Winter nature photography always seems to include cold pre-dawn starts, standing around for hours in the cold and extremes in weather.

Last year I visited Yellowstone for the first time in the winter months and below are my thoughts on a packing list. Let’s assume its going to be VERY COLD.

This is what I would suggest for an extended day in the park, away from a snow coach or vehicle.

CLOTHING

Layers, and lots of them.

• Merino wool base layer. Light to mid weight, long sleeved top and leggings- IceBreaker or Fjallraven

• Wool or synthetic mid layer, eg fleece or wool hoodie. I would recommend lots of hoods.

• Overshirt, such as a Fjallraven Canada Shirt

• Down or synthetic top coat-try and find a water resistant one. Eg RAB or North Face

• Waterproof outer layer

• Waterproof warm trousers eg Montane Alpine Mission combined with Alpine stretch pants

• Overcoat or Parka. You can’t go far wrong with a North Face McMurdo

• Waterproof gloves-I recommend Vallerret Photography Gloves

• Thin wool or silk under-gloves -again Vallerret for me

• Wool beanie

• Buff or similar

• Wool socks

• Sturdy waterproof or snow boots

• Walking chains for snow and ice

PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR

• Two camera bodies-always take two bodies on a trip-you never know.

• Extra Batteries-cold will kill the camera batteries

• Tripod

• Extra SD cards

• Waterproof camera bag

• Dry bag or resealable plastic bag

• Rain cover for camera

SUNDARIES

• Hand warmers

• Sunglasses

• Binoculars

• Hot Drink and snack

• Hand Sanitiser

• Set of dry warm clothes