Ice fishing is a fun activity that has been gaining popularity recently. However, it is not the most comfortable of angling activities. The howling winds, freezing weather, and long waiting period between bites can prove to be quite tough on ice fishermen.
If you are looking for some serious ice fishing, then it is essential to invest in some small comforts as they can make your trip more enjoyable. A good-quality ice fishing chair is the ideal way to rest your feet and enjoy a hot cup of coffee on an ice fishing trip.
There are many options for ice fishing chairs available on the market; however, not all are going to be right for you. Here we have reviewed some of the best products so that you can identify a unit that will suit your needs perfectly.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Ice Fishing Chairs
- OUR TOP PICK: Wise Outdoors 5613-246-P
- RUNNER-UP: GCI Outdoor Tripod Field Chair
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Sportneer Camping Backpacking Chair
Comparison of the Best Ice Fishing Chairs
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Are All Ice Fishing Chairs The Same?
Having a comfortable seat to fish from is absolutely necessary to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. You will find a number of fishing chairs in the market. Although most of them are designed with the comfort of anglers in mind, there are many other features that you will find in different chairs.
They are made from various materials, can accommodate different weights, and some are designed with storage space under the seat. Moreover, some models come with armrests, cup holders, and adjustable shoulder straps. It is best to keep your requirements in mind when choosing a model so that you can select the one that is just right for you.
Why Did These Ice Fishing Chairs Make Our List?
There are a number of ice fishing chairs available in the market. However, not all of them will be suitable for you. In this article, we have reviewed some of the best units based on the following criteria:
Comfort
The first thing that we have kept in mind while looking for ice fishing chairs is that they should provide a certain level of comfort to anglers. The chairs in this article come with a padded seat and a backrest, thus keeping you comfortable for long hours while you wait for the fish to bite.
High-Quality Materials
We have also paid particular attention to the material used in the construction of these chairs. Polyester and hard plastic are more weather-resistant materials. We have chosen chairs made of such material as you are going to be fishing in extreme weather conditions and will need a product with some degree of waterproofing.
Portable
We have also given top priority to portability as you will already be lugging a lot of gear back and forth, and a chair should be the least of your concerns. All the chairs that we have chosen are lightweight and do not take up much space while in storage. Moreover, they come with an adjustable strap or a carry case, thus making it easier to carry them from one hole to another.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
Materials: The materials used in the making of the frame and seat portion of the chair.
Weight Capacity: The maximum weight the chair can support.
Carrying Weight: The actual weight of the seat and assembly.
Height From Ground: How high the seat portion is from the ground.
Seat Length and Width: The length and width of the seat.
Unique Features: Any additional features or accessories the chair includes such as pockets, carry straps, a backpack, cooler, or bucket.
Review of the Best Ice Fishing Chairs
Whether you want to escape the pressures of the busy city life or just love ice fishing, being comfortable while fishing will help you get the most out of your trip. Fishing is all about relaxation and patience; therefore, before going on a trip, we recommend that you invest in one of the following products as they will make your day comfortable and more enjoyable:
Best Overall:
Wise Outdoors 5613-246-P
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have found this seat to be sturdy, simple, and highly comfortable. Its excellent, high-quality construction and the insulated lower section have made this seat a perfect option for them when they go for ice fishing. They also like the fact that the insulation can be removed, thus providing users with ample space to store items like store gear, bait, extra gloves, and sweatshirts, etc.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Wise Outdoors hunting seat is the perfect combination of convenience and simplicity. It is designed to provide anglers with everything they will need on an ice fishing trip without bogging them down with extra storage or becoming too unwieldy to fit in a sled. We find its high weight capacity of 350lbs, sturdy construction, and heavy-duty ten-gallon plastic bucket very convenient as these features make this seat suitable for everyone.
The removable cooler insulation is also a bonus. The seat is constructed with one-inch thick foam padding and a tough polyester camo fabric that delivers exceptional comfort. Moreover, the adjustable shoulder carry system is not only convenient but comfortable as well when walking to and from the shoreline.
Bottom Line
Having a cooler under the seat is a great feature as it serves a number of purposes. You can not only keep your food and drinks cold but it can also be used to keep the bait fresh. The strong back support and comfortable padding allow anglers to sit on it for hours without getting restless.
