review you sold me on it for sure!

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Hey how has yours been? After using it a few times I had some issues with it and so did a friend. I ended up returning mine and hope they improve the issues with the second generation version.

[@fishingthebackcountry]

So top door pole is way to short.... I understand they stretch but i have owned other brands..... It wont stretch that much. The wire that gives to door rigidity has also poked through and requires repair. It is a great hut for the price but it should last more than 4 outings!!!!

[@mikemillar6733]

Great video! I am looking at the same hut, and was glad to be able to watch a walkthrough before making my decision to purchase. I wonder if having the walk-through door affects how it pops up, more than the tradition 4 sided square hubs? Is it any more awkward to pop out the walls?

[@differentfins]

Doesnt look very awkward in the video. As long as the zipper is secured before and after setup it should be very similar to a traditional 4 sided pop up

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

As Joe mentioned below, it really isn't any harder. I got it up in less than a minute and that was my first time ever setting it up, so I will only get faster with it the more I use it.

[@brockmantha3989]

I think viewers should be aware, while the bag yes is easy to repack and the reinforced bottom is nice. Straps are terrible quality and will likely tear after lifting (most Ice hut bags have this issues). First time popping my otter vortex thermal pro the centre hub with the 5 poles broke (I don’t know if I was sold a used one that was broke, but the metal seems very weak), I’ve now since read that it his problem has been happening to others with this hut. Mine was always missing fasteners for the storage nets inside, stitching around the hut was also quite poor in some places, looks like they resewed a couple spots that needed fixing during production. I’m waiting to hear from otter about fixing, but this hut was 2 days old and popped out of the box with these issues, They need to work on their quality control.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

I have heard of similar issues too and have pinned a comment above after returning mine. Hopefully the next generation will have a better design.

[@robertanderson7178]

great video

[@jamiesmith8491]

Do you think it is large enough to accommodate two cots? Would like to do some ice camping, but don't want to be too cramped.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Yes, i think with some smart organizing you could fit 2 cots in it especially if you kept some gear outside. I wouldn't want to put too much stuff in there with 2 cots just to keep things accessible

[@RawRawly]

Andrew, which one do you think has more overall room for fishing? The old frabill or the new otter? My buddy and I always go out in a quick fish 3i we were thinking of upgrading to that double frabill for more room. I do like the idea of that full door though, thing of beauty.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

On paper it shows that the Otter is larger, but because of the layout I actually think the Frabill has more fishable space. Its lighter also. The deal breaker for me was this one was thermal, so much easier to heat, and that door is in a class of its own. Also consider that the Frabill is almost half the price. I still plan to use it on days that aren't super cold and I think you will be happy it if you go that route.

[@RawRawly]

@@ActuallyAndrewFishing thanks for the reply buddy, we will probably go the frabill route !

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

@@RawRawly you won’t be disappointed!

[@precisionanglingYT]

Good review!! Trying to find on of these or the Eskimo 450xd, or 650xd!

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Lots out there! Where are you located?

[@jimdent351]

Do you still like this hut. I really wanted the normal lodge tent but I left it too late in the year to get. The only one available now is the Pro version. That large door bothers me and seems like it weakens the tent. What are your thoughts? Thanks.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

What is your hesitation with the door? To me that’s a strength, my sled slides right in and I can unpack and set everything up without worrying about my gear getting wet or snowed on outside which I never would’ve been able to do before. Also the door allows me to use this as a tent in the warmer months camping with the family, or for carp fishing. The huts been good the two times I’ve taken it out. Up to 35 km hour winds and it’s been great. I haven’t been putting the reinforcement poles in and I’ve had no issues. It’s on the heavier side however.

[@differentfins]

Looks like you are well set up! Hopefully no body crashes into it while you are fishing lol. It is crazy similar to mine. My shelter is a Cabelas brand so probably a carbon copy of the Otter. That's what Bass Pro and Cabelas does. All their products are copied designs.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Does yours have that same style quick exit door?

[@differentfins]

@@ActuallyAndrewFishing nah it doesnt, mine is a couple years old now, new Cabelas ones will probably have that for sure. Like I said they copy designs. But the hubs, overall shape, vents, windows, mesh basket, anchors, etc... all identical. Mine also doesnt have the built in rod holders. Must be fairly new add-on.

