Winter Gear

[jeremycohn]

I know there was a thread started here a while ago about winter gear for yourself. Rather than beating a dead horse and bringing that thread back to live, I just thought I'd mention...

I was looking for a new winter coat and boots for this coming winter. Couldn't find anything I liked in Canada. Went down to Buffalo - Dick's Sporting Goods, and I had my jacket in about 2 minutes. They've got a big sale on Columbia and North Face stuff. Just realized they're all over the US too.

Many may think a jacket isn't all that important, but if you're cold and wet during a shoot, chances are you'll be paying more attention to that than your camera! :)

Happy buying!

[LuccaBrazzi]

I'm STILL looking for the "perfect" pair of gloves--something warm enough yet thin enough to let me work the camera. Currently I have hunter's gloves (mittens w/a flip-down "cover.") But they're camouflage-patterned...and look kinda tacky.

Otherwise, my winter gear is already in my truck:

-ski pants
-long johns
-ski mask
-Columbia "Titanium" jacket (station issue)
-Sorel "Conquest" boots
-ski gloves (big bulky ones)
-extra pair of ski sock
-extra thermal undershirt

Or course, I'm wearing a turtleneck/mock turtleneck shirt to work...plus Columbia "Bugabootoo" boots. I also have Oakley shades (don't forget your eye protection!) I dress into my "heavy duty" gear when doing snow/storm stuff...or if doing live-shots.

Other shooters in town kinda give me a hard time whenver I show up at a snow-story dressed like I'm going skiing/snowboarding. But I always have the last laugh come live-shot time...because by then everyone else is freezing their asses off, and I'm warm/dry and happy as can be.

[editor_dude]

here is a pair of flip type goloves
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/department/organizers/organizers2/mensaccessories/75075.aspx?feature=Product_85

[amp]

If you have a Marshall's in your town, GO THERE!! I've recently bought a ton of Columbia and Timberland clothing at low, low prices. Great for the winter, too. On rare occasion, they have Under Armor, and their winter gear is comfy. As far as the gloves, ALWAYS CARRY 2 PAIR!! Especially for snow coverage. One pair can sit on the dash, warming up and drying off while the other resides on your hands. I prefer the leather gloves with Thinsulate inside. (also available at Marshall's) Good enough unless you are in Rochester, St. Paul, or places colder. But, for the average Mid-Atlantic winter, they do the job.

[Dink]

I'm STILL looking for the "perfect" pair of gloves--something warm enough yet thin enough to let me work the camera.

I don't think a "perfect" glove exists. However, I really like these:

Mountain Hardwear Powerstretch Glove (http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=6&prod=490&cat=56&viewAll=False)

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/images/productImages/OM0990-010m.jpg

They're thin enough that I can feel all the controls on my camera with them on and can operate lens and switches with my fingers covered. They're really designed as a glove liner, so they're too thin for extremely harsh conditions. But as a liner, you can use them underneath heavier gloves if you need extra warmth between shots. I can usually get them at REI.

Personally, I don't use heavier gloves over them, because I usually find I'm too busy to be constantly slipping them on and off. Instead, I have a Columbia Titanium jacket with big, low slung pockets into which I can shove my hands, gloves and all. The gloves are a compromise, but while my hands a still a little cold, at least they're covered the whole time.

I also like the little built in clip that connects the gloves together, so that you lose both of them instead of just one.

And speaking of Columbia Titanium jackets, I bought mine a few years ago on the recommendation of several B-Rollers. They're expensive, but I doubt there's a jacket system better suited to what we do. Note that I'm talking about the Titanium line, not the less expensive Columbia jackets. If you can get to an REI store, they usually have a good selection of them. Other stores that carry the Titanium jackets often only have one or two styles. Mine is an unlined shell, which works well even in warmer conditions, with an inner zip-out liner that is hella warm just by itself. It's three jackets in one. And if you wear it out, you can send it back to Columbia for service, and they'll rejuvenate it for you.

As for hats, I found the perfect one. It's a very simple stocking cap that was made in Korea by child laborers. I bought it for two dollars at a Korean convenience store. No fancy trim, not even a border, just a tube to stretch over the noggin.

[The Daywood]

I'm STILL looking for the "perfect" pair of gloves--something warm enough yet thin enough to let me work the camera. Currently I have hunter's gloves (mittens w/a flip-down "cover.") But they're camouflage-patterned...and look kinda tacky.


I got a pair of flip type, but I wear a pair of batting/receiver gloves under them....This gives me the dexterity and still somewhat protects my fingertips...

