Best Ice Fishing Bibs In 2022
You’re not going to last for long out in the cold without your ice fishing suit. On critical component of that suit is your bib, designed to maintain your internal body temperature and keep frigid water at bay. We’ve gone through the best ice fishing bibs on the market, detailed the buying process for you, and determined the primary attributes you should be on the lookout for. You’re not only dealing with a way to keep warm out there, but you’re also dealing with a means of safety and procedure. Avoid frostbite, never become close friends with hypothermia, all by wearing your fishing bib on every ice fishing trip you go on. Let’s get into it.
The Best Ice Fishing Bib
1Arctix Tundra Ice Fishing Bib
First up on our list is Arctix and their cost-effective bib that may make our other nine options look second-rate. They focused on the key elements first and foremost, such as including ThermaTech insulation to help regulate your core body temperature and including corrosion-resistant hardware. This bib will be one of the last you’ll ever need to purchase.
The straps are comfortable, but difficult to adjust. You’ll find that it’s a bit of a struggle to adjust them once you’re wearing it. Other than that, the chest pockets don’t hold enough to really make them a viable addition to this bib. You’ll still be rocking with boot gaiters and grips for added support and stability. Arctix also provides a way to measure yourself for their specific bibs, and a full-size chart on what to order. So put on this bib, put on your favorite fishing vest and hit your next fishing destination.
Full polyester construction
Includes boot gaiters and grips
D-ring for add-on items like keys or gloves
- BrandArctix
- Model8002
- Weight3.5 pounds
Corrosion resistant zipper ensures maximum longevity
ThermaTech insulation maintains core body temperature like nothing else
Dual chest pockets provide very little storage space
Adjusting the shoulder straps can be a hassle
2Frabill L3 Fishing Ice Bib
Frabill is a step up in terms of features. We’re ecstatic with the effectiveness of the knee padding, allowing you to move without restriction, or bend down to the ice when your catch is being specifically difficult. You’ll also get a ton of storage, thanks to the cargo pockets, giving you access to everyone you could possibly need in a pinch without having to reach into a fishing backpack or tackle box.
One feature that Frabill boasted was their ventilation zippers. The concept is good, but they’re fairly ineffective, partially due to the fact that these tend to be a wide fit on about half of the customers who reviewed it. Ours seemed to fit okay, but on average, taller gents find that the sides fan out a bit too much for them. Even with a little bit of extra room, you’re still encased in the full waterproof power of the seam-sealed Taslan shell.
Full harness system (not just shoulder straps)
300 denier nylon construction / 500 denier wear area
100% seam-sealed, waterproof Taslan shell
- BrandFrabill
- Model2507051
- Weight3.5 pounds
Reinforced knee padding makes your maneuvering unlimited
Ample storage from multiple cargo pockets
Tend to fit wider than sizing chart suggests
Ventilation zippers are only mildly effective
3Grundens Weather Watch Bib Trouser
In the spirit of an old-school trouser, Grundens went with a traditional approach to ice fishing bibs. To kick things off, Grundens Weather Watch Bib Trouser is completely waterproof, but still breathable thanks to the oxford weave fabric. It creates a unique environment, making this bib multifunctional for other tasks beyond just ice fishing. Grundens also created these with a tapered seam to provide a contoured fit, so at no point will you feel like you’re swimming in this bib.
That being said, you’re not going to be buying this for storage purposes. You get one internal chest pocket, which is horrible to reach, and one small side cargo pocket. These meet the main function and that’s where the usefulness ends, but it fulfills that primary purpose perfectly. You’ll also be using hook and loop enclosures instead of the standard elastic gaiters. Find more great useful products for your adventures by checking out our guide to the best ice fishing shelters.
Crafted of 420D oxford weave fabric
Hook and loop ankle closures
Available in five different color and style varieties
- BrandGrundéns
- Model10030
Dually waterproof and breathable construction
Tapered seams create a nice fit
Shoulder straps get irritating after a few hours of wear
Minimal storage
4Striker Ice Predator Bib
Striker listened to the majority of complaints with the common ice fishing bib and took a new approach. Striker Ice Predator Bib is a highly insulated bib that comes with a waterproof exterior and breathable interior lining that keeps you in comfort during use. Between the two of them, you also get a flotation assistance device to help you out if the ice breaks. Nobody wants to endure worst-case scenarios, but it’s good to be prepared.
But they couldn’t hit every nail on the head. The inseam on these is a gamble. Some users have had to fix them on their own or simply adjust to it, and ours was a bit off-center as well, making it mildly uncomfortable during extended wear. When it comes to the knee padding, there’s little to none there, but they did step it up on the rear padding. You’re sitting down a lot during ice fishing, and these make it far more enjoyable. A perfect gift for fishermen.
