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An essential piece of equipment for our favorite pastime is a solid ice fishing bib. When choosing an ice fishing bib for yourself, it’s important to consider factors such as insulation, waterproofing, flotation, and comfort. Good ice fishing bibs should be able to keep you warm and dry, even in harsh conditions, while still allowing you to move around freely on the ice. Most importantly, you should always invest in a bib that features some kind of flotation assistance, in case you fall through the ice. This is absolutely critical; never venture onto the ice without flotation support.
Additionally, it’s important to choose a bib with plenty of pockets for storing gear, as well as durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of fishing in freezing temperatures. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose an ice fishing bib that fits your needs. In this guide, we’ll review the top options and help you find the perfect bib for your next ice fishing excursion.
My Overall Favorite Ice Fishing Bib
The Striker Ice Climate is an absolutely awesome bib that is designed to withstand extreme conditions and low temperatures. The bib material provides excellent waterproof coverage, ensuring that you stay dry and protected from the harsh elements.
One of the standout features of this bib is the flotation technology, which can keep an average person afloat for up to 2 hours (according to Striker). This asset is a nice safety feature that provides peace of mind for anyone who occasionally spends time on semi-thin ice.
In terms of insulation, the Striker Climate Bib is built with “Thermadex technology”, which provides optimal warmth without the bulk of other insulating jackets. With 150 g of insulation, this bib provides heavy-duty protection and coverage, making it ideal for ice fishing in frigid environments.
Other distinctive features of this bib include magnetic zip flap closures, removable hand wipe towels, and fast-drain hems. The infinite-adjust inseam also allows anglers to tailor the length of the legs for a comfortable fit, and the added crotch panel reinforcement provides some extra durability. The reflective elements are also a nice touch, adding an extra level of safety for those who fish in low-light conditions.
Overall, I would say that the Striker Ice Climate Bib is one of the best ice fishing bibs money can buy. With its well-designed features and high-quality construction, it’s a great addition to any ice fisherman’s gear collection.
Best Quality Ice Fishing Bib
I would highly recommend the Eskimo Men’s Keeper Insulated Bib; that is, if you don’t care too much about the price. We all know that Eskimo is one of the “premium” ice fishing brands. It’s surely reflected in the price. However, this Eskimo bib is designed with the serious ice fisherman in mind and features high quality materials and features.
One of the standout features of this bib is the breathable flotation assist system, which provides an extra layer of safety and comfort on the ice. The 600 denier polyester fabric is tough and durable, and the DWR and 5k/5k waterproof/breathable rating make it ideal for use in harsh weather conditions.
In addition, the 80gm 3M insulation in the body and 60gm in the sleeves is well placed to keep you warm and comfortable all day. The fully-taped seams offer complete protection from wind, rain, snow, and ice, making this bib one of the most protective on the market.
The adjustable and removable hood is a fun bonus, allowing you to customize your protection based on the weather conditions. The strategically placed gussets and elastic stretch panels, make it easy to move around and cast your line with ease.
Overall, I would say that the Eskimo Men’s Keeper Insulated Bib is an excellent option if you’re willing to pay a high price. The combination of top-quality materials and nifty features make it an ideal choice for serious ice fishermen who demand the best in protection and comfort.
Most Comfortable & Warm Ice Fishing Bib
The Frabill Ice Hunter Bib is built with heavy-duty 1200D construction and double stitching, ensuring that it will maintain your warmth and last for years to come. The 3M Thinsulate lining provides excellent warmth and heat retention without adding bulk, which is ideal for maximizing mobility on the ice.
The Ice Hunter Bib has solid safety features, including the 3M reflective materials that provide visibility in low-light conditions. Again, this is especially important for those who like to fish early or late in the day when visibility can be limited.
The pre-curved knees and padded seat are also a plus, providing all-day comfort and mobility. This makes the bib a good choice for anglers who plan to spend extended periods on the ice. The reinforced stitching and rivets in high-wear areas aid the ice fishing bib durability and should help it last for many seasons.
