Ice fishing season is here, and it’s time to get suited up in your warmest gear. You’ll be outside in incredibly low temperatures – sometimes way below zero. And that’s not even the half of it. You need a top-quality ice fishing coat that can handle all that nature can dish out, and we’ve done all the research to help you find the best one.
Since you’re here, we’re sure you know that not all ice fishing coats are created equal. Some that are called the best may be far from it. Keep reading to find out what makes a good ice fishing coat, and then introduce you to some of the best ice fishing coats you’ll find online.
What Makes a Good Ice Fishing Coat?
If you want to get your hands on the best ice fishing coat, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. Though every ice fishing coat will be different from the next, there are several things that you should expect with any good one. We’ll go over those below.
Insulation to Keep You Warm
High-quality ice fishing coats keep you warm above all else. One of the main ways they accomplish that is through insulation. Insulation is a layer of fabric or material that traps your body heat and keeps it from escaping. As a result, you’re kept warm.
The type of insulation may vary from jacket to jacket. Some feature down, others have fleece, and some manufacturers make their own insulation from proprietary materials. The amount of insulation makes a huge difference in how warm the jacket ultimately is. The more insulation there is, the warmer your jacket may be.
In addition to that, there’s the option for removable insulation. There may be days when you don’t need full insulation and others where you definitely do. So, having the ability to remove that insulation and reattach it can be valuable.
Waterproofing and Wind proofing Material
Insulation just doesn’t matter if your coat isn’t adequately waterproofed. Wet insulation doesn’t do much for you. So, any proper ice fishing coat will have waterproofing technology. It’s usually a special type of material or spray-on water repellant. Most top-of-the-line ice fishing coats will not only keep you dry but also allow sweat to escape.
Wind proofing is just as important as waterproofing. And this comes down to many things. First, there’s the fabric, which should be composed of several layers. Then, there are functional extras that you can adjust to conform the coat to your body. Cinchable hoods and hem drawcords are a couple of them.
Durability in Construction
The best ice fishing coats out there will be constructed to be tough. Reinforced nylon and polyester are two of the most common material types used in high-caliber coats. Both of these materials can stand up to freezing cold climates and resist premature wear and tear from movement.
In addition to that, you should look for a coat that has professional seams that have been reinforced to last.
Smart Design Features
The physical design of your ice fishing coat makes a big difference in how it will ultimately work for you. When ice fishing, you may need to move gear around, reach for this or that, and more. So, you need a coat that will allow you to do so without feeling restricted. For this reason, the best ice fishing coats have some degree of stretch or adjustability in their designs.
You might see coats with articulated sleeves or gusseted underarm areas. There are also coats with stretch in high-traffic areas. These design decisions make for a coat that moves with you.
Storage Capabilities
Chances are you’ll need to store odds and ends like fishing tackle and electronics while ice fishing. The best ice fishing coats have pockets and slots made just for that. Some coats have more pockets than others, but you need at least a few for the coat to be useful. And whenever there are pockets, it’s best that they have a zipper for some security.
These are not the only characteristics you’ll see in high-quality ice fishing coats. But if you can get your hands on coats that have most of these characteristics (especially insulation, waterproofing, and wind proofing), you’ll be in a good spot.
Best Ice Fishing Coats
Let us start by saying that there’s no single best ice fishing coat out there, as everyone’s needs are individual. No single coat will be the best for everyone. But there are some really well-made coats that are specifically made for ice fishing that deliver all the basics you need and extras that make things even better. These are the types of coats we’ll go over below.
StrikerICE Predator Coat
For those who want absolutely everything they can get in an ice fishing coat, consider the StrikerICE Predator Jacket. This coat by Striker, a leader in ice fishing gear, is sure to keep you dry and warm. It also has life-saving measures in place to keep you safe.
Strengths
The strengths of this coat are many, to say the least. Here’s a list of the most important ones:
- 320D Nylon Tussor fabric and Hydrapore technology to ensure that water, snow, sleet, and other moisture don’t penetrate the coat.
- 100g of insulation to trap your body heat within the coat.
