Are you looking for the best ice fishing bibs money can buy? Not sure where to begin?
In this post we will discuss what to look for when it comes to purchasing ice fishing suits and bibs, but also in our opinion which ones are the best.
So let’s get to it.
The Best Ice Fishing Bibs 2020
Here is a quick preview of our favorite ice fishing bibs, please continue reading for more information on each option below…
- Frabill I3
- Eskimo Lockout
- Striker Ice Hardwater
- Striker Ice Predator
What makes a good pair of ice fishing bibs?
Of course the key to keeping warm when ice fishing is keeping dry. So before we talk about what are the best bibs for ice fishing, let’s talk a little about waterproofing.
When it comes to waterproofing there are two different methods.
One of these methods is applying a waterproof coating or a water repellant to the bibs.
The advantage of a waterproof coating is the end product is much cheaper. The disadvantage, however, is the waterproofing may not last as long and you may actually need to reproof the item.
The other method of waterproofing is using a waterproof membrane. A waterproof membrane has microscopic pores that are big enough to allow the fabric to breathe, but small enough to keep water out.
The most effective waterproofing method would the combination of both a waterproof membrane and applying a water repellant.
Another important aspect to waterproofing is called sealed seams. What this means is that the seams are actually heat-sealed thus stopping any water from entering the seams.
Interestingly, an item cannot be considered 100% waterproof without having sealed seams.
By now you may be wondering just how waterproof is waterproof?
A test was designed to do just that, to rate how waterproof a piece of fabric really is.
This test is called the Hydrostatic Head test.
In a nutshell, water is put over the fabric and observed until water is seen coming through the other side. Based on how much water was put on the fabric, the fabric is given a waterproof rating.
0-1,500mm is the rating given for fabric that is considered water-resistant, good for very light rain.
1,500 – 5,000mm is considered waterproof and it is good for average rain.
5,000 – 10,000 is very waterproof and it will keep you dry in moderate to heavy rain.
Lastly, 10,000- 20,000 is considered very waterproof and is designed for heavy rain.
Now that we have talked about what it truly means to be waterproof, let’s get down to business.
The Best Ice Fishing Bibs 2020
Frabill I3 Bib
Features:
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Sealed Seams
- Made with 300 denier nylon taslan shell
- Reinforced knee and pant cuffs
- Knee and Seat Padding
- 150g 3M Thinsulate
The first set of ice fishing bibs that we are going to take a closer look at is the Frabill I3.
These ice fishing bibs were built to withstand some nasty ice fishing conditions.
For many anglers staying warm can be a concern, but another challenge that they may face is becoming too warm. This can lead to sweating which can actually cause you to become even colder.
The Frabill I3 series has added some nice features to help you avoid becoming too warm.
The first feature is that it is made with a breathable 300 denier nylon shell and is equipped with 150 grams of 3M Thinsulate. This is a durable material is designed to keep you warm even when you are sitting still.
In addition, if you are one of those fishermen that just can’t sit still and things start to get a little toasty from moving around, these bibs are equipped with zipper vents to help you regulate the temperature.
Being warm and dry is great, but if you are not comfortable it is going to be a long day.
Have no fear because each pair of bibs is equipped with internal knee and seat padding making it even comfortable to sit on the jagged ice.
Another nice touch is the hand warmers located on the front and the very comfortable yet easily adjustable shoulder straps.
The front zipper comes down to the waist making it very easy to slip in and slip out. You can even slip in while still wearing your favorite ice boots.
The I3 also features more cargo pockets then you will know what do to with.
One of my favorite things about the Frabill I3 is that they are concerned about safety. As we know, fishing on the ice can be dangerous at times. These bibs are designed to keep you safe even in a dangerous situation.
One such feature is the drainage mesh.
In the event that you fall in the water this drainage mesh helps to allow water to pass through the suit making it easier for you to get to safety.
Another safety feature is the conveniently located ice pick holsters.
Lastly and still very important is the Scotchlite reflective material that can help you become more visible to drivers when walking along the road at night.
