Clothing for the colder weather

FiestaRed

FiestaRed

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I hope clothing counts as equipment and is OK to ask about it in this section.

Last friday I went on a photography workshop in a fairly remote location. To put it mildly, I'm still thawing out. Before I invest in any more camera gear, I'm looking to buy some decent cold weather clothing.

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.
 
For warmth, comfort and waterproofness (is that a word!?) you can't beat Paramo.
 
I had a thread abouyt this going, have a look can't do linky things :shrug: and I am getting Snug pack gear not cheap but will keep me warm as I do feel the cold :shake:
 
Personally, several thinner layers work better for me than one/two thick layers, e.g. base layer, mid layer and then outer layer/waterproof.

I'm a bit of a North Face fan boy & their fleeces are fantastic....try Go Outdoors or Webtogs
 
goto an outdoor / climbing shop

base layer ---- poly longjohns
mid-layer--- fleece pants and top
breathable top layer ............as much as you can afford
did have Paramo once ...ace stuff..!!
 
Many thin layers, I'm a merino wool fan but at this time of the year they are expensive, I buy in the sales :P

Paramo is renowned for being warm as a top layer so only any good in cold weather. But I come from a hiking environment so sitting waiting would probably be it's forté
 
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Ice Breaker thermals expensive but brilliant :thumbs:
 
I purchased some new camo gear, ex army + some fingerless wool gloves from ebay, works very well when photographying wildlife..
 
Definitely go for a latered approach - no one item will be nearly as warm and versatile.

You can spend a small fortune on outdoor gear, but if you aren't bothered by labels or it being as light as is humanly possible you'll find that something like Paramo will work as well as something as gucci as Berghaus or North Face.

Remember when you look at stuff though that a lot of it is designed to be worn when doing hard physical activity, which is a different requirement to sitting still in a hide etc

My top tip as a photographer is to get some of the pocket hand warmer things - getting feeling back into your fingers is most critical and gloves aren't always either the answer or practical.

Oh and on "army surplus" just because something is "army" doesn't mean its the best, quite opposite a lot of the time... thats why soldiers buy their own kit ;-)
 
Thanks for all the help, much appreciated.
 
Being a biker, I have a couple of sets of thermals that are ace. I recently started to use a brand called Tog 24 which is available quite easily on the high street - I think you'll find it in those "Mountain Warehouse" shops.

As many others have said, multiple layers are much better. If you don't have thermals, use two tee shirts and some thick jeans, but waterproofs are a necessity as most of them are also windproof.

Steve
 
thin multiple layers, easier to vent excess heat, less bulk

I am usually in base layer, tshirt, 3in1 jacket (fleece and waterproof shell) Thick long socks to just below the knee. Waterproof ankle boots.
 
Jelster said:
use two tee shirts and some thick jeans
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No, please don't.
Natural fibres and the outdoors don't really go together well. If they get wet, they'll stay wet and make you cold and uncomfortable for the rest of the day.
Jeans are especially uncomfortable to wear when they're wet.

As others have said, many thinner layers are best and even better when they're all man made fibres. Things like microfleeces will dry out from your own body heat should they get wet.
Proper base layers will move sweat away from the body, rather than just getting damp and clinging to you like a cotton t-shirt.
 
Oh and on "army surplus" just because something is "army" doesn't mean its the best, quite opposite a lot of the time... thats why soldiers buy their own kit ;-)
Click to expand...

Having spent some time in the army, I can tell you i have tried alsorts and there's nothing like the latest gear, far better now than in my time....

COLD, some people don't know what cold is.....:lol:
 
merino wool or bamboo base layers are superb never skimp on base layer quality as this is the most important thn mid layers and finaly good quality fleeces and jackets.

same as trousers you want light breathable trousers that if wet will dry quickly and proper waterproofs and decent boots and gators.
That should start you off and deffinately carry a full extra dry set of clothes just incase.
 
rockchef said:
merino wool or bamboo base layers are superb never skimp on base layer quality as this is the most important then mid layers and finaly good quality fleeces and jackets.

same as trousers you want light breathable trousers that if wet will dry quickly and proper waterproofs and decent boots and gators.
That should start you off and deffinately carry a full extra dry set of clothes just incase.
Click to expand...
 
insulated pad ???- to sit on ......:lol::lol:
 
cant help but notice your not far from me so have a look round here http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/ theyre near the sheffield united football ground and if you buy a discount card, think theyre about £4 a year, they have some really good bargains on outdoor clothing.
 
A nice Crombie and a Tootal scarf. The nuts;)
 
BRASH said:
A nice Crombie and a Tootal scarf. The nuts;)
Click to expand...

Too true!

I dont really go for layers. Too restrictive sometimes, so I have a Canada Goose Expedition jacket. Even in the coldest weather, I only wear a t shirt underneath it ( and jeans) For when its really cold I have padded trousers too, ski trousers would be OK.
Dont forget shoes or boots. If your feet stay warm, you halfway to being comfortable all day. I have a pair of SWAT Originals with thick socks.

I'm overheating just thinking about that lot.
Allan
 
Cold feet no more I have just bought a pair of Khombu boots, the boots that were provided for the American Winter olympic teams.

Fur lined and very thick soles.

Bargain on offer in Costco at £28.00 :D

They were selling so fast it was unbelievable.
 
As you could be sitting or standing around quite a bit, good insulation against the cold and the wet is essential. I'd go for layers. They give you more flexibility - take them off when you are active and add them when you need.

Waterproof overtrousers are also very useful if not essential. Apart from protection against wet they really useful if you have to stand around in the wind for any length of time.

Another vote for Paramo - not cheap but really good.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is a hat - absolutely essential.

Dave
 
Jim.R said:
No, please don't.
Natural fibres and the outdoors don't really go together well. If they get wet, they'll stay wet and make you cold and uncomfortable for the rest of the day.
Jeans are especially uncomfortable to wear when they're wet.

As others have said, many thinner layers are best and even better when they're all man made fibres. Things like microfleeces will dry out from your own body heat should they get wet.
Proper base layers will move sweat away from the body, rather than just getting damp and clinging to you like a cotton t-shirt.
Click to expand...

I would agree with you, but I still wear my jeans.

Quote
There's a common saying in the hiking community that "cotton kills.

Problems with cotton occur when the cotton gets wet. Cotton does not wick moisture and can become abrasive when wet. When this happens you must watch out for blisters and packsores. Because cotton holds so much moisture, it can hold that moisture against your body and sap body heat from you. This can quickly lead to hypothermia.

http://friends.backcountry.net/m_factor/cotton.html
 
If it's camo and waterproof you are after to put on over your base layers have a look at Flecktarn. "google" and look at the flecktarn suit. Its cheap as chips and single layer Goretex. Zip legs pants with braces and a jacket, a lot of us shooting guys use it.
 
Buffalo clothing, made in Sheffield.
Not the best of looking gear, but toasty warm.
Used by military, police and outdoor enthusiasts.
I'm on to my second smock top.
Brilliant kit.

Paul
 
Thanks for the help everyone, really appreciated. I feel warmer already.
 
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