First Impressions of Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra
The Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra promises to be a simple yet crucial accessory for any ice angler who values protecting their investment. Ice fishing shelters, especially flip-over models, take a beating during transport; road salt, slush, and snow quickly degrade the fabric and frame. Eskimo, a well-known name in the ice fishing world, aims to mitigate this with a durable, easy-to-use travel cover.
I was initially drawn to the Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra because I needed a reliable solution to shield my new ice shelter from the harsh elements during transport. I’ve seen too many shelters prematurely age due to road grime and constant exposure. This seemed like an affordable way to prolong the life of my gear.
Upon unboxing, the Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra felt surprisingly lightweight, but the 300D fabric seemed reasonably durable. The cam strap tightening system also appeared straightforward and practical. It lacked the heavy-duty feel of some premium covers, but the Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra also comes at a more accessible price point.
Compared to some universal fit covers I’ve considered in the past, the tailored design for Eskimo flip shelters seemed like a significant advantage. Generic covers often lack a snug fit, leading to flapping and potential damage during transit. I picked this one because of that custom fit.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. It seemed like a well-thought-out product that offered a good balance of protection and affordability. I was eager to put it to the test and see how well it held up in real-world ice fishing conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra came during a weekend ice fishing trip to Lake Simcoe, Ontario. The conditions were typical for late January: icy roads, blowing snow, and plenty of slush. I secured the cover onto my Eskimo flip shelter before loading it onto my sled.
The cover performed admirably, repelling road spray and keeping the shelter relatively clean. The cam straps tightened easily, providing a secure fit that minimized flapping even at highway speeds. I did notice a few areas around the sled runners where the cover wasn’t as snug, but overall, it did a solid job of protecting the main body of the shelter.
The ease of use was a pleasant surprise; it took only a few minutes to install and remove the cover. After this first use, it was clear that the cover added a layer of protection against the elements.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using the Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra for several weeks, I’ve developed a better understanding of its strengths and limitations. It continues to do a good job of keeping the shelter clean and dry during transport. The 300D fabric has proven to be reasonably durable, showing no significant signs of wear and tear despite repeated use.
However, I have noticed some minor fraying around the reinforced corners, which suggests that these areas could be more robust. Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. Given that this is a transport cover, I find that to be reasonable.
Compared to my previous experience of not using a cover at all, the Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra is a definite upgrade. It significantly reduces the amount of cleaning required after each trip and gives me peace of mind knowing that my shelter is better protected from the elements. It has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra
Specifications
The Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra is specifically designed for Eskimo flip shelters, providing a tailored fit. It is constructed from durable 300 denier fabric, balancing weight and resistance to the elements. The cover features a cinching cam strap tightening system with an elastic band for a secure fit.
Reinforced wear points are sewn into the corners and other high-stress areas to extend the cover’s lifespan. According to the manufacturer, the cover weighs just 4.5 oz, and has dimensions of 17 mm (Length) x 4 in (Height) x 12 in (Width). The listed weight and dimensions seem inaccurate based on hands-on experience.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the cover’s ability to protect the shelter during transport. The denier of the fabric determines its resistance to abrasion and tearing, while the tightening system ensures a snug fit that minimizes flapping and potential damage.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra is to protect your Eskimo flip shelter from snow, slush, road salt, and other debris during transport. In this regard, it performs its job effectively. It keeps the shelter clean and dry, preventing premature wear and tear.
Its biggest strength is the ease of installation and removal. The cam strap system is simple and efficient, allowing you to quickly secure the cover before hitting the road. The biggest weakness is the lack of a truly snug fit around the sled runners and some of the frame components.
The Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra has exceeded expectations for a cover in this price range. It offers a good balance of protection, ease of use, and affordability.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra is straightforward and functional. The 300D fabric feels relatively durable, and the reinforced wear points add an extra layer of protection. The cam strap system is easy to use, and the elastic band helps to create a snug fit.
The cover is lightweight, making it easy to handle and store when not in use. There is no real learning curve; it’s a simple, intuitive product.
Durability & Maintenance
The Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra is reasonably durable for its price point. The 300D fabric should withstand regular use for several seasons. However, I anticipate that the reinforced corners may eventually require some attention, as they seem to be the most vulnerable areas.
Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. More thorough cleaning can be done with mild soap and water.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra comes with no additional accessories. There are no customization options available.
The cover is designed specifically for Eskimo flip shelters. Compatibility with shelters from other brands is unlikely.
Pros and Cons of Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra
Pros
- Affordable Protection: Offers a cost-effective way to protect your ice shelter during transport.
- Easy to Use: The cam strap tightening system is simple and efficient.
- Durable Fabric: The 300D fabric provides reasonable resistance to the elements.
- Lightweight Design: Easy to handle and store when not in use.
- Tailored Fit: Designed specifically for Eskimo flip shelters.
Cons
- Fraying Corners: The reinforced corners could be more robust.
- Not Fully Snug: Some areas around the sled runners are not as tightly covered.
- Weight/Dimension Discrepancy: Actual weight and dimensions appear inaccurate based on listed specs.
Who Should Buy Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra?
The Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra is perfect for ice anglers who own an Eskimo flip shelter and want a simple, affordable way to protect it during transport. This is especially useful for those who frequently travel on salted roads or in snowy conditions. Budget-conscious buyers will find this an excellent value.
Anglers who require a heavy-duty, custom-fitted cover for extreme conditions should skip this product. Those needing to traverse very rough terrain or requiring exceptionally durable material should look at higher-end options.
There are no must-have accessories or modifications for this product.
Conclusion on Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra
The Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra is a practical and affordable accessory for Eskimo flip shelter owners. It offers a good balance of protection, ease of use, and durability, making it a worthwhile investment for extending the life of your ice fishing shelter. It offers significant value.
The price is definitely justified, considering the protection it provides and the cost of replacing a damaged shelter.
I would personally recommend the Eskimo Travel Cover Sierra to anyone looking for a simple, effective way to protect their Eskimo flip shelter. It’s a small investment that can save you money and hassle in the long run. Protect your investment and make your ice fishing gear last!