Getting Ready...

for the winter shooting season.  I love cold weather, everyone who knows me knows that, I also LOVE snow.  Living in Montana we have plenty of both.  

With my close proximity to Yellowstone National Park I make monthly trips to the park and that means trips in the winter :) 

It is not uncommon to have 5 feet of snow and -20 degrees for a high.  So what do you need to bring, to stay happy, healthy and warm?

Layers (lots of them)(I like Patagonia caperline/wool and R1/R2 fleece)

Gore outer layers (preferably made by someone like Arc'Teryx)(GoreTex & GoreWind-stopper)

Snow Shoes (MSR Denali's are my personal favorites)

Hand warmers

Gloves (all types)(mittens too)1, 2 & 3

Hats (all types)

A good 4WD SUV (or Audi / Subaru)

A 4 season tent (I love Marmot(Swallow/Thor))

A 0 degree ish sleeping bag 

A great foam/air mat (I also bring a cheap foam mat)

If it really nasty (hotel reservations)

You need great boots (two pair)(one heavy one light)

Trekking/ski poles

Gaiters (I like OR)

And that is just the stuff you need to be in the mountains in the heart of winter.  

I will continue to update this list as I prepare for another winter season in the mountains.  

Winter camera gear is a post all its own.