Insulated Bib Overalls: how to use them?

[john keyes]

I bought some of these the other night.  I confess I haven't figured them out yet.  I reckon I have to wear a jacket from dawn into the morning then as the sun comes out I can take my jacket off and the bib overalls will keep my torso warm?  don't laugh I'm serious.  I thought they were cool so I got em at a good price.  Nice camo.  I have always used the ol Walls insulated coveralls but not any kind of overalls.

[Graybeard]

I'm fond of carrying either bibs or coveralls to the location I'll hunt. I developed this habit when I was younger and more able to get way back into the stand locations and would work up quite a sweat getting there if I had more than minimal clothing on during the hike.

I still tend to do it that way even tho these days the hike from my truck to where I'll sit is much shorter. I'll wear long john pants these days mostly my Duofold fleece ones and the pants I'll wear that day. Usually wind proof and/or water proof. I'll have a long sleeve t-shirt on top and maybe a long sleeve shirt and nothing more for the walk to stand. The rest will be inside or lashed to the back pack.

Once I get there I'll remove the t-shirt which used to be soaked with sweat but these days might still be dry and replace it with the Duofold fleece top. I'll then add a Worsterlon shirt and perhaps a fleece vest or pull over depending on how cold it is. Then the bibs go on over all that. If needed I'll then add a parka which is either a rain parka or heavy insulated one depending on the temp that day which I take with me.

If the day warms enough I'll remove the parka and if it really warms I'll remove the bibs. Mostly now on those too rare occasions I go hunting at all I'm done after the morning and head back home so seldom do I need to remove the bibs until I'm ready to leave and might even then leave them on for the trip back to my truck.

I use coveralls in much the same way just don't need the heavier parka with them.

[Empty Quiver]

My use, They take the place of an insulated vest under your jacket. They also allow you to get by with a shorter length jacket rather than a full length coat. In serious cold weather use I really don't want the seam at my waist that happens even with insulated pants, severe cold means a long coat as well over the bibs.

You will normally find that folks will leave the bibs on and lose the coat not the other way around. I seldom wear mine without pants on underneath. If I know good and well it will be an all day thing they go on over long johns. Very popular around here is a pullover hooded sweatshirt with the bibs over then a Detroit style jacket over that.

 And for cripes sake buckle both straps and tie your boot laces. [rant off]