When prepping for your ice fishing trips, it’s essential to have the right gear on hand. Above most things, ice fishers prioritize a good ice fishing bib. If you’re having trouble sifting through your options, we can help. We’ve done all the research and will share our findings with you in this article.
The best ice fishing bibs typically feature a balance of waterproofing and wind proofing technology, medium to heavy insulation, comfortable high-quality materials, and functional storage capabilities. The leading bibs also boast floatation technology.
Not all ice fishing bibs are created equal. Some are simply labeled “ice fishing bibs” and don’t have the technology to back up the claim. Others have all the technology, functionality, and bells and whistles you need for warm, comfortable fishing trips. If you’re going to enjoy your fishing trips to the fullest, you need the best. Keep reading for a list of the absolute best ones you’ll find online.
What Makes a Good Ice Fishing Bib?
How are you supposed to choose a good ice fishing bib if you don’t know what to look for? That’s what we’ll help with in this portion of the article. Below, you’ll find several considerations you should keep in mind as you shop:
Waterproofing Technology
Waterproofness is an extremely important thing to consider for ice fishing bibs. By waterproofness, we’re referring to how well it handles water. Does it become drenched? Does it repel water?
If you go for an ice fishing bib that doesn’t have waterproof technology, you could be in for an unenjoyable trip. Once that water penetrates your bib, you’ll be freezing. And that’s probably all you’ll be able to think about.
The best ice fishing bibs often feature very strong sealed seams, waterproof material layers, and more.
Protection from the Icy Weather
The whole purpose of your ice fishing bib is to keep you warm. Everything else is secondary. In an icy climate, not wearing enough clothes could be an annoyance at best and a medical emergency at worst. So, it’s essential to get your hands on a bib that doesn’t allow your body temperature to dip too low.
The best ice fishing bibs on the market feature insulation from 100g to 200g or more. They also have wind-blocking technology that stops the cold and keeps frigid winds from getting through to your skin.
If you don’t choose a bib that’s warm enough, you may have to layer tons of clothing under it, which defeats the purpose of the bib.
Comfort and Movability
Your ice fishing bib should feel comfortable. Of course, it doesn’t have to feel like velvet pajamas, but it should feature a skin-friendly fabric layer that feels comfortable. Scratchy and suffocating materials are sometimes used for ice fishing bibs, and you’ll want to stay away from those.
In addition to comfort, movability is paramount. You don’t want to go for a bib that’s so bulky that you can’t move in it. During your fishing trip, you may do quite a bit of walking and some kneeling or crouching, so the bib should be thin enough to allow for all of that.
What you’ll often find is that the average ice fishing bib is tailored with a loose fit that is able to be adjusted according to the wearer’s preference. This is ideal. It should also come in various sizes so you can choose the best one for you.
Rugged Construction
Whether you plan on wearing your ice fishing bib one time or several times across multiple fishing seasons, you’ll want to choose one that’s durable. It should be made of very strong material with reinforced seams. The durability of any given bib will depend largely on the manufacturer and the quality of the materials.
Bells and Whistles (Extra Functionality)
It’s easy to get lost when it comes to bells and whistles. But the more extras your bib comes with, the better in general. Here are some of the bells and whistles that turn out to be the cherry on top of a good base bib:
- Floatation technology as a lifesaving measure. If you happen to fall through the ice, you can use all the help you can get. A bib that floats can mean the difference between life and death. Some bibs can help keep you afloat for over an hour.
- Lots of pockets. One thing’s for sure – when you go ice fishing, you’ll need a place to store all your bibs and bobs. Pockets with zippers really come in handy.
- Knee and bottom reinforcements. Think about all the moving you’ll be doing. You’ll appreciate knee and bottom reinforcements to keep your bottom and knees from getting wet (and subsequently frozen).
- If you’ve been around the block, you know that ice fishing is a slimy, messy deal. The attached bib wipes come in handy when handling your catch.
*This is not a complete list of extras you may get with higher-end ice fishing bibs.
