How many times were you hunting for the ideal buck wearing your usual pants, with the chilly wind blowing right through them? Hunting requires concentration and relaxation and that’s why hunting bibs are necessary.
These one-piece wonders do not only insulate but also include such useful additions as waterproofing, windproofing, aroma concealment, and numerous pockets to streamline your hunt.
But with such a wide variety on the market, how does one make a decision and select the best bib suitable for him or her? In this guide, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about hunting bibs, including what to look for and our recommendations for various types of hunters. We will also share several FAQs to help you prepare for your next trip perfectly.
What Are Hunting Bibs?
Hunting bibs are also sometimes thought to be coats but in fact, they are overalls for hunters as well. They are longer than usual pants reaching the chest or the shoulder depending on the outfit worn, and they have a warmer and protective functionality.
They are usually made from materials that are both strong and in many cases water resistant, this protects you from the wind, rain and bushes. This means you can remain concealed and cozy for longer spans, be it when stalking your target in a tree stand or when hunting in the rough country.
What Is The Benefits Of Wearing Hunting Bibs?
Hunting bibs are essentially overalls designed specifically for hunters. Unlike regular pants, they extend up to the chest or shoulders, providing extra warmth and protection from the elements. Made from durable and often waterproof materials, they shield you from wind, rain, and brush.
This translates into several key benefits:
- Warmth:The additional coverage keeps your core warm, even in cold weather.
- Protection:They shield you from wind, rain, and brush, keeping you drier and more comfortable.
- Stealth:By keeping you dry and quiet, bibs can help you stay hidden from wary prey.
- Comfort:The one-piece design eliminates drafts and provides additional storage with built-in pockets.
- Convenience:Bibs allow for quick layering and easier bathroom breaks compared to traditional pants and suspenders.
What Kind Of Bibs Are The Best?
There isn’t really a one-size-fits-all hunting bib out there because the ideal type really depends on the type of hunting you do and the weather conditions you’ll be up against. However, some key features will make a big difference in your comfort and performance
Important Features of a Good Hunting Bib
- Waterproofing and Breathability: You want a bib that protects you from rain, snow and brush but at the same time this bib needs to be breathable so as to allow you to sweat. Touch them and preferably look for material that has a waterproof rating and a high breathability rating.
- Insulation: When hunting in cold weather, one should consider a good insulated bib. Possible choices range from down, synthetic filler, to a blend of both. Decide how physically demanding the hunt will be and select insulation that will keep you warm without making you sweat.
- Camouflage: Select the camo pattern that will provide the best contrast to the hunting environment. Some examples are Realtree, Mossy Oak, and Kryptek.
- Noise: There are sturdier materials and there are quieter materials. If you are specifically going to use a bow for huntingor tracking the game, perhaps you will need a bib from a noisy material.
- Pockets: Of course, there should be enough pockets for the calls, gears and other accessories. Ensure that there are pockets fixed in areas that will not be hindered by gloves that the hunters wear.
- Durability: As is known, hunting bibs are rather heavily used and get rather dirty. Select a bib that is made from strong and long-lasting material so that it can be washed without easily getting damaged.
- Fit: To be comfortable and enable free movement, a good bib should be well-sized to fit well on the wearer. You should search for extra features such as the adjustable waist and the suspenders for a better fit.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- Climate: What kind of weather are you going to be hunting in? This will help a lot in determining the degree of waterproofing and insulation required.
- Activity Level: Will you be stationary or hunting in a tree stand? This will influence the level of breathability required.
- Type of Hunting: Are you going bow hunting, gun hunting, or waterfowl hunting? Specific kinds of hunting may indeed necessitate specific attributes.
- Budget: A hunting bib can be relatively inexpensive up to an extremely pricey piece of equipment. First of all, set a limit on the amount of money you are ready to spend before going shopping.
6 Best Hunting Bib – Tested and Recommended
Here we have collected the best options available in the market for your choice:
- Best Cold Weather Hunting Bibs: Sitka Gear Stratus Bib
- Best Women’s Hunting Bibs: SHE Outdoor Element Bibs
- Best Men’s Hunting Bibs: First Lite Solitude Insulated Bib Pant
- Best Budget Hunting Bibs: Guide Gear Buck Guide Bibs
- Best Deer Hunting Bibs: Kuiu Yukon Rain Pant
- Best Duck Hunting Bibs: Duck Camp Deck Bib
1. Best Cold Weather Hunting Bibs: Sitka Gear Stratus Bib
Brave the coldest hunts with Sitka Gear’s Stratus Ether Light Bib. GORE-TEX keeps you dry, while PrimaLoft Gold insulation offers exceptional warmth. Silent fabric construction ensures you stay undetected, and the laser-cut knee pads provide mobility and protection. Expensive, but worth it for warmth and stealth.
Brand: Sitka Gear
Price: $359
Special Features:
- Waterproof and breathable construction to keep you dry and comfortable
- Insulation technology for exceptional warmth
- Durable water-repellent finish to repel moisture and dirt
- Silent fabric construction for minimal noise
- Laser-cut knee pads for added mobility and protection
- Drop-seat design for ease of use in the field
Pros: Extremely warm, waterproof, breathable, quiet, and comfortable.
Cons: Expensive
2. Best Women’s Hunting Bibs: SHE Outdoor Element Bibs
Stay comfortable and affordable in the field with SHE Outdoor’s Element Bibs. The DWR finish repels moisture, while the fleece lining keeps you warm. Articulated knees allow for easy movement, and reinforced areas ensure long-lasting use. Great for value-conscious hunters who prioritize comfort.
