Bib Shopping, anyone ever use Carhartt brand?

[JustOsmo]

Anyone here ever use Carhartt G33 Men’s Extremes® Zip-To-Waist Biberall / Arctic Quilt Lined (http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=10051&productId=32174&langId=-1&categoryId=10908)?

I am looking into buying a new pair of bibs this year and giving my cheap ski ones to my girlfriend. I found these bibs for 110$ plus 15% off. So they would only be around 94 bucks.

It should be noted I would use these bibs for Ice fishing, Snow Blowing, Sledding, and skiing/snowboarding.

Now the real question is, is it really that much of a difference to make it worth waiting awhile and buying Arctic Armor Black Bibs for 170$? And are they appropriate to use when not fishing?

[F.R.E.D.]

I know a lot of guys who use carhart and love it. My only concern would be that water resistant is not water proof. I have Ice Armor gear and can kneel and sit in water all day and not get wet.

[FishingNewEngland]

I know a lot of guys who use carhart and love it. My only concern would be that water resistant is not water proof. I have Ice Armor gear and can kneel and sit in water all day and not get wet.

I'm switching from carhartt to Ice Armor this year for that very reason.

[Jrod0582]

There are waterproof treatments that you can apply to the carhartts to make them waterproof such as campdry.

[JustOsmo]

I know a lot of guys who use carhart and love it. My only concern would be that water resistant is not water proof. I have Ice Armor gear and can kneel and sit in water all day and not get wet.

Can you buy ice armor bibs separately from the jacket? I dont need a jacket as I have my winter jacket that works great.

Are these:
http://www.clamcorp.com/IceArmorClothing/Outerwear/InsulatedBibs/tabid/343/Default.aspx

the same quality as the ones that come this the suit here: http://www.clamcorp.com/IceArmorClothing/Outerwear/IceArmorBlueBlackSuit/tabid/341/Default.aspx



The price difference between the Carhartt Bibs and those Ice Armor Black Bibs is quite small and if they are the same quality as the suits bibs I would probably go ahead and buy the Ice Armor Bibs due to waterproofing like you said.

[Sinnian]

I would go with the Ice Armour or Arctic Armor.  Personally, I have the black Arctic Armor suit and love it.  It is a bit to warm sometimes, but like to know I have the benefits of floatation should the unimaginable happen.

[JustOsmo]

I would go with the Ice Armour or Arctic Armor.  Personally, I have the black Arctic Armor suit and love it.  It is a bit to warm sometimes, but like to know I have the benefits of floatation should the unimaginable happen.

Someday I would like to get the arctic armor but sadly the extra 40$ just cant be managed right now. Esp with me needing to buy alot of new jig stuff this season still. The ICe Armor Bibs are manageable if they are the same quality as their suit set's bibs.

[Hoosier]

I used carharts for years,always did the trick,but since I got the Clam suit,,never had the cars outa the closet.So much less bulky,lighter and warmer... If I would reccomend anything thing,get a little more cash together and get a real winter suit.You will not be sorry... JT

[Sinnian]

You can find the Arctic a little cheaper, but they are still more coin.

I almost forgot until Hoosier mentioned it..... the weight difference is EXTREME.  The Arctic are so light, and not bulky at all.

[JustOsmo]

I used carharts for years,always did the trick,but since I got the Clam suit,,never had the cars outa the closet.So much less bulky,lighter and warmer... If I would reccomend anything thing,get a little more cash together and get a real winter suit.You will not be sorry... JT

Are the Ice Armor bibs i linked the same quality as the Arctic Armor full suit?

[Trooper Bri]

I know a couple guys who still use the Extreme insulated bibs and coveralls. They are part-timers on the ice. The rest of us have gone on to ice suits.

I actually bought a pair of the R33 bibs back in 2004 or 2005 on clearance for a great price fully intending to use them for ice fishing. But 1 month later, my local outfitter had a blowout on Ice Armor and I couldn't resist.

I now have what may be the last pair of unused American made Carhartt tan R33's in existence. Tried selling them a couple years ago, but had no takers. Kind of glad I didn't now. The ice bug in me sleeps better at night knowing they're in my closet.

[Hoosier]

I waited till the end of the season and got my clam suit from Clams site closeout bin for 100 bucks.... JT

[F.R.E.D.]

I have had the blue bibs/suite for 3 years now and it has held up extremely well. I got them on sale at Kittery after the season for $200 I believe. Still looks and performs as if it were new. I only wash it twice a season and hang it up to air dry. I do no know if it is the same as the black bibs you linked. From reading the links it looks as if the black bibs are insulated and the blue are not. That being said I find the blue too warm sometimes. I dress in layers like mom told me to and usually end up removing some. What I like most about the suite besides all the pockets is how easy it is to get on and off. (with my boots on) It is dry, warm and makes even the coldest/wet day bearable.

[Tainterslayer]

I wear Browning hunting bibs. They are plenty warm and fully water proof. I have worn them hunting and fishing for the past 4 years and they have held up great. Probably not as tough as Carhartt's but I think the waterproof factor would be convincing enough.
If you're not into camo then they might not be for you though...

[slipperybob]

Carhartt for skiing or snowboarding is definitely a no no for me.  I've used my Columbia snowboard pants for ice fishing for some years before I bought my Arctic Armor.

[jasond37]

Before I got 'serious' about ice fishing I wore the Carhartt Extreme Arctic bibs/coat.  They kept me warm, but my knees got wet, and before you know it the cuffs at the bottom began to get wet.  They are perfect for working or shoveling/snowblowing, things like that.  I still wear mine when doing chores outside during the winter and love them.  A few sites, Red Rock Store the main one, have all their gear on SALE right now.  If you want it now, get it there, you won't find a lower price, and they are going up very soon with the arrival of this years gear.

[JustOsmo]

Well I guess from what I gathered I should get the Ice Armor stuff. I cant afford a whole suit so I will be getting the 130$ black bibs. They are fromw hat I can see as good quality as the suit. Just seems the butt isnt padded lol

[wiskeyfish]

get the arctic armour bibs and coat. floating is kinda nice..no?

[JustOsmo]

get the arctic armour bibs and coat. floating is kinda nice..no?

You buying it for me? I can PM you my shipping address.

[wiskeyfish]

have fun with the ice armour! lol

[JustOsmo]

have fun with the ice armour! lol

 

Maybe in 2 more seasons ill buy a arctic suit. but i am unemployed still right now. waiting to hear back from a job about my background check. 1 income for 2 people and a kid = crapty.

[jasond37]

That Red Rock Store has the Arctic Armor bibs for $105, and the coat for $120.  Sizes are limited, they are almost sold out.

[squ1rr31_]

I've had both the Carharts and Arctic Armor. I stopped using the Carharts cause if you're like me and you use your foot to slide the ice away from the hole they freeze up in no time. Love my IDI stuff just haven't put it to the real test. That comes this year!

[JustOsmo]

That Red Rock Store has the Arctic Armor bibs for $105, and the coat for $120.  Sizes are limited, they are almost sold out.

Ya I am a medium or a large. Weigh about 150 5'10"

[Sinnian]

That Red Rock Store has the Arctic Armor bibs for $105, and the coat for $120.  Sizes are limited, they are almost sold out.

They are the upgrade with the brushed tricot lining too.  Though I only see them in green/black (no big deal).

http://redrockstore.com/Catalog/index.php?crn=1&rn=2500&action=show_detail