Text & Photo by Ole J Liodden Last updated: 16.04 2025

For many photographers and adventurers travelling to the Arctic and Antarctic, dressing for the cold is one of their biggest concerns. At WildPhoto Travel, our clients come from all over the world, including many from warmer climates - some of whom have never even seen snow or ice before. As a result, we frequently receive questions about cold-weather jackets, hats, and, most importantly, gloves that are suitable for travelling photographers.

Dressing for the cold as a photographer presents unique challenges. Your gear needs to be lightweight, warm, and preferably waterproof, but it must also allow you to move freely and maintain your creativity.

Stay Dry and Warm

Our photography tours typically take place during the Arctic or Antarctic summer months, with temperatures hovering around 0°C. However, during our Svalbard winter expeditions, temperatures can drop as low as -25°C while out on the open ocean. These extreme conditions make it challenging to stay warm while taking photos, and we push both ourselves and our gear to the limit.

As wildlife photographers, we often get down low - where it’s wet and cold - and spend long periods waiting for the perfect moment, whether it’s for a subject to appear or for the light to break through the clouds. This requires dedication and the right equipment. A cold and uncomfortable photographer is not a creative photographer.

Over the years, our team has completed more than 150 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. Along the way, we’ve learned some hard lessons and discovered clothing and equipment that allow us to keep pushing for even more creative images. Based on our experience, here’s a guide to dressing for the cold.

The Layering Method

The most important principle when dressing for the cold is to dress in layers. This method allows for perspiration management, insulation, and protection from wind and cold temperatures. Layering also makes it easy to adjust your clothing as the weather and temperature change. Below, we’ll break down the key layers and how to use them effectively.

#1 The Inner Layer

The primary purpose of the inner layer is to wick perspiration away from your body to keep you dry. Many people are surprised by how much they sweat, even in very low temperatures. It’s crucial that this layer transports moisture away from your skin to keep you warm and dry.

The inner layer should fit close to your body but not too tightly and should cover both your upper body and legs. Good materials for this layer include wool or technical synthetic fabrics. Wool is particularly good at absorbing moisture, holding up to 30% of its weight before feeling wet.

Modern wool, such as Merino wool, is much softer and more comfortable than the itchy wool of the past, making it suitable even for sensitive skin. We’ve had excellent experiences with the Norwegian brand Brynje, which is used by most of our guides in the Arctic and Antarctic, both in summer and winter. If your inner layer becomes wet, it’s essential to change into something dry as quickly as possible - even if it means stripping down in freezing conditions. Remember, cotton should never be worn as an inner layer (or at all) when dressing for the cold.

#2 The Middle Layer(s)

The middle layer provides insulation and retains body heat while allowing freedom of movement. Materials such as wool or polar fleece are ideal. Look for middle layers with long necks (preferably with zips for ventilation) and long sleeves that cover the wrists. Some products also include hoods, which can be useful on particularly cold days.

It’s important to minimise heat loss from vulnerable areas like the neck and wrists. These layers should fit comfortably without restricting blood flow to your feet and hands. On very cold days, wearing two or more middle layers is recommended. It’s better to wear several thin layers than one thick layer, as this allows for better temperature regulation.

We typically use Brynje products for middle layers, including wool hoodies, turtlenecks and wool jackets. Always carry an extra middle layer in your bag in case the temperature drops. Put it on as soon as you start feeling cold—it’s much harder to warm up once you’ve started freezing.

#3 The Outer Layer

At WildPhoto, we spend much of our time on the ocean or along the coast, often using small rubber boats (Zodiacs) to cruise or land on frozen shores. The primary purpose of the outer layer is to block wind and keep you dry. However, it also needs to be breathable to release excess body heat during physical activity, such as hiking or moving gear.

We recommend outer layers made from breathable materials like Gore-Tex. Over the years, we’ve tested many different jackets and partnered with Sail Racing of Sweden, which specialises in sailing clothing. Their Antarctic collection has been part of our guide equipment for years. It’s durable, lightweight, and highly effective.

Photographing in Antarctica © Frede Lamo

The Top

You should always wear a hat when it's cold. Wool or synthetic fibres are preferable, and the hat should ideally be windproof and water-resistant. Ensure that your hat covers as much of your head as possible.

A scarf or balaclava is also highly recommended, especially in extreme cold. Wool is the best material for these accessories, as fleece tends to lose its insulating properties when damp.

25°C in Svalbard © Ole J Liodden

Hands and Feet

Your extremities are particularly vulnerable to the cold, so keeping your hands and feet warm and dry is critical. The layering method applies here as well. Use inner gloves or liners made of wool, silk or synthetic fibre, and cover them with windproof and waterproof mittens. Mittens are much warmer than gloves, and we recommend bringing an extra pair.

At WildPhoto, we use gloves and mittens from Heat Company for the cold days. These include pockets for hand warmers, which can help reheat frozen fingers if needed.

For your feet, wear inner socks made preferably of wool. Brynje offers excellent wool socks for both summer and winter use. For footwear, choose something that can handle prolonged exposure to cold and water. On the ocean, we rely on insulated rubber boots, often with heat packs inside for added warmth. For hiking ashore, we use high hiking boots with outer layers of leather or Gore-Tex.

On a last note I would like to quote a Norwegian saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. Get out there, stay dry and warm, and keep shooting!

Final Thoughts

As the Norwegian saying goes: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” With the right gear, you can stay warm, dry, and comfortable, allowing you to focus on capturing incredible images. Get out there, dress smart, and keep shooting!