Dressing for photography in the cold
Keywords: photography, cold, winter, travel, weather, wear, dressing, layers, boots, gloves, jackets, polartec, arcrsquoterix, cabelarsquos, columbia, marmot, north, face, patagonia, rei, salomon, 66, fjall, raven, haglof, napapijri, blackhawk, oakley, nike, lowa, vasque, hatch, mecanix, simms
THE LEARNING PATH
It was 2001 when my partner Bo and I decided to meet in person for the first time and with a few Nikonians members in a photography target-rich location. With the help of long-time Internet friends -some of them beta testers of nikonians.org- who knew the area very well, we chose the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a week in September.
The weather was not that cold then, but for those of us coming from warmer areas it felt very cold in the mornings and nights, only moderately warm at noon. How to dress for such weather was not even a consideration of any concern at that time. We just disposed of the jackets at noon and kept on shooting with a Merino wool sweater or a light fleece jacket until the late afternoon.
Sunrise. Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The event was so cordial and satisfying in every way that we decided to make it a Nikonians tradition, the field event of the year from then on, the “ANPAT”, Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip. We now have both an ANPAT in the Spring and the traditional ANPAT in the Fall.
Again, with the help of another Nikonians member, beta tester and great friend, in the fall of 2002 we ventured into Moab, Arches and the rim of the Grand Canyon in Utah, with an optional extension to Arizona for Monument Valley. This time the cold in the early morning and at night was a bit harsher. My partner Bo, used to the winters of Sweden and Germany had no major issues, however, if it not had been for the gift of a pair of Columbia jackets with a light fleece lining presented to us by our dear friends, I would have been freezing and not at all comfortable, shivering in the cold at sunrises and sunsets.
Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) at Moab, Utah
In 2003, another great friend and extraordinary photographer organized the 3rd ANPAT, in the Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, Canada. Excited by the opportunity to be once again shooting in the company of Nikonians, I –as more than a few others in that trip- completely forgot that the park is “a little further north” from anywhere we have been before and therefore a bit further on the nippy side; more so when with iced drizzle and wind. A very serious weather under estimate.
Nikonians at Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, Canada
Acknowledging ignorance I then swore I would never feel that cold again and started the study of how to stay warm, very seriously, as applied to photography in the field.
THE REQUIREMENTS
As a skier I’ve learned that whatever you wear for the cold needs to fulfill three separate functions:
- Manage Moisture – The First Layer. Your own perspiration should not become your enemy when keeping you wet inside your footwear, or underneath your clothing. This means that fabrics that absorb moisture should be avoided (like the cotton of my Woodstock T-Shirt). Fabrics that do not retain perspiration but wik moisture away from your body should be preferred when talking about your next-to-skin garments, including undies.
- Manage Insulation – The Second Layer. You need to be able to keep warm, with the heat not been dissipated away from your body and dehydrating you.
- Manage Weather – The Third Layer. This outer or shell layer should allow you to be ready to encounter and successfully deal with wind, rain, ice and snow.
All three layers need also to have the following characteristics:
- Manage Freedom of Movement – You need to be able to move without constraints. Able to run if necessary. Nothing overly tight that could cut down your blood circulation or reduce mobility. Nothing overly loose that can allow wind to get to your body.
- Manage Weather Changes – If the climate changes during the day, shedding one layer will give you the flexibility to keep warm but only as much as needed.
- Work well within a temperature range – Garments for any of the above layers are now graded for three ranges: Light, Medium, Heavy (also called Expedition or Artic). It is usually best to use three layers of the same grade.
- Give you the best value for your money – You can achieve the comfort needed to enjoy your trip by applying the same principles from head to toes. Dressing in layers is a proven method and it doesn’t need to cost a small fortune.
Note that the range to choose will need to take into account the level of activity you expect (the amount of heat you will develop on your own) and the temperature range your body is accustomed. For example, to go skiing I wear Light grade layers because of the intense body activity. For photographing in the cold, only walking short distances, I need to use Medium grade layers. To shoot in Minnesota, Canada or Alaska I will choose Heavy grade because my body is used to function at well-above freezing temperatures.
