If you’re preparing for an ice fishing trip, then you’ll know it’s important to wear suitable gear and clothing. Wearing suitable apparel will protect your body from the cold. If you’re going fishing in the ice, then wearing ice fishing bibs are a great option.
Here's a quick list of our top picks:
Who Needs To Use Ice Fishing Bibs?
Anyone who fishes in the ice can wear an ice fishing bib. Bibs will protect your body from the cold water and wind. Ice fishing bibs also allow your body to breathe. This helps prevent internal moisture buildup. It’s important to prevent any symptoms of hypothermia when outside in the cold. You don’t want to turn into a human Popsicle, and end up in the hospital. Smart ice fishermen keep their body warm, and catch fish.
Below is a short YouTube video that gives some information about the proper ice fishing gear to wear:
How Do Ice Fishing Bibs Work?
Ice fishing bibs provide a layer of protection between clothes and outside weather. Waterproofing materials will keep rain and snow from reaching your inner layers. Most ice fishing bibs have a waterproof index from 11,000-15,000 mm to maintain breath-ability. This level of waterproofing will keep rain and snow out. Yet, still allow internal moisture to release from your body. With this you can avoid sweating underneath your layers.
Bibs also help seal the rest of your fishing apparel together. When you’re out on the ice, you need a piece that will give that extra bit of protection. Reducing the amount of wind and water on your clothing, and staying dry will keep your body nice and warm. This allows you to maintain your internal body temperature at a healthy level.
How Do I Choose An Ice Fishing Bib?
Buy an ice fishing bib that is going to fit over your clothing, and stay in place. If the bib is too small, it may be too tight to move around in and if it’s too big it won’t be comfortable to wear. The bib should match your regular clothing sizes. Ice fishing bibs are adjustable so you can always tighten or loosen the material if it doesn’t fit right.
Choose an ice fishing bib that's made with good quality materials so that it’s durable. If the stitching is not well made, they’ll wear and no longer be as effective. Good-quality straps, buckles, and stitching will last. This will provide the protection and weatherproofing that you need.
Buy bibs that are breathable to keep your body warm and dry whilst you’re ice fishing. When you’re standing out on the ice, you’re going to have wind and snow hit you. If the bib retains moisture your body will be uncomfortable. Then, the bib may also develop and unpleasant odor.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing ice fishing bibs:
- Buy a bib that matches your clothing size.
- Buy a bib that is well made and durable.
- Use a bib that is breathable.
What Are The Best Ice Fishing Bibs?
We’ve looked at a range of ice fishing bibs that are suitable and have selected five bibs. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and the level of weather proofing. We’ve reviewed these five ice fishing bibs and listed some pros and cons for each bib.
our #1 rated
Kylebooker
Waterproof Bib
Quality
Price
Our rating
The ice fishing bibs made by Kylebooker are in various sizes from XS to 3XL to fit anyone looking to catch fish. The bib features a waterproof index of 15,000 and a breathable index of 3,000. The bib’s design is for the greatest waterproofing and breath-ability out on the ice.
Customers who purchased this bib like the fact that it can adjust with its shoulder straps. People said that the bib is from good-quality materials and durable. Many customers also said that this bib has a nice lightweight feel to it.
Other customers who used this bib said that it’s included neoprene socks would not last too long. A few people said that the legs felt a bit baggy and loose. Customers also said that the bib did not match their size well, and rubbed against their legs a tag in use.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
Neygu
Waterproof Bib
Quality
Price
Our rating
This ice fishing bib made by Neygu is available in a range of sizes for outdoor weather protection. The bib has three layers of waterproofing and there’s an outer layer of tan material. The cushioned neoprene boots included also give some waterproofing if used.
Customers who used this bib for ice fishing said that it’s well made and durable. People said that this bib doesn’t let any water pass even when submerged inside water. A few customers also reported that this bib is a great value in comparison to other more expensive bibs.
Customers who purchased this bib said that the included neoprene boots are not great for use. People said the bib fit a little loose depending on the undergarments worn with it. Some customers also said that the sizing was inaccurate and the bib didn’t fit their body.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
Kylebooker
Waterproof Bib
Quality
Price
Our rating
This bib made by Kylebooker is available in a range of sizes and can protect you from the rain and snow. The waterproof index of the bib is 15,000 with a breathable index of 3,000. The bib also features a three layer upper body, and five layer lower body.
Customers who used this bib for ice fishing said it was comfortable fishing for long periods. Customers commented that the bibs are well made and stay dry as a bone when in use. People also said the fleece lined hand-warmer pockets are a nice feature.
Some customers who purchased this bib said they’re a bit large in the leg holes and a little baggy. Others reported that the bib runs a little small, and it’s important to check the size charts. A few customers also said that the neoprene booties are too large to fit in properly.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
Just Ideal
Waterproof Bib
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Just Ideal cargo bib pants fit most use cases in the outdoors and are available in a range of sizes. The fabric and materials are of polyester, cotton, and canvas. The bib offers cargo pockets, a mid-weight thickness, and loose fit for going over clothes.
Customers who used this fishing bib found the materials and quality impressive. People said they were happy with the optional knee pad inserts for extra protection. Customers also commented that the bib is comfortable and is nice and dense for cold weather.
Some users who purchased this bib said the material was a bit thick, and wouldn’t be good for summer use if needed. A few people said that the bib was elastic and had a bit of stretch to it. A couple of customers may find this helpful, while others found it a bit tight in some areas.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
Goture
Waterproof Bib
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Goture fly fishing wader and bib is available in a few sizes, including an attached boot for use. The bib has a 70D nylon material with some PVC for extra waterproofing. The shoulder straps also give some extra support for adjustments and comfort.
People who used this bib said that it made their fishing great with the solid double seamed pants. Customers also said that they were happy with the quality of the bib for the price paid. Customers also commented that the bib’s shoes are solid, and work well considering they’re built in.
Some customers who purchased this bib said its material has a bit of a rough feel on the exterior. People said that the bib does not come with any stocks or socks to wear under the garment. A few customers commented that the bib was smooth on the inside, almost like an oil.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
All the bibs we’ve reviewed can work for ice fishing to give protection against water and wind. The bibs are all well made using good-quality materials. All the products that we looked at can also work for snow or for other seasons and outdoor activities.
After looking at each model the best ice fishing bibs are the Kylebooker waterproof bibs.
These bibs are good value for the money and are well made making them durable and suitable for regular use. The material offers a good level of waterproofing and breathable feel when in use. We particularly like the fact that these bibs can go over clothing quite well.