Winter cube tent is one of the most popular components of modern equipment for winter fishing. Manufacturers of tents offer various shelter designs, but it is the cube tent design that has deservedly gained immense popularity among fishermen in the segment of winter fishing tents.
The popularity of winter cube tents is primarily explained by the high ergonomics of their internal space, since this design, with a comfortable 4-corner bottom shape and convex sides to the sides, provides optimal comfort during winter fishing. At the same time, the design of the cube tent is quick and easy to install, and this is one of the most important characteristics for a winter tent . Due to the symmetrically arranged convex side walls, each of which essentially has its own frame, cube tents are characterized by high wind resistance. But in addition to the advantages, the design of cube tents also has its disadvantages, the main of which are: large dimensions when folded, quite heavy weight, as well as relatively low rates of streamlining, heat saving and water resistance (when compared with cone-shaped umbrella structures).
The Lotos company offers technical solutions that make it possible to smooth out the identified disadvantages of the cube tent design. Let's consider these solutions using the example of the flagship model LOTOS Cube 4 Compact Thermo
, presented as a warm and fully waterproofed shelter.
Folded size of a cube winter tent
Model LOTUS Cube 4 Compact Thermo
has the shape of an elongated cube, which when opened forms a rectangular room with dimensions of 260 x 210 cm and a height of 188 cm that is rational for use.
A classic insulated cube tent with such external geometric dimensions, when assembled into a transport position, will have a length dimension of about 170 cm. The proposed patented solution from Lotus is the “compact system”, which has no analogues in the world and provides the size of the tent in question the length in transport form is only 115 cm! This compactness is achieved through the use of a “flexible fixed unit” installed on the long arches of the frame. The assembled tent is packed into a compression bag-backpack equipped with tightening straps that allow you to compress the tent up to 30 cm in diameter, which, together with the “compact system,” ensures the highest compactness in this category of insulated winter cube tents.
Streamlining of the cube tent (aerodynamics)
Winter tent LOTUS Cube 4 Compact Thermo
designed with inclined side walls in its upper part, which improves the streamlining and aerodynamic characteristics of the shelter. The streamlining of the walls reduces the airflow of the material from which the tent is made, which has a positive effect on the heat-saving of the shelter, and improved aerodynamic characteristics can significantly increase its wind resistance.
The inclination of the side walls is achieved due to the design features of the tent frame. The frame of each wall is made in the shape of a trapezoid, tapering at its upper part. The walls connected to each other by a single awning form a slope, thereby increasing the stability of the structure as a whole.
Heat-saving winter cube tent
The classic design of a cube winter tent, the side walls of which are located vertically, has a significant loss of heat savings due to the huge and unused space in its upper part (under the dome). Design of the LOTUS Cube 4 Compact Thermo
, with a narrowed upper part, can significantly reduce heat loss due to the smaller space under the dome, while warm air is more distributed in the lower part of the room in which the users are located.
In addition to its effective heat-saving form, the winter tent LOTUS Cube 4 Compact Thermo
is equipped with a unique thermal insulation awning (patented), consisting of three layers with continuous air gaps over the entire surface area of the awning parts, which significantly exceeds the relative level of thermal insulation of traditional three-layer awnings with “thermal stitching”, in which the effective area of the air gap between the layers is significantly reduced due to for the numerous adhesions that hold the layers of the awning together and serve as effective “cold bridges”. The structural elements of the heat-insulating awning (door zippers, window and ventilation openings, bottom fastening system) are made with an increased level of tightness, due to which the winter cube tent becomes practically windproof.
For example, door zippers are equipped with protective insulated strips with Velcro. In this case, the slats are placed on both sides of the awning, outside and inside. The strips reliably cover the door zipper, protecting it from wind blowing and frostbite.
The best tents for winter fishing under 5,000 rubles
The low cost of the products is explained by the inexpensive frame materials (most often plastic and fiberglass) and the low degree of moisture resistance of the awning - no more than 2000 mm. Such shelters will not save you from heavy rainfall and stormy winds, and additional elements are not included in the package of a budget tent. But fishing in open, windy reservoirs with slight frost or light rain will be as comfortable as possible.
Condor WDT1515K5
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
98%
buyers recommend this product
A very popular automatic model among fishermen from a well-established Chinese manufacturer. The product automatically unfolds in 15 seconds into a spacious tent 1.5x1.5 m at the base and 1.5 m high, which allows the fisherman to sit freely inside on a chair or fishing box.
The durable frame is made of 2 mm thick metal plates, covered with Rip Stop nylon, adapted to low temperatures, with silicone impregnation. The shelter has a bottom with an unzipable window for a hole that keeps other things warm and dry.