The purpose is to keep warm while taking images like this.
Click for an enlargement
For the First Layer, the industry uses three major types of treated fabrics for the first layer:
- Synthetic fibers. These are the least expensive and yet darn effective. The main con is that they tend to keep odors, so you need to have enough sets to change daily and/or wash.
- Natural fibers, silk. These are in the middle price range, not always as effective as the synthetic. Usually selected for high activity level.
- Animal fibers, mainly Merino Wool. Probably the most effective, especially for underwear, feet liners and socks, but the most expensive.
For the Second Layer, I have not found anything better yet and more cost effective than synthetic fleece, specifically the original Polartec® fleece, more so in the military grade 200 and 300.
For the Third Layer, it gets a bit more complicated and one can be easily confused.
Two are really the main choices (discard leather and fur):
- Down. Down offers many advantages, like compressibility for packing, but it can’t get wet. Even with treated fabrics. Works better as a second layer.
- Synthetics. Synthetics can be water-resistant or breathable water-proof. The second is the most effective as you can face rain, ice, and snow with them. Not the least expensive but you will use it forever, more so when abrasion-resistant. I have one medium weight that has lasted me for more than a decade.
BEST KNOWN BRANDS FOR LAYERS WEAR
In North America, in alphabetic order: Arc’terix, Cabela’s, Columbia, Marmot, North Face, Patagonia, Polartec, REI, and Salomon.
In Europe I’ve seen the 66° North from Iceland; the Fjall Raven and the Haglöf from Sweden; the Italian Napapijri (Finnish word for Arctic Circle); and many others in France, Germany and the UK, all having adopted the layers principle and synthetic fabrics.
FOOTGEAR
Special Forces guys like to wear Asolo and Salomon Boots, both with Gore-Tex. If you have been thinking on getting new light boots I can recommend the Salomon Quest 4D GTX lightweight boots, insulated, waterproof, breathable, very comfortable and with excellent ankle support. The best I've ever had, following the recommendation of a Seal Team 6 member. Aside from Asolo and Salomon, other good brands of good hiking boots include Blackhawk, Oakley, Nike, Lowa and Vasque.
HANDWEAR
Except for extreme cold, it is recommended you use light gloves that can be worn when shooting, allowing for full dexterity. This helps to avoid losing one in the field. We have found that the Hatch Specialist all-weather gloves work very well, as used by SWAT teams. Other good brands for the task are Blackhawk and Mecanix Wear, as used by Navy Seals. (Mecanix is not to be confused with Mecanics). Some Nikonians recommend Simms fold-over Mitts as a good alternative if you prefer a mitt with fingers.
Click for an enlargement
FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS
- Still cold with three layers? Add another one.
- Cold in the face? Use a hydrating cream and a balaclava or a shemagh.
- Don’t be shy about it.
- Don’t forget your head. Most of the body heat is lost through the head.
- Merino wool or synthetic fibers beanie or a felt hat should help. Wear at least a Nikonians cap if an ushanka is too much.
- Drink a lot of water. You can also dehydrate in the cold.
- If you are waiting for sunrise, don’t just stand or sit still. Move! That generates heat to keep you warm.
And of course…….
Have a great time!
Originally written on January 18, 2016
Last updated on April 30, 2016
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26 comments
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on January 7, 2019
Ron, Ouch! Way below freezing temperatures year long. Our best wishes to you for a less chilly spring. I would love to see your pictures in the forums.
ronald dewar (ronaldnd) on January 7, 2019
I live on Baffin Island in the Canadian Artic, we are far above the tree line, and have winter about ten months of the year. We have quite short daylight hours this time of the year - and we're lucky to get that, my friends who live north of here are in permanent darkness until later in the winter. Years ago when I was younger I would be out in all sorts of weather shooting but now - now I wait for spring. For day time lighting conditions, around now, the sun sits on the horizon around noon, and then slowly begins to set. Typically, outdoors, uncovered fingers begin to hurt after a few minutes. I am one of those characters that supports global warming! :) Ron
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on December 21, 2018
Lucky you John. I can only get away from work in the spring and the fall. Also, I live by the Tropic of Cancer year around. However, Canadian and US National parks are well up north. So, used to high heat weather, I had no choice but to find out how to be comfortable when out there. Show us more of your images, please.
