For the men...

As many of you know we photograph year round, sometimes in the most adverse conditions.  As winter approaches I thought I'd do a blog post about the cold weather gear we use that allows us to stay out in the elements for hours at a time.  Over the years we've tried many variations of cold weather gear.  As many of you have experienced, they all fail at some point to keep you warm and toasty without overheating.  Advancements in technology have given us even more comfort options to choose from.

The last couple of winters we've researched gear that would allow us the ultimate in comfort, both for staying warm and also regulating excess heat at the same time.  There are a number to high tech fabrics and insulation options nowadays and it is hard to compare apples to apples.  Many times we don't realize the performance shortfalls until it's too late and your out in the elements when you realize your choice has failed you.  Good, high performance gear doesn't come cheap, but staying warm as we get older is PRICELESS!  Be sure to research your gear before you buy!

We will cover the gear we use from head to toe and everything in-between for you to do your own research and hope you find gear that works for you.

For you ladies out there... we will do another blog on Heidi's gear as well...  STAY TUNED!

Head Gear:

Keeping your head warm is crucial to maintaining your core body temperature.  (hoover over image for more info)

Using a head liner (balaclava) keeps all the cold, drafty air from reaching your neck area.  It also allows for a quick cover up of your nose and face on those brutally cold, windy days.  A warm, wind resistant hat finishes off this area.

Ice Armor Fleece Hat Ice Armor Fleece HatWarm and comfortable, water resistant, windproof, anti-pilling polar fleece.

Carhartt's Force Fleece Head Liner Carhartt Force Head LinerDesigned for use in cold weather with a 92% polyester/8% spandex blend with a fleeced interior for warmth. Offering full facial protection, the mask pulls down below the chin when not needed and includes a moisture-wicking, anti-microbial inner finish. Flat-seam construction enhances comfort and its protection extends below the neck line.

Base Layer:

As we start to layer the body it is important to remember that layering is key to regulating proper temperatures. There are a number of manufacturer's now making base layers in a variety of weights.  We just choose the polar weight as it allows us to possibly use less mid layers which in turns lightens the amount of clothing we have to deal with.  To me this is the MOST important layer next to the outer shell.  The rest are easily adjustable throughout the day.

Cabela's Mens's E.C.W.C.S. Polar Weight 1/4-Zip Pullover with Polartec Power Dry

Cabela's Men's E.C.W.C.S. Polar Weight Bottoms with Polartec® Power Dry

(hoover over images for more info)

Cabelas E.C.W.C.S. Polar Weight Polartec Base Layer - TopMen's E.C.W.C.S. Polartec Power Dry Polar Weight 1/4-Zip Pullover ups the ante in the base-layer game with a high-efficiency grid system that provides 20% more warmth

Cabelas E.C.W.C.S. Polar Weight Polartec Base Layer - BottomsMen's E.C.W.C.S. Polartec Power Dry Polar Weight 1/4-Zip Pullover ups the ante in the base-layer game with a high-efficiency grid system that provides 20% more warmth

Mid Layer:

As we reach the mid layer, this is where you can easily add or subtract layers to help regulate temperatures to the weather conditions.  It is important to remember that layering is key to regulating proper temperatures.  You want each layer to wick moisture and transfer excess heat out at the same time.  The high tech fabrics of today do an excellent job of helping with this.

UnderArmour 1/4 Zip ColdGear Infrared Mid Layer  (hoover over image for more info)

UA ¼ Zip ColdGear InfraredColdGear® Infrared technology uses a soft, thermo-conductive inner coating to absorb & retain your own body heat. Armour® Fleece has a brushed inner layer & a quick-drying, smooth outer layer. Soft inner layer traps heat to keep you warm & comfortable. Moisture Transport System wicks sweat away from the body.

UnderArmour ColdGear Infrared Dobson Softshell Hoodie  (hoover over image for more info)

UnderArmour ColdGear Infrared Dobson Softshell HoodieTreated with UA Storm durable water-repellent finish. Waterproof, windproof laminate resists the elements. Undetectable ColdGear Infrared advanced ceramic coating. MagZip Magnetically connects the front-center zipper.

Socks:

Depending on the footwear you have you may need to consider a good heavy pair of socks, as well as a sock liner depending on conditions.

Carhartt Men's Arctic Wool Socks  (hoover over image for more info)

Carhartt Men's Arctic Wool Heavy SocksSweat Wicking, Anti Odor, Heavyweight Wool Sock

Boots:

BEST boots we've ever owned!  PERIOD!

Baffin Selkirk Boots  (hoover over image for more info)

Baffin SelkirkTemperature Rating: -70C/-94F Liner: Removable, multi-layer inner boot system featuring a waffle-comb foot-bed Base: Arctic Rubber Shell, EVA Midsole, Polar Rubber Outsole, Locking snow collar with extendable gaiter, Buckle top with Velcro ankle-strap fastening setup, Waterproof seam-sealed nylon upper.