Pros:
- Easy to fold and disassemble;
- Comes with a convenient backpack with straps for carrying on the back or shoulder;
- Sturdy metal frame;
- Convenient two-way zipper at the entrance;
- Lightweight and compact when folded.
Minuses:
- Screwdrivers for fastenings must be purchased separately.
A fairly high-quality budget option for both beginners and experienced winter fishermen. To ensure that the tent lasts for many years, the manufacturer recommends drying it thoroughly after fishing.
Helios Delta yellow
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
A light and comfortable tent from a Siberian company with an unusual gable shape has a height of 1.8 m and a base length of 1.6 m. The two sides have a convex cube shape, so 2 people can easily fit inside. The stable fiberglass frame in the corners is additionally reinforced with special webbing pockets and fabric inserts.
The awning is made of durable Oxford 240D PU 2000 polyester and has loops on the roof and sides to secure guy ropes that prevent the product from sailing during strong gusts of wind. To create a comfortable microclimate inside, the model is equipped with a ventilation hole. Light weight (3.2 kg) and a convenient case with backpack straps allow you to easily carry the shelter.
Pros:
- Rigid frame with frost-resistant metal arch connections;
- Ventilation with external protection from snow and rain;
- Transparent window with light-proof curtains;
- Wide snow/windproof skirt with eyelets for stretch marks;
- Equipped with six screws and two guy wires;
- Light weight and compact dimensions when folded.
Minuses:
- The screws are of low quality (scroll).
The tent is quite spacious due to its two cubic walls. The bright yellow color of the awning creates a good mood and warms you up in the sun.
Elite 2 stack
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
A comfortable and warm two-person tent from a Russian manufacturer will reliably shelter a fisherman from bad weather and keep him warm even in the bitter Ural frosts. The three-layer fabric of the awning forms an air cushion and provides comfortable conditions for ice fishing. A quick-dismounting semi-automatic umbrella-type frame, consisting of durable aluminum-duralumin rods, covered with windproof Oxford 210 PU 2000 nylon.
The top of the shelter has a breathable canvas insert and is equipped with a ventilation valve, which allows you to safely use any type of heating. The bottom is made of frost-resistant fabric and reinforced with a snow-protective skirt. The height of the product is 1.5 m, the diagonal of the base is 2.2 m.
Pros:
- Windproof hexagonal shape;
- Durable metal frame;
- Ventilation window and entrance with two-way zippers;
- Installs and folds in less than a minute;
- Light weight (5 kg);
- Convenient carrying case.
Minuses:
- No inner bottom;
- "Flimsy" locks.
A pretty decent option for an insulated tent for winter fishing enthusiasts. It’s a bit cramped for two anglers, but one will have room to turn around and even drill a few holes.
Siweida 8611092
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
A spacious and functional tent from a reliable and inexpensive manufacturer from the Middle Kingdom is designed for comfortable accommodation inside two anglers with base dimensions of 2x2 m and a height of 1 m 35 cm. The model has an external frame made of stable fiberglass arches, to which a waterproof and windproof polyester awning in popular colors is attached under camouflage. The product disassembles and folds in less than two minutes and is compactly packaged in a special case with comfortable wide straps.
Pros:
- Wide snow skirt;
- The presence of a ventilation window with a zipper;
- Light weight (just over 2 kg);
- It unfolds quickly and without any problems.
Minuses:
- There is no artificial bottom;
- Weak moisture protection.
An excellent tent for lovers of reliable folding structures. Due to the small moisture resistance of the awning (only 1000 mm), the shelter may not save you from heavy torrential rain, but the durable frame can easily withstand strong gusts of wind.
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Water resistance of winter cube tent
None of the known winter cube tents with an insulated multilayer awning is capable of providing the user and the tent awning material with complete protection from rain. The reason for this is the difficulty of sealing the multi-layer structure of the tent awning. The seams of such an awning, as well as exhaust, door and window openings, even in light rain, immediately absorb moisture, which accumulates between its layers and penetrates into the living space of the tent.
To solve this problem, all winter tents are Lotus Cube Thermo
are equipped with an additional accessory – a waterproof awning (optional). The awning can be easily and quickly installed by one person on a pre-opened tent. The awning is equipped with a system of fastening to the tent dome and the ground, providing the tent shelter with reliable protection from rain, while maintaining high wind resistance of the structure as a whole.
Hydro- and thermal insulation of the bottom of a winter cube tent
Winter tent LOTUS Cube 4 Compact Thermo
is equipped with a unique patented waterproofing system for the bottom and lower perimeter of the walls, which allows you to insulate both the tent floor itself and the lower walls of the insulated awning from getting wet. The tent is installed inside a waterproofing bottom (optional), made in the form of a trough with protective sides 20 cm high. The bottom is attached to the outside of the tent with hinges and is reliably protected from external precipitation by the outer skirt.