Brand: SHE Outdoor
Price: $129.99
Special Features:
- Durable water repellent (DWR) finish to repel moisture
- 100% polyester tricot fleece lining for warmth and comfort
- Articulated knees for freedom of movement
- Reinforced seat and knees for added durability
- Multiple pockets for storing gear
Pros: Affordable, comfortable, fleece lining for warmth, multiple pockets.
Cons: Not as waterproof or breathable as some higher-end bibs.
3. Best Men’s Hunting Bibs: First Lite Solitude Insulated Bib
First Lite Men Solitude Insulated Bib excels in all conditions. Kryptek camo offers superior concealment, while Pertex Shield fabric shields you from wind and water. PrimaLoft® insulation keeps you warm, and the breathable design prevents overheating. Feature-packed but comes at a premium price.
Brand: First Lite
Price：$204.00(on sale)
Special Features:
- Kryptek camo for excellent concealment
- Pertex Shield+® fabric for wind and water resistance
- 80gInsulation and 2-layer Catalyst softshell fabric for warmth
- Breathable design to prevent sweat build-up
- Articulated knees for freedom of movement
- Zippered hand-warmer pockets and cargo pockets
Pros: Durable, wind and water resistant, warm, breathable, and comfortable.
Cons: Expensive
4. Best Budget Hunting Bibs: Guide Gear Buck Guide Bibs
Get a bang for your buck with Guide Gear’s Buck Guide Bibs. This budget-friendly option boasts waterproof and breathable fabric, keeping you dry and comfortable. The fleece lining adds warmth, and reinforced areas ensure durability. Not the most feature-rich, but a solid choice for price-conscious hunters.
Brand: Guide Gear
Price: $59.99
Special Features:
- Waterproof and breathable fabric
- 100% polyester tricot fleece lining for warmth
- Reinforced knees and seat for durability
- Adjustable suspenders for a comfortable fit
- Multiple pockets for storing gear
Pros: Very affordable, waterproof, breathable, warm, and with multiple pockets.
Cons: Not as feature-rich or durable as some higher-end bibs.
5. Best Deer Hunting Bibs: KUIU Yukon Rain Pant
Designed specifically for deer hunting, KUIU’s Yukon Rain Pant offers exceptional concealment with Verde 2.0 camo. The DWR finish repels moisture, while the breathable design lets you stay cool during active hunts. Articulated knees provide freedom of movement, and pockets keep your gear organized. It is not heavily insulated, making it ideal for cool, not freezing, weather.
Brand: KUIU
Price: $349
Special Features:
- Verde 2.0 camo for excellent concealment
- Built-in waist belt
- DWR finish to repel moisture
- Breathable design to prevent sweat build-up
- Articulated knees for freedom of movement
- Zippered hand-warmer pockets and cargo pockets
Pros: Excellent for deer hunting with its camo pattern, breathable, comfortable, and multiple pockets.
Cons: Not as insulated as some cold weather bibs and the price is expensive.
6. Best Duck Hunting Bibs: Duck Camp Deck Bib
Conquer swampy and wet grounds with Duck Camp’s Deck Bibs. The DWR finish and laminate ensure waterproof protection, while the durable brushed face tackles harsh environments. Leg zippers make for easy on and off and properly accommodate overboot, and fleece-lined pockets keep your hands warm. While not the quietest option, these bibs prioritize durability for waterfowl hunting.
Brand: Duck Camp
Price: $249
Special Features:
- Heavy-duty polyester and waterproof laminate
- Soft and quiet yet very durable
- Fully adjustable suspenders and stretch webbing
- Fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets and cargo pockets
- Zipper closure legs
Pros: Lightweight, waterproof, breathable, fleece-lined for warmth, and built-in kneepads.
Cons: Not as quiet as some other hunting bibs; size may fit differently.
FAQs About Hunting Bibs
1. Why do hunters wear bibs?
Hunters wear bibs for several reasons:
- Protection: Bibs shield the legs and core from thorns, brush, and other hazards in the field.
- Warmth: Many bibs are insulated for cold weather hunting.
- Waterproofing: Bibs are often water-resistant or waterproof to keep hunters dry in wet conditions.
- Comfort: Bibs with suspenders can be more comfortable than pants with a belt, especially for sitting for long periods.
2. What materials are hunting bibs made of?
Hunting bibs are typically made of durable fabrics like strong and water-resistant Nylon or Gore-Tex membranes, breathable and lightweight Polyester, and warm and comfortable Fleece. Some may be made from Cotton but it is not very water-resistant.
3. What should you wear under a hunting bib?
The ideal underlayer for hunting bibs depends on the weather. For cold weather, you can wear base layer thermals for warmth and moisture-wicking. While in warm weather, it is better to choose a breathable base layer, performance shirt, or even just light clothing.
4. How should hunting bibs fit?
Hunting bibs should fit comfortably without restricting movement. Look for:
- Adjustable suspenders for a good torso fit.
- Loose enough for layering underneath but not baggy.
- Leg length that allows for boots without bunching.
5. Are bibs good for cold weather?
Yes, many hunting bibs are designed for cold weather with features like insulation and windproofing. Look for bibs with features like PrimaLoft insulation or GORE-TEX for optimal warmth and weather protection.
Conclusion
Hunting bibs are appropriate clothing accessories for hunters since they offer warmth, protection, comfort, and concealment. Several things come into consideration when deciding which bib to use: climate, activity, and type of hunting.
The specification includes waterproofing, breathability, insulation, camouflage, and pockets’ locations.
This guide compares different types of bibs and ends with a list of frequently asked questions that may assist in determining the best bib for your next hunting expedition.
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