I’m looking into overnight camping in my 650XD and this video is super detailed, informative and helpful. Your setup is awesome. Thanks for making this video!
Thank you , definitely one of the best and most detailed videos on overnight camping , I greatly appreciate this video I'm just getting into the ice camping thing as I want to be on the ice and not drive 3 hours 1 way back to back days Again thank you so much
Glad to see that you also use Amped Outdoors Lithium Batteries other than Dakota. Both are great batteries, but dollar for dollar per amp hour, A.O. definitely wins.
Great review of your setup. Very informative and helpful. Based on a previous video of yours, I ordered the remote setup off of Amazon a week ago and I now have remote controlled lights in my ice tent too. Simple, inexpensive upgrade but worthwhile. Thanks.
Awesome detailed video! Love how you thoroughly explained everything. Have a 650XD myself but never have slept in it. May give ice camping a go after watching your video
Hi Mike, I saw in your video one of the most complex presentations of an ice fishing tent. I also have an Otter Vortex Pro Monster Lodge bought this fall, which I am trying to customize for my needs. Really, the best idea is to put the tent in the garage and play with all the accessories I have, to find the most suitable place for them. I'm very close to the first overnight outing and I think the best idea would be to assemble everything at home in the garage. That way I will know exactly what it is about when I get on the ice. Great video, thanks for the presentation. Stay safe on the ice and tight lines.
Yes that’s always good. Nothing is worse then setting up outside on the ice and realize something Doesent work. I hope your overnights go well and stay safe man. Thanks for watching.
Amazing genius level….set it up and configure before you go…and you needed a random person with a cellphone video to tell you that😂😂😂😂. My setup makes his look like the amateur hour it is. But I dont waste my time making videos about it.
Thanks for video. I also do a lot of ice camping sometimes for week at a time. LOVE IT! One thing most UA-cam videos don't mention is the possibility of flooding. It can and does occur when ice camping... This usually takes place when low-pressure is coming in and/or on top of you. Snowstorm is an example. Pressure builds up under the ice and water rises up through the holes. The weight of new snow also creates pressure. This has happened to me several times. It can be very ugly. Also, the heater in tent melts the ice inside and water builds up coming over the flooring. Food for thought.
We have been doing this for quite a few years. Last year we spent 14 weekends on the ice. I would say out of every year, maybe once we had a bit of water. But mostly walk around in socks or slippers. Maybe we have been lucky. Also we always make sure to not shovel down to the ice. The snow works as a barrier and helps with water diversion.
@@ReelLifeWithMike Thanks for the reply Mike. Glad you were spared. Why overspill does and doesn't occur is, I'm sure, a complicated environmental question. Could have something to do with regional pressure variations and of course the sheer amount of snow we get in far North Wisconsin and Canada. It's happened to me three times. Each time when lots of new snow was coming in. Makes sense. More weight on ice pushes ice down and water up. I just watch the weather. Very cool videos. I'm a fan. Thanks.
I have same tent, same heater, and I’m in the same city and it’s helped me a lot watching your videos! Maybe this winter i can send you a video of my set up. I can never get the floor as nice as yours though lol. Another week and ice will be good on the river I hope. Those digital display O2 detectors/monitors seem so much better, like how live scope helps people understand how fish react to baits, digital display helps us understand how air reacts to buddy heaters type thing.
Amazing setup, Mike. I rarely watch more than 10 minutes on a video and I watched this whole thing. It’s amazing how well you just TALK. I know that sounds stupid but as soon as my camera starts rolling I forget how to form sentences 😂 That wingman thing looks pretty sweet. I just bought an Eskimo 3i (I’m just a peasant, not a king like you 👑) and if those are universal for all hub shelters I may pick one up. Seriously your setup is a dream. I’ve never seen a better setup and probably never will. Can’t wait for your footage this year. Love seeing the ones where you guys are even cooking for other people. So jealous. 😂
Thanks so much for watching. Trust me there are some times I have to repeat myself like 10 times ha ha. Kali gets frustrated by then. The wingman is pretty cool and hope to get to use it super soon. Hope things are going well over there man.
