Bib's for winter & open water

[Genofish]

Any recomondations for Bib's for winter use that would also work for open water (water proof, not too bulky) ??

Thanks

[jigginjerk]

I have a pair of Ice Armor black bibs that I bought about 6 years ago that are the ticket. They have changed the design since, but I would guess they are pretty much the same.

[dfeste]

That's exactly what I use my Arctic Armor bibs for. Nice bonus that they will keep you floating in case of emergency.

[Esox_Magnum]

I either wear my Guide Wear or my snowmobile bibs, more the snowmobile bibs in the boat and layer and the Guide Wear on the ice.... Snowmobile bibs were under $30 so may wear them a little more from now on... Both are great....

[paceman]

Ice armor black bibs are pretty sweet.

[jwmiller33]

To be honest, you can't go wrong with any of the big names out there. Clam makes the Ice Armor suit which is great. Frabill's suits are also really good and they have great customer service. I've also heard nothing but good things about the strikemaster suit as well as Arctic Armor suit. They are all going to get the job done. Go to your big box store, try them all on and find which one fits you best and the one you like the best. The best thing about getting good bids/jacket is you dont have to wear all those bulky layers. I own the grey Ice Armor suit and inherited my brothers blue Ice Armor suit. In the past 3 yrs of owning them, I have got more use out of them than any other single article of clothing I have. They have held up extremely well and I use both the grey and blue suit on hard and open water. They both have their time and place.

[harvey lee]

The camo AA bibs for me.

I use them for the boat, ice fishing and archery hunting. I am on I believe year 4 or 5 with these bibs and jacket and they still are like new. I wear the jacket almost all winter long as a daily outsoide jacket.

[TProGuy]

I actually just wear my Gore-Tex rain bibs and jacket from the summer time that I bought at the big "C" store. They are lightweight and not bulky, which makes them very comfortable to wear while sitting in the portable, yet keeps me from over heating while dragging the sled through snow to get to my spot. Now, some guys will prefer something with some insulation, but for me, I like this option as it allows me to layer my clothing according to the weather on any given day. I don't get cold very easily, so more often than not I just wear my under armor long underwear and maybe a pair of sweatpants/sweatshirt under the bibs/jacket, and I am good to go.

[Northlander]

I use my Arctic Armor on the ice and in the boat in the spring and fall when I need that extra warmth. I have been real happy with mine. I also like the fact they will float me if I ever fall through the ice.

[Fairchild_82]

I just purchased the "Frabil Suit" at the Ice Expo on Friday. For $199.00 it is probably the best deal you can get for what you are shopping for. I myself was looking for something that i can use in the winter/spring/fall.

[Fairchild_82]

I myself was in the market for jacket/bibs that I could use for winter fishing/spring and fall. (mainly spring <rain/cold> gear)I came across the Reeds tent at the expo and right away saw the "Frabil Suit" it's called. It's the grey, light-weight suit. Non-insulated, fully waterproof, thick enough for winter fishing on a cold day (with under clothing course) and light enough for spring fishing. Breathable. Durable. Enjoyable. Padded knees, elbow, and bottom. At the reeds tent for, $199.00! that was the deal breaker right there. I know there are deals going on at the expo now for jacket and bibs for about $180, but spend the extra 20 dollars and get the Frabil grey suit. I personally cannot wait to use em. Good luck!

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

I like the Clam suits. Vexilar bibs would be my second choice. Hear good things about the IDI stuff as well.

[Northlander]

I just got my new Striker Floating Suit in the mail and I think I will be using this suit in all the places I used my Old AA suit. Its a better thought out suit with more features and the fabric the outer shell is made with seems more durable. My regular suit is also warmer than my AA but has pit zippers for when you get warm. If your looking for a floating suit check out the New Striker and Striker light suits.

[Genofish]

Thanks for all the info. I am leaning towards the Striker lite suit