Between the cold weather, freezing water, and the chance of falling through the ice, ice fishing is probably one of the most dangerous forms of fishing.
Safety is a big deal when on an ice fishing trip, and the most important safety measure you can take is wearing the right clothing.
Best Ice Fishing Floatation Jacket
Best Ice Fishing Floatation Bib
The best thing you can wear from a safety and comfort aspect are ice fishing floatation suits. They provide the warmth and protection you need from the elements, and they will even make sure you float if you fall in the water.
But are jackets and ice fishing bibs worth it? Join me as we find out the answer, and we’ll look at some of the best ice fishing jackets and bibs around that’ll come together to create the best ice fishing suit for you.
Our Best Ice Fishing Floatation Suits
Here are all the products from the lineup…
Striker ICE Climate Jacket
Made with top-quality materials and stitching to ensure that no matter the weather you can go ice fishing and be warm while doing it.
Striker ICE Climate Jacket
The StrikerIce Climate jacket is one of the best ice fishing outer layers you can wear.
Materials
This ice-fishing jacket is made with top-quality materials and stitching to ensure that no matter the weather you can go ice fishing and be warm while doing it.
The outer-layer of this ice fishing jacket is made from durable polyester with a hyrdapore membrane.
The membrane is fully windproof and waterproof to 5000 mm plus it also comes with a breathability rating of 5000g.
Comfort
This means that the ice fishing jacket will not only keep you dry and warm, but it’ll also let heat out to ensure you stay comfortable and don’t clam up when out on the ice.
The jacket also features a removable inner softshell for added warmth in cold weather, with the option to remove it on warmer days so you don’t overheat.
Floatation
The Climate ice fishing jacket is also designed with Flotation. Strikers Surefloat technology will keep an average person floating for up to 2 hours, so if you do fall in the water while ice fishing, you won’t sink and there should be enough time for assistance to arrive if needed.
Sizing
This jacket comes in every size for a perfect fit, and it’s a comfortable piece of clothing to wear too.
The outside also features multiple pockets for storing ice fishing gear and attachment points. There’s even a waterproof pocket for your cell phone.
Overall this is a top-quality ice fishing jacket with all the features anglers need for safety, warmth, and protection from the elements.
It is a tad expensive but it’s worth it for the quality.
Specs
- Sizes: S-5XL
- Waterproof: Yes – 5000 mm
- Breathable: Yes – 5000 g
- Shell Material: Hydrapore Polyester
- Insulation: No
- Floatation: Yes
Pros
- Well made, durable, and long-lasting
- Water and windproof to keep your body warm in cold weather
- Breathable to ensure you don’t overheat
- Flotation keeps you afloat for 2 hours
- Vents for dumping heat quickly
- Removable inner softshell for delayering in warmer months
- Excellent protection in intense wind and snow
- Hand warmer pockets for keeping your digits toasty
Cons
- Pretty expensive float suit
Best Ice Fishing Floatation Jacket
Striker ICE Predator Jacket
Retains the same build quality as the Striker Ice Climate but is insulated and is better against water.
Striker ICE Predator Jacket
The StrikerIce Predator jacket takes things up a notch compared to the Climate jacket above.
The jacket retains the same build quality as the climate but is insulated and is better against water.
Material
The outer layer of these jackets is made from 320D Nylon Tussor which is super thick, durable, and naturally water-resistant.
On its own, it’ll protect you from wind and water, but behind it is a Hydrapore membrane.
This membrane stops any water, wind, or snow from coming through to your body to provide added protection from the elements.
Breathable Membrane
The membrane is also breathable so don’t clam up by letting some heat out to regulate your body temperature.
Beneath the membrane is insulated with 100g of thermadex. Thermadex does an excellent job at retaining warmth, and with this jacket, anglers can rest assured they won’t get cold ice fishing.
Flotation
To top it off, this jacket also floats and features Surefloat technology.
If you accidentally fall in the water, some extra flotation is going to save your life, and this jacket will stay buoyant for 2 hours, which is enough time for assistance to arrive and save you.
