Clothing For Birding/Wildlife.

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I thought I'd stick this thread in the Bird Forum, but it's equally applicable to anyone who goes out with a camera for long periods in this weather.

The problem with bird photography though is that you tend to be static for long periods, and when temperatures are really low, you can quickly lose body temperature to a dangerous level, especially if there's a wind adding the chill factor to an already dangerous situation. Severe chills and even hypothermia are very real dangers unless you go out realistically prepared for the conditions. Believe me I've made all the mistakes, paid the price, and am a wiser bunny these days.

Money spent on proper outdoor clothing is as important, if not more important than the wonga you spend on camera gear, so don't skimp or begrudge the money. There's lots of high tech gear available today to suit just about any conditions you're likely to encounter, so much so it can be a bit bewildering making the right choice for you from the clothing available. A visit to somewhere like 'Go Outdoors' or Blacks is a good idea as you can usually get expert advice on the premises - you don't have to buy it from there if you can see it cheaper online.

Stay warm! :thumbs:
 
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I tend to buy Rohan clothing I have been for many many years. I find it very good and light weight too, dries quickly aswell.
They have a sale on at the moment.
http://www.rohan.co.uk/
 
Ed Taylor said:
I tend to buy Rohan clothing I have been for many many years. I find it very good and light weight too, dries quickly aswell.
They have a sale on at the moment.
http://www.rohan.co.uk/
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Good link. :thumbs:

The problem I find with places like Go Outdoors and Blacks is that much of their gear is in bright colours for activities where it's desirable to be highly visible, and they often have limited stocks of clothing in green or brown colours more suitable to photographing wildlife.
 
I get all my gear from army surplus stores. I don't mind if I rip it as it's nice and cheap.
 
Couldn't agree more.

My personal favourite outer jackect is a Paramo and for base wear I've found some good stuff from Trident UK (they are a saiing suppliers and have some good value gear)

Dave
 
Tringa said:
Couldn't agree more.

My personal favourite outer jackect is a Paramo and for base wear I've found some good stuff from Trident UK (they are a saiing suppliers and have some good value gear)

Dave
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I use a Paramo -fantastic and lightweight - totally waterproof, although in the colder weather you do need need good base layers as you say.
 
I'm curently using Jack Pyke gear

http://www.thearmystore.co.uk/acatal...glish_Oak.html

http://www.thearmystore.co.uk/acatal..._Oak.html#a364

Also have gloves, gaiters and a warm hat in the same pattern plus a mesh balaclava to hide the face.

Used it in the cold weather earlier this month and if moving only needed a tshirt underneath. if stationary then themals and layers.

Never got wet once
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Another good link. I'm not familiar with the Jack Pyke gear at all, but it looks good and great prices too! :thumbs:
 
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fishing and hunting gear is worth looking into, as they are designed to be warm as you are sedentary (ie sitting about a lot) and are also muted colours, greens/camos etc. They also tend to rustle less when you do move, which can help if after a touchy subject.
 
CT said:
Another good link. I'm not familiar with the Jack Pyke gear at all, but it looks good and great prices too! :thumbs:
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The clothing is waterproof, windproof, breathable and rustle free.

The reinforced knees and zip out seat pad on the back are very useful.
 
RichardtheSane said:
Interesting thread

Has anyone got any views on this?

http://www.stealthwildlife.co.uk/photographers-suit-761-0.html
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It looks OK to me Richard. The thing to understand though is that you don't want to looking at any single coat as a complete solution. That would be great when it's warm with just very light clothing underneath and waterproof too in case of rain, so you'd be perfectly good to go.

When it t's really cold though it's layers underneath it that make all the difference. Probably a mcro fleece or T shirt next to your skin with a good fleece over that and then the coat on top. Long johns for underwear with insulated socks and waterproof overtrousrers over the top of your jeans or trousers and you should be warm and dry in whatever the weather can chuck at you.
 
Thanks CT - useful to know.

I do ok for the cold weather now - I tend to have long johns and a thin t shirt as my base layer and also some very thin socks. Next out I have some insulated socks, combat trousers and a fleecy jumper with a heavy fleece on the outside. Even down to -10 this has kept me nice and warm although I have been moving about a bit.

