Hey guys! I'm in need of advice/suggestions for winter clothing for a trip early next year. Temperatures will be below freezing and I have no idea what to buy and what brands to get. Could you folks suggest some jackets/etc that would be great for keeping me warm but won't be a hindrance to using the camera
Specific Brand/Model info would be much appreciated
Thanks!
Posted by Jim DeWitt on December 21, 2015 at 9:49 PM
I lived in Alaska for 60 years. I can offer some expertise.
Layers. Light fleece base layer, heavier fleece next and a wind shell exterior, water resistant if there is a chance of snow or rain/sleet. Neck gaiter, fleece hat. Very light gloves under heavier gloves or mittens. Warm inner pockets for spare batteries. Same layering on your legs. The idea is that if you get warm you can peel off the outer layer. Footgear either Steger Mukluks if it's going to be below freezing or good Sorels if it's going to be around freezing. Some folks swear by handwarmers but I've never liked them.
I wore a rubber soled pair when traveling the state of Alaska. I never had cold feet. Not sure the brand as they were military issued. They were rubber foot area and soles with laced canvas up over the calf area.
Jim's list is very complete and he has a long history of working in the elements in Alaska too. Lots of good suppliers out there also. I use LL Bean a lot, but there are many others.
Posted by Dennis Plank on December 24, 2015 at 5:44 PM
A couple of notes that might be of help Sairam. Don't buy clothes tight. Each layer should fit over the other with a bit of looseness as the dead air space is what provides insulation. If you're going to be standing still for any length of time I would recommend adding a down vest to Jim's list-it will add a lot of warmth to your torso. The hat is critical-you losea lot of heat through your head, so either a good hood on the outer layer or a very warm stocking cap with ear flaps is nice. Jim mentioned "neck gaiter"-down here, look up "turtle fur" and he's definitely right-keeping the neck warm is a huge help. While hand warmers are awkward, you can stick a pair in your pockets for a quick warmup. Jim also addressed a question recently on how to take care of your gear in reallly cold weather, and handwarmers and a pair of socks to insulate them can help keep your camera guts and battery warm-attach with a rubber band or velcro strap. Speaking of socks-good warm wool socks and maybe some polypropylene or silk liner socks.
Paul Mentioned LL Bean and they have good stuff. Any of the on-line hunting/fishing places such as Cabela's will have what you need. The more hiking/skiing oriented places such as REI and Campmor are also good places to go. You don't need to buy the best, particularly if you're not planning on using the gear regularly for a long time. If you're just going to need it for this one trip-take a look at your local thrift stores. You will probably have to buy the base layer (long underwear) from one of the suppliers, but you might find most of the rest second hand.
I would second the mention of a down vest as a nice addition to the full lists above. I wear a down vest under a down jacket at times in Central Oregon. It keeps my torso warm and my arms flexible. If I get hot while hiking, I can strip the jacket and wear just the vest and then put the jacket back on when I'm still again. The best thing about a down vest, in my mind, is that it can be compressed and shoved into the tiniest spaces. Sometimes I just wear the vest and a GoreTex rain shell (over a couple of long sleeve base layers) and I'm warm down to the mid-20s if I'm moving around a bit.
Posted by Monika Chace on January 10, 2016 at 10:16 PM
I like wool. The new stuff you can throw in the washer & dryer. Naturally anti-microbial, keeps you warm even if wet, the new stuff isn't scratchy. Ibex, SmartWool, IceBreaker and probably more brands. I've found Patagonia's wool to be itchier than the others (unless you do cashmere.....). If you're going to be where it's cold & snowy, down is fine, but if it'll be wet snow or snow/rain, I'd suggest synthetic instead. Mountain Hardware, Outdoor Research, Patagonia
But, yes, layers! And have extra wool socks so you can change out of wet ones. Good boots -- love my Salomons.
Exactly what you get depends a bit on if you'll be doing a lot of hiking, then standing around, or being close to a vehicle but standing around waiting. If you'll be hiking & getting sweaty before standing around, you'll really want materials that wick well -- wool, fleece, CoolMax/polypro/other breathable synthetics-- next to your skin.
Discussion
7 repliesSpecific Brand/Model info would be much appreciated
Thanks!
Layers. Light fleece base layer, heavier fleece next and a wind shell exterior, water resistant if there is a chance of snow or rain/sleet. Neck gaiter, fleece hat. Very light gloves under heavier gloves or mittens. Warm inner pockets for spare batteries. Same layering on your legs. The idea is that if you get warm you can peel off the outer layer. Footgear either Steger Mukluks if it's going to be below freezing or good Sorels if it's going to be around freezing. Some folks swear by handwarmers but I've never liked them.
Here's a visual guide.
Hope this helps.
I wore a rubber soled pair when traveling the state of Alaska. I never had cold feet. Not sure the brand as they were military issued. They were rubber foot area and soles with laced canvas up over the calf area.
Jim's list is very complete and he has a long history of working in the elements in Alaska too. Lots of good suppliers out there also. I use LL Bean a lot, but there are many others.
Paul Mentioned LL Bean and they have good stuff. Any of the on-line hunting/fishing places such as Cabela's will have what you need. The more hiking/skiing oriented places such as REI and Campmor are also good places to go. You don't need to buy the best, particularly if you're not planning on using the gear regularly for a long time. If you're just going to need it for this one trip-take a look at your local thrift stores. You will probably have to buy the base layer (long underwear) from one of the suppliers, but you might find most of the rest second hand.
Hope this helps. Have fun on your trip.
But, yes, layers! And have extra wool socks so you can change out of wet ones. Good boots -- love my Salomons.
Exactly what you get depends a bit on if you'll be doing a lot of hiking, then standing around, or being close to a vehicle but standing around waiting. If you'll be hiking & getting sweaty before standing around, you'll really want materials that wick well -- wool, fleece, CoolMax/polypro/other breathable synthetics-- next to your skin.