Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Afsar
Are you looking for the best ice fishing bibs? Whether you’re a seasoned ice angler or just starting out, ice fishing bibs are a must-have in cold weather. Many anglers tend to overlook this important gear item, but it can significantly improve your experience and make you a better angler. Ice fishing bibs come with a range of features, such as insulation, waterproofing, and pockets for storing your gear. They’re designed to keep your body temperature warm in frigid weather, and can even help prevent hypothermia and frostbite. We’ve researched and compared the best ice fishing bibs available on the market, and we’re here to share our findings with you. In addition, we’ll provide an article to help you choose the right ice fishing bib for your needs. Ice fishing can be a fun activity, but it’s important not to put yourself at risk of freezing in the cold. So, read on to discover the best ice fishing bibs and stay warm out on the ice.
Eskimo Mens Keeper Insulated Bib
Eskimo brand is loved by thousands of ice fishing lovers for their great accessories like ice fishing bib, shelters, auger, and more. Keeper by Eskimo comes in several sizes with tons of cool features. It uses 600 denier polyester fabric that is tough and very durable. The fabric has DWR and is 5K/5K waterproof/breathable.
Eskimo uses fully taped seams that will provide great waterproof protection from snow, rain, ice, and wind for this. This Eskimo uplyft breathable ice bib comes with 80 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation that will keep you warm in the cold and wind. Eskimo also strategically placed 60gm insulation on the crotch gusset that provides great comfort and mobility, etc.
Frabil I3 Bib
For those chillier ice-fishing outings, Frabil’s I3 Bib is one fine bib for ice fishing. This rugged and waterproof ice fishing bib uses 2-layer fabric: 300 Denier Nylon Taslan and 500 Denier wear area. 500-Denier nylon taslan is used in knees and cuffs. Frabil used 3M Thinsulate with 150 grams of insulation. Additionally, it has 230T Tafeta lining, full elastic shoulder straps with cam-lock buckles, and 3M Scotchlite reflective material for safety.
Frabil I3 Bib uses a 100% seam-sealed waterproof, windproof, breathable fabric. The 150 grams 3M Thinsulate of insulation makes sure you have a good amount of warmth while in the cold weather. Frabil used an ergonomic design to keep the internal knee and seat padding in place to offer comfort while sitting or kneeling. The zipper vents will ensure temperature regulation if needed. You will find handwarmer and multiple cargo pockets to keep gears and essentials. The ice pick holsters and the D-ring can also be used to attach more gears.
Pros
- 10,000 Hydrostatic resistance (14 PSI)
- Rugged, waterproof, breathable, and warm
- 3M Thinsulate
- 150 grams insulation
- 230T Tafeta lining
- 300 Denier nylon taslan
- 500 Denier nylon reinforced knee & pant cuffs
- Internal knee and seat padding
- Handwarmer and multiple cargo pockets
- Zipper vents offer premium ventilation
- Ice pick holsters and D-ring tool attachments
- 3M Scotchlite reflective material
Cons
- No zipper fly
Arctix Men Overall Tundra Bib
As they’ve already proven themselves time and time again with their outdoor wear, Arctix certainly knows how to build tough and durable bibs for outdoor activities. By boasting a lot of useful features, Tundra Bib topped our list of best ice fishing bibs. Arctix used 100% Polyester and offered the bib in several sizes. This lightweight bib comes with 85 grams of ThermaTech Insulation which offers a good amount of warmth.
The insulation ensures that the user can tackle the cold weather. You will also find reinforced seat, knees, friction, and scuff guards to tackle daily wear and tear. A 20” boot zipper is used which ensures easy on and off. A convenient D-ring is placed on the left side to help you attach essentials like keys, gloves, or to add more extra gears. Additionally, the boot gaiters with grippers have a seamless integration with the boots to keep the warmth in while keeping the moisture out.
Best cheap ice fishing bib available on the market.
Pros
- 100% polyester
- 85 grams of ThermaTech Insulation
- Reinforced seat and knees with scuff guard for extra durability
- D-ring to attach more gears and essentials
- Easy to get in and off
- Boot Gaiters & gaiters: Keeps warmth in and moisture out
- Multi-layered construction
- Zippered handwarmer pockets
- Breathable inner material used to wick the moisture away
- Reflective safety webbing
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Not good for other activities like skiing
- Seam in the crotch is slightly weak
Striker Ice Men Insulated Climate Bibs
Striker Ice makes some of the finest, most feature-rich ice fishing bibs in the world. Striker Ice Climate is considered one of the best ice fishing suit out there in the market which comes with loads of useful feature. It uses Thermadex Insulation which is designed to be lightweight while offering superior insulating performance. This removable 175g Thermadex insulated lining should be enough for ice fishing.
