A number of things can affect your success when ice fishing. For one, you need to make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the occasion. You must wear some protection from the cold, such as ice fishing bibs. An ice fishing bib is a garment that one dons on top of their clothing to protect oneself from the frigid cold lakes during winter months. A good ice fishing bib should be made of waterproof materials, heavy-duty to endure harsh conditions, and warm enough to keep one warm even in subzero temperatures.
We cannot understate the importance of ice fishing bibs in the past decade. Many companies have started to improve how engineers made them more efficient and comfortable for ice anglers. First, we will go through the section about the evolution of ice fishing apparel during this past decade. The main focus is on bibs and their benefits for people who go ice fishing.
History of Ice Fishing Outwear
Fishers typically wore heavy clothing, like sailors in northern Europe. This necessity was part of the job; they often faced all sorts of temperatures (during the day, at night), and when you needed them most – when they were irreplaceable – it was imperative that they maintained their health. They typically wore waders to stay dry while walking through water to get close to their prey; oilskins to protect them from the wind and rain;
Today’s ice fishing bibs incorporate light, highly efficient insulating, and floatation materials within durable yet waterproof and breathable shells. They must be both efficient and effective at trapping heat while at the same time being lightweight.
Some ice fishing bibs come with magnetic storm flap closures to keep the cold, towels for after the catch, and intelligent pockets for storing items like phones.
Newer ones like the Striker Ice lines have Surefloat and Thermadex insulation material technologies. Surefloat is an innovative technology that provides buoyancy and insulation to ice anglers. Surefloat is the only floatation technology on the market that the Canadian Coast Guard approves. Floatation assist technology ensures that fishers are safe and secure on the ice’s surface.
The Thermadex insulation material ensures that fishers stay warm during their fishing sessions throughout winter. This material also provides excellent warmth to the fish caught during fishing sessions, increasing their chance of survival in cold water.
Features consideration
Different types of ice fishing bibs are designed for the varying needs of people ice fishing. People who fish in deep water need additional features from those who fish in shallow water.
To ensure you get the correct type of ice fishing bib, you must consider a few things. One is how you plan on using the bibs. Will you be walking a lot? If so, then a bib with insulation is a good idea. This will keep your body heat from escaping and keep you warmer for longer periods.
Another fantastic but crucial feature of this product is the high-reflective material that provides visibility in low light conditions. This is paired with triple-density foam padding to provide comfort and stability for those trying to beat the odds.
Also, are you going to double it as hunting bibs? Make sure deers are not catching your camouflage. Hunters must wear protective garments during their hunt because animal blood may get on their clothes, leading to foul smells, stains, and damage to clothes in the future.
The best brand for ice fishing bib
Choosing ice fishing bibs can be difficult because of the wide variety of available brands and styles. When making a purchase, one must consider many factors, such as prices, features, and even styles and preferences, such as whether or not they need fishing bibs for kids or women.
Different types of ice fishing bibs are designed for the varying needs of people ice fishing. People who fish in deep water need additional features from those who fish in shallow water. For example, they will prefer floatation technology over warming.
To ensure you get the correct type of ice fishing bib, you must consider a few things. One is how you plan on using the bibs. Will you be walking a lot? If so, then a bib with insulation is a good idea. This will keep your body heat from escaping and keep you warmer for longer periods.
Let’s go through them one by one, from the brand first.
Frabill Suit
The I-3 Bib is their flagship of ice fishing bib lines. It’s constructed with 100% sealed seams, lined with 3M™ Thinsulate™ insulation that will keep you warm without feeling stuffy. Is simply the most versatile in its class. It is lined with industry-leading 3M™ Thinsulate™ insulation and constructed with 100% sealed seams. It combines exceptional warmth with breathable, waterproof, and windproof protection.
With ergonomically designed joints and knee and seat padding, reinforced knees – you have a complete ice fishing solution that can handle all extreme conditions.
I’ve researched and shopped for winter wear, and I’m convinced that the Frabill Snosuit is a good investment. The material is 100% wind-resistant, waterproof, and blocks out any cold that you feel from your body.
What we like:
The I-3 Bib is the one bib to rule them all. It combines exceptional functionality in a wide variety of outdoor conditions with breathable, waterproof, windproof protection. Add ergonomic design in the joints, knees, and seat for comfort and movement, and reinforced knees to handle any terrain.
Built for the most challenging conditions, this waterproof, windproof, breathable jacket provides 150g 3MThinsulate™ insulation. Self-rescue features include ice pick holsters, an internal safety label that alerts authorities in an emergency, and drainage mesh for extra protection. The jacket is made out of 300 denier nylon Taslan shell that is fully seam-sealed and has full-length leg zippers for addition.
The patented ergonomic design is intended to provide a snug, comfortable fit that offers a full range of motion. The shoulder straps are adjustable and elasticized for maximum comfort. The knee and chair padding is made from memory foam for extra cushioning. There are hand-warmer pockets with tricot lining for those cold winter days. The zipper vents allow the wearer to regulate their temperature by opening or closing the vents as needed to suit.
