As a takeoff on the winter blues thread, I'd like to start a "winter tips" thread to provide info. to folks that may be new to winter imaging. Taking care of yourself and your gear is top priority; so I'll start with outfitting the photographer:
Dress in layers, using manmade fabrics or wool with a light base layer, an insulating layer, and a shell. Today's softshells are great if you're snowshoeing or skiing because they don't get clammy. A liner glove/fingerless glove combo from the Army surplus is great for shooting. A down jacket in your pack goes on as soon as you stop to shoot to keep from getting chilled.
Feel free to add your tips........
Happy New Year!
Posted by John Klotz on January 1, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Great idea Dave! Snowshoes make it much easier to get around, are not hard to learn and fun. The shoes should be rated for your weight plus any gear you are carrying. Bring ample water and stay hydrated especially at higher altitudes. Don't hike alone and tell others where you are going and when you plan to return. Trail mix and jerky are good for day trips. When it is really cold your camera and lenses require special care. I have not done snow camping but if someone would like to chime in it is something I want to try. Be safe out there as conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly.
Posted by Brent Murphy on January 1, 2008 at 4:27 PM
- Keep an extra camera battery in a pocket close to your body. When the battery in your camera starts to be affected by the cold, switch it out for the warm one.
- Bring some of those little chemical hand warmers.
- Polarized sunglasses are great for dealing with the sun reflecting off the bright snow.
- And don't forget the sunscreen!
Posted by Todd Caudle on January 1, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Bring a decent shovel (one that doesn't break on the side of Highway-69 north of Westcliffe, for instance) to dig your vehicle out of a snowdrift. Tire chains are also highly recommended. I need to buy some myself!
Posted by Scott Bacon on January 1, 2008 at 5:39 PM
Scott, that's a superb tip with an elegant solution
And to piggyback off of Todd's tip, I bought an avalanche shovel used by backcountry skiers, the heavy-duty aluminum handle is only about 20" long and the blade is steel and about 12" wide. I've used it to dig out other people from ditches and fortunately have not had to use it for rescue of my own vehicle, yet. The blade detaches from the handle making for easier storage in my vehicle.
Posted by Art Escobado on January 1, 2008 at 8:34 PM
use pipe insulation and electrical/duct tape to wrap around your tripod legs instead of purchasing the overpriced market solution -they allow you to handle the legs without getting your hands achingly cold
hard boiled eggs make a great protein shot
I know Dave mentioned it already but wool is great! (wool warms when wet)
Rain X your windows before driving it really works well for the first three or four days, especially in wet weather
Check those tires-I made one trip to Zion where I was a little embarrassed to see how low the treads were on the way back (I couldn't believe I drove the car like that!)
place desiccants in your bag for moisture and fog on lenses
Keep you gear cold while shooting. If you bring it inside, keep the camera bag sealed with the battery in your pocket. When you get home, place the whole camera bag inside a trash bag and let it warm slowly. Condensation will form on the inside of the trash bag instead of your equipment.
Outdoor Research (OR) makes foam insulated water bottle carriers that work great for a spare lens. The padding allows you to stuff them in a pack with no worries.....
If you keep that spare camera battery in your pocket make sure it's wrapped in plastic or some other insulating material so that it can't come into contact with keys, change, or other metallic objects. Otherwise you run the risk of having a really terrific pocket warming incident.
Posted by Bert Fukuda on January 2, 2008 at 8:00 PM
I've only been out once or twice but found my snowboarding pants great for hiking. They keep my lower body very warm. I also wear a beanie instead of a hat and goggles instead of sunglasses. I hope I'm not an odd ball.
Posted by Grant Collier on January 3, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Discussion
10 repliesDress in layers, using manmade fabrics or wool with a light base layer, an insulating layer, and a shell. Today's softshells are great if you're snowshoeing or skiing because they don't get clammy. A liner glove/fingerless glove combo from the Army surplus is great for shooting. A down jacket in your pack goes on as soon as you stop to shoot to keep from getting chilled.
Feel free to add your tips........
Happy New Year!
- Bring some of those little chemical hand warmers.
- Polarized sunglasses are great for dealing with the sun reflecting off the bright snow.
- And don't forget the sunscreen!
And to piggyback off of Todd's tip, I bought an avalanche shovel used by backcountry skiers, the heavy-duty aluminum handle is only about 20" long and the blade is steel and about 12" wide. I've used it to dig out other people from ditches and fortunately have not had to use it for rescue of my own vehicle, yet. The blade detaches from the handle making for easier storage in my vehicle.
use pipe insulation and electrical/duct tape to wrap around your tripod legs instead of purchasing the overpriced market solution -they allow you to handle the legs without getting your hands achingly cold
hard boiled eggs make a great protein shot
I know Dave mentioned it already but wool is great! (wool warms when wet)
Rain X your windows before driving it really works well for the first three or four days, especially in wet weather
Check those tires-I made one trip to Zion where I was a little embarrassed to see how low the treads were on the way back (I couldn't believe I drove the car like that!)
place desiccants in your bag for moisture and fog on lenses
Here's another tip or two:
Keep you gear cold while shooting. If you bring it inside, keep the camera bag sealed with the battery in your pocket. When you get home, place the whole camera bag inside a trash bag and let it warm slowly. Condensation will form on the inside of the trash bag instead of your equipment.
Outdoor Research (OR) makes foam insulated water bottle carriers that work great for a spare lens. The padding allows you to stuff them in a pack with no worries.....