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Clothing for Winter Trip

Every individual is different, and we all have varying tolerance to warm and cold temperatures. The items listed below are general recommendations only, and they may not be suitable for everyone. It’s your responsibility to make sure you have the gear and clothing that meet your own needs. Please take the time to research and choose what works best for you. We’re not able to provide personalized gear advice, so if you need extra guidance, consider consulting knowledgeable gear specialists online or at your local outdoor or sporting goods stores.

 

TOP CLOTHING

  • Layered clothing is essential. Layered tops:
    • Base layer: thermals or moisture-wicking shirts, or Merino Wool base layers
    • Mid layer: fleece jacket used for insulation and warmth, or it can be worn as an outer layer on mild, dry days.
    • Insulation layer: down or synthetic insulated jacket.
    • Shell layer: A fully waterproof, windproof, breathable rain jacket, like Gore-Tex. This protects you from wind and moisture.
  • Recommendation for insulation layer:

Fill Power

Temperature Range (°F)

Temperature Range (°C)

Typical Use

< 400

Above 41°F

Above 5°C

Milder cold

400-500

35°F – 50°F

2°C – 10°C

Cold temperatures

500-600

23°F – 50°F

-5°C – 10°C

Colder temperatures, some moderate outdoor activity.

600-650

14°F – 32°F

-10°C – 0°C

Very cold weather and light to moderate activity.

650-750

-13°F – 14°F

-25°C – 10°C

Low temperatures, serious winter conditions.

700-900+

Below -13°F

Below -25°C

Extremely cold conditions.
  • Avoid tight fitting clothing as it is the air in between the layers that insulates you from the cold.
  • If you prefer not to use a layering system, you can also wear an all-in-one winter parka like those from Canada Goose or Feathered Friends. They are expensive, but they will definitely keep you warm.
  • Comfortable everyday shirts and pants for use in town or at the hotel.

 

BOTTOM CLOTHING

  • There are many options: insulated and waterproof snow pants, ski pants, or ski bib.
  • Ski bib is often more effective because it keeps your core warmer and prevents snow and wind from getting inside. Make sure the pants have cuffs that fit over your boots to keep snow out. If you choose a ski-bib style, make sure it has zippers or flaps that make restroom breaks easier.
  • Outer shell layer if your pants are not waterproof and windproof. A fully waterproof, windproof, breathable pant, like Gore-Tex. This protects you from wind and moisture.

 

MY CLOTHING

  • During my winter expedition to Norway, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to +10°C, I wore a fleece as my mid-layer, paired with a Bergen down hooded jacket (500-fill down), a Bergen outer shell (waterproof, windproof, breathable), and ski pants.
  • During my winter expeditions in Northern Mongolia and Canada, where temperatures ranging from -10°C to -30°C, I used a fleece as my mid-layer, then added the Feathered Friends Rock & Ice Expedition Down Parka (900+ fill) and Feathered Friends Frontpoint Down Pants (900+ fill). Since I’m skinny and feel the cold more easily, there were days when I even added the Bergen down hooded jacket (500-fill) underneath for extra warmth.

 

HEAD & NECK

  • A warm hat or beanie.
  • An insulated face mask, buff, or balaclava is highly recommended.
  • I don’t recommend scarves, as they tend to blow around in the wind.
  • If you wear glasses, keep in mind they may fog up when used with a mask; consider using anti-fog wipes or spray.

 

HAND

  • Keeping your hands warm while still being able to operate your camera is a real challenge, especially if you rely on a touchscreen for your camera or drone. We recommend starting with a thick, touchscreen-compatible glove liner. On top of that, you’ll need a warm pair of mittens that can comfortably fit over the liner gloves.
  • Both the inner glove and the mitten have room for chemical hand warmers.
  • Battery-powered heated gloves are also an excellent option in these temperatures. The inner layer is touch screen liner glove.
  • Chemical hand and foot warmers are highly recommended. Plan for at least one pair per day. USB-powered hand warmers are also popular. Some people like wearing heated jackets, socks, or gloves for additional comfort.

 

MY HAND

  • I use a layering system from The Heat Company:
    • 1st Layer (LINERS): Polartec Liner;
    • 2nd Layer (SHELL): Shell Full Leather. DO NOT get the PRO version, as you won’t be able to take your thumb out of the shell.
    • 3rd layer (OUTER MITTEN): Polar hood. I have it but I rarely use it.
  • If you would like to purchase The Heat Company gloves, please use 10% discount code kahwailin26 to shop at: https://www.theheatcompany.com/

 

FOOT

  • Your feet are the next major concern. Winter photography often means standing still for long periods, so proper insulation becomes essential. Choose boots with substantial warmth.
  • Bring a few pairs of wool socks or synthetic hiking socks.
  • Winter boots: make sure your boots are rated for cold weather. Regular hiking boots won’t provide enough protection.
  • Ice crampons or micro-spikes (usually with 18–28 spikes) that slip over your winter boots for walking on ice. DO NOT get ice cleats, diamond-style grips, or “roller” traction devices, they are not reliable on sloped or uneven terrain. There’s also no need for big ice-climbing spikes.
  • Since winter boots are bulkier than regular footwear, you may need a larger size of micro-spikes to fit them properly.
  • Bring a pair of regular boots or sneakers for use in town or at the hotel.

 

MY FOOT

  • This is the crampons I am using: https://www.amazon.com/Hillsound-Trail-Crampon-Ultra-Medium/dp/B00EYG8O7M/ref=durable-asin-recommendation-tag_sccl_1_2/
  • During my winter expedition to Norway, since we often needed to stand in the water for seascape photography, I used the Muck Arctic Sport boots. They were warm enough for Norway’s winter, fully waterproof, and tall enough to let me stand in the water comfortably.
  • During my winter expeditions in Northern Mongolia and Canada, I used the Baffin Impact Boots.
  • I always keep two pairs of ice crampons. One larger pair is fitted to my Muck Arctic Sport or Baffin Impact Boots, and I leave those crampons on all the time. The second pair is a smaller size for my regular boots, which I usually keep in the car or in my backpack. On the road, I wear my regular boots without crampons. When I arrive at the shooting location, I simply switch to the Muck Arctic Sport or Baffin Impact Boots with the crampons already attached. This saves me a lot of time and avoids the hassle of putting crampons on repeatedly.