Oh did I mention that these bibs are both waterproof and windproof?
As you can see, these bibs have everything you need to stay warm and dry on the ice. You simply cannot go wrong with these bibs.
Eskimo Lockout
Features:
- 600D Endura Outer Shell
- 60 grams of Thermadex insulation
- 5000 Hydrapore waterproof material
- Padded Knees
- Sureflote flotation-assist
The next on our list is the Eskimo Lockout Bibs.
The first thing you might notice is the name, Eskimo. Eskimo has for many years designed some of the best pop up shelters for ice fishing.
So right off the bat this tells you that they know a thing or two about keeping anglers warm.
They certainly don’t disappoint with the Lockout Bibs.
These bibs are made with a 600 Denier Endura outer shell material. This material is very durable and has a 5000 hydrapore waterproof rating.
Inside you will find a very soft and comfortable 210T lining and 60 grams of Thermadex insulation designed to trap your body heat and keep you warm.
Located in front are two oversized cargo pockets perfect for storing just about anything that you may want to have close at hand.
The Lockout also features padding in the right places in order to keep you comfortable all day long and yet the padding doesn’t get in the way or affect your mobility.
Lastly, and probably one of my favorite features is that these bibs are designed to act as a floatation device in the event you were to fall into the water.
As you can see the Eskimo Lockout Bibs are designed to keep you warm, dry and best of all safe when out on the ice.
Striker Ice Hardwater Bibs
Features:
- 600D Endura Outer Shell
- 150 grams of Thermadex insulation
- 5,000mm waterproof rating
- 5,000g Breathable material
- Sureflote Flotation Assistance
- Knee and Seat Padding
- Adjustable inseam
- Zipper Vents
If you are looking for a pair of bibs that will last you many ice fishing season to come, you need to check out Striker Ice Hardwater Bibs.
These bibs are also made from a very durable 600D Endura Outshell and 150 grams of Thermadex insulation. It has a decent amount of waterproof with a rating of 5,000mm.
Even though they are made with a durable material I am impressed with the breathable rating of 5,000 grams. This number is used to rate how breathable a material is, the higher the number the better.
In addition, if things get too toasty there are two zipper vents located on the side where you can get instant ventilation
Like the Lockout bibs, Striker Ice Hardwar Bibs are also equipped with Sureflote floatation assistance in case you do fall into the water.
Learn more in the following video:
Striker Ice Predator Bib
Features:
- 320D Tussor Shell
- 5,000mm waterproof rating
- 5,000g breathable rating
- 150g Sureflote Flotation Assistance
- 100g Thermadex Insulation
- Snakeskin Knee Panels
- Knee and Seat Padding
- Adjustable Inseam
Next up, let’s take a look at another pair designed by Striker Ice, they are called the Predator Bib.
Right off the bat, you will notice that these are very similar to the Hardwater bibs previously mentioned.
They both have a 5,000mm waterproof rating, a 5000g breathable rating, and they can act as a floatation device.
The biggest difference between the two is the material used and the amount of insulation.
These bibs are made with a 320D Tussor Shell which is still a durable shell that will last you a long time
In addition, instead of 150 grams of Thermadex insulation, these only have 100 grams of insulation.
Not a huge difference, and of course they will still keep you quite warm.
So what is the difference between the two? Which one should you choose?
It really comes down to warmth.
If you are looking for the warmest option, I would recommend the Hardwater bibs. If you are don’t need the warmest, I think the Predator should provide what you need.
Final Thoughts…
What are the best ice fishing bibs?
In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of the Striker Ice Hardwater Bibs.
Simply because they offer amazing waterproofing and insulation. In addition, they are made with quality durable material that is designed to last many ice fishing seasons to come.
If you enjoyed this post, you will enjoy the following links as well.
Does Weather Affect Ice Fishing
Ice Fishing Fundamentals
4 Red-Hot Tactics to Help You Catch Fish All Winter Long
Now it is your turn. What do you think are the best bibs for ice fishing? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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