It has a hydrapore 5000/5000g waterproof/breathability rating. The 320D Tussor Shel with removable liner makes it one of my favorite ice fishing suit. You will also find 1680D Snakeskin Knee panels and Surefloat Flotation assistance technology in this bib. The 150g Surefloat Insulation in the shell can come very useful. This insulated waterproof ice fishing bib with Sureflote is expensive for newbies. However, considering all the fantastic features, I would call this one of the best ice fishing bibs for men. Additionally, you can also get this insulated ice fishing bib in two different colors.
Pros
- Amazing performance
- 320D Tussor shell with removable Liner
- 1680D Snakeskin Knee Panels reinforcement
- Hydrapore 5000/5000g waterproof/Breathability
- Surefloat Flotation Assistance Technology
- Built-in mesh drains the water
- Multiple pockets
- D-rings to attach additional gears
- Zipper vents to adjust the temp anytime you want
- 175 gram Thermadex insulation
- 4200 reinforced seat and cuffs
- Side zippers
- Magnetic storm flap
- 360-degree reflective piping for safety
- Snap towel wipes
Cons
- Expensive
Striker Ice Fishing Bib For Men: Predator
Striker Ice’s predator ice fishing bib is an insulated bib to tackle harsh cold weather. Striker Ice used waterproof but breathable 320-denier Tussor shell material with Hydrapore 5000mm/5000g construction in this ice fishing bib. Just like most of the ice bibs from Striker Ice, this one is also equipped with tons of other features like Sureflote insulation, Hydrapore system, Thermadex insulation, and more.
Sureflote insulation is an excellent technology that uses multi-layer membranes that creates internal air-pocket for added buoyancy. It has been designed in such a way to add buoyancy to a person’s body weight for flotation assistance. If you carefully look at the picture, you will notice that there are additional padding found in the seat and knee. It comes with 1oomh Thermadex insulation and has a warmth rating of 7. Thermadex insulation is a type of insulation that offers great warmth, softness, and breathability while being lightweight.
- 320D Tussor shell material
- Waterproof/breathability Hydrapore 5000/5000g construction
- Additional padding in the seat and knee
- 100g Thermadex Insulation used
- Warmth rating 7
- Sureflote insulation increases buoyancy for flotation assistance
- Hydrapore System technology
- Available in different colors
- Expandable cargo pockets
- Fast drain hem
- Magnetic Zip Flap Closures
- Infinite adjustable cuff
Eskimo Lockout Ice Fishing Bibs (S-5XL)
Eskimo has proven time and time again that they know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to ice fishing gear. Try out the Lockout ice fishing Bib from Eskimo, and discover more ice fishing spots this winter. Eskimo uses 600D Endura outer shell which ensures that the bib can survive harsh conditions. It also boasts Hydrapore 5000 w/b extreme breathable laminate.
This bib also has Sureflote Flotation assist liner, 210T interior lining, and it is 100% PY seam taped. The Eskimo Lockout ice fishing bib uses 60g Thermodex insulation to protect the wearer from the cold weather. You can also get benefitted from the two front pockets where you can keep some fishing gears like a fishing plier or essentials like key or cellular.
Pros
- 600D Endura outer shell
- Hydra pore 5000 W/B
- 100% PU seam taped
- Available in different sizes
- Nice fit
- Offers warmth
- Two front pockets
- Sureflote flotation-assist liner
- 210T interior lining
- Padded knees
Cons
- not for extreme cold weather
Stormr Strykr Bib
Stormer Stryker bibs are specially made for professional fisherman and marines. By wearing this amazing bib, you get protection from the water, and the bib also keeps you warm in the harsh weather. You can buy the bib in two different colors: black and smoke. It mainly uses polyester. You will be glad to hear that some of the products are made in the USA. Due to the anatomical design, the chances are that you will have a great fit wearing this bib. The water repellent finish is provided to repel the water to keep you dry. 3M reflective graphics have been used in the bib to offer safety visibility. You will also find adjustable shoulder straps, vented back panel, PU welded exterior pockets on the front, ergonomically places plier sheath, extended hip-high splash proof leg zippers, and more. Even though this doesn’t come with any insulation, it can surely provide extra warmth in the ice fishing trips.