320D tussor shell construction
Adjustable shoulder straps
Ample storage
- BrandStriker Ice
Hydrapore waterproof w/ breathable interior
Includes flotation assistance to help with the unexpected
Design implies knee padding, but there’s relatively none
Inseam fits loosely
5Clam Edge Bib
Clam Corporation surprisingly isn’t harvesting seafood, but instead, they’re preparing you to do it. Their Edge Bib comes with excellent insulation and a ton of added features to help you get the job done. First and foremost, the knee padding on this is spot-on and works in sync with the two flotation style fishing bobbers directly above them. Couple that with the slanted chest pockets and tapered inseam, and you’ve got a form-fitting bib. There’s only one problem.
It’s only available in an extra large size. If you meet the size requirement, you’re still going to have issues with the harness, which works extremely well but is difficult to adjust (even when it’s not on you). Fiddling with that can be a bit frustrating, but once you’re in the edge bib, you’ll be good to go from morning until night with no problem.
Easy to maneuver in
Fully waterproof
Includes two angled chest pockets
- BrandClam Corporation
- Model10296
- Weight3.8 pounds
Excellent knee padding
Tapered inseam provides a perfect fit
Harness is difficult to adjust
Only comes in X-Large
6Frogg Toggs Pilot II Bib
Last but not least, Frogg Toggs has been known to make some excellent wader pants, and put that same dedication into creating one of the best ice fishing bibs we’ve ever seen. You get ample storage pockets and a full-length zipper that provides full access for bathroom breaks. No more slipping the straps down over your shoulders. Speaking of straps, Frogg Toggs engineered Pilot II Bib to be stretchy and comfortable, regardless of movement.
They didn’t hit home on the knee padding, however. You’ll have a thin layer of padding and a rather loose feeling around the ankles. When you size that up against the full waterproof shell and a breathable interior, it’s given and take. So long as you have a high-quality pair of boots to keep you insulated, your bib will do the rest. For more fishing apparel, check out our guide to the best Wader pants.
Chest storage pockets
Full zipper helps you take care of nature’ calling
Tapered inseam for a comfortable fit
- BrandFrogg Toggs
- Weight1.7 pounds
Stretchable, comfortable suspenders
Fully waterproof and breathable
Little to no knee padding
Very loose feeling around the ankles
Ice Fishing Bib Buying Guide
Your ice fishing bib is your companion on the ice, your number one necessity for temperature control and protection, and we’ve covered everything there is to know about them. If you’re having a difficult time making a decision based on the ten top-of-the-line bibs we’ve displayed, then it’s time to break down what goes into a quality piece.
How We Chose Our Selection of Ice Fishing Bibs
Reviews - You can’t avoid the voice of the people. There are tons of unintelligible reviews, but you’re smart enough to pick those out of the pile. User reviews help us determine our shortlist of products, so we can weed out the bad brands and poor quality products before we ever order them for testing.
Brands - A brand alone doesn’t determine quality, but it does tell you how reliable customer support is, it lets you find a reputation and online horror stories, shedding light on brands that can’t be trusted. Ice fishing bibs come a dime a dozen, which is why we selected from the cream of the crop (without costing you an arm and a leg) to take that worry out of the equation.
Price - Price will always impact the final decision, otherwise, we’d always opt for the most expensive item on the list. While protection and insulation should be the determining factors, we’ve dug deep to find brands that aren’t looking to rob you blind.
Features to Look For in Ice Fishing Bibs
Insulation - This is why we’re all here. Insulation is the number one feature you should be looking for. You’re out on the ice, in frigid temperatures with a wind chill factor to consider. This is like an extra shield against the cold and works to maintain your internal temperature if you end up slipping into the ice.
Waterproof - This should go hand-in-hand with a flotation device. When your bib is waterproof, it wicks away all water after a slip or a dip in the ice, so you can continue to insulate your vital organs in the event of extreme temperatures meeting your bare skin. Waterproofing is essential for a quality ice fishing bib.
Flotation - You’ve seen enough movie cliches to know that ice can be thinner than it first appears. The last thing you want is to find yourself treading ice-cold water, and not having some defense against it. The insulation won’t do you all too much good once you’re soaked (if the bib it’s waterproof), but a proper flotation device will help you regain your footing.
Layering - Layering is quite simply when manufacturers layer materials on top of one another for enhanced insulation. The problem is, half the time they do it very poorly. We took a look at ice fishing bibs that offer superior insulation.
Knee Protection - The ice is unforgiving. Whether you end up kneeling on the rock-solid frozen earth, or straight on the ice to set things up, you’re going to feel it if you don’t have proper knee protection. Look for padding and insulation as well as maneuverability. We don’t want you kneeling down on the ice only to have a hard time getting back up.
Visibility - If they’re so stiff that you can barely look down at your own boots, then they’re not really helping with the whole ice fishing process. Some brands will layer the same crummy materials on top of one another in an attempt to insulate, but the best ice fishing apparel uses smarter technology without prohibiting visibility and maneuverability. This is something you can’t really see by looking at the photographs online, which is why we recommend visiting the review section to get a better handle on the pair you have in mind.