I will be traveling to Yellowstone the end of January, 2013. I will be there 2 weeks photographing landscape and wildlife in weather that I have been told can get brutally cold. For those of you that have taken this trip, how did you handle the cold temperatures. Will I need special arctic clothing, good thermals, wool, what? Thank you in advance, Jim
Jim: Check LL Bean, Cabelo's, Bass Pro , North Face etc. for cold weather gear. Remember the saying "cotton kills". Stay away from cotton anything. Synthetics and wool clothing will be the best.
Use a layered system so you can add and remove as needed.
You don't say whether you will be packing or riding but you have something to work with.
Have a great trip, wish I was going with you.
3iron wrote:
Jim: Check LL Bean, Cabelo's, Bass Pro , North Face etc. for cold weather gear. Remember the saying "cotton kills". Stay away from cotton anything. Synthetics and wool clothing will be the best.
Use a layered system so you can add and remove as needed.
You don't say whether you will be packing or riding but you have something to work with.
Have a great trip, wish I was going with you.
Thank you. I will be driving to Mammoth Springs and taking a daily trip via coach, &/or private auto. The standing around will mostly be setting up and working an area. Similarly, should I come upon game I wish to photo. Wish I was able to take everybody that would like to go. Thanks, Jim
driving to MS? in Jan. make sure your vehicle is set up for it.
This is very helpful information. Thank you. To be "Officially" ready to go I need to pickup a set of chains. Other than that it is figure out how to stay warm. Thank you, Jim
As already stated, layers are the key to happiness. That said, the key for me is paying special attention to the feet. One of the biggest problems is not that your boots are too cold, but that they may be too tight and/or too warm. What that leads to is sweaty feet while walking, which then get very cold when sitting or waiting. So be sure to get properly fitting footwear and socks. After that, fingered glove liners inside mittens work great for keeping hands warm when you are standing around.
Todd Warnke wrote:
As already stated, layers are the key to happiness. That said, the key for me is paying special attention to the feet. One of the biggest problems is not that your boots are too cold, but that they may be too tight and/or too warm. What that leads to is sweaty feet while walking, which then get very cold when sitting or waiting. So be sure to get properly fitting footwear and socks. After that, fingered glove liners inside mittens work great for keeping hands warm when you are standing around.
Peace,
Todd
My feet getting cold has always been a problem. I am thinking about getting these:: http://www.northernoutfitters.com/mountain-pack-arctic-boots/
If they didn't look so weird I would jump on them. Time to suck up the vanity and get warm.. Thank you, Jim
I was in Yellowstone last winter and we hit -24* one morning. Very heavy long undies..from Cabela's, a winter Parka and insulated boots....don't forget the "Yak tracks".
Several batteries will come in handy too..
Great trip I'm going back again this winter.
Ill add to the great information already posted above.
From my experience, layered clothing works best. You can add on or take off as the weather conditions changes. If the forecast is calling for mostly sunny with chances of rain in the area, then pack for sunny weather with an extra rain jacket that you can foldup. If its calling for all rain and some sun, bring out the rain gear and wear the sunny clothes underneath. Those UnderAmour drifit works well. Actually all drifit works from the socks to the gloves and if budget is a factor, the Starter brand at Walmart works exactly the same.
Get those heat packs for your flanges and batteries!
matt4626 wrote:
I was in Yellowstone last winter and we hit -24* one morning. Very heavy long undies..from Cabela's, a winter Parka and insulated boots....don't forget the "Yak tracks".
Several batteries will come in handy too..
Great trip I'm going back again this winter.
I have been wanting to make this trip for years and now it appears to be coming true. Thank you for the information. I would have never thought of Yak tracks. Jim
Thats Fresh wrote:
Ill add to the great information already posted above.
From my experience, layered clothing works best. You can add on or take off as the weather conditions changes. If the forecast is calling for mostly sunny with chances of rain in the area, then pack for sunny weather with an extra rain jacket that you can foldup. If its calling for all rain and some sun, bring out the rain gear and wear the sunny clothes underneath. Those UnderAmour drifit works well. Actually all drifit works from the socks to the gloves and if budget is a factor, the Starter brand at Walmart works exactly the same.
Get those heat packs for your flanges and batteries!...Show more →
Under Armour is cheaper than the wool-blends I have been looking at. Thank you, Jim
Footwear in the cold is always a challenge. A balance between bulk and walkability is the challenge. I have fund that layering socks and decent PAC boots is a good set up. If you are walking much, it doesn't matter what you choose, it will be a pain. Be prepared to be very tired. Think about conditioning and altitude. And keep fluids up, you won't be thirsty but you need the liquids anyway.
Don't forget to put an emergency kit in the auto. Food, extra water, a candle will actually warm the car with you in it. Extra blanket, shovel etc. Hopefully you will not need it, but if you do need it, you will be so happy it is there, you will take me next time.
Best wishes.
Paulthelefty wrote:
Footwear in the cold is always a challenge. A balance between bulk and walkability is the challenge. I have fund that layering socks and decent PAC boots is a good set up. If you are walking much, it doesn't matter what you choose, it will be a pain. Be prepared to be very tired. Think about conditioning and altitude. And keep fluids up, you won't be thirsty but you need the liquids anyway.
3iron wrote:
Don't forget to put an emergency kit in the auto. Food, extra water, a candle will actually warm the car with you in it. Extra blanket, shovel etc. Hopefully you will not need it, but if you do need it, you will be so happy it is there, you will take me next time.
Best wishes.
I have read the horror stories of stranded travelers and plan on being "Over-Prepared" Thank you very much. Jim
chemical heat packs are a good idea for hands and feet. A few tour companies use the site below. You can rent some items rather than have to purchase them.
