Staying warm during cold weather hunting and fishing activities is crucial. The right gear can make a huge difference in comfort and enjoyment. Two popular options for keeping the lower body warm are waders and hunting bibs. But which is better at retaining body heat – waders or bibs?
The Basics of Waders and Hunting Bibs
First, let’s review the basics of waders and hunting bibs:
- Waders – Waterproof pants that extend from the feet to the chest. Usually made of rubber, nylon, or neoprene. Designed primarily for fishing but also worn by hunters.
- Hunting bibs – Insulated pants that extend from the waist to the chest. Usually made of brushed polyester or wool fabrics. Some are water-resistant while others are fully waterproof.
Both waders and bibs provide coverage and protection for the upper legs and torso. But there are some differences in their materials and construction that impact warmth.
Key Factors That Impact Warmth
Several key factors determine how well waders and bibs retain body heat:
Insulation
Insulation type and amount play a huge role in warmth. Most hunting bibs have thick built-in insulation made from materials like Thinsulate or PrimaLoft. Some have removable liner bibs for adjustable insulation. Waders generally have less insulation since their waterproof materials already retard heat loss. Neoprene waders have more insulation than those made of rubber or nylon.
Fit
A proper close fit helps prevent cold air penetration and heat loss. Hunting bibs are designed to be worn over other garments and are adjustable for a snug fit. Chest waders are loose by nature of going over clothes. Waist-high waders and stockingfoot waders paired with tight wading pants provide a closer fit.
Coverage
More coverage means more surface area to retain heat. Hunting bibs cover the chest and have shoulder straps while most waders stop at the chest. Some hunting bibs extend all the way up to the neck for maximum coverage. However, waders are available in chest-high and waist-high sizes for more flexibility.
Outer Shell Fabric
The outer fabric impacts wind and water resistance. Hunting bibs typically use more tightly woven water-resistant or waterproof fabrics. Waders are always waterproof but rubber and nylon are less wind resistant than neoprene.
Lining Fabric
Lining material influences moisture management and next-to-skin comfort. Hunting bibs often have soft, moisture-wicking liner fabrics. Waders may have fuzzy pile or fleece linings for added warmth and to prevent sweat buildup.
Warmth Comparison
Now let’s directly compare how well waders and hunting bibs retain warmth in cold conditions:
Insulation
Advantage: Hunting bibs. The thick built-in insulation in most hunting bibs traps more body heat than waders.
Fit
Advantage: Hunting bibs. The adjustable fit of hunting bibs seals in more warmth than the looser fit of most waders.
Coverage
Advantage: Hunting bibs. The full chest and shoulder coverage of bibs retains more heat than waders that stop at the chest.
Outer Shell
Advantage: Hunting bibs. The more wind resistant woven fabrics used in hunting bibs provide better protection from heat loss.
Lining
Advantage: Hunting bibs. The moisture-wicking linings used in hunting bibs help minimize sweat buildup compared to waders.
Based on these comparisons, hunting bibs have the advantage in almost every category that impacts warmth. The thicker insulation, adjustable fit, and wind-resistant fabrics make most hunting bibs warmer than waders of comparable cost and materials.
When Waders Offer More Warmth
However, there are a few situations where waders can provide more warmth than hunting bibs:
- Neoprene chest waders have insulation comparable to hunting bibs. The closed-cell neoprene foam provides excellent heat retention.
- Waist-high waders paired with insulated wading pants creates a warmer system than waist-high bibs.
- Waders worn under an insulated bib or suit provide more total insulation than either alone.
- During sedentary activities like duck hunting from a blind, waders retain warmth better than less insulated bibs.
Tips for Staying Warm
Here are some general tips for staying as warm as possible when wearing waders or hunting bibs:
- Wear insulating base layers of silk, wool, or synthetic fabrics to wick moisture and retain heat.
- Use breathable middle insulation layers like fleece or down vests to provide warmth without sweating.
- Put on thick insulating socks made from wool, alpaca, or other natural fibers.
- Wear waterproof boots and gloves to prevent heat loss from the extremities.
- Bring chemical or electronic hand and foot warmers as backup insulation.
- Take breaks out of the wind and change into dry layers if you get sweaty or wet.
- Stay hydrated and fuel up on high-calorie foods to keep your core temperature up.
Conclusion
For most hunting and fishing scenarios, thickly insulated hunting bibs will provide superior warmth compared to waders. Their ability to trap more body heat thanks to ample insulation, adjustable fit, and wind-resistant fabrics makes bibs the better choice as standalone cold weather lower body protection. However, waders can also provide excellent warmth when layered properly or made of insulating neoprene material. No matter which option you choose, following the tips above will help maximize warmth and comfort during long hours outdoors in the cold.