Sizing
The jacket comes in every size from S-5XL, perfect for layering a jacket and bib for example. It’s also a comfortable piece of clothing to wear and has pockets to store gear in and keep your hands warm.
Together with an ice fishing bib, this jacket will make a good ice fishing suit for even the worst conditions.
This kind of quality does come with a high price though, but it’s worth it for the warmth and possible life-saving features that come with it.
Specs
- Sizes: S-5XL
- Waterproof: Yes – 5000 mm
- Breathable: Yes – 5000 g
- Shell Material: 320D Nylon Tussor
- Insulation: 100g Thermadex insulation
- Floatation: Yes
Pros
- Excellently made with top material for long-lasting performance
- Fully waterproof and windproof for cold weather conditions
- Breathable with a venting system so you don’t overheat
- Comfortable to wear and comes in every size available
- Insulated with 100g of thermadex to keep you warm
- Sureflote flotation assistance keeps you afloat for 2 hours
- Multiple pockets, hand warmer pockets, and attachment points for gear
Cons
- Quite an expensive ice fishing jacket
Best Ice Fishing Floatation Bib
Striker ICE Climate Bib
Designed for the depths of winter and is so well insulated, you might even overheat ice fishing in early winter with it.
Striker ICE Climate Bib
The Striker Ice Climate Bib covers your entire body from your boots to your chest to provide adequate protection in the coldest weather.
This bib is designed for the depths of winter and is so well insulated, you might even overheat ice fishing in early winter with it, which is its only flaw, something I like.
The bib is designed with layers to ensure nothing the elements throw at you can get in. The outside is a durable waterproof and windproof 320D nylon tussor which is backed with Hydrapore membrane, and then an adjustable amount of insulation.
Waterproof
The bib is waterproof to 5000mm, has breathability so you don’t clam up, and by having adjustable insulation, you can tailor your warmth to the conditions.
You can choose between 100g, 150g, or 175g of insulation based on the weather outside. 100g is perfect for early or late winter, and 150-75g is what you’ll need when it’s at its coldest.
This combination of layering makes a piece of clothing that’ll provide top-level comfort even on the coldest ice fishing days.
Sizing
The bib comes in all sizes for layering, and the length is adjustable for comfort.
The bib is also comfortable to move around in and doesn’t feel overly bulky either.
The pockets on the bib are large, plus there are attachment points for ice fishing equipment.
Flotation
Another great thing is that the bib will float, even with you inside it, using the Surefloat technology mentioned in the above review.
Like every StrikerIce product, it’ll keep you afloat for up to 2 hours in the water, hopefully enough time for assistance to arrive.
Overall this is one of the best ice fishing bibs around to use as the base of an ice fishing suit that’ll float.
Specs
- Sizes: S-5XL
- Waterproof: Yes – 5000 mm
- Breathable: Yes – 5000 g
- Shell Material: 320D Nylon Tussor
- Insulation: Adjustable 100 – 175 g Thermadex
- Floatation: Yes
Pros
- Top-quality materials and build quality
- Super durable and long-lasting
- Fully waterproof and wind protection in extreme weather conditions
- Lots of available sizes for layering
- Comfortable to wear
- Removable and adjustable insulation to suit the climate
- Insulation provides extra warmth in harsh conditions
- Flotation keeps you afloat for up to 2 hours
- Breathes well to stop you from overheating
- Multiple pockets and attachment points
Cons
- Can be a little too warm on warmer days
- A little pricey
Clam Rise Float Bib
Another great product to use as a base for your ice fishing suit with quality insulation and materials for handling frosty weather conditions.
Clam Rise Float Bib
The Clam Rise Float Bib is another great product to use as a base for your ice fishing suit with quality insulation and materials for handling the frosty weather conditions you ice anglers venture out in.
Material
The outer layer of these bibs features 300D nylon which acts as a proactive waterproof and windproof layer to stop any moisture or cold from getting to your body.
Beneath this layer is 100g of insulation for added warmth while you’re ice fishing.
