Checklist · 12 picks · 6 categories
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Ice fishing is basically a winter hangout with snacks, a hole in a frozen lake and the chance of dinner.
You need way less than you think: something to drill the hole, a short ice rod, cleats so you're not sliding around, and ice picks around your neck every single time. A pop-up shelter and a sled come next, once you know you're hooked. The augers are BestReviews picks, the rods and one shelter come from Outdoor Life's reviews, the other shelter is a Field & Stream pick, and Popular Science named the sled. The cleats are OutdoorGearLab winners. Each card shows the drawback the reviewers called out. Before you step out, check the ice: the Minnesota DNR says stay off anything under 4 inches of clear, new ice.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you fish open water; the Fishing Starter Kit has a simple spinning setup for your first warm-weather trips.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
0 of 4 on your list · tap one to see your options
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StrikeMaster Mora Hand Auger, 7-Inch | budget | $50-100 | a cheap first auger for early-season ice | 1 outlet |
| StrikeMaster Lazer Hand Auger, 8-Inch | mid | $100-150 | hand-drilling bigger holes all season | 1 outlet |
| ION 8-Inch R1 Electric Ice Auger | splurge | $500+ | drilling lots of holes without the arm workout | 1 outlet |
Best ice augerbudget pick · 7 in
Best for a cheap first auger for early-season ice
BestReviews' best bang for the buck ice auger: a bargain hand auger with strong, durable alloy blades.
Heads up. The handle may wobble or bend after lots of repeated use
1 outlet. BestReviews best Bang for the Buck ice auger.
$50-100
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mid pick · 8 in
Best for hand-drilling bigger holes all season
BestReviews' top pick for a durable, rugged auger: its blades repel snow and cut through more than 8 inches of ice.
Heads up. The blades can wear down over time and be hard to fix or replace
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick ice auger.
$100-150
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splurge pick · 8 in
Best for drilling lots of holes without the arm workout
BestReviews' best of the best ice auger: the most complete pick, with a long-lasting battery and no pull cord.
Heads up. May labor or get caught in slushy ice or snow
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the Best ice auger.
$500+
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Best ice rodbudget pick · 28 in rod + reel
Best for your first ice rod (reel included)
Outdoor Life's best combo ice rod: its tester calls it one of the best values in ice fishing rods, good for buying a few for friends and family.
Heads up. The reel attachment bands can come loose
1 outlet. Outdoor Life best Combo ice fishing rod.
$50-100
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splurge pick · 32 in rod
Best for upgrading to one rod for every species
Outdoor Life's best overall ice rod: despite the name, its tester recommends it for fishing all kinds of species, and owns five.
Heads up. Premium price, and it's a rod only, so you'll need a reel
1 outlet. Outdoor Life best Overall ice fishing rod.
$150-200
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frabill Retractable Ice Picks | budget | under $15 | wearing every single time you walk on ice | Limited evidence |
| Yaktrax Walk Traction Cleats | budget | $15-25 | walking out on glare ice with little snow | 1 outlet |
| Kahtoola MICROspikes | splurge | $50-100 | slick lake ice and snowy walks to your spot | 2 outlets agree |
Top pickbudget pick · One pair
Best for wearing every single time you walk on ice
The Minnesota DNR's fall-through plan: dig in your ice picks to pull yourself back onto solid ice, then roll away from the hole.
Heads up. No outlet has reviewed ice picks yet, so check the listing for a cord and covers on the spikes
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
under $15
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budget pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for walking out on glare ice with little snow
Slip-on grips for icy sidewalks. OutdoorGearLab's Best Buy: easy to put on, secure on any shoe and low-profile.
Heads up. Weak grip in deep snow
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best Buy snow and ice cleats.
$15-25
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splurge pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for slick lake ice and snowy walks to your spot
OutdoorGearLab's best overall snow and ice cleat: very secure, durable and well laid out.
Heads up. Heavy and high-profile, and not for mostly dry ground
2 outlets agree. OutdoorGearLab editors' Choice snow and ice cleats. Treeline Review best traction for hiking.
$50-100
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Best ice sheltermid pick · 2 to 3 people
Best for fishing with a friend out of the wind
Field & Stream's best ice shelter for two people: plenty of room for two, easy setup, and it stands up to the elements without flinching.
Heads up. Not insulated, and only one door
1 outlet. Field & Stream best ice shelter for two people.
$150-200
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splurge pick · 2 people
Best for a warmer basic hub for two
Outdoor Life's best value ice shelter: its tester's choice for a basic hub when it's just one kid, the tester and probably the dog.
Heads up. The black interior is darker than gray-interior shelters, and there are no full-length doors
1 outlet. Outdoor Life best Value ice shelter.
$300-500
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Best sledmid pick · 54 x 25 x 10 in
Best for dragging the auger, shelter and bucket out to your spot
Popular Science's best sled for ice fishing and hauling gear: very sturdy, with lots of room, and its pick for the best value.
Heads up. Overkill if you just want to go sledding
1 outlet. Popular Science best for ice fishing and hauling gear.
$50-100
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Best hand warmersbudget pick · 10 pairs
Best for wet fingers after unhooking fish
Outdoor Life's best overall hand warmer: cheap, light, and about 11 hours of warmth in its test.
Heads up. Single use
1 outlet. Outdoor Life best overall hand warmer.
$15-25
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
The Minnesota DNR's guideline is at least 4 inches of new, clear ice for ice fishing on foot, and to stay off anything thinner. It also says no ice is ever 100 percent safe and thickness can change over short distances, so check it often as you walk out.
Yes, wear them every time. The Minnesota DNR's plan if you fall through is to face the way you came, dig in your ice picks to pull yourself onto solid ice, then roll away from the hole.
A hand auger is cheaper and great for a few holes in thinner ice. An electric one like the ION R1 saves your arms when you drill a lot, though BestReviews notes it can labor in slushy ice or snow.