We all love ice fishing, but when the wind picks up and your clothes have gotten wet, it can become uncomfortable fast if you are not well prepared. With the help of the best ice fishing bibs, you can fish while staying safe and warm!
Quick Overview – Best Ice Fishing Bibs
- Best All Around Ice Fishing Bib:
Striker Ice SI Hardwater Bibs - Best Value Ice Fishing Bib: Arctix Men's Overalls Tundra Bib
- Best Bibs for Fly Fishing: Stormr Strykr Bib
Quick Comparison – Best Ice Fishing Bibs
Buying Guide
Many people do not put enough consideration in the right clothing for ice fishing. Only to regret it later. Ice fishing bibs are considered an innovative way to protect yourself against cold weather conditions, keep you warm, dry and insulated. They let you fish the whole day while keeping your body temperature stable.
There are a few factors that you should consider before investing in an ice fishing bib, including the insulation of the bib, waterproofing, padding, pockets, and material. This guide will help you choose the best ice fishing bibs with the best features!
Material
The most essential and crucial part of an ice fishing bib is its material. You have to make sure that it provides the warmth it promises. It has to be thick enough to keep you warm and cozy during chilly weather.
Nylon is the most common material being used when it comes to ice fishing because it is flexible, lightweight, and water repellent. You also have to check for additional padding at the weak areas of the bib.
This keeps you safe from injuries during ice fishing. If you invest in cheap ice fishing bibs, you are likely to spend more money to buy a new one soon. Quality materials really are worth it here and help get you through the chilly weather.
Insulation
Ice fishing is naturally done in cold temperatures and you need an extra layer of clothing to keep you warm. Make sure that your bib has Thermatech or Thermadex insulation. These insulations will keep you warm for as long as you are out in the field.
Flotation
The best ice fishing bibs have layered low-density foaming that keeps the air closed inside the clothing. It creates an air-pocket that allows you to float over the water for safety. Ice fishing is a hazardous sport, and you have to be prepared for any situation. That is why this feature is crucial and most handy.
Water-Resistance
Water-resistance is a non-negotiable feature when it comes to investing in an ice fishing bib. The water-repellent feature allows the bib to resist water and stay dry and warm. You have to make sure before investing in a high-end product that it is heavily waterproof.
When you are on the water, chances are you will get wet to some extent. Waterproof ice fishing bibs help mitigate this.
Padding
Padding at the weakest areas of the bib can save you some trouble. The two most crucial areas that need padding are seat and knees. Padding in these areas is great, as it saves you from cuts and abrasions and can even potentially prevent injuries and pain.
Fitting and Layering Space
The ice bib is not a replacement for clothes. You have to layer the bib over your clothing to keep yourself cozy and warm. You should take the clothes you are going to wear underneath into consideraton before buying the ice fishing bib of your choice. It is essential to buy the right size, as otherwise you will not be able to fish comfortably.
Versatility
Despite the multiple layers of clothing beneath the bib to keep yourself warm and cozy, you still need space to move freely and do your work comfortably. You should not feel restricted while wearing a bib as it is necessary for productive fishing. Good ice fishing bibs have zippers that allow proper mobility. You can quickly put them on and remove them.
Pockets
Pockets are an essential feature in a bib. It depends entirely on you what you would like to keep in them. There are plenty of small tools and lures that you can keep in them. One great feature in a bib is warming pockets that provide an extra level of comfort and warmth to your hands.
Sometimes, there are several pockets on the chest and legs area. These can be used for storing any kind of small fishing equipment. You can easily access them anytime you need them.
Cuffs
Cuffs are another essential feature on a bib. They will not allow any air to come inside the bib through openings at the legs and arms. They have elastics around them and can be secured tightly, thus keeping the inside of the bib warm and cozy.
Durability
Fishing equipment has to be durable and reliable as it is exposed to harsh environments all the time. Items like ice fishing bibs have to be flexible and you have to make sure that the zippers and the padding are in the right places. Zips and seams hold the bib together.
An ice fishing bib is an item you do not want to buy new every few years. It pays to invest in quality once, rather than buy cheap, often. Please also keep the environment in mind.
The Best Ice Fishing Bibs – Our Top Picks
The Best All Around Ice Fishing Bibs
Striker Ice SI Hardwater Bibs
Pros
- Thermal insulation
- Extra knee padding
- Water resistance
- Breathable
- Windproof
- Hydra pore mechanism
- Perfect fit
- Durable
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
The Striker Ice Fish Bib is of premium quality. It has several advanced features compared to any other high end engineered ice fish bibs. The flotation-assist feature prevents you from drowning. Striker manufactures ice fishing suits in different styles and sizes for men, women and children.
