When you’re ice fishing, you’re not doing it in the best weather, it’s going to be ice-chilly.
You’ll be dealing with freezing temperatures and you’ll want to look for every way possible to stay dry, warm, and well sheltered from the weather.
Don’t worry, the best ice fishing bibs have got you covered.
The best ice fishing bibs are full of features like being waterproof to keep you dry, they have insulating padding to keep you warm, and some of the new ice fishing bibs even keep you afloat if you fall in.
Our Best Ice Fishing Bibs
Grundéns Fishing Bib
A go-to for trawlermen in Alaska thanks to their impressive waterproofness and their durability.
Grundéns Fishing Bib
Grundens ice fishing bibs are a go-to for trawlermen in Alaska thanks to their impressive waterproofness and their durability.
Quality
The Grundens ice fish bib lasts thanks to its amazing build quality and the 100% heavy- nylon shell materials used to make them.
They are waterproof to 8,000mm, meaning if you place a tube against the bib and fill it up with water, none will penetrate until the tube is 8000mm full.
So they will certainly keep you warm and dry while you’re ice fishing.
Breathability
This ice fishing suit has breathable construction, and features 3000 MVP of breathability, meaning 3000 grams of water per square meter can pass out of the ice fishing bib in 24 hours.
Those long walks to your ice fishing spot won’t get you all sweaty in this ice fishing bib.
These are also easy to slip, comfy to wear and it has adjustable suspenders for a good fit.
Maintenance
You can also machine wash them to take all that fish slime off when you need to.
The only downside to these is that they are not well insulated, in fact, they have no insulation padding whatsoever, so you’ll have to layer up a lot to stay warm in them.
Specs
- Sizes: XS – 5XL
- Waterproof: Yes – 8,000 mm
- Breathable: Yes – 3000 MVP
- Shell Material: Nylon
- Insulation: No
Pros
- Extremely waterproof to keep you dry
- Breathable construction to let heat out
- High-quality durable build
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
- Adjustable shoulder straps for a good fit
- An outer pocket for storage
- Comfortable to move around in
- Very affordable
Cons
- No insulation, you’ll need a lot of layers
Arctix Tundra Ballistic Ice Fishing Bib
Made from a ballistic polyester oxford fabric shell for maximum durability, and to take it further, has reinforced knees, seat, and scuff guards to guarantee longevity.
Arctix Tundra Ballistic Ice Fishing Bib
The Arctix Tundra Ballistic Bib is made from a ballistic polyester oxford fabric outer shell for maximum durability, and to take it further, has reinforced knees, seat, and scuff guards to guarantee longevity.
Having a reinforced knee is a great addition as you spend a lot of the time ice fishing on one knee while you’re managing your ice hole.
Waterproof
These ice fishing bibs are waterproof to 5000mm to ensure you stay dry from the outside, and they breathe too, to help stop any sweat build up.
They also feature a good amount of efficient insulation padding, with 85 grams of ThermaTech insulation to keep you warm in cold weather down to -20°C.
Sizing
Another great thing about these ice fishing bibs is that they fit well and finding the right size for you is easy.
Not only does the size guide run from extra small to extra large, but you can choose your inseam too, to help get a perfect fit.
You can also adjust the suspender straps to help you find your optimal comfort level.
Pockets
These products are also littered with pockets, with 6 pockets in total on the bib including the chest pockets for any ice fishing gear you want to keep handy.
There is also a D-ring for gear like gloves and anything that might smell a bit fishy.
Weight
The only downside to this line of ice fishing bibs is that they are bulky and heavy to wear.
They also come without a front zipper, so you’ll have to take the whole thing off to use the bathroom.
Specs
- Sizes: XS-XL with varying inseams
- Waterproof: Yes – 5000 mm
- Breathable: Yes
- Shell Material: 100% Polyester Ballistic Oxford
- Insulation: 85 grams ThermaTech
- Temperature rating: -20° to +35°C
Pros
- Built out of super durable materials
- Reinforced seat, knees, friction, and scuff guards
- Loads of sizes to find your fit
- Waterproof so you stay dry
- Insulated for warmth
- Breathable to ensure no sweat build-up
- Multiple pockets and a D-ring for storage
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Heavy to wear and bulky to store
- No front zipper
Best Men’s Ice Fishing Bibs
Striker ICE Climate Bib
Provides warmth and protection from the cold as well as an ice fishing bib could and this is thanks to the heavy insulation padding and the durable waterproof outer shell.
