Are Simms Challenger Insulated Bibs Warm?

Hey All,

My 10 year old bibs finally bit the dust, and I’m in the market for a new pair. I usually live by the motto, “Either buy it nice, or buy it twice.”, so I’m not going to cheap out on my next pair. With that in mind, I’ve heard that Simms usually makes good stuff, but can’t for the life of me find any indication if their insulated challenger bibs are warm enough for extended 0 degrees F or if they are designed for 30/40 degrees F.

As a point of reference, I routinely fish outside in anything warmer than 0, just because it’s annoying to have to bring the house and propane and heater and etc… I like to travel light.

If anyone has experience with these bibs (or wants to tell me what the best of the best are) I’d love to hear it!

I’ve thought about these as well. I love my Simms waders and rain gear so they were on the short list. But I don’t think these have built in knee pads. And for me, that’s a deal breaker. Spend too much time kneeling when ice fishing. And if you’re gonna spend the money. Might as well get a pair with some floatation assist. I’m sure they are great like 90% of their gear, but I think they missed the mark on these.

I love my simms bibs – not as bulky as my last set of bibs. I just wear a set of thermals and a pair of fleece sweatpants underneath them and I am plenty warm.

They’re warm, and have nice knee pads as well. As mentioned- not quite as heavy/bulky as some of the others which make them very nice for early/late season in the boat.

I think Grizzlyhackle answered my question indirectly by saying, “I just wear a set of thermals and a pair of fleece sweatpants underneath them…”

I’d rather not have to worry about what pants I’m wearing when I go out, so sounds like the Challenger Insulated Bibs are more for the 30/40 degree F temp range.

Let me know if I’m interpreting that wrong! Also, if you’re someone who finds themselves getting cold easily, let me know, as I’m just a little bit more on the opposite end of that spectrum.

Thanks!

Dogfish wrote:

I think Grizzlyhackle answered my question indirectly by saying, “I just wear a set of thermals and a pair of fleece sweatpants underneath them…”

I’d rather not have to worry about what pants I’m wearing when I go out, so sounds like the Challenger Insulated Bibs are more for the 30/40 degree F temp range.

Let me know if I’m interpreting that wrong! Also, if you’re someone who finds themselves getting cold easily, let me know, as I’m just a little bit more on the opposite end of that spectrum.

Thanks!

I’m in negative temps often and the thermal/fleece combo is the same I’ve always worn with all of my bibs. I don’t notice these being any less warm than my previous guide gear set. I also do a lot of hole hopping and not sitting in the shelter all day. I’m not sure you can really go wrong with any of the bib options at this point – my fiancé has a pair of Striker bibs and she seems to like those.

Hey All,

Just wanted to follow-up on this. I decided to get the Simms bibs and so far have been pretty happy with them. They have good kneepads in them, have kept me warm in zero degrees with a stiff wind and are a little less bulky than some other brands which is what drew me to them in the first place.

Things I don’t like. No two way zippers, so you have to fully unzip from the top to relieve yourself. Also unable to unzip the legs from the top to cool down. Could use some more zippered pockets on the front. Not a fan of the whole gaiter thing happening around the ankles. This seems to be the new thing with all bibs though, so not necessarily a Simms specific issue. I just don’t like having a built in gaiter.

All in all, I’m happy with my choice. Now we’ll have to see if these can last 10 years like my Ice Armor bibs did!

I too have just chosen the Simms Challenger Insulated bibs too. I was trying to avoid bulk and still have performance. Yes it worked very well. Performance and comfort.

I too wish that fishing/hunting gear featured some ski/snowboard features too. Dual zippers for both main and side legs. Or even air ventilated features. They have it for heat clothing, but forget that it’s also very good for cold weather clothing too.