Really now I'm after a reasonable coat/water proof trousers setup that matches my fairly limited budget and will keep me dry while I'm out. Still got to decide what to do about gloves too!
 
Sounds like you pretty much have it sussed Richard.

Gloves is a funny one - I have a few pairs, the best ones are thin enough to work the camera while still being warm and they have a pattern of grippy rubberry bits over the palms and fingers. I could probably do a Spidey Man and climb walls with 'em.:D

Problem is though I seem to just instinctively pull 'em off when it matters, for a better feel of the camera. :thinking:

Don't forget the headgear -a lot of heat goes out of the top of your head especially if the thatch has gone a bit thin.

waits for smart arsed comments from certain quarters.. :suspect:
 
Try this stuff. Just bought some of their trousers and they are very nice indeed. I'm after a Montt 3 in 1 jacket next.

http://www.fjallraven.com/
 
Recently in this cold weather have been using an ex riot police boiler suit as base layer. Excellent waterproof and fire proof !
Usually just Paramo if not minus 11c though.

C
 
CT said:
Another good link. I'm not familiar with the Jack Pyke gear at all, but it looks good and great prices too! :thumbs:
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I brought a Jack pyke coat as featured in the link from the above quote. Got mine from BOYES for £55 and they dothe trousers too. Love the coat!.

You shouls always use layers as each will trap air and warm it. I use a neck tube and hat. Always get the warmest of socks too and waterproof footwear with thermal insoles too.

regards ,

John
 
Ceejay said:
Recently in this cold weather have been using an ex riot police boiler suit as base layer. Excellent waterproof and fire proof !
Usually just Paramo if not minus 11c though.

C
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What wildlife are you trying to shoot?? :):):)
 
For some reason when I saw the thread title I immediately thought of a squirrel in a tanktop...

Berghaus make some nice stuff. The cheapo Peter Storm that Millets stock isn't up to much. Can't even get the stitching straight so the materials themselves won't be up to scratch.

Barber are also worth a look as they do warm jackets with voluminous pockets. Also usually mostly availably in dingy colours. Any gear aimed at hunting, shooting, stalking and fishing types who all spend ages outside sitting doing very little are good bets. The game fairs that are on during the year often have this type of clothing together in one place.
 
Hi. I'm out shooting footie and rugby during the winter. My coat came from a charity shop, my boots I've had for years. Its trousers that I find difficult. I bought some waterproofs from Tescos for £10 which are OK, but when wearing jeans/Matalan long johns (£5) it isn't that warm. Any recommendations for warm, waterproof trousers that don't cost an arm and a leg??
 
Photodiva said:
Hi. I'm out shooting footie and rugby during the winter. My coat came from a charity shop, my boots I've had for years. Its trousers that I find difficult. I bought some waterproofs from Tescos for £10 which are OK, but when wearing jeans/Matalan long johns (£5) it isn't that warm. Any recommendations for warm, waterproof trousers that don't cost an arm and a leg??
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Try the jack pyke ones they come in plain green and camo versions. I think for about 35 pounds. They are waterproof, windproof and noisless too.

john
 
I find my old skiing salopettes are ideal, waterproof and keep my lower back warm too, for my feet its Derri Boots Neptune which have a removable fleece liner.

Not sure who makes the fleece top, bought it a while back from an outdoor shop in the Peak District for about fifty quid. Has two layers with pockets and is extremely warm, tee shirt underneath and if needs be a lightweight Berghaus waterproof over the top.

Fleece hat which pulls down over my ears and neoprene cycling gloves along with hand warmers if needed complete the outfit

Can get a bit too warm at times, but wandered about in the recent very cold spell with no problem at all
 
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Being an ex-fisherman and a biker, I have a good deal of winter clothing. One of the best things I ever bought was a micro fleece, thin enough to be comfortable under other layers, but it forms a good insulation layer. Some of the motorcycling under garments are good as they,re designed to be very windproof (every 10mph gives around another 1degree in temp loss).

Recently I found some well priced but good clothing made by a company called "Tog 24", found mainly in "Mountain Warehouse" stores. I also have some lightweight but very good windproof stuff designed to wear under bike leathers, really handy to take with you should you need an extra layer. But I could do with a decent pair of warm socks...

Steve

Sent from my iPad using TP Forums
 
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