Mark Warnes Photography

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Yellowstone Winter Photography Packing List

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