- Cross flow ventilation to minimize sweating, keeping you dry and comfortable.
- Large pockets to hold your fishing gear and any other small items you may need as you fish. These pockets have flap closures and a Line Cutterz zipper pull that you can use to cut your fishing line in a flash.
- Sureflote technology, which can help you float should you fall through the ice and into the water. It will keep the average person floating for up to 2 hours. Many lives have been saved by this technology.
- Reflective material to make it easier for you to be found should you find yourself in trouble. It can also prevent others from colliding with you in areas of tough visibility.
- Several color options for customization.
- Unisex design that works for both men and women.
- Machine washable.
Weaknesses
Though this coat is every bit as awesome as you might think it is, there are some weaknesses that everyone should know about before they fork over the cash for it. Here are the weaknesses of this ice fishing coat by Striker:
- The price of the coat may be too expensive for some, even when it’s on sale.
- There’s the odd manufacturer defect.
Available Sizes
This coat comes in a wide variety of sizes – they include:
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- X-Large
- XX-Large
- XX-Large Tall
- 3X-Large
- 4X-Large
- 4X-Large Tall
- 5X-Large Tall
As you can see, you can get this coat in a wide variety of sizes, which is great for those with non-standard body sizes.
Eskimo Men’s Roughneck Jacket
Is durability a top concern for you? You may just want to go with the Eskimo Men’s Roughneck Jacket. Like the other picks on this list, this coat is going to stand up well to water, wind, and frigid temps. But above all, this thing is durable, hence its name.
Strengths
The strengths of this jacket are many, but here are the most crucial ones any shopper should know about:
- Uplyft floatation assistance to keep you floating in the water for a while if you fall through the ice.
- Duradry 600D Polyester, a fabric that is waterproof, windproof, and undeniably durable.
- Shoulder and elbow reinforcements, being that these are high-movement areas.
- Taped seams to keep wind and water from getting in.
- Sherpa fleece to trap your body heat and keep you toasty, even in below zero temps.
- Many zippered pockets outside and inside.
- Cinchable hood.
- Machine-washable.
Weaknesses
Now, let’s shed some light on the weaknesses of this jacket:
- The zippers aren’t the best quality.
- There’s only one color option, and it’s gray.
- It may not be as warm as some of the other options on this list.
Size Availability
You can get this coat in one of the following sizes:
- Medium
- Large
- X-Large
- XX-Large
- 3X-Large
- 4X-Large
- 5X-Large
Notice that there is no size small.
Eskimo Men’s Keeper Insulated Jacket
The Eskimo Men’s Keeper Insulated Jacket has serious insulation for those subzero fishing days with winds that won’t quit. But that’s not all that it offers, by a long shot. Keep reading for the strengths associated with this ice fishing coat:
Strengths
This coat stands above many of the rest in terms of warmth and comfort. You’ll see why in the points below:
- Seams are taped to keep water and wind from penetrating the coat and making you cold or wet.
- 140 total grams of insulation. 80g in the body and 60g in the arms.
- Removable insulated hood to minimize heat released from your head.
- Storm flaps along the front zipper to keep cold and moisture out of the coat.
- Hand-warming pockets that have a snap closure and a lining inside.
- Reflective panels to make you easier to spot while out on the ice.
- YKK zippers, which are known to be high quality in the industry.
- Extremely durable material that will last – 600D polyester fabric.
- Uplyft floatation assistance.
Weaknesses
The fact is that there are very few downsides to this coat, but each one is important. Keep these weaknesses in mind as you’re weighing your options:
- A couple of customers found that the coat was damaged either right out of the box or after one or two uses.
- People had issues finding the right size for them.
- There is only one color option, and it’s on the bland side.
*These issues were a very small minority. Most people were very happy with their coats and sang their praises about them.
Available Sizes
This coat by Eskimo comes in the following sizes:
- Medium
- Large
- X-Large
- XX-Large
- 3X-Large
- 4X-Large
- 5X-Large
Note: The available sizes may vary based on availability and demand. Notice that there is no small size available at the time of this writing, but that may change in the future.
