Finding a women's ice fishing suit...

[Shley]

Hello everyone...I am wondering if anyone could give me some advice on where I can find ice fishing suits for women. I have looked everywhere online and the only brand I can find that makes an ice fishing suit for women is Ice Armor. It's a little on the pricey side and I'd like to spend under $200 on the full set. I thought someone here may be able to recommend a product that is either designed especially for women, or one that you know could be used by women. For the guys out there... maybe there is one that your wife or girlfriend uses that you could recommend? I am 5'4" tall and 125 pounds. I get cold easy, so warmth is the biggest thing, but I still want to be able to move around. Currently I am using skiing pants and a Carhartt coat. The pants are water resistant but eventually they get wet. The coat is warm, but not waterproof at all. Any advice you have will be much appreciated. Thanks!!

[Lisa Almquist]

Hi Shley! Welcome to HSO-it's nice to have you here! I have the Artic Armor suit and I like it a lot. It floats, it's warm and hey, who doesn't like a gal in camo!

Now I have also ordered the Striker Suit . I should have it by the end of the week. The reason why I'm trying out a new suit is that I'm concerned with my Artic Armour is made out of this soft cloth and I'm constantly worried that I'm going to rip holes in the knees while I'm kneeling on the ice since they don't have reinforced knees. So I'll have to let you know how this suit works out for me. This suit floats also which is pretty neat.

I started out fishing with a Columbia jacket and cheap snowpants. I feel that by upgrading my outdoor gear I can enjoy being out on the ice longer and not just have to "endure". Ultimately, I wish that these outdoor gear companies would cater specifically to women. I think they'd be surprised at how well their product line would do!

[Weissguy]

Shley,

My wife (5'2" 115#) has the green/black Arctic Armor suit and loves it. First time she used it the temp was -20 fishing Rainy Lake with Woody's Guide Service. She lasted a whole day on the ice. The cordura nylon is much nicer than the soft camo cloth suit, especially when kneeling on wet ice in below freezing conditions, as the soft cloth feels as if it is going to tear when frozen to the ice. The nylon pulls away freely.

Good Luck.

[Shley]

Thanks! I would be very interested in hearing your opinion/comparison of the 2 suits when you get your new Striker suit in. One thing I've heard is that the jacket of the Striker suit for women doesn't come with many pockets compared to the men's jacket. Does the ice Armor suit jacket have many pockets? I do believe I want padded knees in the suit. Ice fishing is a newer venture of mine that I've fallen in love with. I have primarily been a hunter all my life so its exciting to find another reason to be outdoors.

[Iambjm]

Welcome to the forum, I have the Strikemaster jacket and bibs that I got at the ice show for $180. They had pants for women, and I made the mistake of getting the bibs instead which are way too long for me. The jacket has lots of pockets and is very warm, although it is heavy. I sometimes think it might be better layering. I see a lot of gals wearing snowmobile suits or jackets and pants.

[Mrs Boilerman]

I have the Ice Armor suit, and I really like it. I got the female suit, my husband got the male suit, and while the pockets are in different places, there are plenty of them. Last time I wore it, I actually discovered a pocket I hadn't realized was there before.

The padded knees are one of my favorite features. Like you, I was wearing a set of snowmobile bibs and regular jacket, and the difference is night and day. I stay warm, dry and comfortable, and don't feel like I'm wrapped in a hundred layers. The jacket zips from both the top and bottom, which is nice for when you're sitting in a portable and just need a little space around the hips for comfort. And the suspenders on the pants are removable with a quick pull of the Velcro. Because the waist also cinches tighter, I have left the suspenders off the last couple of times I wore them.

Yes, falling deeper into outdoors sports can come with an investment, but when I compare how comfortable I was this winter (granted, it wasn't a horrible winter), I wish I would have moved out of my old snow suit and into something better a long time ago. Last winter, I didn't enjoy ice fishing in the portable or outside as much as sitting in the permanent house, because I got cold so fast, but this year was a whole different story.

[Lisa Almquist]

Since it's been so warm, I haven't actually been able to put the Striker Suit to the test. I do love how it's super durable especially in the knees plus like Mrs. Boilerman pointed out with the Ice Armor Suit, the Striker suit can also unzip up the legs to be more comfortable sitting in a portable.

I'm thinking this suit will make hole hopping much more comfortable because I think I'll be able to leave the portable home more often next year. I believe it will be that warm.

[Jessie_H]

I have the womens Ice Armour suit and love it! The padded knees come in handy when kneeling on the ice. It's very warm, and blocks the wind pretty well too.

[reddog]

Good to find this!

A couple weeks a go at the Sioux Falls sports show, I was walking around with the wife who is about to retire, and says she is going to get back into fishing like she was BC.. She said. Maybe you can buy me a pair of thoes green things like you have for a retirement present (Cabelas Guidewear). Ive been looking for something like this for her with a womans cut. She needs a little extra room in the jacket... if you know what I mean.

Shes 5-10 tall and about a buck fifty.

I dont think she has plans to ice fish, but we will be boat fishing while most of you are ice fishing. (I have 41 days in the boat since Christmas, and am about to store the boat for the season) About the Ice Armor suit? Is it water proof, like the Guidewear?

[Matt C]

My wife really likes her Ice Armor suit. Keeps her warm and dry, and says it fits her very well.