@@ReelLifeWithMike i also picked up a diesel heater exact same as yours last year but i didnt have a good battery so i bought a 12v lithium 100ah so the plan is to use for the over night ! thanks
I use the thermarest xtherm r6.9 benefits of being a backpacker lol I recommend to everyone to take two heaters so if one breaks u got backup With that said you can easily camp in -30c with no heater with proper sleeping gear if u are uncomfortable sleeping with a heater.
Very Blessed! Sorry to hear that you knew of men who list their lives from CM. Wow...very sobering thought...ty. 🤔 The Gospel of John, sooner than later, friend.❤️
Hey Mike. Was wondering when you use the foam tiles on the ice, do you shovel the snow off or leave it and pack it down? Just curious if they stick to the ice or if they get soaking wet from water pooling up underneath. Thanks and great video
Always leave snow under. It works as a great insulator and actually helps drain away excess water collecting. I guarantee if you shovel down to the ice you will get wet. As for them freezing down I have never had that issue. I usually try to remove them before they get cold.
I know there’s a lot of comments on flooring but can you send me a link to what you used also would you stick with this or have you seen better options for flooring?
www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/for-living-comfort-flooring-tiles-grey-4-pk-0686097p.html?ds_rl=1283573&gbraid=0AAAAADojZpjlaYxRnmqrm5v4GJqyNCNZb&ds_rl=1283573&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvqGcBhCJARIsAFQ5ke7kRm1VFU8vXmomJFZ232xvWYUl84hnEmdyzNQpmtd7e_tOPN_kDBsaAiz9EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=248&gbraid=0AAAAADojZpjlaYxRnmqrm5v4GJqyNCNZb That’s where I got mine from but they were on sale for 9.00 when I picked mine up. I have tried almost every type of floor including the large roll out foam but I find that the tiles stack, pack and lay out the best. Ben using this set up for the last couple of years.
Great video! I've been picking up gear this year to get into ice camping. Couple questions. You mentioned that a 20# tank could last 3 days. What kind of outside temps? Also, what about a toilet?
As for temps I would say -15c to -25. Most of the time I only have out heater on medium. As for toilet we actually have a portable bucket that has a toilet seat. You put a bag in it and do your business. Then let it freeze and take it to the next garbage bin
Nice job explaining everything. Super cool set up. I have the smaller otter vortex pro lodge so a bit smaller but I won’t be taking nearly as much gear as you use! 😜 question I have for you is the hose adapter for the big buddy to use the 20lb propane tank. I am looking for one and the ones they have suggested using for this unit on the websites is one that has a regulator on it. However I was told it is not needed as the unit itself has a built in one. Which one do you use and can you suggest where to pick one up- price point?
Check out my other videos. I have been doing this exact set up for the last couple of years. Every so often it’s a rats nest but usually it works quite well. Thanks for watching
Hey Mike, stupid question but I got my 650 set up with 2 x 2 tiles like in your video. Everything looks dead Obviously this thing is odd shaped but for some reason when I set my shelter on the tiles center there’s a seam going right down the center where the holes should be just curious are your holes off to the left or the right by chance, in the video everything looks spot on just curious. Thank you.
I cut my holes in the centre of the tiles. Then line up from the hub directly across the doo to the door opening. Don’t know if that makes sense. It took us a couple times to figure out a set up for sure.
How do you pack all of that into one sled? Or do you have to make multiple trips? I have an Otter Pro sled and a Eskimo 450 Outbreak, but I'm having a hard time fitting everything into my sled. Great video as always!!
I do use two sleds. I put the chairs and cots at the bottom. The foam mats on top and that makes it flat. Then I have two large containers and cooler that sit on top that holds the bedding. The tent sits on top of the containers. The other sled holds the auger and rod holder at the bottom. Heater and propane tank on top. Then electronics and finders wherever there is space. I don’t walk out that much as the ice is drivable quite quick. Hope that makes sense.
Stupid question but with the foam tiles how are you guys drilling your holes to line up perfect? I understand you could set your floor up and drill but I would think that would just soak your floor
I lay the center tiles down and drill partial. Then move the mats and drill through. That’s the first thing I do before actually setting up the tent. Hope that helps. Always leave some snow under your tent though as it helps collect some moisture.