With the information above, you’re in a good spot from an information standpoint. You know what a good ice fishing bib is and what to look out for as you’re shopping.
Best Ice Fishing Bibs
We’ve gone over the qualities of a good ice fishing bib. If you wanted to go shopping on your own, you could. But this section is going to make things a whole lot easier. We’ll reveal the best ice fishing bibs down below.
Striker Men’s Ice Fishing Bib – Best Ice Fishing Bib Overall
If you want the best of the best, go with a Striker ice fishing bib. This one is made for men, though there are options for women as well. Striker ice fishing bibs are known for providing that balance of comfort, durability, and extras that you just don’t want to leave on the table.
Strengths
There’s a big reason that Striker is such a renowned brand in outdoor wear and fishing gear. Here are a few of the main reasons we’re recommending this bib:
- Waterproof technology. The bib features Hydrapore technology, which keeps you dry from hole to hole. You don’t have to worry about water seepage with this bib. The great thing about this technology is that it still allows the material to breathe, enhancing your comfort.
- Top-notch insulation. To keep you warm, this climate bib is heavily insulated, using 175g Thermadex insulation. In addition to that, there’s very little bulk. You can easily remove the insulation for those fishing days when it’s unnecessary.
- Floatation assistance. You can’t ever overvalue safety – Striker knows this. The Sureflote technology in this bib can keep you floating for up to 2 hours. Note that this estimate is only for the average person – if you’re a larger person, the floatation time may vary a bit.
- Handwarmer pockets. That frigid air gets to your extremities first, fingers included. Chances are you’ll get a lot of use out of your handwarmer pockets when the ice and wind get to them.
- Storm flap closures. These magnetic closures, found at the knees, are another measure put in place to keep the elements out. They are best for days when the weather is particularly bad.
- The inseam is adjustable. Tailor the fit to your particular build and how you plan to wear the bib. With a properly adjusted inseam, you’re less likely to damage the pant legs by stepping on the cuff.
Weaknesses
Though this bib is one of the best ice fishing bibs you’ll find on the market. As such, it’s hard to find people who aren’t overjoyed with it. But there are a couple of not-so-great things mentioned by customers, and they include:
- The bib is on the expensive side. Many won’t agree with the price or be able to afford it.
- Some find that it can be hard to find the right size.
- Few color options.
- Not very many pockets.
Sizes Available
This ice fishing bib by Striker comes in various sizes, including the following:
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- X-Large
- XX-Large
- 3X-Large
- 4X-Large
- 5X-Large
So, regardless of your size, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a bib that fits you well. Just be sure to look at the size guide before making your size choice.
Eskimo Men’s Roughneck Ice Fishing Bib – Best for Durability
The Eskimo Men’s Roughneck Ice Fishing Bib is a highly-rated pick manufactured by a leader in ice fishing gear. Its smart design is sure to keep you nice and toasty while out on the ice.
Strengths
This ice-fishing bib boasts some amazing benefits that keep customers happy, and they include:
- Duradry fabric technology. This ice fishing bib has an outer shell that’s 100% waterproof and guaranteed to keep you dry. Whether you get splashed or kneel down on the ice, you can trust that the material will remain dry.
- Durability. The bib is made to last, with a 600D construction-grade polyester material designed to reduce the chance of premature rips and tears. This is really high-quality material by anyone’s standards for this application.
- Warm lining. This bib features a Sherpa fleece lining to trap your body’s heat inside. This insulation comes without the bulk of some ice fishing bibs.
- Floatation technology. This bib features Uplyft float technology to keep you from sinking immediately after falling through the ice.
- Taped seams. The seams of this ice fishing bib are fully-taped and secure so as not to let moisture or wind in.
- Free zipping legs with YKK zippers. Getting your ice fishing bib on and off is incredibly easy, considering you can unzip the legs all the way up to the hips.
- Inseam adjustment. Like Strikers bibs, you can adjust the length of the legs to get the perfect fit.
