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Best Cold weather Bibs

30K views 52 replies 46 participants last post by  Scott99  
#1 ·
Planning on doing some late winter hunting this year for whitetail. Any recommendations on a pair of quality bibs that won’t break the bank but does a good job at keeping you warm? Thanks in advance!


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#2 ·
I love my Stratus bibs but I'm not hunting more than 3 hours at a time. If you need something warmer than that I would go to either the Fanatic or Incinerator.
 
#3 ·
If you're looking for best value I'd suggest finding some Cabales Wooltimate pants.. I don't think they make bibs tho. I picked up a used pair on FB marketplace a few years ago for $50. I know you can find them on ebay for around $100-$125... they are thick and windproof. Bibs aren't necessary if you have a coat with a length below your waist.

I've tried everything to keep warm. The amount I've spent over the years makes me shake my head at myself after buying Sitka Incinerator bibs. I also have the Stratus pants and if it's really cold I'll wear them under the incinerators.
My cold weather gear consists of the First Lite Sanctuary jacket, Kuiu Superdown or Sitka Jetstream, and a merino base on top of the Incinerator bibs. Then Icebreaker boot blankets over my boots. Sitka muff, neck gaiter, and stratus beanie.

I don't get cold... ever.
It took me years to figure it out and buy everything. Now I shake my head at the amount I have in my outfit but very few pieces I bought new. Most came from the AT classifieds or ebay but staying warm is extremely important to me. I'm able to sit in a tree longer and I move less. My gear 100% helps me be more successful.

I've not broke the code to staying warm without breaking the bank but if you pick away at some of Sitka windproof gear you'll get what you're looking for.
 
#5 ·
what you need is going to depend on your cold tolerance and how far you are walking. but as someone who is cold prone, i found the FL sanctuary bibs... lacking. when the winds got into the teens, i couldnt hang. and when i worked up a sweat (which is pretty much any walk with a heavy bib), i could never shake the chill once i cooled off. ive since made the switch to a puffy pant/jacket and have never been warmer. they also pack down to nothing, so i can walk in light, hang my stand, pull them out and put them on before i lose all my heat. much better for moisture management.

i cannot speak for the sitka line, but if you arent doing miles on public land, they seem like a good option as well.
 
#7 ·
Nothing will out perform the Gray Wolf Woolens lite lift wolfskin bibs period. And i have owned the Incinerator bibs from Sitka as well as all the major wool brands(king of the mountain,autumnwood and sleeping indian). Have owned the wooltimate from Cabelas and the Sanctuary bibs as well.
 
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#9 ·
You can save a few bucks on the FL bibs if you hurry. They are having a sale that ends tonight. I have the Sanctuary 2.0 bibs and have worn them twice this year. Once on a 22 degrees morning and a 24 degree morning. If it would have been much warmer they would have been too much. That was without base layers under them as well. They do now have wind stopper in them too. I think they are the best bang for the buck.
 
#10 ·
I bought my son a set of Nomad Cottonwood bibs and jacket last year. I think I paid $120 for each and they are worth every penny for an economical cold weather, wind proof suit. I have the Sitka stratus and fanatic which are fantastic and worth every penny. I will purchase him the same when he stops growing. Take a look at the nomad cottonwood if you can find it. For the money it’s hard to beat in my opinion.
 
#12 ·
breaking the bank is relative...hard to pass on the Fanatic, I prefer that over the Sanctuary, providing you get 2020 or newer when the changed the leg material. check the classifieds here as I just did and there is all sorts of warm gear ....

GreyWolf may the top of the line, but you will pay...very few who have it let it go

I'd also say don't sleep on the Arctic Shield gear, especially the echo series...great bang for your buck and is very warm
 
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#13 ·
Just wondering if you are hunting from a treestand or ground blind or spot and stalk. If stand hunting look into the heater body suit or maybe a cloth sleeping bag as for bibs I know something will be said for this but bass pro bone dry bibs are for the money good
 
#15 ·
ScentLok BE1 Fortress bibs and jacket is incredibly warm. I'm hunting in Manitoba until mid December and I can't even walk in with this gear. It's truely ment for setting up, sitting still and staying warm. I'm sure firstlite and Sitka and kuiu all make great gear that's super warm and dry but I was tired of freezing late season deer hunting and I pick up the BE1 set and am super impressed.

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#16 ·
ScentLok BE1 Fortress bibs and jacket is incredibly warm. I'm hunting in Manitoba until mid December and I can't even walk in with this gear. It's truely ment for setting up, sitting still and staying warm. I'm sure firstlite and Sitka and kuiu all make great gear that's super warm and dry but I was tired of freezing late season deer hunting and I pick up the BE1 set and am super impressed.

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I will second these. I only have the bibs but they are fantastic! Well made and keeps you warm and cozy in the stand! i am impressed for these for the price.

I
 
#17 ·
I have a full sitka setup including the incinerator suit. However i use the kryptek aegis bids and coat for coyote hunting and honestly they are pretty badass. Warm and waterproof. Usually u can catch them on camofire for pretty cheap. Im gonna take them bowhunting late season and see how they do. I may Sell my sitka gear if it goes good. Lol
 
#18 ·
rivers west ambush jacket and bibs are extremely warm (windproof with very thick berber fleece)

i can sit in them for hours in cold weather and not get chilly
 
#19 ·
No idea where you live or how cold it may be there, but pick up a set of bibs at your local farm store like Orchliens or Farm and Home, Rural King etc....less then $100 bucks, especially now since most hunting gear is on sale

I like my Drake bibs and parka for anything below 20 degrees, pair of sweats underneath and I am good for all day.
 
#23 ·
Thanks everyone for the suggestions, will be looking into all of them. Tree stand Hunting in Ohio so can get pretty cold but not terrible. I bought the ArticShield boot covers and that finally solved my cold feet issues so now just working my way up.


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#28 ·
I’m on my 5th season in Minnesota with the First Lite Sanctuary bibs and jacket. Best money I’ve spent on cold weather gear period. I always used to get cold but now I never do. Don’t wear the jacket if you have a hike in, you can vent the bibs too if you’re walking. After 5 years they’re still in fantastic shape a s give me the same warmth, sure to have many more years to come. I wear a FL long John as well with them but have never had to add more than that. I’ve hunted in late December MN in them, temps around 0 degrees and although I’m not warm…. I’m definitely not cold! Can’t recommend enough!
 
#30 ·
Lots of good advice thus far. A lot depends on the temps you are hunting in late season, your individual reaction to cold/wind and your budget. If you are settled on bibs, there are a variety to choose from the recommended brands. Just take into consideration that being comfy at the vehicle and 100 yards in may lead to sweating your base layers wet in a 1/4 mile or more hike in. Although I have several bibs and wear them throughout season, a really good option is the IWOM or HBS. Carry it in, put it on at the base of your tree with the lower part bunched up around your waist, climb up, zip up the bottom and contain your heat. I bought mine used from a friend whose son outgrew it.....for a good price that has proven worthwhile. Shop the classifieds and try something out.....if it isn't what you hoped then relist or wait to next season.