If I’m not filming, I do. Sometimes it can get a little bit loud with the force of the fan and the clicking of the diesel pump. I got a new demo to try out which I’m hoping can stay in the tent.
I will actually be doing a separate video on what I bring for survival/cooking. I didn’t want the video to go too long so I thought I would separate it a bit. Stay tuned.
Im having problems with the propane freezing up. I run the Big Buddy as well. I bring two 20lb tanks along. We have them outside and run the hose under the edge of the tent. By morning the propane has froze and the heater has shut off. Im building a box to house it this year, but wondering if anyone else has run into that issue and how they fixed the problem
@Cpl Hicks always seems as though I can smell propane when I am around a tank. Outside, windy day, tank on a cabin... I can smell it. Probably over reacting, but that freaks me out if Id have it in tent
@@mathewsavola9974 I have seen zip up thermo jackets for a 20lbs tank but that requires you to bring the tank in over night to warm up and put the thermo on before you leave. But a long drive with it in the back of the truck brings you back to square one again. If I notice me heater not work 100% I just bring the tank in till its warm then throw it back outside. It's a never ending battle.
I have seen the thermal sleeves but hard to say how well they will work over multi days. I keep my tanks on the inside and just get some soap and water around the connection to look for bubbles.
hey Mike, I'm a fellow winnipeg boy and a hard core camper. I would like to get that same tent as you. just seen it at the fishing hole for $800 on sale. you thought about getting a Chinese diesel heater instead of the big buddy? they produce way more heat and it's a dry heat as well with forced air.
I’m looking into overnight camping in my 650XD and this video is super detailed, informative and helpful. Your setup is awesome. Thanks for making this video!
Thank you so much for watching
No kidding one of the best walkthroughs I've seen. Your custom adjustments are nifty!
Thank you , definitely one of the best and most detailed videos on overnight camping , I greatly appreciate this video
I'm just getting into the ice camping thing as I want to be on the ice and not drive 3 hours 1 way back to back days
Again thank you so much
Thanks so much for watching. It’s always fun when it’s a passion.
Glad to see that you also use Amped Outdoors Lithium Batteries other than Dakota. Both are great batteries, but dollar for dollar per amp hour, A.O. definitely wins.
Yup I used both types but. Now being picked up by Dakota you you only see Dakota but I will honestly say amped worked well for me as well
Great review of your setup. Very informative and helpful. Based on a previous video of yours, I ordered the remote setup off of Amazon a week ago and I now have remote controlled lights in my ice tent too. Simple, inexpensive upgrade but worthwhile. Thanks.
It so is hey. Honestly one of my fav mods out of anything. Thanks for watching
Awesome detailed video! Love how you thoroughly explained everything. Have a 650XD myself but never have slept in it. May give ice camping a go after watching your video
Excellent video mike so fun watching your journey grow
Just ordered a diesel heater soooooo may be a game changer?
Hi Mike, I saw in your video one of the most complex presentations of an ice fishing tent. I also have an Otter Vortex Pro Monster Lodge bought this fall, which I am trying to customize for my needs. Really, the best idea is to put the tent in the garage and play with all the accessories I have, to find the most suitable place for them.
I'm very close to the first overnight outing and I think the best idea would be to assemble everything at home in the garage. That way I will know exactly what it is about when I get on the ice.
Great video, thanks for the presentation. Stay safe on the ice and tight lines.
Yes that’s always good. Nothing is worse then setting up outside on the ice and realize something Doesent work. I hope your overnights go well and stay safe man. Thanks for watching.
Amazing genius level….set it up and configure before you go…and you needed a random person with a cellphone video to tell you that😂😂😂😂. My setup makes his look like the amateur hour it is. But I dont waste my time making videos about it.