Striker ICE Climate Bib
The Striker ICE Climate Bib provides warmth and protection from the cold as well as an ice fishing bib could and this is thanks to the heavy insulation padding and the durable waterproof outer shell.
Build
The outer layer is made from a high-quality 320 D Nylon Tussor which is super durable and is also waterproof to 5000 mm to ensure you stay warm and dry.
It also features a Hydrapore technology membrane that breathes, ensuring any sweat can leave to keep you warm instead of wet and cold.
Features
The efficient insulation padding on these Striker bibs is adjustable from 100-175 grams of Thermadex technology so you can choose how much you want depending on how cold the conditions are.
This bib features flotation assistance that is made to give you flotation for up to 2 hours in case you fall in the water.
Pockets
The bib also features a front zipper, to help you go to the bathroom without stripping off and getting cold, and has multiple pockets and 2 D-rings for your gear.
There are even handwarmer pockets and magnetic storm flap closures that close the pockets to ensure nothing gets in when it snows hard and they.
Fit
The hems are adjustable for comfort and wearing these is super comfortable too. This bib also comes with several other handy features.
The knees have 1680D snakeskin knee panels for durability, the hems drain fast in case you put your foot in the water, and they have reflective material for extra safety.
These bibs have good features and can protect you from extreme cold, the only downside is they come at a high price, and are quite expensive, but it’s worth it for the warmth and the long-lasting quality.
Specs
- Sizes: S-5XL
- Waterproof: Yes – 5,000 mm
- Breathable: Yes – 5,000 MPV
- Shell Material: Hydrapore & 320 D Nylon Tussor Shell
- Insulation: Yes, adjustable 100-175 g of insulation
Pros
- Keeps you dry and warm
- Super durable materials and build
- Insulation is adjustable to match conditions
- Hems are adjustable to fit
- Magnetic storm flap closures on the pockets
- Comes with handwarmer pockets
- Sureflote Technology for flotation if you fall in the water
- Adjustable straps for comfort
Cons
- Quite expensive
Top Pick
Striker Ice HardWater Bib
One of the most durable ice fishing bibs you can find on the market thanks to the materials it’s made of.
Striker Ice HardWater Bib
The Striker SI HardWater Bib really does look like the business and is one of the most durable ice fishing bibs you can find on the market thanks to the materials it’s made of.
Build
This bib features a 600D Endura Nylon outer layer with reinforcements on the knees and seat.
The bib features additional padding in both the knee and seat areas, which you’ll use most when ice fishing.
The knees are also articulated to help you move around more easily.
Waterproof
This bib is waterproof to 5000mm, more than you need, and it breathes too ensuring it keeps warmth in, and cold out but letting your sweat escape.
You also get 150g of Thermadex Insulation with this bib that is great at maintaining warmth in extreme cold.
Comfort
The bib is comfortable to wear and you can adjust the straps and the hem for your optimum comfort level.
The bib is also covered in pockets for any gear you might want to have on your person, and there are 2 D-rings for attaching nippers or gloves.
There are also magnetic storm flap closures on the pockets to stop any cold or snow from getting inside them, and there is a front zipper that’ll help make using the bathroom a lot more warm than having to strip off.
Hardware
The zipper is by YKK, is high-quality and reliable, it won’t freeze up or corrode.
This line of ice fishing bibs also comes with Sureflote Technology that provides you with full flotation, and you’ll find it very useful if you ever find yourself in the water.
The flotation will keep you afloat for up to 2 hours and can save your life.
Price Range
The only downside to this line of ice fishing bibs is that they are a bit expensive, but if you like being warm and having one pair of bib for 5 seasons or more, they are ice fishing bibs worth buying.