The bibs have been redesigned this season with various new colors and styles for both men and women. In my opinion, these bibs are worth it if you’re looking for a good winter cover-up!
What we don’t like:
I have a previous version of the Frabill bibs that I am comparing to their newer design. They removed the zipper flap cover and installed a piece of material inside. With that in place, the second lower zipper is now useless.
One of the main complaints about the new pants is that the side hand pockets are lower and in an uncomfortable position. The D ring used for clipping on your UV flashlight is too high and not close to the man pocket, making it difficult to reach when you need to take a leak. This problem is worsened by the inability to remove your bibs without completely taking off your pants, which can be inconvenient.
StrikerICE® Climate Bibs
The Strikemaster bibs are an excellent choice for ice fishing. It does not require any extra layering and has been developed to keep you warm without overheating. This lightweight, breathable, and durable product will keep you warm even in the coldest weather.
It was developed by a boat captain that had been an avid ice fisherman for more than four decades. He found that anglers often wore too many layers and got too hot while they were out on the ice in his adventures. The Strikemaster bibs is an excellent solution because it can be worn alone or with a vest or jacket on top.
One of the top priorities when ice fishing is staying warm and safe. The StrikeMaster Bib provides the protection you need with a thin, windproof outer shell that also repels water from your jacket.
What we like:
The knee pads provide excellent stability and stretchiness around the knee for added protection when fishing or kneeling. These bibs are easy to put on & take off with the zip-to-hip side zippers and adjustable bottom cuffs!
StrikeMaster Bibs are made with a durable RipStop Polyester outer shell that repels water while also breathable. They are also able to wick away moisture, which is incredibly helpful during the summer heat.
The bibs are easy to put on and take off thanks to the zip-to-hip side zippers, the adjustable hem on the bottom cuffs, and the big crotch.
This product’s insulation is fantastic, and it also has built-in flotation that will keep you safe in most scenarios. In addition to that, the breathability of this product is excellent, with the zipper system having been intelligently designed with vents across the whole body.
What we don’t like:
I’m a bit worried about the long-term because some of the stitching may have been poorly done in certain places. I would have liked to see double stitching, but this is a start. We’ll have to wait and see if they can make it work. I was concerned that they might be too loose when I first put them on, but after adding two layers of clothing underneath them, they ended up fitting perfectly.
Another downside is that you look like a walking billboard with the embroidered logos everywhere. However, I have since gotten over it.
Cabela’s Gore-Tex® Guidewear Xtreme
If you’re an avid ice fisherman, it’s essential to outfit yourself with the appropriate gear. A GoreTex bib will help you stay dry and warm, as well as keep you from getting wet and cold when standing on the ice.
The GORE-TEX waterproof laminate is made up of an ultra-rugged polyamide filament which is then woven together with the 100% waterproof and breathable laminate. The Pro-level protection will keep you dry and less likely to suffer from wet discomfort during all your adventures.
Some materials are better than others for this type of activity. The best products will have a GoreTex membrane to allow moisture but not wind or water. The following best material is breathable nylon that has a waterproof coating.
Features:
DuPont Teflon fabric protector: This protector will help your ice fishing bibs last longer, and it’s highly recommended that you use this protector before you start using them.
200-gram SnoCore insulation: This is the perfect insulation for ice fishing bibs. It will keep your body warm, and it also helps keep your feet warm in the cold weather.
660 Denier Taslan nylon exterior: These are the best material qualities used in ice fishing bibs. They are strong, durable, and have a high visibility level to help with safety when you’re on the lake.
What we like:
Details like taped seams and water repellent zippers add an extra measure of weather protection for all-day comfort, while articulated joints ensure unrestricted mobility.
Extreme Parker features an adjustable rammed hood design for extreme conditions, waterproof cuffs to keep out moisture and cold air. Moreover, strategically placed pockets to store all your essential fishing gear and d-rings to keep everything in check.
Fleece-lined hand warmers have long been a popular choice for people who work outside in the frigid winter. These pockets offer protection from the cold to the fingers, often exposed to elements that can cause chilblains and other painful conditions.
What we don’t like:
The knee pad is sufficient, and you can remove it if more substantial padding is desired. The lower leg opening on these Pac boots is too narrow, making them uncomfortable to wear, and they don’t have a D ring for attaching any little extras you might need.
However, don’t be fooled by the name. These are not “Extreme,” and they barely offer any insulation! You will be cold on a boat ride in 40-degree weather. If you need cold-weather gear, you need to buy the Xtreme “late season” bibs.
Those are the ones with two hundred grams of insulation. These don’t have any; they are rain gear for 45-55 degree weather.
Even with those two minor drawbacks, I still think these are the best bibs I have come across for ice fishing. They are very flexible and easy to use, despite their lack of reinforced seams.
If you want to get a detailed products comparison you might want to read Best Ice Fishing Bibs: Top 10 on the Market
