The Essentials
Insulated Tent
There are many options for insulated ice fishing tents.
This one has windows, which can be covered with insulated flaps that attach with Velcro.
Tent Cover
Small embers that come out of the chimney will melt little holes in the roof of the tent over time.
Also stands up better to rain.
Wood Stove
I’ve tried smaller ones, trust me, you want a stove that is approximately 3000 in³.
I used a pipe cutter to shorten the legs by 8 inches (not necessary, but a lower stove means lower heat).
Silicone Boot
You’ll need one for a 5″ pipe
This is so the chimney doesn’t melt the tent and cover.
Fiberglass Wrap
While the silicone boot is probably enough, I wanted to make sure the chimney it is well insulated exiting the tent.
Total Cost: $675 CAD
The best part is you can pack everything up in 8 minutes and bring it to a friend’s house (or a nearby lake). 😉
Be mindful of any fire bans or smoking out neighbors yards.
Bring small collapsible chairs for easy transport.
Careful not to touch any metal of a chair when it’s up to temperature!
Optional Things
Thermometer
Definitely not the most accurate, or fastest to show the current temperature, but it works (and smells nice).
Stainless Bin
This 4 Gallon Stainless Bin will hold the rocks that help keep water from flash boiling and spraying out.
Use igneous rocks that won’t explode from high temperatures.
Essential oils also recommended.
Cedar Boards
A few 2×4’s and Cedar planks to make a basic bench.
Handyman and various tools required.
Countersink any nails or screws, they get hot.
Cold Plunge ❄️
100 Gallon Stock Tank
The “cold plunge” is a 100 Gallon stock tank I got from a local supply store
I’ve seen these from $150 to $300
Just fill with water and add ice ❄️
For Best Results 🔥
Chop the wood into 2″ to 3″ diameter pieces for a fast warm up and consistent heat output.
Pouring a bottle of water in the “rock bin” when you light the stove will give you a good indication when to “turn down the temperature”:
When you hear the water start to boil, close the vents on the front of the stove, and turn the damper on the chimney from “12 o’clock” to around “10 o’clock”.
Every 10-15 minutes shove more wood in the stove.
If it feels like it is too hot or the chimney is glowing red, shove more wood in the stove (this seems counterintuitive), but it works and will prevent a big swing in temperature.
If you purchased everything above, you should be under $1000 CAD 💸
✌️