Specs
- Size: L-5XL
- Yes – 5,000 mm
- Breathable: Yes – 5,000 g
- Shell Material: 600D Endura & Hydrapore
- Insulation: Thermadex Insulation
Pros
- Light and easy to move around in
- Made from durable quality materials
- Comes with Sureflote Technology for full flotation
- Waterproof, breathable, and warm
- Heavy-duty YKK zippers
- Additional padding in seat and knee areas
- Adjustable inseam for a comfortable fit
- Lots of pockets for your gear
- Padded knee and seat
- Articulated knee for better mobility
Cons
- A little expensive
Best Women’s Ice Fishing Bibs
Striker ICE Women Prism Bib
Specially designed for women and comes with a seat drop for making going to the bathroom in freezing weather a lot warmer.
Striker ICE Women Prism Bib
The Striker Women Prism Bib is specially designed for women and comes with a seat drop for making going to the bathroom in freezing weather a lot warmer.
There is a zipper on each side at the back, and to use it, just unzip and the rest is up to you.
Waterproof
These women’s ice fishing bibs are waterproof to 5000 mm, they breathe to stop sweat build up and they are warm and durable too.
These ice fishing bibs are made from high-quality 320 D Nylon Tussor and come with 150 grams of full extra thick Thermadex insulation padding that you’ll find is great at keeping you warm no matter the weather.
Padding
The knees have 1680D snakeskin knee pads for comfort and make for long-lasting durability, as you spend a lot of time on one knee when ice fishing, and the knee on ice fishing bibs wears out faster than anywhere else.
Floatation
Another thing that I like about this line of products is their full flotation.
If you fall in the water, you’re going to need to stay afloat, and in all your cold weather fishing gear, that is one hard task.
You’re going to want your bib to keep you floating, and these products will provide full flotation for up to 2 hours.
Fit
These ice fishing floatation suits are also comfortable to wear and come with an adjustable hem to make sure you get the fit you like.
They also come with 2 D-rings and 3 gear pockets, one with a zipper for your valuables like your phone.
There is enough space to have everything you might need on hand.
Price Range
The only downsides to these ice fishing bibs for women are that they have a high price tag and are low cut at the back.
If you bend over, you’ll find your back can get exposed as your jacket will ride up.
The only solution is to wear a longer jacket and it’ll stop this from happening.
Specs
- Sizes: 6-18
- Yes – 5,000 mm
- Breathable: Yes – 5,000 g
- Shell Material: 320 D Nylon Tussor shell & Hydrapore
- Insulation: 150g Thermadex Insulation
Pros
- Super warm, waterproof, and breathable
- Come with flotation if you fall in the water
- Seat drop for doing your business easily
- Made to last with quality durable materials
- Lots of pockets for storing your gear
- Reinforced knees and seat for extra durability
- Adjustable hems for the perfect fit
Cons
- Low cut at the back and can be exposed when bending over
- Quite expensive
Best Kids Ice Fishing Bibs
Arctix Kids Insulated Snow Bib
Perfect for any child to take ice fishing. Arctic make these ice fishing bibs from 600 D ballistic nylon, they will do well against a child’s active lifestyle of sliding around the snow and ice.
Arctix Kids Insulated Snow Bib
The Arctix Kids Insulated ice fishing bibs are perfect for any child to take ice fishing. Arctic make these ice fishing bibs from 600 D ballistic nylon, they will do well against a child’s active lifestyle of sliding around the snow and ice.
ThermaTech
These products also do well in terms of instanton with 85 grams of ThermaTech padding to give as much warmth as you need in chilly weather.
The ice fishing bibs also breathe well to remove any sweat buildup while the kids are running around and they are water-resistant to shrug off any ice that might try to melt through.
Features
These ice fishing bibs also come with a full zipper at the front for easy access and have useful ice features like boat gaiters with grips to stop any ice or snow from getting in plus handwarmer pockets, and more pockets for any ice fishing gear.
Maintenance
One more thing to like about this product is that it is easy to clean, which is what you need with kids, as they like to get things dirty quickly.
You can throw these ice fishing bibs into the washing machine and they’ll come out fine.
Are these fishing bibs waterproof?
The downside to this bib product is that it is not waterproof, so a splash of rain may come through it.
You can manage this by adding something like a waterproof jacket to ensure your child doesn’t get wet and stays warm.
Padding
Another thing you’ll notice about this bib product when you look at it is that it features no knee padding.
Kids like to do knee slides, and they would look to last a lot longer if they came with knee padding.