Striker is considered as one of the leading brands in manufacturing ice fishing clothing and bibs in particular. The suit is made in the USA. It has breathable and waterproof material, so it keeps your clothes underneath the suit dry. The build of this ice fish bib is exceptional and provides unmatchable benefits to you.
It keeps you safe and protected against harsh cold weather. Moreover, the knees of the bib are improved and provide more comfort and flexibility to your suit.
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The Best Value Ice Fishing Bibs
Arctix Men's Overalls Tundra Bib
Pros
- Thermatech insulation
- Lightweight
- Boot zipper
- Knees, seat, friction guards
- Water-resistant
- Many Pockets
- Insulation for warmth
- Great value
Cons
- It does not have variety in sizes
The Arctix Tundra Ice Fish Bib promises the next level of safety against cold and harsh weather. It will not get damaged even after years of rough usage. The bib is waterproof as no moisture gets inside and protects your skin from burns as well.
There are a few extra pockets to keep small stuff like keys. The reason for this ice fishing bib to stand prominent against others is the premium-quality and heavy-duty multi-layers that provide insulation and keep the body temperature warm and cozy.
The material is also breathable so that the body moisture evaporates and does not disturb you. There is a guard on the ankle and scuff made of ballistic nylon that makes the bib flexible and tear-resistant. The bib is warm and has multi-layers yet lightweight.
It is made of 100% Polyester Ballistic and contains Therma Lock coating and insulation for extra protection. The bib also has a 20” zipper that makes putting off the bib far more relaxed and more comfortable. The bib further has extra hand-warmer pockets and a reflective feature that makes the bib visible at night.
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The Best Bibs for Fly Fishing
Stormr Strykr Bib
Pros
- Lightweight
- Water repellent
- Windproof
- Non-abrasion zippers
- Flotation
- Insulation
- Breathable
- Adjustable straps
- Chest lining
- Durable
Cons
- Not necessarily made for the extreme cold
The Stormr Strykr ice fish bib is made from 100% polyester and has plenty of amazing features. The bib has adjustable shoulder straps. You can adjust them according to your ease and comfort level. The bib is widely used during fly fishing, ice fishing and hunting.
It has insulation that keeps the anglers warm and cozy against cold weather. At the same time, it offers great flexibility and movement and features a vented back panel for breathing and evaporation of body moisture. This makes it a great choice for fly fishing i cold temperatures as well.
It is water repellent and will not get wet. The bib is also windproof as the material has a high stretch level and will not get damaged. The fleece-lined chest area keeps the chest warm and safe from getting sick. The bib is combined with a matching jacket for additional protection. The non-corrosive zippers made the bib easy to remove and wear.
It features 3M reflective graphics so that the anglers can enjoy flotation, warmth, and durability all in one bib. The extra insulation and exceptional features such as positive buoyancy make it stand out against others.
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Best Ice Fishing Bibs – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can an ice fishing bib be beneficial?
The ice fishing bib keeps the anglers warm and cozy in the cold weather. They will keep them dry and prevent pneumonia and other problems. When you are out in the field for ice fishing, you have to keep your health and comfort level the top priority.
The padding saves you from injuries, and insulation keeps you warm. Check out this article if you want to get more attuned to how ice fishing works and what’s important!
What is the top advantage of an ice fishing bib?
Ice fishing bibs provide warmth against cold temperature. They are designed with insulation and padding that keeps your body temperature moderate. You will be able to perform all the activities without getting cold. Also, the waterproof feature keeps you dry.
What else do I need for a successful ice fishing trip?
At the very least, you will want to bring a rod, reel, lures, some line, an ice auger to drill some holes and probably a tip-up. To stay warm and comfy, don’t neglect dressing in warm socks, boots, gloves, a hat, face shield and some thermal underwear to wear under your bib!
Optionally, consider getting cleats for more traction, a flasher to find the best spots and a shelter for those longer trips!
Happy Ice Fishing
The best ice fishing bibs have all the necessary features like insulation, flotation, zippers and padding. Avoid going for cheap materials just to save a few bucks in the short run.
It is better to invest in a better product once, rather than spending on a cheap one twice or more. If you want your ice fishing experience memorable and comfortable, buy a premium quality ice fishing bib!
Have fun out on the ice and stay safe!