Gloves:

Heat 3 Gloves - The "Ultimate Glove" for cold weather photography!  (hoover over image for more info)

Heat 3 GlovesThe next generation HEAT 3. Thumb and index finger right and left with silver fabric for perfect use of your i-phone and all touch screens. Palm side now full goat leather for more warmth and better grip. Additional 4 oz Primaloft on the cuff for even more warmth.

Outer Gear:

Last winter I tried a pair of Klim's Keweenaw Bibs as they were one of the only companies to make bibs for TALL people.  Little did I know I had really stumbled onto one of the most advanced pieces of clothing I've ever experienced.  Amazing flexibility and mobility, Gore-Tex shell for water proof, wind proof and ultimate breathability. All that along with excellent insulation and build quality.  This year I have added the matching parka to complete my setup.

Klim Tech Parka

Headlining KLIM's dominant line of insulated, ultra-cold-weather gear isn't easy. Thankfully, the all-new Keweenaw Parka from KLIM is up to the task with the most advanced lineup of 3M™ Thinsulate™ insulation material technology built inside the proven durability of KLIM's GORE-TEX® waterproof and breathable chassis. The KLIM® Keweenaw is simply the most advanced insulated Jacket on the snow. If you demand protection from the most extreme cold weather conditions and demand the highest quality, this is your next jacket.

• New double the amount of 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective material compared to previous version
• New welded zipper treatments eliminate stitching bulk and seams
• New orange colorway highlights hi-visibility preferences
• New colored pit zippers and pulls accent the style upgrade
• New style lines give the keweenaw a fresh, fast and clean look

Exterior Features and Benefits:

• GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY®
• GORE-TEX® two-layer laminate technology
• Double storm flap over front zipper
• Aggressive patterning
• High-strength cordura® in high wear areas
• Helmet-friendly adjustable collar
• Double stitching for increased durability
• Heavy-duty dual-head two-way center front zipper
• YKK® zippers throughout
• Water resistant YKK® zippers in exposed areas
• Glove-friendly zipper pulls
• Kill switch D-ring
• Embroidered logos

Insulation Performance:

• Klim's 3M™ Thinsulate™ zonal insulating technology puts high-tech insulation material in specific zones to maximize warmth and comfort
• Features: 3M™ Thinsulate™ platinum insulation, 3M™ Thinsulate™ platinum insulation--antimicrobial odor control with X-Static®--the Silver Fiber® and siliconized 3M™ Thinsulate™ platinum insulation for maximum mobility and comfort

Max Flow Ventilation: 3 ports:

• 2 wide open pit zips with interior storm flap
• 1 mid-lower horizontal back exhaust vent with snow dust barrier mesh

Cargo, Comfort and Ride Features:

• 4 exterior pockets (two chest, two hand)
• 4 interior pockets
• Quilted interior comfort liner
• Snow dust skirt
• Interior mp3 headphone port and securing loops
• Internal pocket key clip
• Integrated internal hand gaiters
• Waist adjustment
• Fleece-lined comfort collar and beard flap
• Adjustable velcro cuffs

Klim Tech Bibs

KLIM®'s Keweenaw Collection returns to dominate the snow's most demanding conditions. Still the most mobile and comfortable Insulated gear available, Keweenaw pieces from KLIM® continue to pioneer custom zonal Insulation construction and feature a robust chassis, ample cargo and Intelligent ventilation options. Keweenaw proves that warmth, mobility and comfort can be perfected.

• Insulation range from 180 grams 3M Thinsulate™ insulation to 200 gram with some areas having an additional 300 grams fleece inside
• 100 grams of insulation in the bib front and rear
• New high-loft insulation package resists compression at speed
• Zonal insulation mapping technology
• New wider bonded reflective with increased surface area
• New welded zipper flap treatments
• New style lines
• Highly breathable, two layer GORE-TEX performance shell with 200D nylon face in high-wear area new . . . bonded wider 3M Scotchlite reflective material
• New style lines
• New removable anatomically-shaped knee/shin pads
• New highly functional gaiter design with boot loops
• Belly friendly stretch side panels
• Zonal Thinsulate™ insulation technology
• Heavy-duty nylon
• Side zipper ventilation
• Fast forward technology for increased mobility
• Articulated knees and seat
• Double head center YKK® zipper with front flap
• Full-length side zips
• 2 hand pockets
• Water-resistant YKK® zippers
• Glove-friendly zipper pulls
• Non-slip adjustable suspenders
• Moisture-wicking hanging liner
• D-ring

Well that pretty much concludes the gear we use.  I may add more technical aspects and additional gear as things change or we add to our cold weather gear.  YOU NO LONGER NEED TO BE AFRAID OF THE COLD!  Now get out there and capture some images!

==============================================

Want to learn more about Gore-Tex and all of it's benefits?  Click here

Want to learn more about Thinsulate Platinum all of it's benefits?  Click here