Weaknesses
We’ve included this bib as part of this list for several good reasons – listed above. But that doesn’t mean it’s without faults. Here are the weaknesses of this bib:
- There’s no solid time estimate for how long the bib will float.
- Some say that they wish the bib was more durable.
- One color choice.
Sizes Available
Here are the sizes you can get this bib in:
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- X-Large
- XX-Large
- 3X-Large
- 4X-Large
Considering the relatively wide range of sizes, most people will be able to find the size they need. There’s no size chart for this bib on Amazon. To choose the right size, use these size charts on the Eskimo website.
HOT SHOT Men’s Camo Ice Fishing Bib – Best Budget Option
Looking for an ice fishing bib that’ll help you stand out? This camo ice fishing bib by HOT SHOT is a high-quality bib that helps you do just that. It’s got all the basic features any ice fisher needs but also has extras that’ll make your ice fishing trip more productive and enjoyable overall.
Strengths
Chances are you’re not familiar with HOT SHOT. But don’t judge this bib by its brand. There are several reasons why this particular ice fishing bib made it on our list of the best:
- Waterproof and windproof technology you can depend on. Two of the biggest reasons why fishers get uncomfortable on the ice are the wind and water conditions on the ice. This bib keeps both out – it’s 100% waterproof and windproof.
- Substantial insulation. This bib has 120 grams of insulation to keep you warm in below-freezing temps as you fish. And because you’ll be getting relatively active, you get even more protection (extra layers of reinforcement) at the knees.
- No excessive bulkiness. Excessive bulkiness makes it harder to move around. This ice fishing bib is made with that in mind – no bulkiness. Move around as you please.
- Camo pattern. Did you think that camo is only useful when you’re hunting game? That’s not the case. If you happen to get hurt on the ice and need help, your unique camo bib can make your body easier to see and identify. That could mean that help gets to you quicker.
- Smart zippers. There are zippers on the legs and down the front of the bib. Putting on and taking off the suit is as easy as it can be.
- Adjustability. The shoulder harness is fully adjustable. So, you can get a good fit regardless of what you plan to wear underneath the bib.
- Affordability. Though this bib isn’t the cheapest, it’s affordable, considering the construction of the suit and the extras you get.
Weaknesses
Being that this ice fishing bib is on the list of our best picks, you can expect it to be a good value overall. However, there are a couple of things to be aware of before you make the decision to go with this one. Here are the weaknesses of this bib:
- There are some issues with quality, according to customer reviews.
- These aren’t available in solid colors. Those who love the bibs but don’t like camo wouldn’t be happy.
- Some say that the sizing guide isn’t precise, leading them to select the wrong size.
Sizes Available
You can get your HOT SHOT camo ice fishing bib in one of the below sizes:
- Medium
- Large
- X-Large
- XX-Large
There aren’t that many sizing options to choose from. This is something to keep in mind. If you’re a very small or large person, you’ll need to go with another option.
Striker Women’s Prism Ice Fishing Bib – Best Overall for Women
If you’re a woman, you’ll need a high-quality ice fishing bib designed specifically for you. The Striker Women’s Prism Ice Fishing Bib is the best option overall. You get all the basic features you’d expect in a Striker bib plus more.
Strengths
We love this fishing bib for its ingenious design – Striker really thought of everything. Here are the strengths of this bib:
- Lightweight design with lots of warmth. The shell of this bib is ultra-lightweight with 150g of insulation to keep you warm. To give you an idea, you can expect a warmth rating of 9 out of 10 per the manufacturer.
- Reliable waterproof technology. With Hydrapore 5000 technology, you can let go of all of your water worries. This suit keeps all of the moisture out.
- This suit was made with the curves of a woman in mind. The bib comes down low in the front and allows room for the hips. There’s also a soft lining that further enhances the bib’s comfort level.
- Towels included. Included towels come in handy when you have to handle frozen fish or clean up guts.
- Floatation assist. If you happen to fall through the ice, the suit will give you some floatation assistance, thanks to Sureflote.