[Flaca Productions]

http://images6.theimagehosting.com/shirt.a66.th.jpg (http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=shirt.a66.jpg)

[ABQtog]

if you've never tried insulated mechanics gloves... give 'em a go. They are thin enough to feel the controls and insulated to keep those digits warm. Check for 'em at any autoparts store or do a search online. Probably around $40. but worth it.

[ABQtog]

These are the ones I use (in Albany, NY), Ringers.. good stuff. I googled 'em and just found 'em for $23 buckshttp://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/sjdiscounttools_1919_13214269

[FOXPhotog911]

This is my obsessi... er, passion: OUTERWEAR!!!

I've just ordered these gloves to try out for winter cold / wet days. If you're in the East you know of the weather I speak.

Youngstown Equipment (http://www.amazon.com/Youngstown-Equipment-Co-03-3450-80-L-Waterproof/dp/B0000UJGYG)

...and because I'm looking for the perfect pair, I'm also gonna try these...

Duluth Trading Company Gloves (http://www.duluthtrading.com/75015.aspx?src=TWFSHP1)

So far I've tried:

three pairs of Sealskinz and three pairs leaked :(
REI Minmalist gloves w/Elements waterproofing. Failed.
North Face GoreTex shell gloves. Lost 'em and too bulky.
Specialized SubZero gloves w/ Hipora liner.

The last ones are the best so far, but the short length lets water down my cuff while shooting.

The search continues,

FOXPhotog

[pre-set]

Anyone else wear the "silk" long underwear? It's pricey but hella warm....

[FOXPhotog911]

Anyone else wear the "silk" long underwear? It's pricey but hella warm....

I wore silk for years until someone introduced me the wonderful world of Under Armour ColdGear. It does not make me sweat to death indoors and it keeps a body comfortable and warm outdoors.

The stuff I'm talking about is the Under Armour for hunters and outdoors folks. It has a "fleecy" type lining unlike most of the Under Armour line.

Try it, you'll like it!

FOXPhotog

[NEWSSHOOTER3]

If you guys have never been, you HAVE to check out www.sierratradingpost.com. They have THE CHEAPEST gear around and its great stuff!

[Lost in Alaska]

I will put my $.02 for the Columbia Titanium jackets. Life saver if you have ever had them with plenty of storage to boot. One of the best ways to keep every part of you warm, is to start with the core of your body. When that starts getting cold, the extremidies will start to shut down.

For gloves it will depend on what type of environment you are shooting in. Here is a trick I found though. A couple years ago I took a trip to Ft. Greely, 90 miles south of Fairbanks, AK. The first day I was there the highest temp we saw was -9F. The gloves I had were fleece made by Head. I had bought them at Costco for $10. I kept one of the air activated hand warmers in the palm and was able to keep shooting even though the temp was at -20F.

[Ace Of Nothing]

Hey Jeremy, Where in Canada are you? Toronto has about a half dozen decent sporting goods stores. Sporting Life, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Europe Bound, Coast Mountain Sport and more.

I love "The North Face" gear. Almost all of my jackets are North Face Gortex. They are practically indestructible, completely waterproof and stylish (if you care about that sort of thing, I do).

They are pricey though, but will last you a decade or more.

I use Blundstone boots for day to day in the winter. They are Aussie slip-on's that are comfortable, waterproof and quick on-and-off. Great for shooting in people's homes without having to un-lace every time.

For real snow I keep hard-core North Face boots in the car.

If you want ultimate winter gear get a "Canada Goose" parka. They are super warm and super expensive. They are hard to find but will also last you forever.

I have used Columbia Titanium before, great jackets but I found them slightly bulky compared to the North Face stuff. And NF guarantees the jackets for life.

PM me for details on where to find this stuff, I have quite the collection of jackets.

[K-mann]

I've ranted around here on outterwear before so I'll try not to beat a dead horse. As far as keeping your hands warm the key is to be warm before you get out of your ride, its hard to warm up after you've already gotten chilled. Common sense that bears repeating. There are all kinds of gloves that will work, you just have to find the right pair that works for YOU. Trial and error, bring your camera into the store and try to shoot with several types of gloves to find the right fit.

Other tircks to keep your hands warm. Hand warmers ROCK. Keep lots of those on hand during the winter months. Stick them on your wrists either in the cuff of your glove or shirt. These suckers help warm the blood going into your hands. Also stick a handwarmer in your sock hat on the nape of your neck. This spot is amazingly warm to begin with and a handwarmer can only help. I'll often stick my hands back there there to warm them up when climbing. Maybe its a mental thing, but it seems to work. You can also buy foot warmers that stick in your shoes. Wifey swears by these things when she is xc skiing (she is extremely cold natured).

Happiness is a warm hand/foot!