Packing List for Winter Photography Trips

These are my recommendations for Winter Gear if you are taking a photography trip to Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

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 that 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

Lets begin from the bottom up

Wool Socks and Footwear—

You will also need warm wool socks, a silk liner, and insulated waterproof hiking boots, i.e., La Sportiva, ON1, Salamon, etc. I would also recommend bringing 2 pairs of hiking boots because one pair will most likely will get wet.

If you are going to a location with water like Iceland, then I would bring 1 pair of almost knee-high boots like Muck Boots or a good pair of Wellies. There are many situations where might be standing in water that is about 5 inches high. For example, at Vestrahorn in Iceland, to get a good reflection of the mountain, you have to stand in the water. I also brought a pair of Crampons with me but did not need to use them.

Waterproof Winter Pants

You will want to wear a pair of hiking pants that are not only insulated but windproof and waterproof. There are many brands to choose from. 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. You could also wear winter-insulated pants.

Base Layers—

I wear merino wool Top & Bottom base layers. You want to make sure it is Merino wool that wicks away moisture and is also antimicrobial. Don’t wear cotton. I personally love the brand Icebreaker, but there are tons of other good brands like REI, Patagonia, Arcteryx, etc. I was wearing the 200 and 260 Weight Base Layers. The company Uniqlo makes excellent base layers and they are very affordable.

Fleece—

I usually bring 2 fleece tops that I would wear over my Base Layer. Again, there are many good brands from REI, Patagonia, North Face etc. But I used my Arcteryx fleece and was very happy and warm.

A Mid-Weight + Heavy Weigh Down Jacket—

Over the fleece I would wear a mid-weight Down Jacket with a Windproof Shell Jacket over it. On the days it was not raining, I would wear my Heavy Weight Down Jacket instead of the mid-weight jacket + shell combination. I personally love Arcteryx, but there are lots of good brands.

Gloves, Buffs, and Hats—

Finally, you will need a warm wool cap and a buff to cover your neck. Again, Gore-tex gloves are ideal. A pair of “photographer-friendly” gloves, like Vallerrets, that allow your index finger and thumb tip to come off so you can manipulate your camera are very helpful.

Thermos -

I brought 2 Hydroflasks on the trip. I have a smaller one that I would fill with Tea or Coffee in the morning, and it stays hot all day long. The second one is for water. The water in your hotels will be pure and safe to drink.

Flashlight and Headlamp -

I always carry a small flashlight with me since it can be helpful to find things in my backpack. I also used a Headlamp with a Red Light to photograph the Northern Lights.

Moisturizer -

With such harsh conditions, it is a good idea to bring a lip balm, hand cream, and face moisturizer.

Powerbank -

I always carry a power bank to charge my cell phone and camera. Remember that batteries drain much faster in cold weather.

Travel Adapters -

You will need European Plugs in Iceland. I always bring a mini-power strip to charge my camera, phone, and iPad. Usually, hotel rooms do not have enough outlets, so the power strip allows you to charge all your gear quickly.

Sunglasses -

it is always good to have a pair of polarized Sunglasses with you.

First Aid Kit and Medication -

I always bring a small first aid kit and a few medications like Advil with me.

Do you have any suggestions to add to the list?