[@alvinyang1709]

Was going to get the Eskimo outbreak 450xd but I hate their bag

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

What I like is that this bag is oversized so its pretty easy to get it back in

[@victoreiriksson6165]

How’s this otter held up since you did the video?

[@irvingdog01]

Hi Andrew. Do you think 2 men (admittedly father and 21 year old son, so, not weirded out by being to close) could fit a could cots inside this and do overnights?

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

I think you could. It would be very snug and you would need to be creative to store the rest of your equipment

[@zacharythomas15]

Awesome video

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Thanks Zach. I am curious did you find it through search or were you already subscribed?

[@ryanh1838]

Is this shelter big enough inside for two cots and some gear if we wanted to stay in it over night?

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Yes it would be

[@NathanKCutler]

Nice review, thats a great looking bivvy! 👌 Hope the wrist is alright, by the looks of it you've been reeling in too many big carp.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

What I failed to mention was that the doorway is also perfect to run to a bite alarm that sounding off too! Definitely multi purpose. I wish I hurt my wrist fishing. LOL, sadly it was home reno related.

[@djomegaminus]

How does it do in the rain? I have a clam insulated hub and if even a dusting of light snow touches it the snow melts and soaks through the fabric and seams which then attracts moisture on the inside and within a little while the entire walls are soaked and therefore cold. Ruined a couple fishing trips. Looking to upgrade and get rid of my POS Clam.

[@djomegaminus]

good video BTW.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Hey, I shot this review in the rain and it did fine. It was in the rain for at least an hour and the inside remained dry. I did realize after I noticed some rain come in through one of the windows, but that was because I didn't have it properly fastened to the velcro. I'll know more later in the season though.

[@djomegaminus]

@@ActuallyAndrewFishing thanks for the reply and the review!!

[@gustawuciekinier4094]

try to spread it yourself on the ice yourself if there is a little wind I wish you good luck

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

There are some things you can do to set it up in the wind, like pegging one corner, the corner facing the wind. Not easy but doable.

[@phillipjacobson4457]

I am curious to know how camping in this in summer is?

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

I haven't tried yet but plan to.

[@dhhdhejrkekrjfhddhjdjdjdjd5580]

How hard is it to set up and would it be super hard to set up in wind

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Super easy to set up. Also setting up in the wind would be tricky but very doable. Start by pegging the corner facing the wind first and before you actually pop it up. Once You peg that first corner you should be fine providing you took your time.

[@grahamhall3165]

Can you buy a floor for general camping in it ???

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

i bet you could use a simple ground sheet

[@DuddyTales]

Im looking at this house or the Eskimo... Any thoughts??

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Sorry, I wouldn't know, I've never used an Eskimo.

[@DuddyTales]

@@ActuallyAndrewFishing would you buy that otter again ?

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

@@DuddyTales ​ @Dustin Yager I have yet to bring it on the ice since we are still waiting for safe ice here, but from everything /I have seen setting it up at home I am very happy with it and would purchase it again

[@FrenchLeprechaun99]

Fk me, thanks to you now I'm gonna have to buy this awesome shelter hahaha that door is awesome! It's $50 off on cabelas right now :)

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Lol. I saw that too. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

[@Erieeyes]

Love my otter pop up wish they put a window in roof

[@martysmith8191]

After a few months of use, how is it holding up, and could you do an update and review, please?????

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Not so good! Check out my comment. I can try and fill an update.

[@ufopulse]

does it have a port for a wood stove??

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

No it doesn't

[@patrickhawkinson8399]

Just don't get why they made those door supports orange. Should have made em black to blend with the rest of the frame.

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

Yeah, good point. It feels like every few years they change their colour scheme. Maybe this is them getting ready to add more orange to their brand in the up coming years.

[@patrickshand69]

I bought this for the rod holders lol

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

How do you like it? I ended up returning mine.

[@jasony724]

I wish everyone who does hub videos actually show something useful!🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️. Like setting up chairs, gears, cot or whatever and have people sit inside to show the inside room!

[@ActuallyAndrewFishing]

It's as simple as making a suggestion and communicating it... no need to get frustrated!