Product Specs
Materials:
Polyester, Foam, Plastic
Weight Capacity:
250 lbs
Carrying Weight:
12 lbs
Height From Ground:
31"
Seat Length and Width:
11' x 12"
Unique Features:
Carry strap and cooler
Runner-up:
GCI Outdoor Tripod Field Chair
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This is a very lightweight chair that requires no packing, which is something that many recent buyers like. Most chairs take some time to pack, while the GCI outdoor tripod field chair literally takes a few seconds to collapse and go. Moreover, buyers find the carrying strap and the water bottle holder a bonus.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Designed with auto-fold technology and an integrated shoulder strap, the GCI outdoor tripod field chair ensures easy closing, opening, and carrying. We like the fact that this compact stool is easy to set up, which makes it the perfect choice for ice fishing. Another great thing about this seat is that it comes with a beverage holder that helps in keeping the drinks handy.
This chair is made from a sturdy powder-coated steel frame, which makes it highly durable. It can support up to 250 pounds while the backrest makes it quite comfortable. Moreover, we find the height of this seat very convenient as it does not require too much effort to stand up.
Bottom Line
Adjustable shoulder strap, limited lifetime warranty, and minimal footprint make this product a good option for ice fishermen. Its ergonomic design with extra-wide backrest and padded seat deliver excellent comfort. Moreover, it weighs about four pounds, which makes it highly portable for any angler.
Product Specs
Materials:
Textile
Weight Capacity:
250 lbs
Carrying Weight:
4.4 lbs
Height From Ground:
17.3"
Seat Length and Width:
4.7 x 5.5"
Unique Features:
With beverage holder, shoulder strap, and auto-fold technology
Best for the Money:
Sportneer Camping Backpacking Chair
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The Sportneer backpacking chair is compact, small, lightweight, and very stylish, which is why recent buyers are very happy to have replaced their big and bulky chair with this unit. It is very small and easily fits in the car trunk or the backpack, which buyers find very convenient.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for a convenient on-the-go chair, then the Sportneer chair is perfect for you. Constructed with heavy-duty aerospace aluminum alloy and high-quality nylon, it is rustproof and can handle up to 350 pounds in weight. It also comes with rubber leg caps that keep this chair firmly in place, making it perfect for ice fishing.
It is very lightweight, which makes carrying this unit around very easy. We also appreciate the fact that it is easy to unpack and set up, and the material of this chair conforms to your body shape to enhance comfort.
Bottom Line
If you are going on a long fishing trip, then you will need a chair that ensures comfort. The Sportneer chair provides a number of features, including high weight capacity, durability, and comfort, which makes it perfect for ice fishing.
Product Specs
Materials:
Aluminum
Weight Capacity:
350 lbs
Carrying Weight:
2 lbs
Height From Ground:
26"
Seat Length and Width:
13.8" x 20"
Best Clam Ice Fishing Chair:
Clam Chair 8243
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers claim this chair to be a useful addition to their ice fishing gear. It has various pockets and compartments that provide anglers with ample space to store many items. A lot of people have bought this product as a gift, and they all agree that it is the best gift idea.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The unique idea of a chair that turns into a gear bag and rod storage is what makes the Clam Chair stand out among other products. It is very lightweight and easy to carry. It allows anglers to carry all the gear that they will need on their backs. Moreover, it is great for mobile fishing as it makes it easy to move from one hole to another on the lake in order to locate the fish.
We find this chair highly functional as it is designed while keeping the needs of an ice fisherman in mind. It has an enclosed hard case that not only provides the structure for the chair but also protects the rods from being damaged. In addition, it has a number of pouches and sleeves where anglers can easily store their gear.
Bottom Line
The Clam chair is not just a chair; it is going to change the way that you fish. It ensures a stress-free ice fishing trip as anglers do not have to worry about their gear falling out of the sled or the gear getting iced up.