Arctix Men’s Performance Tundra Coat
When you don’t have a big budget but don’t want to compromise on warmth, comfort, or any of the other basics, you need a coat like this one from Arctix. It delivers everything you need in a coat without breaking the bank.
Strengths
For a budget ice fishing jacket, you wouldn’t usually expect too much in the way of features. But this coat isn’t like other coats. Here are some of the strengths you should know about:
- 120 grams of Thermatech insulation in total. The insulation is spread throughout the coat in a way that ensures that you’re not going to get sweaty. There’s also no bulkiness.
- The coat’s outer material is reflective, which adds to your safety and gives you more visibility at night.
- The main seams of the coat are sealed, so they won’t come undone. They also give the coat enhanced wind-blocking and waterproof abilities.
- The hood is removable for those days when the weather is too warm for it. It’s also micro fleece-lined for even more warmth on those below zero days.
- Handwarmer pockets come in handy on extremely windy or cold days.
- Many pockets to store your ice fishing gear and any other small things you’d rather not carry around.
- Adjustable waist and cuffs to keep wind and water out.
- Comes in both tall and regular sizes.
- Minimal branding.
- Machine washable.
- Several color options
Weaknesses
When it comes to ice fishing coats, you do get what you pay for. So, there are a couple of weaknesses with this coat that you don’t have to worry about with the other two options.
- No floatation technology.
- Even with the tall and regular sizes, people are finding that it’s hard to find the right size for them.
- Some say that they wish the coat was a little lighter in weight.
Available Sizes
One of the best things about this jacket is that it comes in both tall and regular sizes. Here they are:
- Small
- Small Tall
- Medium
- Medium Tall
- Large
- Large Tall
- X-Large
- X-Large Tall
- XX-Large
- XX-Large Tall
- 3X-Large
- 3X-Large Tall
- 4X-large
- 4X-Large Tall
- 5X-Large
- 6X-Large
Recall that some people have trouble finding their size. It’s important to know that reviews like these are few and far between. With the wide breadth of size options available, chances are you shouldn’t have any issues finding the right size for you.
MAGCOMSEN Women’s 3-in-1 Winter Coat
Looking to catch some fish in a jacket you don’t have to pay a fortune for? The MAGCOMSEN Women’s 3-in-1 Winter Coat may be just right. It’s a windproof, waterproof winter coat that you can wear on and off the ice.
Strengths
There’s no shortage of features with this coat. Expect the following strengths if you decide to give this coat a try:
- 3-in-1 functionality: You get a fleece inner jacket and a lightweight snow coat. You can wear these three ways- (1) both of them together for maximum warmth and water/wind resistance, (2) just the lightweight snow coat for days that aren’t so cold, and (3) just the fleece jacket for every day wear when it gets a little chilly.
- Outer coat is waterproof to 5000mm to ensure that any fish splashes or snow won’t get through.
- The hood has both an adjustable drawstring and Velcro to seal in the warmth from your head and neck for lasting warmth.
- Stand collar to shield your neck and chest from the cold.
- Four pockets to store all your small belongings and gear. They are in smart locations – like the chest and down the sides of the body for quick access.
- Various bright colors to choose from. The brighter your clothing, the easier it will be to see you should things go wrong.
- Velcro cuffs to allow you to tighten your sleeves to keep freezing air out.
- Curvy silhouette that gives you a boost.
- Sufficient back coverage.
Weaknesses
No coat is perfect, especially if it’s a budget option. Here are the main weaknesses that matter:
- Not enough size options.
- Insulation may not measure up to more expensive options.
- There are two coats to keep up with versus one.
- The coat isn’t machine washable.
Size Availability
There aren’t very many size options for this coat:
- X-Small
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- X-Large
- XX-Large
Striker Women’s Stella Outdoor Jacket
Women who want to look great and stay warm and comfortable on the ice will love this Striker Women’s Stella Outdoor Jacket. It’s got a load of insulation and was designed with women in mind.