Thermal insulation of the bottom of a winter tent is ensured by an insulated floor inserted inside the waterproofing bottom, while the edges of the insulated floor are located on top of the inner skirt of the tent, which eliminates possible blowing along the lower perimeter of the shelter.
When using a winter cube tent for ice fishing, special patented flanges are installed in the waterproofing bottom to form holes for holes. The flanges are equipped with a cast ring rim 5 cm high, which creates a reliable barrier against water flowing out of the hole, which ensures a high level of comfort for users and reliable protection against getting wet for things and equipment placed on the surface of the insulated floor.
The best tents for winter fishing under 10,000 rubles
In the price range from 5 to 10 thousand, shelters with the optimal combination of price and quality are presented. Many domestic manufacturers produce tents that, in terms of technical and consumer characteristics, are not inferior to expensive foreign analogues.
The models are maximally adapted to the conditions of the changeable and harsh weather of the Russian winter: they have a durable composite or metal frame and an awning with good heat and moisture protection. Additional fixation with stretch marks and insulation with snow skirts allows you to fish comfortably even in strong winds.
Mitek Nelma-3 Lux
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Another very reliable and practical winter tent from a Russian manufacturer with quite impressive dimensions (240x280x190 cm). The model on a quick-dismounting umbrella-type duralumin frame with a dense Oxford 300D 2000PU awning can easily accommodate three fishermen.
The shelter is thought out to the smallest detail: stainless steel connections of metal rods, ventilation valves, numerous guy loops for fixing on the ice, an observation window and internal pockets for fishing accessories will make fishing as comfortable as possible. Installation of the product is very simple and takes a few minutes.
Pros:
- Bright, visible colors in the snow with reflective stripes;
- Good capacity;
- Wide door with large double-sided lock;
- The presence of a wide snow skirt;
- Multi-level spacious pockets and ceiling loop for a flashlight;
- Convenient bag-case included;
- Light weight – 5.5 kg.
Minuses:
- The bottom is purchased separately.
Excellent technical characteristics and reasonable price place the model in the top three among similar tents in its price segment. The shelter is recommended for ice fishing in open, windy reservoirs in all weather conditions.
Lotus L3-S12
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
One of the most popular models, combining the advantages of the quick folding of the umbrella mechanism and the stability of the arc frame. The tent is made in a streamlined and heat-saving dome shape with a rigid and durable fiberglass composite frame, the rods of which are almost impossible to break. During assembly, the arcs connected by hinges are folded three times, and the product is compactly placed in a special portable case.
The awning is made of high-tech waterproof Oxford polyester fabric 210D PU 1000 and has 24 external fastenings for fixing guy wires on the arches, walls and along the entire perimeter of the outer and inner skirt. The dimensions of the shelter (2.7x2.5x1.8 m) are designed for three seated fishermen or the free arrangement of one cot.
Pros:
- Light weight - just over 6 kg;
- Wide doorway and spacious hanging shelf;
- The presence of two ventilation valves and one valve for air suction;
- Frost-resistant windows closed with a zipper;
- Wide protective skirts (outer 20 cm, inner 15 cm);
- Pleasant light colors with reflective inserts.
Minuses:
- Internal insulated awning and floor must be purchased separately;
- There are fakes.
The model was designed specifically to take into account the harsh climate of the Russian winter. The tent can withstand not only severe frosts and heavy rainfall, but also the extreme weather conditions of the Urals and Siberia.
Penguin Thermolite 2
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
A reliable and aesthetic tent with a high-quality six-beam frame made of aluminum rod and an insulated three-layer awning (Oxford 240 PU 2000 / padding polyester 80 / Oxford 240 PU 1000) will make fishing comfortable in any weather. Thanks to the umbrella design, the shelter can be installed in a matter of minutes. The spacious dimensions of the model 190x140 cm allow two fishermen to comfortably accommodate.
Ventilation is provided by a zippered window in the upper part of the dome, and wind protection is provided by a wide outer skirt. For additional strong fixation on ice over the entire surface, the product is equipped with loops for stretch marks.
Pros:
- Lifetime manufacturer's warranty on frame;
- Weight is a little more than 5 kg;
- There are many internal pockets;
- Reflective stripes on the outer dome;
- It is possible to order any color;
- Carrying case included.
Minuses:
- There is no water-repellent bottom.
Despite its decent size, the tent can be freely moved when unfolded across a body of water without leaving it. At each new place, the manufacturer recommends securing it with guy wires, even in the absence of wind.