Product Specs
Materials:
Plastic
Weight Capacity:
250 lbs
Carrying Weight:
1 lb
Height From Ground:
19"
Seat Length and Width:
48 x 18"
Unique Features:
Double as a backpack with carry strap
Best Eskimo Ice Fishing Chair:
Eskimo 27613
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are highly satisfied with the outstanding quality and durability of this chair. They find it more comfortable as it has a taller and larger profile. Also, the backrest is at the perfect height, which adds comfort. Buyers who have used this product for long periods are very happy as they did not experience any back pain, which they usually did with their older chairs.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Simple and convenient, this Eskimo chair is perfect for an angler who wants maximum comfort. It is designed with three legs, a side mesh pocket, and can fit into a 300-denier polyester storage bag, which makes it easier to transport. This chair is perfect for a quick setup if you want to move between holes in the ice quickly.
Another feature of this chair that we particularly like is that it provides the perfect back comfort. It comes with a backrest that delivers ample support when sitting back. Its stainless steel frame is lightweight and rust-resistant. Although its small size makes it easier to carry, it can support weights of up to 350 pounds.
Bottom Line
All in all, this Eskimo chair is designed to provide maximum comfort and reduce discomfort. Its triangular frame allows anglers to move their legs freely, while the 19mm steel tubing makes it sturdy and durable. It is highly portable and easy to set up, which makes it convenient to carry around the lake. Moreover, it comes with a mesh side pocket and a carry bag.
Product Specs
Materials:
Denim
Weight Capacity:
300 lbs
Carrying Weight:
8 lbs
Height From Ground:
20.5"
Seat Length and Width:
34 x 16"
Unique Features:
With mesh side pocket
Dos and Don’ts of Getting an Ice Fishing Chair
People love ice fishing because of the challenge and solitude that it provides. However, having the complete ice fishing gear is essential for enjoying a comfortable and memorable fishing trip with friends and family.
Dos of an Ice Fishing Chair
Your ice fishing chair is a vital part of your fishing gear and you should take good care of it.
Do Get Thrifty With it
Make your purchase count. You can use your ice fishing chair as patio furniture, place it around the campfire, or next to the coffee table if you are having a party. The rod holder can be used to hold your pool cue, and the drink holder will also come in handy.
Do Take Good Care of it
Most chairs are easy to clean with soap and water or a wet rag. You can just wipe them down to remove any grime or debris. Proper maintenance of your ice fishing chairs will ensure their long life.
Do Store it Properly
If you are not going to use your ice fishing chair once the season is over, make sure that you store it properly. If your chair has a carry bag, then put it in the bag and zip it up properly so that it is protected from exterior elements.
Don’ts of an Ice Fishing Chair
Avoid the following if you want to enjoy your ice fishing chair for a long time:
Don’t Buy a Model From a Garage Sale
There are a number of options available that will ensure the best experience on your fishing trip. Make sure that you choose a seat that is comfortable and definitely not from a garage sale.
Don’t Put it Away Before Cleaning it First
Use a soft cloth to wipe your chair before storing it as dampness can damage your chair.
Conclusion
Anglers typically give top consideration to their fishing rods and other fishing gear. However, it is also essential to pack things that will make your fishing trip comfortable and easy. Investing in a comfortable chair provides you with a perfect place to sit while you are fishing out of a frozen body of water. They do not take up too much space, have great storage features, and are not too heavy on the pocket.
The ice fishing chairs reviewed in this article all have excellent features and are aimed at making your fishing trip a memorable and comfortable experience. Make sure that you read these reviews carefully before buying a model so that you can choose a chair that fits your requirements.
People Also Ask
Ice fishing is all about patience, endurance, and relaxation. However, there is no need to make yourself suffer when you are out on the ice. You should carefully choose a unit that is just right for you. Answers to the following questions will help to make this choice easier:
Can You Really Find a Quality Ice Fishing Chair That’s Affordable?
Ice fishing chairs come in a variety of models. They not only differ in weight and size but also have a variable price range. However, you can easily find a good-quality chair that will not put a burden on your budget.
What Size of Ice Fishing Chair Do I Need?
Before buying an ice fishing chair, make sure that it can easily accommodate your weight. If you are a little on the heavy side, then it is best to choose a product with a wide seat as it will guarantee maximum comfort.
Can Any Chair Be Used for Ice Fishing?
Although you can use any chair for ice fishing, it is best to choose one that is particularly designed for this sport. Ice fishing chairs are highly portable, comfortable, and are designed to withstand sub-zero temperatures.