- Knee reinforcement. 1600D snakeskin knee reinforcements help with durability in this high-traffic area. Thanks to this design decision, you can expect your bib to perform well in the long term.
- Convenient zippers. There are zippers along the sides of the bib to help you get into or out of it easily.
Weaknesses
This bib is so close to perfect that it was near impossible to find anyone who wasn’t overjoyed with them. There was a customer who thought that the bib was too bulky. And one other customer said that the bib was cut rather low in the back. Of course, your body type will play into how you feel about the cut of the suit.
Sizes
This bib doesn’t come in very many sizes on Amazon – sizes 8 to 18, with some sizes missing in between. And your size options will vary depending on what the company’s inventory looks like at the time of purchase. You should able to find more sizes if you order directly from the manufacturer’s site.
Arctix Women’s Essential Insulated Bib Overalls – Best for Cost-Conscious Women
Don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for your bib? Opt for a more general-purpose choice that will block the chill while saving you some cash. Arctix Women’s Essential Insulated Bib Overalls are cost-effective and stand up to the weather.
Strengths
Here’s why these bib overalls are ranked among the best:
- ThermaLock fabric. This fabric isn’t your average nylon – it’s thicker and more durable but still comfortable to wear and move around in.
- Insulation technology. You get 85 grams of ThermaTech insulation, which will keep you warm and comfy in temperatures as low as -20 degrees.
- High-quality zippers. If you’ve had a bib with low-quality zippers, then you know just how important sturdy, heavy-duty zippers are. This bib has reliable zippers.
- Water and wind protection. The fabric features multiple layers that work together to block moisture and wind.
- Adjustable suspenders. The ability to adjust your suspenders means you tailor the fit to your preferences.
- Sealed and reinforced seams. The seams on this bib are incredibly durable as they’re sealed and reinforced. They keep the elements outside, where they belong.
- Bright color choices. Bright colors are
- Super low price. This bib is affordable on almost any budget.
Weaknesses
This bib does come at a low price. But there are several reasons for this. Though it’s a quality bib, it doesn’t come with some of the extra functions and design elements that more expensive bibs do. Here are some of the things that are missing:
- Floatation technology.
- Zippers down the legs.
- Knee reinforcement.
There’s also less insulation. But at this price point, this is one of the best bibs you’re going to get.
Which Ice Fishing Bib Should You Buy?
It can be extremely hard to decide which ice fishing bib you should buy, even after we’ve shown you some of the best. The table below will help you make the right decision:
| Bib Brand and Model | Waterproofing Technology | Insulation Type and Amount | Extra Features | Floatation Technology? | Who is it for? |
| Striker Men’s Ice Fishing Bib | Hydrapore technology | 175g Thermadex insulation | Handwarmer pockets, storm flap closures, adjustable inseam | Yes | Men who want the best of the best in ice fishing bibs. |
| Eskimo Men’s Roughneck Bib | Duradry fabric technology | Sherpa fleece lining – comfortable to -32 degrees | Taped seams, YKK zippers, adjustable inseam | Yes | Men who want an ultra-durable ice fishing bib at a moderate price. |
| HOT SHOT Men’s Camo Bib | Unnamed waterproofing technology | 120g insulation | Camo pattern, adjustable shoulder harness, smart zippers | Yes | Men who prefer to save money without compromising much on quality and features. |
| Striker Women’s Prism Bib | Hydrapore technology | 150g insulation | Towels included, knee reinforcement, adjustable zippers | Yes | Women looking for the best of the best in ice fishing bibs. |
| Arctix Women’s Insulated Bib | ThermaLock fabric | 85g ThermaTech insulation – comfortable to -20 degrees | Adjustable suspenders, bright color choices, sealed and reinforced seams | No | Women searching for a high-quality ice fishing bib at a value price. |
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the best ice fishing bibs. You can’t go wrong with any of the picks we’ve highlighted in this article. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best on your next ice fishing day!
