Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated Review

First Impressions of Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated

The Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated is not just another ice fishing shelter; it’s a portable, insulated fortress designed to extend your time on the ice, battling the elements in relative comfort. Manufactured by Eskimo, a trusted name in ice fishing gear, the Outbreak 850XD boasts a unique “No Trip” door, spacious interior, and robust insulation, all features that immediately caught my eye. As someone who’s spent countless hours on frozen lakes, battling wind, snow, and sub-zero temperatures, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can improve the overall experience.

My quest for the perfect ice shelter started with the simple need for more comfortable and extended fishing sessions. I was tired of flimsy shelters that couldn’t withstand strong winds or retain heat effectively. The promises of the Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated – particularly its insulation and the innovative door design – seemed to address these issues head-on.

The unboxing experience was positive. The shelter, despite its size when deployed, packs down relatively compactly. The materials felt durable, and the stitching appeared solid. The weight, while noticeable, felt reasonable for an insulated shelter of this size.

Compared to my old, non-insulated shelter and a friend’s smaller pop-up, the Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated clearly offered a superior blend of space, insulation, and ease of access. While the pop-up was lighter, it lacked insulation and felt cramped, and my old shelter was simply outdated. I was excited to put the Eskimo to the test and see if it lived up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated was on a notoriously windy lake known for its stubborn perch population. The conditions were challenging: a steady 15-20 mph wind, temperatures hovering around 15°F, and a light dusting of snow. Setting up the shelter was surprisingly easy. The hub design allowed for quick deployment, even with gloved hands.

Inside, the difference was immediately noticeable. The StormShield insulated fabric blocked the wind effectively, and the interior temperature quickly climbed with a small propane heater. The “No Trip” door was a game-changer, making entry and exit with gear effortless. I didn’t experience any issues with tripping over a traditional door flap.

The only minor issue I encountered was staking down the shelter in the strong wind. The provided ice anchors worked well, but I wished they were slightly longer for added security in softer ice.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated has proven to be a reliable and durable companion on the ice. It has weathered several storms, countless fishing trips, and the occasional accidental bump. The fabric has held up well, showing no signs of tearing or excessive wear.

Maintenance is simple: just wipe down the interior and exterior after each use to remove any ice or dirt. I’ve also been careful to store it in a dry place to prevent mold or mildew growth. The durable hub design has held up without any issues.

Compared to my previous shelters, the Eskimo is a significant upgrade. The insulation makes a world of difference in comfort, and the overall build quality inspires confidence. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and durability, making my time on the ice far more enjoyable.

Breaking Down the Features of Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated

Specifications

• The Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated boasts a spacious 114 square feet of fishable area, thanks to its flared, wide-bottom panels. This provides ample room for multiple anglers and their gear.
• Its construction features StormShield insulated fabric, a three-layer bonded material with 80g of high-loft insulation. This creates a robust barrier against the elements.
• The shelter weighs in at 68 lbs, a reasonable weight for an insulated shelter of this size. This is important for portability, especially when traversing long distances on the ice.
• The hub design utilizes an all-metal ball and socket design with thick fiberglass poles. This ensures strength and durability in windy conditions.
• It features a unique “No Trip” door panel that zips open from ice level. This eliminates the traditional trip hazard.
• The Eskimo’s dimensions when set up are approximately 60 inches in height, 15 mm in length, and 14.5 inches in width. Ensuring enough headroom to fish comfortably.
• The interior is a gray color, designed to brighten the interior without absorbing too much light. This also helps with sight fishing when the windows are closed.

Performance & Functionality

The Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated excels at its primary function: providing a warm and protected environment for ice fishing. The insulation effectively blocks wind and retains heat. The spacious interior allows for comfortable fishing with multiple anglers.

The “No Trip” door is a brilliant design that significantly improves accessibility. The durable hub design ensures stability in windy conditions. While the shelter is not entirely windproof, it provides a significant improvement over non-insulated options.

Design & Ergonomics

The Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated is well-designed and thoughtfully laid out. The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and solid construction. The gray interior is a welcome change from the dark interiors of some shelters, providing better visibility.

The shelter is relatively easy to set up and take down, even with gloved hands. The large windows provide ample natural light and visibility. The Eskimo strikes a good balance between portability and spaciousness.

Durability & Maintenance

The Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated is built to last. The StormShield fabric is tough and resistant to tearing. The all-metal hub design is robust and reliable.

Maintenance is straightforward: simply wipe down the interior and exterior after each use. Proper storage in a dry place will help prevent mold and mildew. With proper care, this shelter should provide many years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated comes with deluxe cam strap tie-downs and self-tapping ice anchors. These are essential for securing the shelter in windy conditions. The shelter also features window flap retaining strips to hold window covers in place.

While the shelter itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, you can easily add accessories like lights, seating, and tackle storage to personalize your fishing experience. Many anglers also add after-market heavier duty ice anchors for peace of mind.

Pros and Cons of Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated

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Who Should Buy Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated?

The Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated is perfect for serious ice anglers who prioritize comfort, warmth, and spaciousness. It’s ideal for those who fish in harsh winter conditions or with multiple people. The “No Trip” door makes it a great choice for anglers with mobility issues.

This product is not for those who prioritize ultra-lightweight portability above all else, or who only fish occasionally in mild conditions. The price point may also be a barrier for casual anglers.

A must-have accessory is a reliable propane heater to maximize the benefits of the insulation. A comfortable chair or seating system is also recommended.

Conclusion on Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated

The Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated is an investment in comfort, convenience, and extended fishing time. Its superior insulation, spacious interior, and innovative “No Trip” door set it apart from the competition. While the price is higher than non-insulated options, the benefits are well worth the cost for serious ice anglers.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Eskimo Ice Shelter Outbreak 850Xd Insulated to anyone looking to upgrade their ice fishing experience. Don’t let the cold keep you off the ice; invest in the Eskimo and enjoy longer, more comfortable fishing trips all winter long. Get yours today and experience the difference!