Bibs?

[Kylersk]

I've got a pair of Carhart arctic extreme bibs, but have yet to use them because they are soo bulky. Any recommendation on a pair of bibs for Ice Fishing?

[MJCatfish]

I bought a pair of Walls Blizzards or something like that that were very warm, but way too bulky. Then bought a pair of gore tex insulated bibs in the bargain cave at Cabela's. I've been in extreme cold with them and have stayed warm. I'm very impressed at how flexible they are. I think I maybe paid around $100 and the original price was something like $225. I can't see anything wrong with them either.

MJ

[brava-pesca]

I'll second the Cabela's insulated XPG gore-tex bibs. I owed a pair of Carharts insulated bibs and always was getting wet and cold after a day of hole-hopping and drilling. I have never got wet or cold fishing outside with my Cabela's gore-tex bibs. They are well worth the $200 you'll spend.

[cybermuskie]

My thoughts for a ice fishing bib/jacket combo would be Ice Armor. Waterproof/windproof, padded knees. There's more about them in the ice fishing section at the top. It's titled: Ice Armor suit, is it worth it? They are very nice!

[Northlander]

Wear the bibs a bit and they loosen up nicely. I love my extremes. Not a better bib out there in my opinion. Great for snowmobiling too. Tuff as nails.

[prophet]

this is the second season with my extremes,couldnt be happier,never get cold,definitly need to get broken in as

they are quite stiff when purchased,also like the zippers

pockets etc,very handy and accessible

[nolte]

Cabelas Guidewear insulated, black. They were the best gift I've ever got. If I go ice fishing, I'm wearing them. Also great for cold spring fishing. Too warm for the summer though. They are very tough.

I had carharts before that (not the extremes), and was always getting wet on the knees and chilled.

I bought a pair of columbia camo bibs for duck hunting in those brutal late season days. I used them one time, returned them and switched to the Cabelas bibs. Stayed much warmer and dry. The ducks can't see your legs in a blind anyway.

[FlyingV]

I like my Carhart bibs for ice fishing and working around the garage where you don't need to be super mobile unlike when hunting. The only problem with them is they are not water proof so I tend to get my knees wet though.

About any hunting bibs I have ever tried: it seems that the outdoors clothing people think that if you need a 40 inch waist, then you must be 7 foot tall and they make the legs longer. Carharts have sizes that fit real people.

[FISHER ED]

Northlander, or any one else who has the Extremes, how are they for waterproofness? Does that Cordura outer material help repel the water or does it soak through in areas like your knees and rear end? Looking for a dual purpose ice fishing, sled riding jacket & bibs. Thanks.

[nytelyter]

i just bought a can of 3m scotchguard and sprayed a few coats of it on the fronts of and bottoms of the legs of my new ones. my knees stay dry

[maj330]

They are coated with a polyurethane material that provides water repellency. This stuff loses its effectiveness over time so touching up with 3M Scotchgard is a great way to maintain repellency.

[Northlander]

The Extremes are water resistant. I wont say waterproof. When kneeling in water after a while you get damp. Usually my heater dries them quickly. The 3m works great on the knees to keep water out. I never sit in water so my butt dont get wet.

[hanson]

Alrighty folks...

I am fresh off my first weekend with a set of Arctic Cat's Vtex Bibs. All I can say is nice!! They have moderately padded knees and have the tough material in all the appropriate spots. Very well insulated as well. They will do just fine this winter.

In the past, I have used uninsulated bibs from snowboarding companies. Mine were from Burton Snowboards. If you want to talk tough, I will dare any owner of any pair of bibs to put them up against the bibs I have from Burton. Unbelievable!! Heavy duty Cordura knee sections and butt section!! I'm over 12 years of use with this pair of bibs now and other than melting a hole in the leg from a lantern, they are awesome!

There are other options out there. Look at snowmobile, ski, or snowboard wear and you may be surprised at the quality product that is out there and readily available.