This bib is so well insulated, it’s warm enough to wear and can withstand extreme weather conditions, especially in below-freezing temperatures.
Flotation
This bib also features motion float technology. Within the insulation is baffled material that traps air to ensure that if you fall in the ice cold water while ice fishing, this bib and thus your ice fishing suit will keep you afloat so you have a chance for assistance to arrive.
Breathable
The features don’t end there either with his bib.
Despite the multiple layers the bibs still breathe allowing warmth to leave the bib so you don’t overheat.
Storage
The bib also comes with multiple pockets for more storage space, attachment points for any ice fishing equipment you want to keep accessible, and there is one waterproof phone pocket too.
Overall this bib offers great comfort and warmth in cold weather, floats, and is a bit more affordable than the others in the review.
The only things holding the bib back are the lack of sizes available (XL only) and that the stitching can come apart with rugged use.
Specs
- Sizes: XL
- Waterproof: Yes
- Breathable: Yes
- Shell Material: 300 D nylon
- Insulation: Yes – 100g
- Floatation: Yes
Pros
- Durable and well made
- Fully waterproof and windproof to keep you warm and dry
- Insulated with 100g insulation for extra warmth
- Perfect for ice fishing in extreme conditions
- Multiple pockets and attachment points for your gear
- Waterproof phone pocket
- Comfortable to wear and fits well
- Contains motion float buoyancy technology in case you fall in
- More affordable than others
Cons
- Stitching can come apart with rugged use
- Not many sizes available
Striker ICE Trekker Bib
Designed for early and late winter when the days are a bit warmer. It’s the perfect middle ground for anyone who goes ice fishing on warmer days.
Striker ICE Trekker Bib
The StrikerIce Trekker Bib is designed for early and late winter when the days are a bit warmer.
Insulation
It has less insulation than the others for a more lightweight feel to make it easier to move around in when wearing your full ice fishing suit.
Like the others, it’s still extremely burley when it comes to protecting your body from cold and it is the perfect middle ground for anyone who goes ice fishing on warmer days.
Material
The outer layer is made from top-quality 600D Endura material that will provide full protection and comfort against rain, water, heavy snow, and wind. It’ll make sure your body stays protected from the elements.
The bib is insulated under the endura with 60g of insulation, a little less than the others, which is what makes it a lighter and easier piece of clothing to move around in.
60g of insulation will still keep you toasty on cold days, but you might want a bit more when it gets close to zero outside.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, these bibs do a stellar job.
They make them in every size from S-5XL so you can get the perfect fit for layering it with a jacket over the top and base layers underneath.
The bibs also come with pockets and attachment points so you can have all the equipment you need close by.
One flaw is that the pocket openings are quite small on the bibs and can be hard to use with cold hands.
Specs
- Sizes: S-5XL
- Waterproof: Yes – 5000 mm
- Breathable: Yes – 5000g
- Outer Material: 600D Endura
- Insulation: 60g thermadex
- Floatation: Yes
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to move around in
- Fully waterproof to keep you dry and warm
- Windproof but breathable so you don’t overheat
- Insulated for extra warmth in cold climates
- Comfortable and fits well
- Ideal ice fishing suit for early and late winter
- Well made and super durable
- Built-in flotation keeps you afloat for 2 hours
- Lots of gear pockets and attachment points
Cons
- Not made for the coldest days
- Pocket openings are a bit small
What is an ice floatation fishing suit?
Flotation fishing suits consist of jackets and a bib that comes together to form a fishing suit.
The floating ice fishing suits are designed to be fully protective against the coldest conditions and feature the best materials and proper insulation so you stay extra warm when out on the ice.
Flotation
The suits (jackets and bibs) are also filled with floatation technology to ensure your safety when out on the ice in case you fall in a lake or river.
By wearing a floatation fishing suit, you give yourself some extra time if you fall in, to either get yourself out of the lake or river or wait for help to arrive.
How do ice floatation fishing suits work?
The jackets and bibs that form a flotation suit are filled with a flotation safety technology that traps and holds air between the layers of the suit.
