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​Designing the BEST Two-Person Insulated Ice Fishing Sled House: Ice Runner Explorer

Posted by Ice Runner Houses on Nov 14th 2019

The Ice Runner Explorer is the BEST VALUE in a SPACIOUS, INSULATED two-person shelter!

Ask a dozen anglers to design their ideal ice fishing shelter and you will get a dozen different opinions. But ALL anglers will agree that they want the:

  • 1.MAXIMUM room for themselves, a fishing buddy, gear, heater, and locators, but
  • 2.LOWEST weight for ease of transportation by vehicle and across the ice, and
  • 3.MOST affordable package, including the shelter, sled, tie downs, and cover.

Ice Runner is a new brand in the two-man shelter market. We looked at all the available options. Then we designed the Ice Runner Explorer with all the features ice anglers wanted. Compare size, features, and price and you will AGREE that the Ice Runner Explorer combines UNMATCHED design and enclosed space with the LOWEST cost.

Ice Runner Explorer

The Ice Runner Explorer is built on a tough, low-profile sled. The collapsed Explorer is ONLY 60" long x 34" wide x 14" high. This compact package weighs ONLY 49-pounds – that’s 50% LESS than many competitive models! One person can easily pull this large house without a snow machine.

But the Ice Runner Explorer is not thin, noisy nylon. The Explorer (like ALL Ice Runner shelters) is constructed with quality, warm 600 Denier FULLY INSULATED quilted material. No one wants an uninsulated, thin nylon tent anymore. Propane heaters are the first accessory everyone adds to their ice house. Without insulation (and with two anglers and multiple open holes in the ice) an uninsulated house will rain on you! The Ice Runner Explorer is fully insulated – side walls and ceiling. You stay warm and enjoy added stability out on the cold, windy ice.

The Ice Runner Explorer opens fast with a patented system of three aluminum extension poles. The poles are engineered for extra rigidity and easy extension. Large push buttons allow one person to put up or take down the house in two minutes. The opened Explorer gives you UNMATCHED 74-inches of headroom in a two-person house.

Ice Runner Explorer

The long frame of the Explorer also provides the MAXIMUM fishable area. The Ice Runner Explorer opens to an interior “floor space” that is 57" wide x 46" deep. That is 18.2 square feet of UNOBSTRUCTED ice! This HUGE ice area remains unobstructed with the EXCLUSIVE Ice Runner back door entry. You enter and exit from the REAR of the shelter via a huge zippered door and the dry sled. NEVER step on the wet, slippery ice or climb over your holes, rods or locator again.

Ice Runner Explorer

Ice Runner Explorer

The Ice Runner Explorer is built for the way YOU fish. Two gear pockets are sewn into the side walls. There are FOUR huge, vertical windows – plus a SKY LIGHT – for maximum interior light and viewing tip-ups spread around the shelter. Or seal the windows tight to black-out the interior for sight fishing or spearing. Flaps are attached to the outside apron of the house to seal in the heat and eliminate drafts. There are also exterior anchor points if you need to stake out the house on glare ice. The shell has side vents and reflective patches on all four sides. Ice Runner even includes a clear exterior envelope for your ID license info – if required in your state. We have included EVERY feature you asked for in a two-person COMPLETE ice fishing sled shelter!

Ice Runner has also eliminated fixed, heavy built-in seats. No seats are included because everyone fishes differently – and has different requirements from day to day. Add the folding chair, bench or bucket that matches your style. Store one or two seats depending on the day. Enjoy the added space, versatility and ease of entry not possible with seats that are bolted to the sled.

The Ice Runner Explorer is designed to be the PERFECT sled ice shelter for two anglers. It is warm and roomy. There is space for four or more holes, plus tackle, a heater and locators. But the Explorer is not too large, too heavy, or too complicated for one angler. The light, low profile sled pulls easy and the Explorer sets up fast. When you are done fishing, the compact and lightweight Explorer fits easily fit in the back of a small SUV. The Ice Runner Explorer has plenty of room for two people, but it may be the most spacious and versatile one-man ice shelter for the hard-core solo ice angler!