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on December 21, 2018
Congratulations and best wishes on your upcoming trip, Gary. Only my Minnessota friends don't get cold in jeans. I am sure you'll come back with excellent photos. Don't forget to share in the forums.
John Wilson (Travjohn) on December 21, 2018
My wife and I were full-time RVers for 10 years (we have a stick house now). Someone asked on one of the RV forums how full-timers winterized their rigs. The answer was: "Turn the key and point it south." We've followed that advice ever since, having a home in the North Carolina mountains for the summer and a smaller place in Florida for the winter months. The best of both worlds, and no need to winterize either us or our camera equipment.
Gary Feinberg (gfeinberg) on December 20, 2018
Ramon, thanks for this article. I had read it some time ago, but when the link to it arrived in my email this morning I re-read it. I am going on a photo trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone next month with my brothers. Expected temps are predicted to be between 28F and -6F while we are there. Your recommendation are invaluable in making sure I have everything I need to layer up, and I am forwarding your article to my brothers (especially the one who thinks jeans will keep him warm!!!) Being a southerner, I've never been out on a winter photo trip so this will be a first for me. Hopefully will come home with some great photos!
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on December 20, 2018
Thank you, Richard.
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on December 20, 2018
Mary Jane, thank you.
richard martinez (richardm) on December 20, 2018
Layers are important, but for me Comfort and emergency are more important. My backpack contains water food, as well as feet hand and body warmers, Dry extra layers and gloves in waterproof bag and emergency blanket in case you're stranded. Air exposed or fuel-based warmers will keep you comfortable. I always bring extras and hand them out especially to people who are very thin with no personal fat insulation. Thin gloves with hand warmer zippered pockets keep hands warm. A smaller body warmer that is placed between your hand and the camera grip on a 35mm camera will keep the cold camera grip from making your fingers cold. Then take that warmer and stick it into your pocket with your hand you will never be cold. Once you understand the basics of layers described here you must bring different size hand feet and body warmers once you try them you will never go out into the cold again without them. They make Photography in cold weather a joy instead of a dread.
Mary Jane ONeill (AdirondackNative) on December 20, 2018
Very informative and definitely will be useful. Living in a cold weather state, it’s helpful to know what others use to battle the chill while out there having fun with photography. Thank you.
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on December 20, 2018
Glad you found it a good article, Gary. I began to have some early symptoms of arthritis in my hands and after a nasty fall I need a knee brace. (Now moving into having two of them). But Eric Bowles recommended me a cream for arthritis pain: BLUE-EMU Super Strength which contains Emu Oil. It is magical. Hope you can find it.
Gary Worrall (glxman) on December 20, 2018
Great post JRP My Arthritis tries to avoid those conditions, but I can see why you make those destinations Heat stroke is my enemy! :) .........Gary
Michael P. Majewski (MPMPhoto) on January 11, 2017
Thanks for the information on cold weather gear Ramon. I would like to add, being from Buffalo, NY I tend to shoot a lot of outdoor sports in cold, sometimes snowy weather. One tip I would like to pass along - I wear Grease Monkey Gorilla grip gloves underneath my finger-less gloves and keep hand warmers two-way taped and tucked inside the finger cover of my outer gloves. While the gorilla grip does not provide much protection for your hands in extremely cold weather, they do allow a good grip and that important touch feel on your camera buttons. In between shooting, i flip the finger cover down and help warm up my finger tips with the hand warmers conveniently tucked away in the finger covers. Carrying extra sets of hand warmers always helps, especially on those cold and/or wet shooting days!
