When it comes to ice fishing, It takes more than a warm suit to make a good ice fishing suit and staying warm and dry is crucial to ensuring you enjoy your ice fishing trip. You need to be prepared for whatever may come along. This means investing in the right clothing i.e. gloves, thermals, heavy socks, bibs, and suits. Knowing where to purchase the best ice fishing bibs and suits can be challenging, especially if you don’t regularly shop for such items. The good news is that we have done the hard work and compiled a list of the 10 best ice fishing bibs and suits. This post also discusses important factors to consider during your research. And Just a friendly reminder to be safe during the ice fishing season.
Best Ice Fishing Bibs and Suits: Our Top Picks
Read on to find out more about our favorite picks:
Clam Ia Lift Suit – Sm 9580
The Clam Corporate Icearmor Lift Suit will keep you warm and dry in the most unforgiving weather conditions. It features an internal lift lining that provides more buoyancy compared to other suits. This also means increased freedom of movement without the stress of extra weight. Components of the suit include a parka and a pair of bibs.
This suit is specially designed to optimize functionality and look incredible. It is fitted with quick dry technology that ensures you remain dry in any weather conditions. It has two large pockets for small essentials. The pockets are lined with hand warming material and the outer layer of the suit is lined with neoprene for waterproof capabilities. Cuffs with a hook and loop system ensure that water doesn’t get through.
Pros:
- Offers increased buoyancy while underwater
- Large pockets are lined with hand warming material
- Quick drain technology keeps you dry in the harshest weather conditions
- Neoprene outer layer is windproof and waterproof
Cons:
- Not designed for larger anglers
Frabill I3 Bib
The Frabill I3 Bib is our top pick for best ice fishing bib, mainly because it is made with durable materials and offers a good feature combination. It is completely sealed up and resistant to water, thanks to the 300D Nylon Taslan shell. The bib also features 150 gram 3M Thinsulate insulation, which ensures breathability and added protection from the elements.
Comfort is achieved with multiple features like internal knee and seat padding, elastic straps with cam lock buckles, and zipper vents that guarantee breathability. The hand warmer pockets are lined with tricot while a 3M Scotchlite reflective material helps keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The bib has multiple pockets for small gear and fits nicely like a glove.
Pros:
- Comes with a self-rescue set
- Multiple pockets for small gear and essentials
- Good insulation to keep you warm
- Incredibly comfortable
Cons:
- Taking it off is a bit of a chore
Frabill 2504041 Ice Fishing Safety Gear
Designed to be worn with the Frabill I3 Suit, this jacket is built to keep you safe and warm regardless of the weather conditions. It is made using waterproof and breathable 300D Nylon Taslan shell with 100% seam sealing. The stress areas are made with two layers of 500D nylon Taslan shell to provide increased wear resistance.
The set of ice picks around the jacket collar are a nice safety feature that you shouldn’t go onto the ice without. It does what it’s meant to do without compromising your comfort. Also included in the self-rescue set is an ice safety internal label, ice pick holsters, and drainage mesh. The jacket has a high hydrostatic resistance of 10,000MM and uses 150 grams of 3M Thinsulate Insulation to keep you warm.
Pros:
- Handwarmer pockets have a tricot lining
- Comes with adjustable hood and sun visor
- Multiple self-rescue features for added safety on the ice
- Thinsulate insulation keeps you warm and comfortable
Cons:
- The inseam rides a little high if the bib is fitted high enough
ICE ARMOR Edge Cold Weather Bib (110301-10301-Par)
Ice Armor offers some of the best fishing accessories and apparel, including the Edge Cold Weather Bib. It is waterproof and is lined with a breathable shell. This is a good bib for long winter days on the ice. Its knees are made with 1000D ballistic nylon for wear resistance and padded for comfort when kneeling. There is a 2-way front zip with a magnetic storm flap that ensures a cozy fit.
The pockets are lined with fleece to keep your hands warm. We love the long 2-way leg zipper as it allows for a comfortable fit. The zipper has magnetic storm flaps. This bib is made of 100% polyester and has 300D insulation. It is designed to drain ice with ease and has an adjustable inseam feature with storm gaiters that prevents water from getting in.
Pros:
- Easy to don and doff with 2-way zippers and magnetic storm flaps
- 1000D ballistic nylon on knees offer more wear and tear resistance
- Rapid drain system and adjustable inseam help keep you dry
Cons:
- Pockets are a little small
ICE ARMOR Men’s Edge Cold Weather Parka
The Ice Armor Edge Cold Weather Parka offers waterproof and windproof protection when elements become less than ideal and the temperatures plummet. It features handwarmer pockets lined with fleece. The interior mesh mitten pockets are spacious enough to accommodate small essentials. Other storage options offered by this jacket include two lined zippered pockets and a Napoleon pocket.
The bungee and toggles are designed for quick adjustments while on the move. The hood has a reflective piping for added safety in low light conditions. A neck flap helps protect you from harsh winds while the adjustable neoprene cuffs prevent water from getting in. The jacket has an ultra-warm polyester tricot lining for increased warmth on the ice.
