Advice Winter Clothes

[Fweddy]

It's getting cold out side now and as I want to keep up with my wildlife photography through the winter I'm going to need some warmer clothes. I want to be able to sit around fairly motionless for a few hours at a time without freezing so obviously I need warmer stuff then if I was walking about or doing anything active. Trouble is I'm not sure how much warmer I'd likely need.

Any ideas Freddys? A jacket and boots/anything to keep my feet warm are probably my first priorities so any suggestions on brands/shops would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Chilly]

Puffer jackets are the daddy. Feet is more problematic. Even with the best socks and boots in the world, your feet will chill down if you dont keep blood moving. I guess you do as best you can with socks and boots and then just try to keep them moving as best you can without being rumbled.

 

[Hawkwind]

I have not owned a coat since 2007. Only purchased that one due to a snow storm in Dallas. Not worn one since a week after that. Enjoy your foul cold weather, I'll be sat on the beach with a BBQ this weekend

 

[Raven]

Same ones as summer but with a jumper.

 

[Raven]

If you want stuff that will work, have a look here

[url]http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/jackets--outerwear-256-c.asp[/URL]

http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/boots--footwear-accessories-32-c.asp

It's what I use since Lakeland Bushcraft closed.

 

[Fweddy]

Yeah, it's the not moving around that's the trouble. I have decent quality winter clothes that keep me toasty walking around in any temperature I'm likely to see in a British winter but they won't cut it for sitting around outside for half a day when it gets colder. Even with a couple of jumpers on underneath I'll end up chilled to the bone after a couple of hours. I suspect I need something designed for colder winters than ours but I don't really know how much colder. Basically the question I'm trying to ask is would a jacket designed for walking around in at -40c be comfortable for sitting around in at 0c?

 

[DaGaffer]

...wildlife photography dogging. Don't try and make it sound all fancy.

 

[dlyan]

Buffalo special 6 smock.i've had 1 for years now and really is the dogs balls.they do a full zip belay jacket as well so really down to personal choice of wanting a jacket or head over smock.

 

[old.Tohtori]

Thick socks, warm headgear, thick gloves, rum. <--Survives waiting for a bus for 30 minutes in Finnish winter weather.

 

[old.user4556]

As someone who stands around in Scottish winters doing photography, I can answer your question with confidence.

Wearing multiple jumpers is not the answer, down filled insulation is the best way to keep warm. I usually wear a ski base layer (Icebreakers are toasty) to keep any sweat in check, a windproof fleece mid layer and then either one of two jackets:

- North Face Vostok Parka (down filled, waterproof) but appears to be discontinued

- Canada Goose Chilliwack Bomber

I pick the North Face one where rain, sleet or snow may be an issue as that is 100% waterproof where as the Canada Goose is water resistant and not designed for rain. It's designed for arid, subzero Canadian winters and is noticeably warmer than the North Face jacket. The do a range of jackets including the infamous Expedition Parka which is standard issue in Antarctica and will keep you warm down to -40c.

There are other options out there by other manufacturers (Berghaus, Mountain Equipment, Montane etc.), but ultimately your outer jacket needs to be windproof with plenty down insulation (Primaloft is an alternative, but I won't go into it here). Putting the hood up on a down filled jacket makes it a very cosy place to be.

That Montane jacket reviews well:

I'd worn this jacket casually for a few weeks after getting it, and it was cosy and warm. It's first real test was on a two day trek high in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland, with an overnight stay in a snow-hole. It proved to be up to the challenge, offering warmth in sub-zero arctic-like conditions. The jacket is a nice fit and not too heavy, and importantly I didn't overheat while on the move. I particularly like the strategically placed re-inforced material sections that protect the jacket from wear and tear from rucksacks. I also liked the deep pockets and removeable hood facility. A top quality performance jacket that's good value for money and worth every penny.

 

[Lamp]

I have a down-filled water proof jacket branded by Hilfiger. Bought it from Selfridges. Very toasty

 

[Cerb]

When I go to football games in the snow I usually stuff my Snow boots with these one I know I am going to be staying in one place for a while:

 

[Yoni]

Good thermals, layers made for winter weather as they will regulate your temperature (not just layers of your normal clothes). I would really invest in a good coat and you can buy foot warmers which heat when put in your boots. 2 years ago I was at a team building event in Borlänge it was -25 and by dressing appropriately the cold wasn't an issue. The only odd thing is how my nostrils stuck together when i breathed, but I'm not sure you will be that cold (happens to me around -15).

 

[Hawkwind]

When I lived in UK, along time ago, and had to walk the dog in that nasty winter weather my choice of coat was a full length waxed Driza-Bone. That thing was awesome. I remember buying it at Mole Valley Farmers for half price, great bargain.

http://www.drizaboneclothing.co.uk/classic-wax/driza-bone-original-wax-full-length-coat

 

[Tom]

I use a Canada Goose Expedition Parka (identical to the image above) while working outside. For instance, last night I was filming the Rugby at Bristol and was stood in the same spot for about 100 minutes. My previous combinations of fleece-coat would have seen me freezing cold after an hour, but the Canada Goose is like a portable oven.

Trouble is, it's £750. So you have to decide how much you want to spend. And it isn't waterproof. And the moment you get any sort of minor stain on it, you'll be unbelievably pissed off.

 

[Fweddy]

Thanks guys, this is all really helpful. It's going to take me some time to research all your suggestions!

I'm not too bothered about waterproofing since most animals have the sense to seek cover if it's pissing it down but I'm fairly sure I don't want to be spending £750 on a coat unless I absolutely have to.

 

[fettoken]

Humdidum, -15 few nights ago. Stop overcompensating with your overburdened fluffy jackets! The real Cold is not even herr.

 

[Aoami]

 

[old.user4556]

Humdidum, -15 few nights ago. Stop overcompensating with your overburdened fluffy jackets! The real Cold is not even herr.

Herr who?

 

[fettoken]

Autocorrect f*ckphone. Here (herr) in Bollnäs. Middle of Gävleborgs län.

 

[Raven]

You have a Borg LAN near you? Scary shit Or a place called Hammer town!?

 

[fettoken]

Gavle borg lan translates roughly to Middle Castle\Fort district.

Those Borgs roaming the woods are scary as hell. Their lan's are proper shite though. Want to play the same game all night and youd better keep up..