Striker Ice SI HardWater Bibs
If you aren’t buying an ice fishing shelter, but still want to have a great level of warmth, Striker Ice SI HardWater can come very handy. The manufacturer used 600D Endura shell with Hydrapore 5000 extreme breathable laminate. This hardware bib boasts 150grams of soft Thermadex Insulation to deal with the dangerous and frigid weather. Striker Ice Hardwater Series ice clothing also comes with Sureflote Insulation, featuring a series of a layered membrane of low-density polyfoam. It protects from cold and allows active flotation assistance for up to two hours.
A lot of people might raise their eye as the price of the bib is high, and let me tell you, you are getting a bargain at this price. This has been specially made for ice fishing in extreme weather, and it can keep you safe, warm, and dry. The reinforced 1600D super-tough knees assure high durability. There are multiple storm flap closures available on front and leg zippers. Additionally, we can look at other features: fast-drain hem and cuffs, infinitely adjustable leg cuffs, gear storage, and more. Considering the thermadex insulation, Sureflote Insulation, and Hydrapore System, I can surely recommend this ice fishing bib to fellow ice fishing peeps.
Pros
- 600D Endura shell
- Hydrapore System: 5000 extreme breathable laminate
- 150G thermadex insulation
- Sureflote Insulation
- 2 hours buoyancy
- 1680D Snakeskin Knee Panels
- Magnetic Storm Flap Closures
- Fast-drain hem and cuffs
- Infinitely adjustable leg cuffs
Cons
- Expensive
How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Bibs 2024
Ice fishing is extremely rewarding if done properly. You need to have an auger, sled, shelter, rod, reel, and more. Ice fishing bib is one of those crucial gears that can significantly change the way you are going to enjoy an ice fishing trip. If you try to explain ice fishing to one of your friends, they might get confused, and ask you about the joy of it.
The primary reason behind most people’s fears of ice fishing is the cold weather. Besides shelter and heater, a proper ice fishing bib can help you face and overcome that fear. Ice fishing bibs are designed to offer you a lot of features besides the extra warmth. In this “how-to,” I will talk about the things that you need to check when buying an ice fishing bib.
There are many features that need to be checked, but not all of them may seem necessary for everyone. For example, one person may prefer a lot of pockets while another may be happy with only two. Also, the location and weather also play an important role. Not all the places are as cold as Alaska. Also, some people use ice heaters and shelters, so they may need less insulation than the person who doesn’t have these in their utilities.
Insulation
Insulation is singlehandedly the most important factor to consider when you are thinking about ice fishing. Unless you are fishing in good weather, you would definitely be looking for insulation in your ice fishing clothing. Fishing in winter without insulated clothing will significantly reduce the amount of joy and make ice fishing horrible. You need to make sure that the ice fishing bib you are going to purchase has the necessary insulation to keep you warm when needed.
In some occasions, especially when the temperature rises, you may feel uncomfortable as the ice bib may become warmer than needed. By considering those situations, some of the manufacturers made bibs that have removable parts to cool you down. You can either remove some of the pieces or may want to wear the bib as waterproof fishing pants instead. Sometimes, the ice fishing bibs offer great ways to allows more air to enter the bib to make you feel comfortable in such situations.
Waterproofing
Just like as insulation, waterproofing is also a fundamental feature to have in an ice fishing bib. A waterproof ice fishing bib will wick away the water and helps you keep dry. No matter if you are fishing in summer or winter, you will definitely be in touch with the water. A waterproof ice fishing suit will help you protect from the splashes or rain to keep you dry and warm.
Not all of the ice fishing bibs come with great waterproofing. Some of them will have a superior waterproof ability, and they may cost you a few extra dollars. Trust me, you will not like it being wet while ice fishing. It will make you uncomfortable and may cause health problems. I would strongly suggest you buy an ice fishing bib with waterproof feature.
For better protection, you should look for waterproof shell in your bibs. Most of the bibs will feature single layer to three-layer construction. Some manufacturers employ hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings to the fabric and the material to attract more moisture away from the user’s skin to make them feel better. This ensures that the water doesn’t leak, and the user feels comfortable.
Floatation
It is always wise to consider both the best and worst-case scenarios when you prepare for ice fishing. One of the worst things that can happen is drowning in the ice-cold water. The best ice fishing bibs available on the market comes with floatation feature which helps the wearer float and reach the top of the layer to avoid any further damages. If you find an insulated ice fishing bib which features flotation feature, you should look into it, and see if it meets your needs.
I have seen a lot of YouTube videos where people would try to do crazy stuff above the ice, and some of them will eventually find themselves treading the ice-cold water. I would suggest you be more cautious, and buy an ice fishing bib which has the flotation feature.
