12 best ice fishing crates

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Ice fishing boxes are an essential attribute of all amateurs and professionals. It is a handy organizer for all inventory, as well as for storing catch and, for example, carrying hot food.

The editorial staff of the magazine studied the market in detail and selected 12 of the best boxes for winter fishing. The selection of products for the rating was made according to the following parameters:

1. volume, division into tiers and compartments, ease of use;
2. reliability and quality of material of manufacture;
3. cost level;
4. consumer and expert opinion.

Rating of the best boxes for ice fishing

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best boxes for ice fishing	1	H-3LUX	RUB 5,773
	2	Mikado UAF-002	RUB 4,593
	3	A-elita Sputnik Silver	RUB 3,490
	4	Rapala RIB	RUB 4 490
	5	Mikado UAC-I002	2 539 rub.
	6	Lucky john	2 390 RUB
	7	Salmo PL-1R	RUB 2,613
	8	Mikado ABM 317	RUB 2 459
	9	Salmo 2070	RUB 2,087
	10	A-elita A-Box	RUB 1,520
	11	A-elita Sport	804 RUB
	12	Box 'Growth' steel, galvanized	RUB 855

H-3LUX (Russia, 3-tiered, 40x19x43 cm)

Rating: 5.0

The first line of the rating goes to the relatively inexpensive and high-quality H-3LUX winter box. As the name implies, it has 3 tiers. The largest (lower) compartment has a volume of 16 liters, and the other 2 have 3 liters respectively. It is convenient to put down large inventory such as fishing rods, shabala, and food. The upper compartments are ideal for small things: winter spoons, sets of tees, sub-frames, etc.

Durable outer skin is combined with dense aviation foam, which not only retains heat inside, but is practically not subject to mechanical damage. Users say that even after 5 years of operation, it looks like new. The advantage of the H-3LUX is the location of the carrying handle: it is made in the form of loops, like on standard hiking backpacks. However, in case you are uncomfortable with carrying the box behind your back, you can always dissolve this handle and drag it in the usual way.

Advantages

• durable material of manufacture (dense reinforced fabric + aviation foam);
• keeps the temperature inside;
• has 2 small and 1 large compartments;
• can be carried behind the back like a backpack;
• there are side pockets.

disadvantages

• not found.

Mikado UAF-002 (Poland, 4-tiered, 39x30x20 cm)

Rating: 4.9

On the second line of the rating is a Polish model of a winter fishing box with 4 compartments for storing equipment. The main difference between Mikado UAF-002 and H-3LUX is the materials of manufacture and ergonomics of movement. The body of the box is made of painted duralumin with riveted seams, which gives the model strength. In the lower part there are special rubber pads that prevent the box from sliding on open ice.

However, Mikado UAF-002 also has some nuances. First, the metal hinges in the three small compartments can cause problems. They often fail (moving parts weaken over time) and during transportation they can cling to your clothes, carrying belt, etc. Secondly, the structure is very rigid and bulky. Despite its lightness (only 2.28 kilograms), carrying it with a full load is quite problematic. All this does not allow the model to come out on top, but the achieved result is also very good.

Advantages

• reliability and strength (duralumin walls + riveted seams);
• 4 compartments for storing basic inventory and small items;
• high, comfortable seat with foam core (it is also a cover).

disadvantages

• protruding hinges of small compartments, which, moreover, often fail.

A-elita Sputnik Silver (Russia, 1 compartment, 44×41.5×27 cm)

Rating: 4.8

A-elita Sputnik Silver burst into the life of Russian fishermen unexpectedly. An inexpensive winter box made of impact-resistant plastic is loved by many users for its lightness, thermal insulation properties and 'clever' internal structure. The total depth of the inner compartment is 37 centimeters, however, a box is placed in it for small things such as jigs, bait, bait, tees, etc. In general, it is very convenient and not so heavy: the curb weight of the box is only 2.5 kilograms.

