When it comes to hunting, it’s always a good idea to have the right attire. Yes, camo or hunter orange is always a good thing.
But in truth, there are some pieces of hunting attire that you should consider wearing as well.
Hunting bibs might be one of the best pieces of outerwear on the market. We’ll be talking about what they are and what kind of purpose they serve. We’ll also be talking about what you need to look for when buying one for yourself.
Choosing the right hunting bib might be a challenge. But don’t worry, we’ll have a buyer’s guide on hand so you can be able to find the best one that fits you.
In a nutshell, hunting bibs are a piece of clothing that fits over your legs and half your torso. Hunting bibs most often utilize suspenders to keep them in place. They are typically insulated, have multiple pockets, offer additional leg protection, and are often breathable and waterproof.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s dig into some of the details.
The Purpose Of A Hunting Bib
Hunting bibs are not like the bibs you’re thinking of. They are not something that you tie around your neck when you’re eating something messy. Since it’s full-bodied attire, it’s something completely different.
Think of it like waders when you’re duck hunting. You wear them by slipping them through your legs and then you work your way up to the upper half of your body.
But like waders, hunting bibs can be great for protecting you while you’re in a wet environment during your hunting day.
Yes, the weather can be unpredictable. And you can get soaking wet if you sit out in the rain for a long period of time.
Choosing the right hunting attire is key since you might not know what the weather will be like.
But if there’s a chance that you might get caught up in some rain later on in the day, it might be wise just to wear them in case it does happen.
If your hunting in the woods and a small brook or river is in the way, you can always walk across it safely (assuming the water is shallow).
Either way, these bibs do a great job of keeping you dry.
What Makes A Great Hunting Bib?
There are plenty of features that will make a great hunting bib stand out. We’ll be listing some of them below so you have a good idea of what to look for when shopping for a bib of your own.
You’ll want something that is excellent in quality and performance so you can enjoy the benefits even when you’re deep in the woods.
Features to Look For:
Insulation
If you’re hunting, you’ll most likely run into cooler weather. If you are out during the fall or winter months, you might want to find a hunting bib that has some added insulation.
Obviously, you’ll need it to ensure that you stay warm even if you get a little wet during snowfall. You’ll want a good amount of insulation, but just enough so you can still move around and not feel stiff.
Multiple pockets
Most hunting bibs will have plenty of pockets handy. This will give you plenty of storage while you’re walking around in the woods. These pockets will mostly be located in the chest and thigh areas of the bib.
You’ll want to store items like extra ammo and other small things like matches, a firestarter, a bore brush for quick cleaning, a flashlight, and some tools that you may need to adjust or tighten the scope in place.
Knee and Seat Protection
Most hunting bibs will need to be durable. Especially in the knee and seat areas. You’ll either be sitting or resting on one of your knees while patiently waiting for your target.
Plus, you don’t want them to wear down as easily. They are also areas that are highly prone to wear and tear after short-term use. The more durable the hunting bib, the better it will last.
Fabric Pattern
There are different kinds of fabric patterns that will work to your advantage. You can choose between camo, safety orange, and other patterns or colors.
At the end of the day, the pattern will always come down to personal preferences. Just choose one that will blend in with the rest of your attire and you should be in good shape
(Note: Most hunting laws will require you to wear one article of safety orange clothing if hunting on public land).
Fabric Type
Again, fabric type will play a huge role in the overall durability of these hunting bibs. You’ll want something that will be durable like nylon or similar materials.
The reason being is because these are materials that are actually hard to wear and tear. And it won’t rip if it comes in contact with sharp branches and the like.
Great Scent Control
The last thing your target wants to do is smell you from a faraway distance. There are plenty of hunting bibs out there that will allow you to stay scent-free throughout the day.
However, you’ll want your body scent to be kept down to a minimum even before you slip on your hunting bib.
Breathable and Waterproof
These are two attributes that you really don’t want to skimp on. Why do these matter? Breathability gives you plenty of protection against the wind.
Waterproof protects you from the rain and the snow. Putting the two together makes your hunting bib one of the first lines of defense against harsh weather.
Choosing The Size Of Your Hunting Bib
One of the things that you need to consider is the size of the hunting bib. Keep in mind that there are places online that have various sizing charts.
So you’ll want to take into consideration some of the specific measurements such as the chest, inseam, and so on.
Sometimes, one of the best choices to make is going up a size. The bib needs to be large enough to fit around your waist.
You don’t want something too tight as it will restrict your movements (which will be uncomfortable since you’ll be likely walking around all day). Consider the idea of finding a hunting bib that is a few inches larger in waist size compared to your regular pant size.
For example, if you wear a pair of jeans that is a size 36 in the waist, consider starting at 38 and working your way up.
If you are shopping online, you may want to consult with the sizing charts before making a decision on which size up you want to choose.
Also, you’ll want to keep in mind of the following: the larger the size, the longer it will be. The leg length may be a little longer than what you normally wear for pant sizes.
But the size may be enough to cover your hunting boots. Try starting to go up a size or two so the legs are not too long.
As a rule of thumb, a good 4 to 6 inches in size should be enough so it provides enough room for the rest of your clothes underneath.
Final Thoughts
Hunting bibs serve a greater advantage than you might realize. Wearing them each time you go out hunting might be the smart thing to do. Especially when there is precipitation in the weather forecast.
You should also keep in mind that these hunting bibs will always protect you along with the rest of your hunting attire. They should last you a long time and should fit nicely (even if you have to go up a couple of sizes).
One thing that you should take advantage of is the pockets since they provide you with plenty of storage room for small items you need like ammo.
Also, finding the right hunting bib will come down to the overall quality and price. Find the best quality that you can afford depending on your budget. Avoid going for cheap since you may be sacrificing quality in the process.
There are plenty of hunting bibs out there of different sizes and patterns. Some of the key features that you choose will usually come down to personal preference.
Now is the time to grab yourself a hunting bib so you can enjoy hunting while keeping yourself protected from some of nature’s elements.