Padding
Often overlooked, padding can be very beneficial for ice fisherman. As we already know, ice surfaces are slippery, and there’s a big chance that you might slip or fall on the ice. If you fall on the ice, you might get some bruises in your knee area, and preventing this would be the best option. Manufacturers consider this problem very seriously, and they offer ice fishing suits with reinforced and padded knees. It is an excellent feature, and I suggest you look for this feature when getting an ice fishing bib.
Reflective Tape
Safety is a critical factor to consider when buying an ice fishing bib. Some of the fishing bibs will come with safety measures to help ensure that the user can be detected very easily in case of any danger or emergency. Some of the manufacturers use reflective tape which allows the rescuer to detect you easily. By using the reflective tape or sticker, it becomes instantly easier to spot you, especially at the night. This small feature might not look like a critical one, but it can be very beneficial in an emergency. Also, these reflective tape or sticker doesn’t increase the price a lot, and it is becoming more common to see them in the ice fishing bibs.
Fitting and Layering
A lot of people doesn’t wear bibs as they might be using a heater or insulated shelters, and they raise a good question: how the bib would fit as the fisherman also wears normal clothing. Well, the user would wear their regular clothing under the bib, and that is why the users need to buy the bib with the right size to have a proper fitting. Just remember that you don’t want to carry a lot of weight and wearing a bulky bib will limit your flexibility. Try to choose the best lightweight ice fishing bib on sale and choose it for your trips. Before you decide to buy an ice fishing bib, you should consider the clothing you might wear to ensure a near perfect fit.
Mobility/flexibility
As mentioned before, flexibility/mobility is necessary on a bib. Wearing a fantastic bib without mobility would come to no use. If you can’t move properly while fishing, you will not enjoy the ice fishing session. Sure, you can sit on your folding chair, and still catch some fishes, but that is no fun. You need to move and have the flexibility to change locations as you want. Most ice fishing bibs will come with a proper chain, zippers, and flexible seams to have good mobility.
Materials
Just like any other fishing gears and clothing, ice fishing bib also needs to come with top-notch quality materials to offer better functionality with high durability. Now a day, different manufacturers are coming up with various new technologies into the fabric and other accessories included in the bib to make ice fishing more easy and enjoyable to the users. Other than the different types of fabrics, various coatings are also introduced to ensure better waterproofing and breathability. When purchasing a bib, you need to see if the manufacturers are providing the new technologies or not. Some of the ice fishing bibs will feature top-notch quality materials, but they may cost more. On the contrary, the cheaper ice fishing bibs will have mediocre or poor-quality materials in the bib. For example, the material of the insulation plays a significant role in determining the quality of the bib. The padding of the knees, the zippers, and other parts will show a high functionality if you choose them wisely.
Pockets
As a veteran fisherman, my uncle always says that an angler should always choose clothes depending on how many pockets they can get. At some degree, I also agree with him and prefer fishing clothing which offers multiple pockets and D-rings. While fishing, you may need to have quick access to a lot of gears, and pockets are easy to store them. For instances, the front pockets are the easiest to reach to get the accessories and tools. You should choose ice fishing bibs with multiple pockets in the front, rear, and sides. Some of the pockets may have flaps or zippers to secure the gears or essentials. Most of the best ice fishing suits available on the market will also feature one or two D-rings to help you attach more gears according to your taste. I love D-rings as you can virtually attach anything to them. If you love customization, you can do a lot of stuff with it.
Durability
Nobody likes to buy something that has terrible durability. The harsh environments in the ice fishing season can damage the bib you will wear, and that is why you need to buy a bib with high durability. Most of the top manufacturers ensure their products have high durability by using high-quality materials. Other than the fabric, a fisherman should check the quality of the zipper and seams. The zippers and the seams will be used continuously, and you don’t want them to have poor quality. One easy way to buy a durable ice fishing bib is by choosing the top manufacturer’s products.
Cuffs
Using an ice fishing bib without a good cuff is useless. Good cuffs are important as they provide a snug fit to prevent air from coming up through the leg. If the air comes up through the leg, the insulation system won’t have much effect. Good cuffs will have elastic or other material which will help secure around the leg.
Afsar is an avid kayak blogger born near the coast. He has a passion for kayaking and started as a child. He has paddled in various conditions and locations and promotes responsible kayaking. Afsar’s blog is widely read, and they are a respected voice in the kayaking community, offering valuable content on kayaking trips, gear, tips, and tricks. Afsar collaborates with other bloggers and brands and continues to inspire others through their writing and social media.