In January, I traveled to northern Mongolia to visit the Tsaatan reindeer herders. It was not an easy journey, and it may well be the most challenging expedition I have ever organized, from the long drive into one of the most remote regions of the Mongolian taiga to enduring truly extreme cold.
In January, average temperatures in Mongolia’s taiga typically range between −20°C and −36°C. During our visit, however, a sharp temperature drop, likely caused by a powerful cold air mass moving across the region, pushed temperatures down to −30°C to −45°C, and at times as low as −53°C. Under such conditions, even standing outdoors for extended periods becomes exhausting, and operating a camera turns into a serious challenge. Despite this, it was an unforgettable adventure, and we were fortunate to witness something truly rare and extraordinary.
In a previous post, I wrote about winter clothing systems in general. You can find that article here: Clothing for Winter Trip – Kah-Wai Lin Photography
In this article, I want to focus specifically on what I wore to keep myself not just warm, but alive, in such extreme cold. At temperatures like these, inadequate preparation can quickly become life-threatening.
It’s important to note that everyone is different, and our tolerance to cold varies greatly. What I share here is simply what worked for me, you’ll need to find the combination that works best for your own body and conditions.
What I wore
Head
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Turtle Fur fleece hat
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Seirus Wind Pro® X-treme™ Hood balaclava
Hands
Layering system from The Heat Company:
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1st layer (liners): Polartec liner
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2nd layer (shell): Full leather shell
Upper body
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Inner: T-shirt and fleece jacket
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Middle: Bergen down hooded jacket (500-fill down)
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Outer: Feathered Friends Rock & Ice Expedition Down Parka (900+ fill)
Lower body
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Inner: trouser
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Outer: Feathered Friends Frontpoint Down Pants (900+ fill)
Feet
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Baffin Impact boots
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Crampons with 18 stainless steel spikes