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ICEBOX Igloo Maker
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ICEBOX Igloo Maker

Item # 724066

$179.95

Item qualifies for annual
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Leave your heavy four-season tent at home and use the ICEBOX to build a durable, custom-sized igloo for cozy, comfortable and fun winter outings.

  • Designed to build igloos in any snow conditions--including powder, granular ice, depth hoar and spring slush
  • Produces a self-supporting shape that will not sag or collapse like other snow shelters can
  • Lightweight and durable block form can be adjusted for custom size igloos ranging from 7-11 feet in diameter--sleeps 2-6 people depending on diameter
  • Intelligently designed to take 50% less effort to build than snow caves--builder stays drier and less fatigued
  • Build time is approximately 1.5-3 hours depending on snow quality and quantity
  • ICEBOX has large snaps allowing builder to wear gloves during assembly and usage; brightly colored to prevent loss of small parts in snow
  • Durable plastic and aluminum materials have been tested to -70 deg. F; supplied straps and buckles make attaching to backpack a cinch
  • Adjustable support pole and spike ensure identical construction every time, eliminating guesswork
  • Great for groups or solo use; practice required before first time use
  • Tutorial video and illustrated instruction manual included

Made in USA.

Item 724066

ICEBOX Igloo Maker Specs

Specification

Description

Suggested useIgloo building
Weight(complete set) 5 lbs. 4 oz.
Dimensions(packed) 24 x 14.25 x 3 inches
MaterialPlastic/aluminum/nylon

ICEBOX Igloo Maker Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
ICEBOX Igloo Maker
 
4.0

(based on 7 reviews)

86%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Effective (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Backcountry camping (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Avid adventurer (3)
    • What Is Your Gear Style:
    • Comfort driven (3)

    Reviewed by 7 customers

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    Jan

    3

    2008

    (7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Best way to build a snow shelter

    By Monk

    from Lake Oswego, OR

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Durable
    • High Quality

    Cons

    • Need good snow

    Best Uses

    • Multiple use snow shelter

    Comments about ICEBOX Igloo Maker:

    I purchased this a couple years ago from REI. I have used it to build four igloos in the Mt Hood and Mt St Helens areas. The goal was to build a snow shelter that could be used multiple times over a period of several months. The first couple of attempts were not successful, and the igloo collapsed within a one or two week period. This was due to poor snow (dry) when building the igloo, and warm temperatures and rain after it was built. I had better snow for the third igloo and it lasted over a month. I currently have my fourth igloo completed, and I am hoping to be able to maintain it for the rest of the winter (2-3 months).

    The jig works well with wet snow, but it takes longer than building a quinzee or snow cave of the same volume. My fourth 10' igloo took five hours to build and another hour to build an entrance and detail out the inside. I have built a comparable snow cave in four hours. It does take less effort to build the igloo than a snow cave, and a snow cave will only last a day or two before it collapses where if maintained the igloo can last for months if it is above the freezing level. The igloo is also very light inside during the day where the snow cave is dark.

    I think this igloo jig is a good option for a permanent base camp shelter, but would not be very useful for backpacking due to the time needed to build the igloo.

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

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    Jan

    2

    2008

    (7 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    It really works!

    By happy camper

    from Twin Cities, MN

    Site Member

    Pros

    • High Quality
    • Nothing else like it

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Family fun
      • Winter Camping

      Comments about ICEBOX Igloo Maker:

      I saw this product featured in an Outside Magazine article and had to give it a try. It did seem a bit pricey for something that might see limited use. On delivery the parts seemed a pit cheap to me (a lot of plastic) but the literature assured me that all parts were tested to -70F. It came with an informational video and detailed instructions. I was a bit worried while reading the instructions as they are very detailed and thought it was more than I might be able to muster. I gave it a shot anyway. This thing works just as advertised! I built the 9ft igloo (it will build anywhere from 7ft-11ft diameter) in about 10F dry powder. Every time I made a block I would look at my 8 year old son and say "this is never going to work", especially as the levels rose and angeled in, but it did (just don't pack too hard). A little finesse was needed to close the top, but if I can figure it out anyone can. I am now the proud owner of a four person igloo with plans for expansion.The instructions claim that an igloo can be built in 1.5 to 3 hours with 2 people. It took me about 7 hours to do the 9 footer by myself on the first try (they recomend not going solo for the first one). I think with one other person we could have done it in 3 hours, especially the smaller version.I love products designed by individuals or small companies, especially when they deliver something that nobody else does. This product definately fits the bill and delivers as advertised.

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (7 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

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      Jan

      31

      2008

      (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      It really works!

      By HCKurt

      from Stamford, CT

      About Me Avid Adventurer

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Effective
      • Well made

      Cons

      • You must read the manual

      Best Uses

      • Backcountry Camping
      • Great kid fun

      Comments about ICEBOX Igloo Maker:

      I love it! One helper and I built a 7 foot igloo in 4 hours using 3" of miserable, crusted, icy, unpackable snow and I slept in it that night. Great fun and the kids love it.

      It's really important to read the manual (indoors)beforehand...and then follow the instructions carefully. It seems tricky at first, but it all makes sense after your first 'gloo. I do not recommend trying to build your first igloo under time or survival pressure.

      Can't wait to try it in the backcountry.