However, there are a number of restrictions that users need to be familiar with prior to purchasing. We are talking about the reliability parameters of A-elita Sputnik Silver in operation, namely the quality of the cover. It is lockable with sliding padlocks on one side and also has a plastic joint on the other. So: if you are unlucky, then it is the plastic joint that will fail first. With temperature changes and cyclic loads (opening / closing), the material accumulates microcracks in itself, and eventually collapses. With a little more luck, the sliding clamps will be the first to loosen. However, this is 'cured' by simply lining them with elastic bands, or any other little thing to create a tight fit.

Advantages

• keeps the temperature inside;
• has a separate removable drawer for small things;
• the outer part is made of impact-resistant plastic;
• lightweight and easy to carry.

disadvantages

• fragile cover.

Rapala RIB (Finland, 2 spacers, 41x28x45 cm)

Rating: 4.7

The foam plastic box with a layer of reinforced plastic has a sufficient margin of safety to serve as a comfortable seat (withstands up to 150 kilograms) and transport up to 40 kilograms of cargo. The solid inner compartment is divided into 3 sections that can accommodate food, basic inventory, and other useful fishing supplies. Naturally, the structure is thermally insulating, so even in extreme cold there is a chance that the food will remain warm.

Unlike the A-elita Sputnik, it has a lid firmly fixed on hinged hinges, but on the other side, even a simple sliding lock does not clamp it. As a result, if the belt breaks or slips off, the box can tip over and empty out all the contents. This is a significant miscalculation in a very convenient design.

Advantages

• lightweight (1.9 kilograms) and durable (withstands a person weighing up to 150 kilograms);
• thanks to partitions, the inner cavity is divided into 3 parts;
• the presence of thermal insulation.

disadvantages

• lack of a lid locking mechanism – when tipping over, all the contents can spill out of the box.

Mikado UAC-I002 (Poland, 2 compartments, 45x38x26 cm)

Rating: 4.7

Another winter box from the Polish manufacturer Mikado with a large storage compartment and a small panel for placing fishing tackle. Made of reinforced plastic that resists shock very well, but does not have thermal insulation properties, so it cannot be used for storing hot food.

Mikado UAC-I002 also has one 'hidden' feature. In addition to the provided volume of the basket, its lid has a secret compartment for storing fishing rods, with which you can empty the main part of the box for the catch. The cover is moderately reliable and has two sliding latches. The model can be used for a seat, but in strictly limited weight tolerances: only 110 kilograms. It is quite compact and cheap, but you should not expect any outstanding results in terms of durability.

Advantages

• simple construction;
• a small panel for tackle storage;
• low price.

disadvantages

• unable to retain heat.

Lucky John (Latvia, 6 parts, 38x26x31.5 cm)

Rating: 4.7

A more interesting constructive version of the lid lock is offered by Lucky John. If you do not look that the lock is made of reinforced plastic, then its device in the form of a wide union clip looks very reliable. The design of the winter box itself is not much different from the typical one: the inner compartment is partially covered by a small box, divided into 3 sections. In the bottom you can store hooks, spoons, bait, etc.

On the sides of the main compartment there is an additional tray and a pocket for stowing a belt. By the way, Lucky John is almost the only company that duplicated the belt with a regular plastic handle in the center of the lid. Thanks to this, the box is easy to carry, and this is a big plus in ergonomics.

Advantages

• good ergonomics (additional handle, belt compartment and tray);
• reliable lid locking system;
• low purchase price.

disadvantages

• not too durable plastic case.

Salmo PL-1R (Poland, 1 tier, 34x40x20 cm)

Rating: 4.6

The polyurethane foam winter box from the well-known Polish company Salmo does not claim high places and the pursuit of segment leaders. Instead, it offers users moderate strength, carry comfort and a capacity of around 19 liters. The lid is locked with a conventional latching strap. The second strap, as standard, is designed to carry the box from place to place.

The PL-1R's slight design flaw is its soft sides, which are very pliable and flimsy if you press them properly. The very same design of the box allows you to sit on it from above (thanks to the frame design). However, the maximum weight of a person should not exceed 100 kilograms. Pay special attention to these factors.

Advantages

• the presence of thermal insulation;
• cover latch on the belt;
• frame construction that can withstand up to 100 kilograms.

disadvantages

• no additional drawers inside.

