Staying Warm in the Cold
Most of us are in the depths of winter. Even places like Arizona have been seeing snow fall in some of the most iconic desert locations, like Monument Valley and Sedona. It has been a great year for moisture, including here in Colorado. Snow packs are well above average for this time of year in Colorado's high country. That also means if you want to be out photographing in winter, you need to be properly dressed. Over the years, I have found a few items that I don't leave home without if I am going to focus on animals in the snow. This year, I added a couple of new items that have improved my comfort in the cold. Here is that list from head to toe. Please note that I may receive a small portion of the sale from any products mentioned here at no additional cost to you. Enjoy photographing in the cold. It is such a beautiful season, especially when you are prepared for the elements. 1. Hat: I make sure I use a hat with a fleece lining that comes down far enough to cover my ears. Most of our heat leaves our bodies from our head so hats are one of the most important items of clothing. My favorite is a wool hat from Sherpa Adventure Gear but they unfortunately no longer sell it. Look for a hat that has a fleece lining to prevent that scratchy feel on your head but is made with a warm fiber, like wool. This is one option that comes in a variety of colors.
2. Fleece Neckwarmer: I discovered these several years ago and now have a wide selection of colors. (Have to be fashionable too, right?) They are made by Buff and have a fleece lining in addition to their printed outer fabric. Use them as just a neck warmer or raise them up high to cover ears and head for additional warmth.
3. Base Layer: My favorite base layer is a thin shirt from Eddie Bauer. They unfortunately stopped making it several years ago but they have a new base layer shirt called the brushed base layer crew that seems to be similar. Just ordered one to try it out.
4. Fleece: I am all about finding the right clothing for being outdoors and often that means that to get the right quality you pay the price. Recently I discovered this fleece on Amazon and I have since ordered four. They are just the right thickness fleece, come in a variety of colors (including the harder to find neutral, earth tones I prefer for wildlife photography) and have a front zipper pouch for holding keys or keeping hands warm. They have also held up well after multiple washings. Best of all? The price is very reasonable.
5. Pants: Again, love these pants and have multiple pairs in different colors. These are the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Lined Pants. (I also have several pairs of these not lined for summer adventures.) They wick water (and liquids that splash on them), have side pockets large enough for a cell phone and wash well. I have not needed a base layer legging under these, making the fit that much more enjoyable.
6.
7. Socks: Never wear socks too thick for you shoes. If you cut off circulation, your feet will be cold. Find a comfortable pair of wool socks that are tall to help prevent snow hitting skin if snow should get in your boots. I prefer Darn Tough merino wool socks with cushion or SmartWool wool socks with cushion. 8.
If you have made it this far in the list of products, then I know you are serious about being outdoors in the winter. Winter is an amazing time to be outdoors taking photos but to do it safely, you need the proper clothing. Happy shooting!
Keywords:
base,
boots,
clothing,
cold,
Colorado,
ice,
jacket,
layer,
mountains,
muck boots,
nature,
pants,
parka,
photographer,
photography,
safety,
snow,
spikes,
tips,
tips for nature photographers,
traction,
travel,
wildlife,
winter,
yaktrax
Comments
No comments posted.
Loading...
|