Thanks for video. I also do a lot of ice camping sometimes for week at a time. LOVE IT! One thing most UA-cam videos don't mention is the possibility of flooding. It can and does occur when ice camping... This usually takes place when low-pressure is coming in and/or on top of you. Snowstorm is an example. Pressure builds up under the ice and water rises up through the holes. The weight of new snow also creates pressure. This has happened to me several times. It can be very ugly. Also, the heater in tent melts the ice inside and water builds up coming over the flooring. Food for thought.
We have been doing this for quite a few years. Last year we spent 14 weekends on the ice. I would say out of every year, maybe once we had a bit of water. But mostly walk around in socks or slippers. Maybe we have been lucky. Also we always make sure to not shovel down to the ice. The snow works as a barrier and helps with water diversion.
@@ReelLifeWithMike Thanks for the reply Mike. Glad you were spared. Why overspill does and doesn't occur is, I'm sure, a complicated environmental question. Could have something to do with regional pressure variations and of course the sheer amount of snow we get in far North Wisconsin and Canada. It's happened to me three times. Each time when lots of new snow was coming in. Makes sense. More weight on ice pushes ice down and water up. I just watch the weather. Very cool videos. I'm a fan. Thanks.
I love my 650xd. Going to do some ice camping this year. Appreciate the walk through.
So far one of my fav tents. Thanks for watching
I have same tent, same heater, and I’m in the same city and it’s helped me a lot watching your videos! Maybe this winter i can send you a video of my set up. I can never get the floor as nice as yours though lol. Another week and ice will be good on the river I hope.
Those digital display O2 detectors/monitors seem so much better, like how live scope helps people understand how fish react to baits, digital display helps us understand how air reacts to buddy heaters type thing.
Thanks so much for watching. And for sure feel free to show me your setup. You can find me on insta or Facebook.
Great video one of the best ice camping ones I have watched
Thanks so much for watching
Amazing setup, Mike. I rarely watch more than 10 minutes on a video and I watched this whole thing.
It’s amazing how well you just TALK. I know that sounds stupid but as soon as my camera starts rolling I forget how to form sentences 😂
That wingman thing looks pretty sweet. I just bought an Eskimo 3i (I’m just a peasant, not a king like you 👑) and if those are universal for all hub shelters I may pick one up.
Seriously your setup is a dream. I’ve never seen a better setup and probably never will.
Can’t wait for your footage this year. Love seeing the ones where you guys are even cooking for other people.
So jealous. 😂
Thanks so much for watching. Trust me there are some times I have to repeat myself like 10 times ha ha. Kali gets frustrated by then. The wingman is pretty cool and hope to get to use it super soon. Hope things are going well over there man.
Awesome video/info hopefully ill have my first all nighter this winter 👍
That’s awesome. Let me know if you do.
@@ReelLifeWithMike i also picked up a diesel heater exact same as yours last year but i didnt have a good battery so i bought a 12v lithium 100ah so the plan is to use for the over night !
thanks
Great video. I guess i test my flex heater or get a diesel heater
The flex may work in some cases but I just don’t trust that one. I would rather go big buddy if it was propane
Love the setup Mike
Great information. Thanks!
I use the thermarest xtherm r6.9 benefits of being a backpacker lol
I recommend to everyone to take two heaters so if one breaks u got backup
With that said you can easily camp in -30c with no heater with proper sleeping gear if u are uncomfortable sleeping with a heater.
Correct. I just ordered a diesel heater so I wanna see how that works. But I have to admit that I’ll be bringing a backup for the first but
Very Blessed! Sorry to hear that you knew of men who list their lives from CM. Wow...very sobering thought...ty. 🤔
The Gospel of John, sooner than later, friend.❤️
I have everything to ice camp except a shelter and im looking at the otter lodge pro and this eskimo 650xd just cant decide both are nice
Your correct. They are both great tents. I just happen to have this one so that’s what I use. It I have used the otter and it was the same.
I settled on the Eskimo 450 xd . Like Eskimos color and it's the same size as the otter lodge. Also bass pros last one lol
Very informative video. Good job.
Hey Mike. Was wondering when you use the foam tiles on the ice, do you shovel the snow off or leave it and pack it down? Just curious if they stick to the ice or if they get soaking wet from water pooling up underneath.
