For the ladies...

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.

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 or ear band finishes off this area.

Carhartt's Cable Knit Hat  Carhartt's Acrylic HatWarm and comfortable.

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

Cabela's Women'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 - TopWomen'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 - BottomsWomen'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

GSX Women's Hyper-Formance Quarter-Zip Hoodie  (hoover over image for more info)

GSX Hyper-Formance HoodieStay cool, dry, and comfortable on your next workout with the GSX Hyper-Formance Quarter-Zip Hoodie. Lightweight 84% polyester, 16% spandex fabric wicks moisture away from the skin and offers plenty of stretch for increased ease of movement. Princess seaming throughout ensures a flattering, feminine fit. The drawstring-adjustable hood cinches up easily for a customized fit. The quarter-length front zipper allows for controlled ventilation, while the slight drop-tail hem adds extra coverage in back.

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 Storm Caliber Women's Sweatshirt Mid Layer  (hoover over image for more info)

UA Storm Caliber Women's SweatshirtArmour® Fleece fabric finished with highly water-resistant UA Storm technology. Soft, brushed inner layer traps heat for all-day warmth & comfort. Signature Moisture Transport System wicks sweat to keep you dry & light. Adjustable 3-piece hood with crossover neck & pop color lining.

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

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

Boots:

BEST boots we've ever owned!  PERIOD!

Baffin Impact Boots  (hoover over image for more info)

Baffin SelkirkTemperature Rating: -100C/-148F 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:

Klim gear offers amazing flexibility and mobility, Gore-Tex shells for water proof, wind proof and ultimate breathability. All that along with excellent insulation and build quality.  This year she has added a matching parka and pant setup to her cold weather gear collection.

Klim Photo Gear

Klim Women's Intrigue Parka

For females looking for ultimate comfort and serious performance in a style at home in all winter sports, the womens Intrigue Jacket is the perfect choice. Guaranteed waterproof and breathable thanks to KLIM GORE TEX technologies, the Intrigue combines serious performance features with a relaxed, comfortable fit. As in the benefits of premium insulation and incredible details you get the ultimate, all-purpose, all-features-packed jacket.

Klim Intrigue Jacket

Features:

• Guaranteed to keep you dry
• Gore-Tex two later performance shell construction
• 100 gram thinsulate insulation throughout
• Houndstooth womens-specific shell texture (grey only)
• Female-specific comfort fit with articulated arms
• Nylon striated shell texture (black only)
• Waterproof, insulated, removable hood system
• Coordinated linings
• Embroidered and die-cast logos
• Ribbed high comfort collar
• Max flow two part ventilation (pit zip)
• Three pocket cargo capacity (2 external hand pockets, two internal soft lined pockets)
• Quilted comfort liner
• Bottom hem adjustment
• Integrated snow dust skirt
• Snap-adjust cuffs
• Jacket-to-pant attachment loops

Klim Women's Intrigue Pants

Enjoying your gear that fits and feels right. For the female out there looking for more performance out of a casual-styled pant, the Intrigue is a knockout success. No-compromise, Guaranteed To Keep You Dry Gore-Tex performance and 100 gram Thinsulate insulation only start an impressive list of top-of-the-line features never offered to the female in a fashion-forward, performance driven set of outerwear.

Klim Intrigue Pants

Features:

• Guaranteed To Keep You Dry Gore-Tex performance shell construction
• 100 gram Thinsulate insulation throughout
• Houndstooth women’s-specific shell fabric [gray only]
• Nylon striated shell texture [black only]
• Anatomically correct female-specific fit and patterning
• High comfort, high-back articulated waist band with belt loops
• Klim seat dry tech construction
• Half-length side zip entry
• Four-pocket cargo capacity (2 zippered hand, 2 velcro-closure rear)
• Back-of-leg hem length hold up system keeps slush and muck off your pants in transit
• Zippered and snap fly closure pant-to-parka attachment loops
• Quilted comfort liner
• Integrated powder hater boot gaiter design
• YKK zippers throughout

Well that concludes the gear we use for the majority of the time we spend in the extreme cold of winter.  We 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!

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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