Pros:
- Offers waterproof and windproof protection
- Comfortable fit
- Has fleece lined hand warmer pockets
- Ample space for stowing gear
Cons:
- Heavier than other parkas in its class
Striker Ice Climate Bibs
The Striker Ice Climate Bib is designed to provide maximum waterproofing with 320D Tussor 5000/5000 waterproof and breathable external shell. It comes with a removable 175-gram Thermadex insulation lining to protect you from extreme weather conditions. The company used Sureflote buoyancy throughout the bib as well as articulated knees to give users more comfort. This feature combination also helps with flexibility.
The infinite adjust leg cuffs allow for inseam length adjustability. There are three 3-way YKKleg zippers extending all the way to the leg for easy donning and doffing. The boost storm gaiters are fitted with gripper elastic and the adjustable suspenders ensure a comfortable fit. Storage options offered by this bib include expandable cargo pockets, fleece lined chest pockets two exterior D-rings and soft-touch breast pockets.
Pros:
- Good practicality with several pockets
- Comfortable and warm even in sub-zero temperatures
- Floatation technology offers better buoyancy
- Includes a beverage holder
- Doesn’t overlook safety
Cons:
- May feel bulky if carrying excess accessories
WindRider Pro Foul Weather Gear – Fishing Bibs
This waterproof and breathable bib is made from 2-layer laminate fabric. It is designed to keep you warm and dry without compromising comfort. The design is big on functionality what with multiple pockets. The overalls have six pockets i.e. two chest pockets, two fleece-lined hand warming pockets and two thigh pockets for quick access.
The double zipper with a storm flap eliminates the need to drop-trou when nature calls. This bib ensures a comfortable fit by incorporating elastic under the arms and at the waist. Everything is tucked in nicely and you can cast without the gear getting caught on anything. WindRider also put Cordura reinforcement on the butt area, hem and knees for added durability.
Pros:
- Back of pants is cut up ¾ inches
- Offers a comfortable fit
- Easy to wear and remove
- Multiple storage options
- Waterproof and breathable design
Cons:
- Not the most breathable bib
Arctix Men’s Overalls Tundra Bib With Added Visibility
The Arctix Men’s Tundra Ballistic Bib Overall is a good investment for anyone who wants a high level of insulation and protection from the elements while ice fishing. It features lightweight insulation that doesn’t weigh you down when snowshoeing or walking. The micro-chambers specially designed for trapping body heat, thus keeping you warm in spite of sub-zero temperatures.
The super strong ballistic shell is exactly what you need to prevent abrasions on your clothing due to sharp rocks and fishing gear. It is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the outdoors. A breathable high-tech material is laminated to the shell and does a good job of wicking away the moisture. This is a huge bonus given the tendency to sweat when wearing warm clothing or undertaking a hard activity.
Pros:
- Uses 85grams of Thermatech insulation to keep you warm
- Prioritizes user safety with reflective webbing
- Features reinforced seat and knees, sealed seams as well as scuff guards
- 20-inch boot zipper allows for easy on and off
- Multiple pockets offer storage options
Cons:
- Lining is a little too loose near the zipper
How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Bib and Suit
Breaking through the ice while fishing is always a risk and if that happens, you need the best ice fishing bib or suit. It offers better buoyancy and more time to rescue yourself. But how do you know which bib or suit fits your needs? Here are a few factors that will help narrow down your choices.
Ergonomics
According to Meriam Webster, ergonomics is “applied science concerned with designing and rearranging things people use so that people and things interact more efficiently and safely.” With regard to ice fishing bibs and suits, you should think about minimal fatigue and more comfort. Look for features like thick knee padding, pre-curved knees, and sleeves that conform to your body shape as well as straps that stretch when moving.
Insulation
Ice fishing bibs and suits should be designed to retain body heat even in low-temperature conditions. And while you may not have the chance to test the product, it’s good to know that your suit will keep vulnerability to a minimum in bad storms. Be sure to determine if the bib or suit can keep you warm when fishing for long hours on the ice.
Waterproofing
An integral part of surviving in sub-zero temperatures and keeping warm is staying dry. This means choosing ice fishing apparel that is absolutely watertight. This is usually achieved with either a waterproof coating or water repellent. The former is cheaper and wears off after some time. As such, regular reproof is essential. Water repellent method is a simple and elegant technology that uses a waterproof membrane. The membrane has tiny microscopic pores that are too small to allow water yet big enough to promote breathability. Some models incorporate both of the above methods for better efficiency.
Safety features
A good set of ice picks gives you traction so that you can pull yourself out of the ice. Some companies like Frabill offer a free set of ice packs with ice fishing suits and jackets. They are always out of the way when fishing, but exactly where you need them in case of an emergency. Other safety features to look for include a drainage mesh for draining water and reducing the extra weight while pulling yourself out of the ice.
Mobility and flexibility
A good ice fishing bib and suit should offer plenty of flexibility to improve your chances of success. A heavy and cumbersome bib will only exhaust you soon, and derail your fishing trip. Consider a model with double zippers, and elastic at the waist or under the arms.
Conclusion
The ice fishing bibs and suits reviewed above offer better convenience and efficiency compared to most models on the market. They are designed with practicality, functionality, comfort, safety, and durability in mind. As such, you can expect the best value for your money.
