Essential Guide to Crab Pants for Fishing and Crabbing Activities

The Essential Guide to Crab Pants

For the part time pants connoisseur and part time fisherwoman, having the right pair of crab pants can make all the difference while out on the water. Crab pants are specialized fishing pants designed for comfort and functionality while crabbing or fishing.

What Are Crab Pants?

Crab pants refer to durable pants made specifically for crabbing and fishing activities. They are designed to provide protection and allow for free range of motion so you can easily maneuver on docks and boats.

Compared to regular pants, crab pants contain useful features like:

• Water resistant materials
• Reinforced knees and seat
• Extra pockets and loops for tools
• Loose or adjustable fits
• Sun protection properties
• Quick dry fabrics

Common Materials in Crab Pants

Some of the top materials used to create high performance crab pants include:

• Canvas - Rugged and durable canvas stands up to abrasions from docks, boats, and crustacean shells.
• Nylon - Lightweight nylon dries quickly and resists stains and moisture.
• Polyester - Polyester blends provide water wicking properties to keep you cool and dry.
• Cotton - Breathable cotton makes for comfortable everyday wear out on the water.

Desirable Features of Crab Pants

Quality crab pants contain handy design elements such as:

• Reinforced knee pads - Built-in knee pads provide protection when kneeling on hard or sharp surfaces.
• Water repellent coating - Special coatings cause water to bead and roll off the pant surface.
• UPF protection - Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) shields skin from the sun's harmful rays.
• Utility pockets and loops - Extra storage options allow you to keep tools and gear close at hand.
• Adjustable waists - Waist cinching systems ensure a comfortable custom fit.
• Zippered legs - Convert pants into shorts in warmer weather by unzipping leg sections.

Why Crab Pants Are Essential for Crabbing and Fishing

High-performance crab pants are a fisherwoman's best friend out on the water. Here are some top reasons specialized crab pants are a must-have:

Protect Against Hazards

Various occupational hazards exist when working docks and boats. Durable crab pants shield vulnerable areas like your knees, backside, and thighs from dangers including:

• Impact from slips or falls
• Punctures from sharp tools or debris
• Cuts from crab shells or barnacles
• Burns from hot boat surfaces

Repel Water, Wind, and Sun

It's inevitable you'll encounter wet, windy conditions while crabbing and fishing. Waterproof and weather resistant crab pants feature technology to keep you dry and comfortable in harsh environments.

Allow Unrestricted Movement

Hauling crab pots and nets takes strength and agility. Thoughtfully designed crab pants bend and flex with you as work, preventing rips or tears.

Provide Abundant Storage

The right crab pants act as a wearable toolbox. Special storage pockets and attachment points give you quick access to essential items like:

• Knives
• Scissors
• Pliers
• Bait
• Sun protection

Choosing the Best Crab Pants For Your Needs

When selecting your ideal crab pants, tailor your decision to fit your individual lifestyle and work environment.

Consider Your Crabbing Conditions

Think about the typical setting and weather you work in. If you largely crab and fish in warmer climates, breathable and ventilated pants work best. For colder regions, insulated pants provide superior comfort and warmth.

Assess Required Durability

Your pant's materials strongly influence strength and endurance. If you regularly crawl on rough surfaces or carry heavy gear, choose ultra-durable fabrics like canvas or Cordura nylon to avoid rips and abrasions.

Include Sun Shielding Ability

Long hours under the intense sun increases your skin cancer risk. Seek UPF 50+ crab pants to block 98% of ultraviolet radiation from reaching your skin, even when wet.

Match to Your Price Range

As expected, premium fishing pants with multiple advanced features run higher in cost. However, excellent crab pants are also available in economy tiers if you're on a tighter budget.

With knowledge of ideal attributes and manufacturers, finding high-function crab pants matching your priorities and price needs is straightforward.

Top Crab Pant Brands on the Market

Industry leading companies producing specialized crab pants include:

• Grundéns - Trusted by professional fishermen worldwide, Grundéns crab pants offer maximum ruggedness and mobility.
• Helly Hansen - Incorporating innovative technology for ocean protection, Helly Hansen provides top notch waterproof pants.
• Frogg Toggs - Frogg Toggs delivers affordable, amphibious crab pants suitable for casual hobbyists.
• Columbia - Renowned for high-performance activewear, Columbia supplies feature packed pants at reasonable price points.

Savvy fisherwoman seek out these brands when selecting durable, weather-fighting crab pants.

Tips For Caring For Your Crab Pants

Taking proper care of your crab pants helps maintain optimal performance and extends their operational lifetime significantly.

Rinse After Each Use

Saltwater, fish guts, and bait residue can gradually degrade fabric over time. Quickly rinsing pants removes corrosive substances before they penetrate materials.

Select Gentle Detergent

Harsh soaps strip protective coatings and waterproof layers from pants. A gentle, fragrance-free detergent cleans crab pants without removing durability enhancements.

Air Dry Only

Machine heat damages the woven structure of specialty fishing fabrics. Always air dry crab pants fully before storing to prevent funky odors and premature breakdown.

Address Small Damage Quickly

Don't delay mending small tears or holes, which expand rapidly under strain. Sewing on patches maintains your pants integrity.

With proper care and maintenance, top-tier crab pants easily last 5+ years of hard use out on the ocean.

FAQs

What temperature ranges are crab pants suitable for?

Quality crab pants work in a wide range of conditions - from freezing waters to hot summer fishing. Look for pants featuring zippered legs to convert them into shorts during warmer weather. Insulated pants maintain warmth in frigid environments. Most feature moisture wicking fabric that keeps you comfortable across temperatures.

Can crab pants be used for other activities besides crabbing and fishing?

Absolutely! The durable and protective nature of crab pants makes them ideal for all types of marine activities. They work beautifully when sailing, kayaking, working docks, or exploring tide pools thanks to flexible materials designed for ocean movements. Waterproofing keeps you dry during wet pursuits.

What type of shoes pair best with crab pants?

Since traction is crucial when hauling crab pots on slippery, wet surfaces, shoes with grip are essential. Waterproof boots or rubber fishing boots give stability. Sneaker-style deck shoes also work well for lightweight flexibility during long days. High rubber boots help protect legs further when sorting through fresh catches.

Should crab pants be loose fitting or tight fitting?

For maximum mobility while working, a relaxed fit works best. Pants that cling to your legs inhibit the wide stances and big movements needed to pull crab cages and nets aboard. Loose pants allow better airflow as well, keeping you cool. However, be sure your pants aren't overly baggy since that can cause safety issues with tripping.