This technology gives the suit buoyancy for a period of time, up to 2 hours, depending on your size and weight.
The technology in each suit is not like a life jacket, and the suit won’t keep you afloat forever, as eventually the air between the layers will leave the suit, losing its buoyancy.
See flotation suits in action with this video below…
Things to consider when buying an ice fishing floatation suit
Price & Affordability
An ice flotation suit consists of a jacket and a bib, as mentioned above, meaning you’ll need to buy two things in order to create one.
The jacket and bib are designed to keep you comfortable in the coldest weather and by doing so use the best materials making them a little bit expensive.
Unfortunately, there is no way around the expense of a suit, as by going for budget options you’re likely to end up cold and putting yourself at risk.
Ice Fishing Suit Materials
When it comes to looking for the best ice fishing floatation suits, you have to think about more than just buoyancy and look at the materials used and how effective they will be at keeping you warm and protected out on the ice.
Outer Layer
The outer layer of your suit is your first defense against wind, rain, snow, and moisture.
It should be made with a high denier material such as nylon, polyester, or endura.
These materials are tough, durable, and are excellent at blocking whatever nature intends to throw at you.
Membrane
Beneath the outer layer of your suit should be a membrane that actively blocks moisture to stop you from getting wet and cold.
But, it should still have some breathability to allow heat to escape so you don’t overheat in your suit.
Insulation – What Will You Need?
Not every bib or jacket is insulated the same way.
Some have no insulation at all, some have a small amount like 60g and others have a lot, up to 175g.
Others are adjustable so you can choose between 100g and 175g depending on how cold it is.
Weather
When it comes to your suit, you should think about how insulated you want it to be depending on what kind of weather you plan on fishing in.
60 grams of thermadex will be sufficient when it’s not freezing, but when it really gets icy, near the zero mark, you’ll want 100 grams or more.
Buoyancy
As we discussed earlier, the buoyancy of your suit is from air trapped between the layers. It’s best to read the manufacturer guidelines when it comes to the buoyancy of your suit so you know exactly what you have to work with.
Each Striker Ice fishing suit featured in the review states that it’ll keep you afloat for up to 2 hours depending on your size and weight, but it’s always best to check and read up on it, as it’s the buoyancy that could save your life.
Fit And Comfort
The best cold weather fishing suit will fit you well and be comfortable to move around in.
When thinking about the fit of your suit, you have to consider the layers you’ll be wearing underneath it.
This includes base layers, a down jacket, ice boots, and whatever else you need to keep you toasty in your suit.
Most of the suits in the review come in a huge range of sizes from S-5XL and there is a sizing chart to follow
NOTE
Be sure to look at the size chart and think about your layers before ordering so you end up with a suit that fits perfectly and is comfortable to move around in.
Icing Out
Thanks for reading my article on the best ice fishing suits, I hope you enjoyed it and found what you’re looking for.
Remember to build a floating ice fishing suit you need the right jacket and bib combined, and to make sure they both float.
If you haven’t quite decided which bibs or jackets are right for your ice fishing suit, here are the two I’d recommend.
Best Ice Fishing Floatation Jacket
Best Ice Fishing Floatation Bib
Best Ice Fishing Floatation Jacket
The StrikerIce Predator Jacket is a jacket you’re likely to never get cold in thanks to its water and windproof outer layer backed with 100g of insulation.
It has a high-ish price but it’s worth it for the durability and the safety features, as it will keep you floating for up to 2 hours.
Best Ice Fishing Floatation Bib
The StrikerIce Climate Bib is the one to go for in my eyes, and when paired with the Predator Jacket will make an extra warm ice fishing suit.
The bib is water and windproof, durable, and comes with removable insulation so you can use it in early, mid, and later winter without getting too hot or too cold.
Stay Warm
Thanks again for reading my article, I hope you understand ice fishing floatation suits a little better now and have found the right suit for you.
Please feel free to share the article with your buddies if you like, and for more fishing tips, please check out some of my others.
I cover everything new you might need for your next ice fishing adventure.
Until then, tight lines.