Ice Runner sled for all your gear


On top of ALL these standard features which make fishing easier and more comfortable, Ice Runner ensures the Explorer is your BEST VALUE by including a FREE sled cover with every house. That’s a $50.00 FREE bonus! The middle zipper on the sled cover provides fast access to all your gear without removing the cover. The roomy 60-inch sled will store your auger, heater, propane tank, buckets and fishing gear with room to spare.

See the FEATURE-PACKED Ice Runner Explorer in action on the ice in this video:

Ice Runner stands behind their loyal customers with FREE replacement windows for the life of your shelter. All the windows are replaceable (Velcro all the way around) and come with a lifetime warranty. Just send any cracked windows back to us for free replacement!

The Ice Runner Explorer requires only minor assembly of the pole frame. (See the assembly instructions below.) But - if you prefer or for gifts - let us assemble your house for you! Ice Runner will fully assemble your fishing shelter so you only need to unbox it and go fishing. (Optional additional $50 assembly fee.)

Ice Runner gives you the option to add a tow hitch for pulling your Explorer with your ATV or snowmobile. For added strength and protection when towing a loaded sled, Hyfax runner kits are also available for the Explorer.

Ice Runner sled hitch

Hyfax runners for Ice Runner sleds

What do Ice Runner Explorer owners have to say about this BEST VALUE sled ice house? Here are a few FIVE Star reviews from our website:

Great product! The material is such great quality. Kept me warm in the tough elements. Thank you for making such a great product for my family and me.

Tami from Antigo, WI

Love the new Ice Runner Explorer. Light weight and very good in the wind. Holds the heat in very nicely.

Dave from Michigan

Great shack. Great Value. Never did I expect such a quality shack and sled for the price. Very happy with my purchase.

Nick from Wisconsin

The Ice Runner definitely exceeded my expectations. All my friends, family, and people I met on the ice were quite impressed with it overall. The biggest Pros of the Ice Runner from myself and others are: 1. Lightweight 2. Awesome head room 3. Large vertical windows (probably the most talked about/liked feature) 4. The Velcro straps to keep the windows organized when open (simple but have never seen it on another shelter) 5. Value (price to spec ratio is off the charts) 6. Rear door (wasn't sure if I would like this, but it's the best) 7. Best looking portable on the ice.

Jake from Jackson, WI

Happy Fisherman. This has been an amazing house. It is super easy to put up and down with minimal weight. At 1st I didn't think the sled was large enough to fit all my gear but surprising it had no problems and there is still room for more. Access is great with not having the large bench in the way or having to walk across your fishing holes with the rear access.

Jason from Eveleth, MN

You can spend $750.00 – or MORE – for a comparable insulated, two-man ice shelter. Then you will need to spend another $60.00 for a cover – AND you will have LESS fishable space, LESS headroom, and a HEAVIER package to tow. SAVE HUNDREDS and buy the Ice Runner Explorer!

Ice Runner Explorer

Compare size, features, and price and you will AGREE that the Ice Runner Explorer combines UNMATCHED design and enclosed space with the LOWEST cost. That is why the Ice Runner Explorer is the BEST VALUE in a SPACIOUS, INSULATED two-person ice fishing shelter! Order YOURS today!

Ice Runner Explorer


ICE RUNNER EXPLORER ICE SHELTER SPECS:

Angler Capacity: 2

Collapsed Size: 60" long x 34" wide x 14" high

Set-up Total Footprint: 60” wide x 76” deep x 74” high (not including snow apron)

Interior Ice Floor Space: 57" x 46" (not including sled)

Fishable Area: 18.2 sq. ft.

Assembled Height: 74"

Total Weight: 49 lbs

Framework: Aluminum poles (3 pole system, collapsible)

Windows: 4 vertical side windows, removable, with covers plus sky light

Door: Rear Entry

Gear Pockets: 2

Fabric: Fully Insulated - 600 Denier

Optional:

Full assembly of extension poles

Tow hitch for ATV or snowmobile

Small Hyfax sled runners for Explorer sled


Ice Runner Houses (IceRunnerHouses.com) are distributed by KMDA, Inc. Visit KMDAInc.com to see the full range of ice fishing equipment and tackle from Lakco and Croxton. KMDAInc.com is also your source for open water fishing, including brands like Wing-It sinkers and bobbers, VibE Blade Baits, and Pro King spoons and flashers.


Ice Runner Ice FIshing Houses