Packing List for Winter Photography Trips
Winter photography in destinations like Iceland, Norway, and Sweden offers incredible opportunities—majestic glaciers, northern lights, and surreal landscapes. However, the harsh conditions can be a challenge. Dressing in layers and carrying the right gear ensures you stay comfortable, safe, and ready to capture the perfect shot.
You will most likely experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. In the morning, it can be very cold, but by mid-day, temperatures warm up. It can rain, snow, or be windy. So, the best thing to do is dress with multiple layers of clothing you can peel off if necessary. Waterproof gortex clothing is highly recommended because it will definitely rain, especially in Iceland. I usually wear 4 layers on top and 3 layers on my legs
Packing List for Winter Photography Trips
Clothing: Layer for Warmth and Flexibility
Winter weather demands versatile layering. You’ll often be outside for long hours in unpredictable conditions.
Base Layers (Top & Bottom):
Merino Wool Base Layers: Moisture-wicking and antimicrobial. Recommended brands: Icebreaker, REI, and Patagonia.
Weight: 200-260 GSM, depending on how cold it will be.
Mid-Layers:
Fleece Tops and Pants: Essential for insulation. Look for options from Arcteryx, The North Face, or Columbia.
Outer Layers:
Waterproof Pants: Windproof and waterproof to keep you dry around waterfalls or snow. Brands like Arc'teryx Beta Pants or REI Co-op are great.. One thing I would not wear is Jeans, they will not be warm enough. Each day, I wore my base layer, then a fleece pant with rain pants that were windproof as an outer layer. Rain pants in Iceland are a very good idea, especially if you are around the waterfalls.
Down Jackets: Pack both a mid-weight and a heavy-weight option. For rainy days, pair a mid-weight down jacket with a windproof shell.
Rainproof Shells: Gore-Tex jackets are ideal for Iceland’s unpredictable rain. Recommended brands: Arcteryx or Patagonia.
Accessories:
Gloves: Gore-Tex gloves with liners. For photographers, gloves with removable thumb and index tips, like Vallerret Photography Gloves, are excellent.
Buff or Neck Gaiter: Keeps your neck warm and doubles as a face cover.
Wool Hat: Opt for a snug fit to retain warmth.
2. Footwear: Stay Dry and Stable
Standing in snow, ice, or water is common during winter shoots. Choose footwear wisely.
Hiking Boots: Insulated and waterproof boots like La Sportiva, Salomon, or ON. Explorer Unisex Wellington Black - these boots from LBC Boots are absolutely incredible. When I received them, I thought the box they were shipped in was empty. They are so light. You can wear them in cold conditions and easily add the liner when it gets warmer.
Knee-High Boots: Lightweight, waterproof boots like Explorer Unisex Wellington Boots for reflection shots in shallow water.
Crampons or Microspikes: Essential for icy surfaces to maintain stability.
You will also need warm wool socks, a silk liner.
3. Photography Gear: Protect Your Investment
Your gear needs to withstand cold and wet conditions.
Camera Rain Cover: Protects your camera during rain or snow. Recommended: Think Tank PhotoHydrophobia.
Tripod with Spiked Feet: Spikes offer better grip on icy or snowy terrain.
Extra Batteries: Cold weather depletes battery life quickly. Bring at least 3-4 spares and keep them in inner pockets to stay warm.
Lens Cloths and Wipes: Pack several to keep lenses dry and clear.
Dry Bags: Use these to store gear and protect it from water exposure.
Power Bank: A high-capacity power bank like Anker PowerCore 26800mAh ensures your phone and other electronics stay charged.
4. Comfort and Safety Essentials
Long days outdoors require added attention to comfort and safety.
Thermos: A sturdy thermos like Hydro Flask for hot beverages. Carry a smaller one for tea/coffee and a larger one for water.
Headlamp with Red Light: A must for Northern Lights photography. Brands like Black Diamond are reliable.
Moisturizer: Lip balm, hand cream, and face moisturizer to prevent dryness from cold winds.
Snacks: High-energy bars or trail mix for quick energy boosts.
5. Travel and Regional Tips
Travel Adapters: European-style plugs are needed. Bring a power strip to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Power bank: I always carry a power bank to charge my cell phone and camera. Remember that batteries drain much faster in cold weather.
First Aid Kit: Pack essentials like band-aids, Advil, and antiseptic wipes.
Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses protect your eyes from snow glare.
Reusable Shopping Bags: Many Nordic countries charge for bags, and reusable ones align with their eco-friendly ethos.
Pro Tips for Winter Photography
Condensation Control: After shooting in the cold, seal your camera in a Ziploc bag before moving indoors to prevent condensation.
Best Times to Shoot: Take advantage of the golden hours during sunrise and sunset for soft light. In winter, daylight hours are limited, so plan your schedule accordingly.
Layer Smartly: Remove layers when hiking to avoid sweating, then layer up when stationary for shooting.
Scout Ahead: Use Google Earth or local guides to pre-scout photography locations.
With this detailed packing list and expert tips, you’ll be ready to tackle the elements while capturing the beauty of winter landscapes. Share your travel photos and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your work!