Thanks and great video
Always leave snow under. It works as a great insulator and actually helps drain away excess water collecting. I guarantee if you shovel down to the ice you will get wet. As for them freezing down I have never had that issue. I usually try to remove them before they get cold.
I know there’s a lot of comments on flooring but can you send me a link to what you used also would you stick with this or have you seen better options for flooring?
www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/for-living-comfort-flooring-tiles-grey-4-pk-0686097p.html?ds_rl=1283573&gbraid=0AAAAADojZpjlaYxRnmqrm5v4GJqyNCNZb&ds_rl=1283573&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvqGcBhCJARIsAFQ5ke7kRm1VFU8vXmomJFZ232xvWYUl84hnEmdyzNQpmtd7e_tOPN_kDBsaAiz9EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=248&gbraid=0AAAAADojZpjlaYxRnmqrm5v4GJqyNCNZb
That’s where I got mine from but they were on sale for 9.00 when I picked mine up. I have tried almost every type of floor including the large roll out foam but I find that the tiles stack, pack and lay out the best. Ben using this set up for the last couple of years.
@@ReelLifeWithMike sorry and they’re foam not rubber?
Great video! I've been picking up gear this year to get into ice camping. Couple questions. You mentioned that a 20# tank could last 3 days. What kind of outside temps? Also, what about a toilet?
As for temps I would say -15c to -25. Most of the time I only have out heater on medium. As for toilet we actually have a portable bucket that has a toilet seat. You put a bag in it and do your business. Then let it freeze and take it to the next garbage bin
Nice job explaining everything. Super cool set up. I have the smaller otter vortex pro lodge so a bit smaller but I won’t be taking nearly as much gear as you use! 😜 question I have for you is the hose adapter for the big buddy to use the 20lb propane tank. I am looking for one and the ones they have suggested using for this unit on the websites is one that has a regulator on it. However I was told it is not needed as the unit itself has a built in one. Which one do you use and can you suggest where to pick one up- price point?
I like the regulator as I tried a direct line and had some issues with the heater starting. Maybe it was just me.
@MRV that’s awesome. I am borrowing a diesel heater from a buddy to try out.
Awesome video mike. Are you doing one with the flip over too?
Yup at some point. Just working out the kinks.
I am eager to see that in action.. I am curious how you keep from line tangles being so close together
Check out my other videos. I have been doing this exact set up for the last couple of years. Every so often it’s a rats nest but usually it works quite well. Thanks for watching
Hey Mike, stupid question but I got my 650 set up with 2 x 2 tiles like in your video. Everything looks dead Obviously this thing is odd shaped but for some reason when I set my shelter on the tiles center there’s a seam going right down the center where the holes should be just curious are your holes off to the left or the right by chance, in the video everything looks spot on just curious. Thank you.
I cut my holes in the centre of the tiles. Then line up from the hub directly across the doo to the door opening. Don’t know if that makes sense. It took us a couple times to figure out a set up for sure.
Subbed
How do you pack all of that into one sled? Or do you have to make multiple trips?
I have an Otter Pro sled and a Eskimo 450 Outbreak, but I'm having a hard time fitting everything into my sled.
Great video as always!!
I do use two sleds. I put the chairs and cots at the bottom. The foam mats on top and that makes it flat. Then I have two large containers and cooler that sit on top that holds the bedding. The tent sits on top of the containers. The other sled holds the auger and rod holder at the bottom. Heater and propane tank on top. Then electronics and finders wherever there is space. I don’t walk out that much as the ice is drivable quite quick. Hope that makes sense.
@@ReelLifeWithMike Thank you for the reply! Yep that helps!
Great video Mike, we just upgraded this season to the same tent from the 949i. Wanted to ask how often do you use the pole for the door? Cheers
Thanks for watching. We forget the poles for the door all the time and never had an issue. It does make the door slightly harder to operate though
@@ReelLifeWithMike thanks buddy for the quick reply. Good luck this season
Do you have the link to the remote light switch
If you didn't film would you say the Eskimo 650 would be a little to big and the 450 would do just fine
I think the 450 would do for a single person but dual may be tight. I’m hoping to get a 450 and try it.
