As someone who’s spent their life fishing in Victoria – where you can get four seasons before lunch – good clothing isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. I’ve owned countless jackets and bibs over the years. In fact, I’ve got a cupboard full of them. But after spending over 12 months in the Salty Crew Long Range Bib and Jacket, I can safely say these are some of the best I’ve worn.
In the US, bibs (essentially overalls for anglers) are standard fishing wear. Whether it’s bass boats inshore or big boats offshore, American anglers know the value of a bib. Here in Australia, particularly in the southern states, a few of us have cottoned on – but not enough. I reckon that’s due to two things: cost (US imports have always been dear), and a general lack of awareness about how bloody useful they are.
The Salty Crew Long Range Bib is a game-changer. Made from lightweight yet extremely waterproof 20K waterproof / 20K breathability laminated nylon with fully taped seams and DWR coating, it keeps you dry without weighing you down. That means you can wear it through spring and autumn or layer up underneath for winter. It’s not bulky, so it won’t restrict your movement on the boat – and that makes a big difference when you’re climbing around gear, getting the boat ready, or leaning over to grab a fish.
The beauty of a bib such as this starts before you’ve even hit the water. Anyone who’s ever stepped into a boat covered in dew first thing in the morning knows the horror of a wet crotch. I chuck my Long Range Bib on before I even leave the house. It keeps me dry as I load the boat and walk around the ramp. With it on, I can wear fewer layers, stay dry, move freely and feel more comfortable all day.
Out on the water, the benefits are even more obvious. Boats get you wet long before any spray or rain arrives – berley, bait, buckets of water, deck wash, you name it. And once you’re damp, that’s you done for the day. But with the Salty Crew bib, that doesn’t happen. It keeps the water out and the comfort in.
Functionality is another big tick. The Long Range Bib includes a cargo pocket that securely holds your phone and keys. It’s something you’ll appreciate every time you launch or retrieve your boat at the ramp. There’s also a tool pocket that keeps pliers within easy reach and hand warmers on each side – absolute gold on those icy winter mornings.
When the fishing’s over, the bib continues to shine. Covered in blood, bait and saltwater? No worries. Just peel it off before you get in the car and your clothes stay clean. When you get home and it’s time to wash the boat, just slip the bib back on – it keeps you dry again during a job that usually leaves you soaked.
Compared with other bibs I’ve owned, the Long Range stands out. It’s just as waterproof, significantly lighter, and the straps and buckles don’t tangle – a small but very real frustration with other brands. Best of all, it can handle the washing machine. I’ve washed mine countless times without issue, which speaks volumes about its durability.
The Long Range Jacket pairs beautifully with the bib. It’s also lightweight, fully seam-sealed, highly waterproof and looks great. Like the bib, it’s built for layering and has no problem in the wash. Together they offer full coverage and comfort, while still being compact enough to stash on the boat when the weather warms up.
But what really sets the Long Range range apart is the price. At $239.99 for the bib, it has no peer. Comparable products can easily be double the price. And sure, maybe the materials in those other brands are a touch thicker, but for boat use, I don’t need that. I’m not bashing through bushes or rubbing up against rock walls. I want lightweight, I want dry, and I want value. Salty Crew delivers on all fronts.
After 12 months of heavy use, I haven’t had a single issue. While the bib and jacket might not be as warm as some thicker options, the money saved easily covers a quality set of merino thermals – keeping you just as warm, and a whole lot less bulky.
For southern anglers who fish from open boats or deal with unpredictable conditions, the Salty Crew Long Range Bib and Jacket offer unbeatable performance, comfort and value. It’s time more Aussies caught on.
