Windbreaks

• Windbreaks are the most basic, and subsequently inexpensive, forms of ice fishing shelters available. Windbreaks, which are designed for one person, usually feature a seat, as well as two or three vinyl walls for protection from the wind. One of the benefits of windbreaks is that they are lightweight and are easily transported into remote areas. On the other hand, windbreaks do not have a ceiling, so these shelters leave ice fishers exposed to snow or rain.
  
  

Collapsible

• Another style of shelter is the collapsible shelter. This is a convenient shelter because it protects up to two ice fishers from all the elements and includes overhead cover. A collapsible shelter resembles a camping tent and has a fabric floor, which makes it easy to transport the shelters to remote locations. One convenience of these shelters is that the floor has precut holes so that it is easy to begin fishing. A disadvantage, however, is that they are difficult to set up in high winds.
  
  

Flip-Over

• A flip-over shelter is a perfect choice for an avid ice fisher. This style of shelter features a sled base, and once an ice fisher is ready to begin, he can sit on the sled and pull the poles, so that the tent forms around him. Flip-over shelters come in a variety of models, from one-person to four-person shelters. One of the benefits of a flip-over shelter is that it is easily and quickly assembled. However, these shelters are heavier and can be more difficult to transport from place to place.
  
  

Cabin Style

• A cabin-style shelter is the closest a shelter can get to being an ice fishing house. These shelters are built on a hard-sled base and can accommodate up to five ice fishers. Cabin-style shelters are folded in half, and the tent pops up once it is unfolded. These shelters are designed to be roomier than the others, but they are more difficult to transport. One major benefit of cabin-style shelters is the headroom, which allows fishermen to stand up inside the shelter. In addition, the full-sized floors allow people to keep their feet elevated and off the ice.