Strengths
This is a proper ice fishing coat in every sense. It delivers just about everything a female ice fisher would need. Here are some of the obvious strengths of coat:
- 133g of PrimaLoft insulation to trap your warmth inside the coat and keep it from escaping.
- Heat Map lining that combines with the insulation to keep the cold out without making you feel weighed down or too hot.
- Cross flow ventilation to minimize the amount of sweat you produce while wearing the coat.
- Hydrapore waterproof 5000 mm and 320D nylon tusser shell that blocks out water, sleet, and moisture from snow. It does so while allowing your skin to breathe.
- Large cargo pockets to allow you to store small and medium-sized items out of sight.
- Line Cutterz zipper-pull accessory allows you to change your lures or cut your fishing line in seconds.
- Sureflote technology allows you to float should you fall through the ice. It can keep you afloat for up to 2 hours.
- YKK zippers – very high quality.
- Princess seams that accentuate the waist and give you a feminine silhouette.
- Adjustable sleeve and hem cuffs for a tailored fit and even more wind resistance.
- Reflective panels make it easier for you to see and be seen.
- Three bright color options.
Weaknesses
The weaknesses of this coat don’t come down to functionality, but they are important, nonetheless. Keep reading to find out what they are:
- Hand wash only, which could be a hassle.
- Some have had an issue with the fit.
Available Sizes
Does this coat seem like it might be a good fit for you? Here are the sizes it comes in:
- X-Small
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- X-Large
- XX-Large
- 3X-Large
- 4X-Large
Notice that this coat does come in an extra small, but there’s no 5X available. Keep this in mind, and always refer to the sizing chart before making a size choice.
Which Ice Fishing Coat Should I Choose?
If one of the coats above speaks to you, that’s great. But if you’re having a bit of trouble choosing the right one for you, here’s a little help. We’ve created a table below that outlines each coat’s strengths, weaknesses, and sizes. It will help you make the right decision.
| Coat Name | Strengths | Weaknesses | Sizes | Who It’s For |
| StrikerICE Predator Coat | Water-resistant fabric with Hydrapore technology, 100g insulation for warmth, Sureflote technology for flotation | High price, occasional manufacturer defects | S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXL Tall, 3XL, 4XL, 4XL Tall, 5XL Tall | Anyone who prioritizes safety, durability, and performance and doesn’t mind paying for it. |
| Eskimo Men’s Keeper Insulated Jacket | Taped seams for water and wind resistance, 140g insulation for warmth, Uplyft floatation assistance, YKK zippers | Occasional quality issues, limited color options | M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL | Anglers who want a super warm, durable coat at a reduced price. |
| Arctix Men’s Performance Tundra Coat | 120g insulation for warmth without bulkiness, reflective outer material for visibility, Sealed seams for added protection | No floatation technology, sizing challenges, some find it heavy | S, S Tall, M, M Tall, L, L Tall, XL, XL Tall, XXL, XXL Tall, 3XL, 3XL Tall, 4XL, 4XL Tall, 5XL, 6XL | Budget-conscious people who want to get the biggest bang for their buck. |
| Striker Women’s Stella Outdoor Jacket | 133g insulation for warmth, Hydrapore waterproofing, Sureflote technology for flotation | Hand wash only, some sizing issues | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL | Female ice fishers who want a combination of style, warmth, and extras. |
| MAGCOMSEN Women’s 3-in-1 Winter Coat | 3-in-1 functionality, Waterproof outer coat, lots of pockets for storage and convenience | Limited size options, insulation may not be as warm, requires you to care for two separate coats | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Those who value versatility and a low price tag. |
| Eskimo Men’s Roughneck Jacket | Uplyft floatation assistance for safety, durable Duradry 600D Polyester fabric, taped seams | Average quality zippers, limited color options, potentially less warmth compared to other options | M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL | Men who prioritize durability. |
Honorable Mention: The North Face Down Parka
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the best ice fishing coats for men, women, the cost-conscious, and more. Regardless of the coat you choose, you’re sure to be warm, comfortable, and ready for the ice. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best this ice fishing season.