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on January 23, 2016
(Edited by jrp Saturday, 23 January 2016 ) Bruce. I also have another pair of Salomon boots for colder weather, the Nytro GTX model, lined with fleece. An efficient delight ;-) My partner Bo uses bicycle gloves without finger tips. I suffer looking at his purple fingers, but he is used to that extreme cold. I bought oversized skier gloves to wear on top of the Mecanix insulated when it gets really cold. The combination works very well, but most of the time the Mecanix alone will work for me, without the others on top.
Ernesto Santos (esantos) on January 22, 2016
Ramon, You are right about the soles on smooth wet surfaces, have never tried them on ice. But on hard rocky terrain and typical soil they grip very well.
Bruce Stenman (Montereyman) on January 22, 2016
Agree about the Solomon boots. First pair I have not had to add an insert for arch support. If hands and feet are cold it is usually an indication that the body's trunk is not warm enough and so to protect vital organs it reduces circulation first to the extremities and eventually to the brain. I get by in sub-freezing temperatures with full finger bicycling gloves with adequate insulation for my core and legs and so I am not taking the gloves off and putting them back on again while shooting. I find them warmer than the fingerless mittens.
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on January 22, 2016
Have a great trip, Robert
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on January 22, 2016
Ernesto, Yes. obozfootwear products are very good, just the soles a bit slippery on ice. Watch out.
Robert Wightman (robwig) on January 21, 2016
Thanks for the great information Ramon. My wife and I are heading for Yellowstone in a week, this article helps with the packing list.
Ernesto Santos (esantos) on January 20, 2016
Great information Ramon. I've been using Oboz hiking shoes over the last year and I am really happy with them. They are a small company out of Bozeman, Montana with one simple principle - "True To The Trail". Check them out at: http://obozfootwear.com
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on January 20, 2016
Geoff, yes. Helly Hansen from Norway. I remember seeing one very nice parka at a Nordstrom store in Denver, Colorado. Yes, pricey, (~$400 USD) but not outrageously and looked very nice and well made. I may look for one of those again ;-)
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on January 20, 2016
Thank you, John. Have a great trip.
Geoff Baylis (GBaylis) on January 20, 2016
Thanks for that really good summary - and for the tip about the boots, which I need to get this year. Although I use a mix of manufacturers for my cold/wet weather gear, both are founded upon kit from Helly Hansen; a Scandinavian make that are pricey but incredibly well designed and just a pleasure to wear. They make a lot of sailing and mountaineering clothing for extreme conditions which need to perform well but be very light. Geoff
John D. Roach (jdroach) on January 19, 2016
Good article. Having been up around Lake Superior and Door County in Wisconsin in Winter as well as Alaska, I have learned a few tricks. Your article helps to re-inforce and offers some good points to keep in mind. In fact, I am going on a winter photo tour in Door County to photography lake ice and shoreline in early February. Thanks for the reminders.
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on January 19, 2016
David, Thank you for taking the time to comment. Yes, extreme cold is another beast. Northern Minnesota is quite the case. I have a very good friend in the heart of it. Snowmobile boots, insulated long underwear, insulated bib overalls, a heavy hooded parka, a neoprene balaclava and heavier gloves are a must in there.
David Hatton (dthatton) on January 18, 2016
Nice article on the basics of cold weather gear, Ramon. I would note that "cold" is relative and that there are many areas in the US and Canada that will require much more protection than is listed above. This is particularly true for footwear. The Solomon’s listed are great for milder weather, but would not keep your feet warm for more than 20 minutes in northern Minnesota. Having spent extended periods of time in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area near the Canadian border in January, I recommend Sorrell boots with removable felt liners to absorb perspiration. Even these will eventually get cold if you are standing without movement in temperatures below zero. The other huge necessity is a full face neoprene face mask to deal with severe wind chill. David