When are you putting up the flip over shelter mods video
I got a couple more things to do and then I’ll do a walkthrough
How warm is that matt flooring to the touch can you walk with socks or would your feet get cold
Yup it’s warm enough for that but I recommend slippers as the floor gets wet from fish ect and nothings worse then wet socks lol
Stupid question but with the foam tiles how are you guys drilling your holes to line up perfect? I understand you could set your floor up and drill but I would think that would just soak your floor
I lay the center tiles down and drill partial. Then move the mats and drill through. That’s the first thing I do before actually setting up the tent. Hope that helps. Always leave some snow under your tent though as it helps collect some moisture.
Sorry if I missed it but you said you ran buddy heater in garage with vents closed, did co detector have a reading other than 0?
I had it running in the tent outside. With the vents sit and then did it Inside as well and both times I dident get a reading
How many BTU do you usually run and at what temp? THinking of upgrading from a fatfish 949i but use a little buddy that maxes out at 9000 btu
I use the big buddy which is 18,000 btu. And it keeps it nice and warm for sure. But I recently switched to diesel
Does this fit in the 5.5ft truck beds with tonneau cover?
Under the tonneau cover yea but you would have to angle it. I have the 6.5 foot and it fits straight but tight
What case did you use for your amped battery? Looking to do the same.
I’m going to be making a short video within the next day or two. Stay tuned
Link to table?
Why do you not use your diesel heater in the tent?
If I’m not filming, I do. Sometimes it can get a little bit loud with the force of the fan and the clicking of the diesel pump. I got a new demo to try out which I’m hoping can stay in the tent.
@@ReelLifeWithMike does it keep that size hut really warm?
@@jamesschmidt2846 on most days I mean when it gets to -30 to -40 it struggles a bit but mostly still in a long sleeve shirt.
No idea why it said eyesight lol
Keep up the videos doing a great job and thank you very much for responding
Nothing about how you make meals?
I will actually be doing a separate video on what I bring for survival/cooking. I didn’t want the video to go too long so I thought I would separate it a bit. Stay tuned.
Im having problems with the propane freezing up. I run the Big Buddy as well. I bring two 20lb tanks along. We have them outside and run the hose under the edge of the tent. By morning the propane has froze and the heater has shut off. Im building a box to house it this year, but wondering if anyone else has run into that issue and how they fixed the problem
Bring the tank inside and keep the hose off the ice and snow
@Cpl Hicks always seems as though I can smell propane when I am around a tank. Outside, windy day, tank on a cabin... I can smell it. Probably over reacting, but that freaks me out if Id have it in tent
@@mathewsavola9974 I have seen zip up thermo jackets for a 20lbs tank but that requires you to bring the tank in over night to warm up and put the thermo on before you leave. But a long drive with it in the back of the truck brings you back to square one again. If I notice me heater not work 100% I just bring the tank in till its warm then throw it back outside. It's a never ending battle.
I have seen the thermal sleeves but hard to say how well they will work over multi days. I keep my tanks on the inside and just get some soap and water around the connection to look for bubbles.
@@ReelLifeWithMike and some Teflon tape isn't a bad idea too
Every Time I hear someone trying to Sleep on Ice I have to Chuckle. The Popping and Cracking makes it Impossible to Sleep, for me anyway.
Ha ha there was one time last year I ended up having to sleep in the truck cause it was crazy loud
I was on the ice on the Ottawa river, it's the 5th deepest river on earth. The ice sounded like a Star wars laser gun battle 😅
hey Mike,
I'm a fellow winnipeg boy and a hard core camper. I would like to get that same tent as you. just seen it at the fishing hole for $800 on sale. you thought about getting a Chinese diesel heater instead of the big buddy? they produce way more heat and it's a dry heat as well with forced air.
I’m actually running the diesel heat now. Haven’t done a tonne of videos with it yet but yeah I run diesel now.
@@ReelLifeWithMike right on man! you got a new subscriber.
@@randocommando6826 well thanks for watching. I have a bunch of overnights to do yet so it should get interesting.