Specs
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
- Breathable: Yes
- Shell Material: 600D Ballistic Nylon
- Insulation: 85 grams ThermaTech
Pros
- Well insulated for warmth
- Comfy and easy to move around in
- Breathable and water-resistant to stay dry
- Made from heavy-duty materials for durability
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
- Boot Gaiters with Grippers to stop any ice from getting in
- Handwarmer style pockets and convenient O-ring for other gear
- Adjustable shoulder straps for a good fit
- Affordable
- Easy to take on and off with the zipper
Cons
- Sizes run small, order one size up
- No knee pads
- Not waterproof
What Are Ice Fishing Bibs?
Ice fishing bibs are like overalls except they are designed to handle the elements.
They are insulating, waterproof, and tough to ensure you stay comfortable even when fishing in extreme temperatures especially if you don’t have an ice shelter . But are ice fishing bibs worth buying?
Why Buy Bibs For Fishing On Ice?
Ice fishing bibs are designed for a life of catching fish on ice. Having one with you on your ice fishing trip will ensure that you enjoy your time fishing more than ever.
You’ll be dry, warm, and fully protected from the weather so you can keep your mind on the fish, instead of worrying about the extreme cold, shivering and thinking it might be time to go home.
Advantages
- Insulating to ensure you’re warm
- Waterproof to keep you warm and dry
- They breathe to remove sweat build-up
- Some float to ensure you don’t drown if you fall in
- Built to be durable and survive
Things To Consider When Buying Ice Fishing Bibs
Materials & Durability
Life on the ice is hard work for you, and your clothing too.
In order to survive, the materials and build quality have to be exceptionally durable. Make sure to get an ideal one by choosing from the best ice fishing bibs.
TIP
The best ice fishing bibs will be put together with materials like Nylon with a high D rating, to ensure they are thick and will handle any wear and tear.
Insulation
Not all ice fishing bibs have the same amount of insulation, some come with none at all and others come with up to 170 grams of insulating padding.
In my eyes, the more insulation the better, as the warmer you’ll be.
TIP
But you can opt for zero insulation if you already have your layering worked out for those chilly days.
Flotation
Some ice fishing bibs can keep you afloat for up to 2 hours if you fall in the water.
While falling in is unlikely, it doesn’t hurt to have this layer of protection.
Checkout the Striker Ice Hardwater in action on the video below…
When you’re out fishing on the ice you’re going to be wearing a lot of clothing, and if you do fall in, swimming will be difficult and you could drown.
I would always opt for ice fishing bibs with flotation for this reason.
Pockets
Good ice fishing bibs will come with multiple pockets which come in handy for being able to have the equipment you use often on your person. Some bibs even have fleece lined pockets or pockets with other insulation that serves as hand warmers.
They will also have D-rings for attaching things like nippers and your gloves.
Reinforced Knees
Fishing, no matter where you’re doing it, on ice or on a boat, requires you to kneel often, and kneeling on ice is going to wear out your bib quite quickly, unless it has reinforced knee pads.
The best ice fishing bibs all come with padding or extra durable materials on the knees for added comfort and increased durability.
Summing Up
Thanks for reading this guide to the best ice fishing bibs, and I hope you have found the right ice fishing bibs for you.
It’s all about being comfortable on the ice and you should look for ice bibs that are warm, breathable, are waterproof, and have extra features like a front zip and pockets for your ice fishing equipment. Safety features such as floatation and reflective materials are good to have as well.
If you’re still wondering which ones to go for, here are my top two.
Best Men’s Ice Fishing Bibs
Final Thoughts
I’d buy the StrikerICE Climate Bib thanks to its durable build, excellent warmth and waterproofing, and all the handy features like floatation and padded knees.
My other top choice would be the StrikerIce SI HardWater Bib.
It has all the same features as the Climate bib, except it’s a bit more durable on the outside, and comes with articulated knees that make long walks over the ice a little easier.
Stay Cozy
I hope you found this guide useful and are sold on the fact that a good ice bib will help to make your ice fishing more enjoyable.
Please feel free to share it with your friends and if you’re looking for any other ice equipment, please check out my other articles, I have covered everything from augers to flashers, and I’m sure you’ll find them useful. You might want to check out my other articles that review other best ice fishing clothing such as ice fishing gloves and ice fishing boots.