      • What Is Your Gear Style:
      • Comfort Driven

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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      Jan

      15

      2008

      (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      IceBox Igloo Maker creates memories!

      By AlaskaAndy

      from Anchorage, Alaska

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Durable

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Winter Camping

        Comments about ICEBOX Igloo Maker:

        I spent some time learning to use this tool, but by the third igloo, I was experienced enough to build a solid 9 foot igloo solo. And we used it to get thru a cold -6º F night. My boys, ages 6 and 9, and myself spent a comfortable night inside. [@]If you want to have fun in the snow, and you want to avoid the high cost of a 4 season tent, then get one of these IceBox tools, and feel like a kid again! With some practice, you'll be building solid igloos that will last throughout the season. If I could give this tool ten stars, I would. Many thanks to the creator, Ed Huesers for sharing this excellent tool with the the rest of us snow freaks! Playing in the snow is FUN again!!![@]

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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        Feb

        25

        2009

        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        You too, can build and igloo!

        By Joe Loves Snow

        from Michigan

        About Me Avid Adventurer

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Easy To Pack
        • Effective
        • FUN
        • Innovative
        • InterestingUnique

        Cons

        • Learning Curve
        • Length of Time Required
        • Practice Makes Perfect

        Best Uses

        • Backcountry Camping
        • Winter Conditions
        • With Friends or Kids

        Comments about ICEBOX Igloo Maker:

        I saw this and put it on my wedding registry as a long-shot/novelty item.
        I ACTUALLY RECEIVED IT! Of course from the one family that understands me!

        Now... I was really excited to use this. Yet, when I got it, we were down to about 6 inches of snow, after a BIG MELTDOWN. The snow was essentially sugar/ice. I watched the video and quickly read the book.

        A couple of things:
        1. You really need to watch the video and read the book WELL. Take notes of important things.
        2. The time required for your first igloo or two, will be MORE than it will be for subsequent shelters.
        3. The better the snow the easier your first time will go.
        4. Try the 8' first... I tried the 7'; but it seems to be one of the more difficult to build - based on how the tool is used.
        5. A good shovel is a helpful tool.

        Now the story - So my wife and I tried to build one on our honeymoon. Probably not the patience test we should have undertaken during our honeymoon, but it was still fun. We did about 2/3 the first day and darkness fell. When we went to finish the top portion, we couldnt get the top to stay. Our floor wasn't really level and I dont think we built the first layer properly. We also didnt try very hard at the top. I know that had we built the walls right, or done the 8', we would have been ok.

        Overall:
        Take your time on the first one, and dont get discouraged. I know that it takes time, but once completed it is a LOT OF FUN. Also, if you get good at it, you can build one in about 3 hours. It seems like a lot, but the thing LASTS! A lot of fun, even when used as a novelty.

        I know there are some frustrations to building your igloo at first, but really, this thing makes the impossible possible. I can only imagine what it would be like to try this next year, at the START of the season, with good fresh snow!

        • Gift:
        • Yes
        • What Is Your Gear Style:
        • Comfort Driven

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        Images shared by Joe Loves Snow

        Image Thumbnail

        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

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        Apr

        7

        2009

        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Works up high

        By Pitdoc

        from Indiana, PA

        About Me Avid Adventurer

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Effective
        • Simple To Use

        Cons

        • Hard To Repack

        Best Uses

        • Backcountry Camping
        • Winter Conditions

        Comments about ICEBOX Igloo Maker:

        I borrowed this from a mentor for a trip to Mt Rainier 2 years ago. We watched the video in our hotel and we were off.

        The worst part about the Icebox was packing it. They include straps that are supposed to hold it onto your pack but the catches were flimsy and didn't attach as easily as hoped. It did finally lash onto the back of the pack but make sure you don't need anything in a stash pocket there.

        We climbed to about 9000 feet at the edge of the Nisqually Glacier and at the foot of the Turtle. It took 2 of us about 2.5 hours to build a 9 foot igloo. It was May so the snow was consolidated and pretty soft in the early afternoon. With one person shoveling and one using the form, it's a breeze to use. Having slept in a snow cave, this was much faster because you don't have to find a perfect spot or wait for the snow to settle in order to dig. The igloo that we built allowed us 3 days of comfy acclimating before a stove failure forced us back down.

        I'm going to buy my own now for my upcoming trip back to Rainier. Compared to a tent, it's lighter and significantly warmer. It's also dead quite (except for snoring igloomates).

        • Gift:
        • No
        • What Is Your Gear Style:
        • Minimalist

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        Images shared by Pitdoc

        Our igloo at 9000ft

        Image Thumbnail

        Tags: Made with Product

        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

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        Jan

        26

        2009

        (0 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        1.0

        Not Good

        By CoolHandLuke

        from Utah

        About Me Casual Adventurer

        Site Member

        Pros

          Cons

          • Bulky

          Best Uses

            Comments about ICEBOX Igloo Maker:

            I tried this twice. Once in my backyard and once up in the Utah mountains. Both times it disappointed me. We wanted to use it for Scouting and we had 2 practice runs and both failed. Make sure you know how to use it before you rely on it. We ended up making snowcaves.

            • Gift:
            • No
            • What Is Your Gear Style:
            • Comfort Driven

            Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

            (0 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

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