Join Now
Join ePHOTOzine, the friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more for free!
Hi.
I'm off to Sweden in February 2013 to take photos of the Aurora and will be out at night for a few hours at temperatures down to -20oC.
Please can you recommend appropriate gloves - and any other clothing you think I should have.
Thanks very much.
Simeon Osen
Essex, England.
Quote: for a few hours at temperatures down to -20oC
-20c, That's a doddle, I spent a week in Norway in December a few years ago, It was -20c all the time, No gloves, No cold weather kit at all, Just trainers, Jeans, Shirt, Big jumper, Scarf, Leather Motorcycle Jacket.
Sorted...
That said it was a while ago, When I was a bit younger, Seem to remember using a 35mm Mamiya film camera on that visit.....LOL...
If I was to seek gloves, Check out the Sealskinz range, They do plenty that will keep you warm, Whilst also allowing you to press the shutter button.....!!!
Avoid " Mittens ".....Pain in the proverbial when using a camera....
Quote: Whatever gloves you get, before you wear them, take a big dollop of Vaseline and work it into your hands until it's all taken up by the skin. Shown to me by a Norwegian fisherman and it works wonders
Seriously I can`t see any point in using a barrier cream to try and keep your hands warmer. I used to do a lot of open water swimming and we used Vaseline, lots of it, but this was used as a barrier against yourself and the Jelly fish, nothing else
The best gloves I've used in alpine sports and endurance sports during the cold months, are breathable layer systems,
as opposed to thick chunky woolly fleece, which impairs finger use.
However, as mentioned -20 in an alpine region is the same as -5 in the UK, but best to be prepared all the same.
I go out in -20 - 30C temps all the time, and I gave up wearing gloves years ago; a good pair of mittens with a thinsulate lining is what I wear. Having your fingers separated in gloves will be very cold. My hands stay warm enough to remove my mittens for a short period of time to change settings on the camera. A carbon fibre tripod or a metal tripod with thick wrap on the legs will help. The metal absorbs the cold and transfers it to your hands. I wear a down filled parka which is toasty, and I wear underwear that wicks moisture away from the body, especially if any amount of walking is intended. Don't forget a good thermos of tea.
Same goes for me StrayCat. Mitts do keep hands warmer longer especially if you have froze your finger tips a few to many times.
I went to Lapland recently and the temperature plummeted to -30°C. I bought a pair of ski mitts as they tend to be waterproof & windproof, only cost me £20. Them couple with a pair of silk gloves so you can take the mitts off to operate your camera without feeling the nip.
I've had the same pair of these for years. Always kept me toasty, even through Maine's winters, and have yet to show any signs of wear.
Add a Comment
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
Join Our Free Newsletter
Awards
Current Competitions
Olympus 'Portraiture' Competition - Win £1000 Worth Of Gear!
30th April 2013 - 31st May 2013
This month, to celebrate the launch of Olympus' new micro site Olympus Image Space, Olympus are giving you the chance to win £1000 worth of Olympus gear!...
Featured e2 Photo
May's Photo Month
Check out ePHOTOzine's inspirational photo month calendar! Each day click on a window to unveil new photography tips, treats and techniques.