Bear Cube 2
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
A very decent cube tent of excellent quality on a reinforced aluminum alloy frame has dimensions of 180x180x180 cm and is covered with a three-layer insulated awning. The outer layer of the material is made of Oxford 210D PU2000 polyester, the inner layer is made of 190T taffeta thermal stitch on padding polyester, the top is “breathable” Gretta.
The shelter is reliably protected from the blowing of cold air and snow by a protective skirt. The formation of condensation and external crust inside is prevented by ventilation windows with inserts under the heat exchanger pipe.
Pros:
- Simple and quick assembly in a minute;
- Easily fits into a convenient case with a large zipper;
- Light weight (8.2 kg) and compact dimensions when folded;
- Multiple interior pockets for small items and a flashlight loop;
- Dries quickly even when folded.
Minuses:
- Does not include flooring.
The tent can easily accommodate a couple of fishermen with full equipment and several holes each. Despite some natural windage of the shape, the model reliably protects from strong winds and low temperatures. And when using an internal heating system with a heat exchanger or stove, you can fish inside in light clothing.
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Equipment for a winter cube tent
Winter tent LOTUS Cube 4 Compact Thermo
has a professional set of equipment for ice fishing, while the shelter is able to provide reliable protection in extreme weather conditions for a long time. The tent is equipped with an effective ventilation system with supply and exhaust valves, reinforced fastenings for screws and guy ropes, external reflective elements, as well as various organizers for internal use. A universal system for fastening external removable elements in the window openings of the tent (optional) allows you to install in them: a transparent window, a valve for a heat exchanger, a mosquito net, as well as a fireproof valve for installing a wood heating stove.
A professional installation system for a wood heating stove allows you to organize a warm living space with a fairly high level of comfort in a cube insulated winter tent and live in it throughout the winter.
The best tents for winter fishing starting from 10,000 rubles
Shelters that cost more than 10 thousand, as a rule, have excellent technical characteristics and increased comfort for fishermen. If there is heating and sufficient provisions, a whole group of like-minded people can fish in such “houses” for days. These tents can be used all year round.
Lotus 5UT Storm
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
This all-season fishing base with dimensions of 3.2x3.6x2.05, accommodating up to 6 “inhabitants”, is made in the shape of a hexagon. The durable and lightweight frame is made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with steel fasteners for connections. The awning of the model consists of two layers: the outer one is durable and wear-resistant Polyester Oxford 300D WR 10000, the inner one is a high-tech non-woven material made of polyester fiber with a thickness of 2 mm and a density of 200 g/m2.
The inner layer is equipped with a detachable waterproof floor with high sides. A fire-resistant wall with a universal installation system for any camping stove is built into one of the side faces. Air circulation inside the shelter is ensured by three-level ventilation: exhaust valves near the bottom, on the ceiling and side windows prevent the formation of condensation and ice freezing. Each product is equipped with three D-shaped entries to which additional modules can be attached.
Pros:
- Decent capacity;
- Many convenient pockets and shelves;
- Frame and awning resistant to extreme weather conditions (from -50 to +50 °C);
- Two wide anti-snow skirts (internal and external);
- Absolute waterproof;
- Simple opening in less than a minute.
Minuses:
- Serious value.
An excellent model for a large and friendly company of fishermen. The product easily protects from extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds and severe frosts. From several modules you can create a real tent city or use a tent in any season for various purposes (camping, base for hunters/fishermen, shelter with a stove, mobile sauna).
Bullfinch 3T long
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
91%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
An incredibly roomy tent in the shape of an elongated cube measuring 2x2.6x1.9 m will shelter three fishermen from bad weather. The reliable design of a durable glass-composite frame, as well as an insulated two-layer awning made of Oxford 240D PU 1000 polyester and thermal stitches made of synthetic padding polyester 150, can withstand heavy rainfall and gusts of wind. Additionally, the shelter is equipped with two internal snow skirts and ventilation valves for a comfortable microclimate inside. The product folds compactly into a case and fits in the trunk of any car.
Pros:
- The high ceiling “doesn’t put pressure on your head” - you can straighten up to your full height;
- Stands firmly and reliably on ice thanks to its own weight (16.3 kg) and storm ropes;
- Two separate entrances;
- Convenient pockets-compartments for small items;
- Transparent viewing windows;
- One-year warranty on all components.
Minuses:
- Warm waterproof floor and screws for guy wires are purchased separately.
The tent is designed for a friendly group of fishermen. Thanks to a special floor fastening system, in which it forms a single element with the shelter, the model can be moved to another place along with all the equipment inside. The price of the product cannot be called affordable, but it is justified by the high quality of workmanship and the ability to use the tent all year round.