Mikado ABM 317 (Poland, 2 tiers, 37x24x37.5 cm)

Rating: 4.5

Mikado plastic budget winter fishing box is in great demand among domestic anglers. It has everything you need to carry fishing equipment and accessories. The lower compartment is designed for storing large items, while the upper one allows you to fold small equipment into smaller compartments.

In fact, you won't be able to tell something else interesting about ABM 317. Yes, the box is designed for seating, but it's worth making allowances for the durability of the reinforced plastic in low temperatures. The lid is locked by 2 not the most reliable locks, since the latches on them are made of ordinary plastic. Pass, and you will have to buy a new lock, or redo the old one.

Advantages

• simple and reasonably reliable design;
• the presence of a compartment with 8 compartments for storing small equipment;
• lightness (1.5 kilograms);
• high market demand.

disadvantages

• flimsy locks.

Salmo 2070 (Poland, 2 tiers, 38×24.5×29 cm)

Rating: 4.5

Almost complete analogue of Mikado UAC-I002 with 3 locking locks and approximately the same layout of departments on the top panel. At the same time, it costs less, but looks more solid. The main compartment of the Salmo 2070 is large and spacious, ideal for transporting food or storing catch. All small things are placed on top, including fishing rods, which fit into specially designated grooves.

The box can be seated, and the seat is finished in polyurethane. It is soft and warm, but deforms quickly. There is no question of keeping the main container warm: the reinforced plastic quickly releases warm air. Otherwise, this is the perfect drawer model for the asking price.

Advantages

• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• the presence of a convenient organizer for equipment;
• high-quality assembly (except for locks).

disadvantages

• frequent complaints about the quality of locks.

A-elita A-Box (Russia, 2 compartments, 41.5x27x38.5 cm)

Rating: 4.4

We go up the price ladder and meet another representative of the A-elita brand. A-Box is a simplified version of all high-end models, which offers moderate reliability and a good load for 1.5 thousand rubles. We doubt that impact-resistant plastic was used as the material: its texture is too similar to a regular industrial polymer. However, the thickness of the walls makes it possible not only to carry inventory in it, but also to sit quite comfortably (also thanks to the anti-slip pad).

Unlike the opponents above, the A-elita A-Box is a rather bulky model. Her own weight is 2.7 kilograms, and, frankly, she is not very comfortable to carry. If you do not want to spend a lot, then this is the best option for you.

Advantages

• the presence of an anti-slip pad on the seat;
• 30 liters of internal volume;
• low price.

disadvantages

• bulky and rather heavy box.

A-elita Sport (Russia, 1 compartment, 25x17x35 cm)

Rating: 4.3

Another representative of the very bottom of the market for fishing winter boxes. A-elita Sport aims to be a convenient organizer for carrying your catch and equipment. It is absolutely not suitable for storing food, if only because at the very base of the case there is a cutout for the grip of the box with your hands. This is so that you can drag it from place to place, say, from one hole to another. Not a very rational approach, because when the box is overturned or overcrowded, something can fall out of these holes. But we have what we have.

The A-elita Sport has handy side pockets that can be used for fishing rods or shabala. They increase the total volume slightly. If you are determined to purchase a reliable model of the box, then we hasten to disappoint you: the quality of the plastic is such that it can crack if it falls hard.

Advantages

• simple and practical model;
• the presence of side pockets;
• low price.

disadvantages

• not the highest quality material of manufacture;
• the presence of cutouts on the side edges of the box.

Box 'Growth' steel, galvanized (Russia, 1 section, 30x19x29 cm)

Rating: 4.2

At the bottom of the budget segment of boxes there was a place for one very interesting model, which is unexpectedly very popular. Factory fishing suitcase 'Rost' came from the distant Soviet past. In those days, such designs were not uncommon, and were distinguished by their reliability for a decade to come. It's foolish to expect the same durability results from current builds, however it can compete with any rating.

The finished box weighs only 1295 grams, making it the lightest fishing box in our ranking. But, alas, it does not differ in convenience. Inside there is only one section, in which you can place either the catch or inventory. If you are looking for a very budget fishing solution, then 'Rost' will be the perfect find.

Advantages

• extremely low price;
• reliable performance;
• the lightest box in the ranking.

disadvantages

• thin, bendable steel;
• one section without additional pockets and organizers.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.