Some users have commented that the bib feels bulkier compared to other brands, but that’s expected for a warmer bib optimized for comfort. If you’re looking for a rugged and body heat conserving ice fishing suit, the Frabill Ice Hunter Bib is worth considering.
Top Budget Friendly Ice Fishing Bib
I must say, I’m thoroughly impressed with this ice fishing bib for the cost. The last time I checked, the price was under $100! The company’s claims about its features and performance seem to be backed by solid design and construction.
Starting with the safety aspect, the flotation technology is obviously a much-needed addition to any ice fishing bib. It gives ice fishers peace of mind knowing that they can stay afloat for awhile in case of an emergency. Additionally, the interior mesh hem design is an effective solution for quickly draining away water.
The bib is made of a nice waterproof material that lives up to its claim of being water-resistant. The breathable fabric ensures that anglers stay comfortable, even after hours of fishing in wet conditions. The bib is also windproof, thanks to the soft inner liner filled with floatable material and 120g thermal insulation.
The wear-resistant protection design is another feature that sets the Piscifun bib apart from other budget friendly ice bibs on the market. The 1680D reinforced Oxford Fabric at the knees and removable EVA guard plates provide adequate protection and durability. The zipper that runs through the whole leg makes it convenient to put the bib on and take it off. If you’re looking to save money but still have decent ice fishing bib, then consider this Piscifun model.
Best Ice Fishing Bib for Women
Yes, all of the bibs on this list can be worn by women. However, most of them will often be too bulky for the average female ice fisher. The Striker Ice Women’s Fishing Prism Bib is tailored precisely for female anglers. The 320D Tussor Shell and 150g Thermadex insulation, combined with Hydrapore 5000 W/B and 210T interior lining, make this bib incredibly warm and well-suited to harsh ice fishing conditions. The warmth rating of 9 out of 10 speaks to the quality of the materials used and their ability to keep the wearer comfortable in even the coldest weather.
One of my favorite features of the Prism Bib is the 1600D Snakeskin knees, which provide exceptional durability and protection against wear and tear. The drop-seat design is also a nice touch, adding to the overall comfort of the bib. The Sureflote flotation assist is a smart addition, offering added peace of mind in case of a fall through the ice.
In terms of style and comfort, the Prism Bib doesn’t disappoint. The reflective and floating materials integrated into the design make it both functional and stylish, while the ample pockets and zippers provide plenty of storage space. The bib fits a bit snugly, as mentioned by other female users, so it may be worth considering a size up if you prefer a looser fit.
The Striker Ice Women’s Fishing Prism Bib is an excellent investment for serious ice fishing women. The bib’s solid construction, warmth, and range of features make it a great value for what you pay.
Most Durable Ice Fishing Bib
Ice fishing bibs can be expensive, so why not get one that lasts a long time? The 300D waterproof, windproof, and breathable shell of the Clam Ascent IceArmor (combined with the removable 150g Thinsulate liner) provides exceptional protection from the elements. The 1000D ballistic nylon knees with articulated padding, adjustable anti-slip suspenders, and adjustable inseam feature with storm gaiters, are all well-designed and well-constructed.
The 2-way front zipper with magnetic storm flap, 2-way waist height leg zippers, zippered hand-warming pockets, waterproof cell phone pouch, and retractable lanyard are all thoughtful and practical features that make this gear a great choice for anglers. The Motion Float Buoyancy Technology (while not Coast Guard-approved as a personal flotation device) provides a level of comfort and safety that is hard to beat.
The only real drawbacks are the inability to tighten the pant cuffs and the lack of a pliers/hook remover pocket. However, these are minor issues that do not take away from the overall value of this highly durable gear.
I would recommend the IceArmor by Clam Ascent to any seasoned ice fisherman who prioritizes the life span of ice fishing equipment. It is a solid investment that will provide years of comfort and protection on the ice.
Ice Fishing Bibs are Essential - Make Sure to Get a Good One
Finding the best ice fishing bib is an important part of preparing for a successful fishing trip. Whether you’re looking for maximum insulation, highly-rated flotation safety, or ample storage space, there is a bib out there for everyone.
