This project actually started in the Winter of 2021-2022 when Mike and I both purchased insulated pop up ice shelters to convert into hot tents for ice fishing and possibly overnight stays. The Eskimo 650XD is a five sided (plus the door) insulated shelter with 94 square feet of floor space.

These shelters are easy to set up, remove from bag, spread out and start popping out wall sections, the 650xd has five sides plus the door. The roof is last to go up, you open the door and pop it up from inside.

Next install the ice pegs to secure the shelter in place.

This Woods ice peg drill adaptor is a life saver for installing these quickly and with no effort at all.

To make this a hot tent, I had a stove jack custom made to replace one of the windows, it also is held in with Velcro so the stove can be positioned anywhere inside or removed if needed. The stove jack is a fire & heat proof material.

A fireproof welding blanket is draped behind the stove to protect the shelter material from the heat. It works great, the blanket gets warm but shelter wall stays perfectly cool.

Eight windows and a light grey interior keep the shelter nice and bright!

Inside we have plenty of room for the stove, table, gear and a couple chairs, more can be fit with ease.

The Eskimo 650xd is a very well built unit. The walk through door is a bonus as there is no trip hazard as is the case with most of these shelters. Inside there is lots of head room and floor space for any kind of activity!

Cheers, Mark