Why do so many people choose to wear bibs instead of pants? What are the advantages and disadvantages? 

Good question and I have no idea.

 

I do layer clothing when it is cold outside and so far it works great.

 

Only hands and face get cold and I will be trying those blue surgical gloves this winter alon with my Bunn for my face.

 

Also wear a cap at all times.

Bibs are pants without a belt basically. Modern water proof fishing bibs made with GoreTex  are lightweight and breathable with sealed pockets and zippered legs designed to be used with a jacket. Advantage may be drier then pants in the wind or driving/riding in a bass boat 70 mph.

Cold weather bass fishing from a boat everyone should consider what happens if you fall overboard, can you swim in your clothing and re enter the boat? The answer is the difference between life and death.

Tom

Bibs are great because you dont get a draft up your back like you would pants since they extend up passed your waist. 

In the winter, I make my living on the mountains.....about 120 days.

All my coaches  and I wear bibs.  They are warmers and easier to layer under. Loose and layers are your friend and stopping drafts around your core is key. Belts are also restrictive when you 3 layers deep.

Because bibs keep you warmer by letting the warmed air circulate over your entire torso (belts/pants naturally cut that air circulation off at the waist), as well as doing a better job at keeping cold air out (like gaps at the waist when you bend over or stretch, or sit down to drive the boat)...plus, I find them more comfortable.

Let me break it down for you in my most scientific terms. 

 

Due to my genetics, I have a non existent gleutius maximus.  Due to my propensity for chicken wings and french fries, I have a healthy man shelf for a belly.  Both work in tandem exerting equal forces to make regular pants my nemesis.  And yeah, it's easier to layer under bibs.   

6 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

Let me break it down for you in my most scientific terms. 

 

Due to my genetics, I have a non existent gleutius maximus.  Due to my propensity for chicken wings and french fries, I have a healthy man shelf for a belly.  Both work in tandem exerting equal forces to make regular pants my nemesis.  And yeah, it's easier to layer under bibs.   

I was just about to say, I was born without a rear end therefore my pants are always falling down. I wear bibs so the cool breeze doesn’t blow into my crack!!

2 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

 

Due to my genetics, I have a non existent gleutius maximus.

There is an old "King of the Hill" episode about this very condition.  

 

I have had a harder time getting bibs/speedsuits to fit well due to having a short torso and legs relative to my waist and chest diameter.  I don't wear bibs when fishing but love them for winter hiking as I can just wear a thin base layer and stay warm and more mobile then with a normal base-mid-outer layering system.  I have never found a pair of bibs that was designed to be hemmed so the pair I have drags the ground when I am hiking in them which is annoying.  

 

They make $240k shotguns and $5k golf clubs, is there anyone out there making bespoke rainwear?   

 

 

I wear bibs for work and fishing in cold weather. As others have said, it's easier to layer underneath, and a jacket can be worn over them. 

2 hours ago, Team9nine said:

Because bibs keep you warmer by letting the warmed air circulate over your entire torso (belts/pants naturally cut that air circulation off at the waist), as well as doing a better job at keeping cold air out (like gaps at the waist when you bend over or stretch, or sit down to drive the boat)...plus, I find them more comfortable.

 

Plus bibs offers additional protection & warmth to vital organs.

 

While we do not have subzero temperatures, we do have freezing temperatures with high humidities (rain), & winds.

 

I wear both - there may be pro's & con's for and against both.

Layering is the key - Several somewhat lighter layers that can be easily added / removed as needed, is how I manage staying comfortable in the cooler & colder conditions; on the water & off.

The act of 'fishing' especially in cooler / cold water deals, is insufficient to keep me warm.  Skipping across big water when the air temps are in the 30's & 40's is like a High Karate Slap in the face.  I have to depend on wind proof, breathable & warm items.

Bottom line for me - Bibs are the choice in the coldest situations; especially in the wind. 

Hate wearing gloves but will if it's the only way to keep my fingers from falling off.

Now if I could just keep my line from freezing - I'd be Golden !

A-Jay

 

I also dress in layers. 

On those very cold days I have my hunting clothes on, long handle underwear, jeans, isolated bibs and then a wool coat.

If it warms up through the day, I can take a layer off.