Out with the cold weather gear due to a bitter wind, bands of snow showers with sunny spells inbetween...

Up early this morning to be greeted with a fresh covering of snow...

choose then between:

1. work in the studio
2. go out and get some new reference material

Well the second option won and out I went... it was great in the sunny spells but when the bands of snow came through, white out at times, although the bitter wind never really helped. The snow on the ground didn't really know what to do, one minute it was melting and then freezing which made for some interesting walking at times.

Cold weather clothing - from head to foot:

Head: Apart from when main jacket hood is up...
Possum Fur and Merino Wool Beanie
from Ray Mears by far the best, and warmest, I've tried and thanks to it's design one has four layers in parts and can extend down the back of neck.



Body: 
Base Layer: for upper body and legs - one or more layers if really cold

Used to wick sweat away from the body and if made from 100% merino wool or near doesn't smell after a day or two's work.

Either: Icebreaker 200 Mondo Zip or Oasis, Woolpower 200g Ullfrotte plus others within range or from the Chocolate Fish range(the Chocolate Fish site also has some interesting facts about Merino wool and it's production). Paramo offer a range of options for base layer but I've not tried them. Leggings are available from the same companies.

Mid Layer: for upper body
Used to keep the warmth in and for insulation.
Can be a second layer from the above companies or a 400g version which then gives a selection to use or a good quality fleece. Craghopper supply a range, as does Paramo plus many of the well known brands related to outdoor activities. Some fleeces are windproof or have and additional liner which stops both wind and water.

Mid Layer: for legs
Much the same as above but added to that both Craghopper and Paramo make trousers that have a winter lining which really helps. The Craghopper range of trousers (Solar Dry fabric) really dries quickly and their stretch versions make walking up steep hills, rocks etc so much better.

Outer Layer:
To keep the wind and rain out

Depending on the location, this governs the selection:
If it's going to be rough, through woods, scrambling etc, I'd go with one of the Barbour jackets - Featherweight (modern lightweight fabric) or the more traditional wax jacket but more heavy. Although wonderful jackets - some I've had for years, the downside, is they are not as breathable as some other jackets and can get a bit warm inside if walking for a long way.
If more open I'd go with Paramo. Paramo do a range of both jackets/smocks and trousers, aimed at both walkers, wildlife watchers, photographers etc
The Halcon Jacket (and related trousers) from Paramo is superb with it's great design - hood, pockets, reproofing etc and if it's really cold the over layering Torres Jacket and Trousers is a good addition. Depending on what you want to do/locations being visited, other lower or higher grade jackets/trousers may be a better option.

Hands:
Hestra Leather Glove with removable wool lining, and/or with Hestra Merino Wool Glove Liner which give a bit more room being thinner than the wool lining.

Feet:
A good pair of walking socks - four season. Current walking socks have advanced greatly.

Depending on condition and distance either a good pair of walking boots like those from Meindl or winter versions of the wellington - Le Chameau Chasseurnord. While neither of theses are cheap, both are well made, have lasted a long time and being top of the range both made in the original factory.


Apart from clothing also consider a rucksack for all the required safety goods needed, depending on location and the trip being planned but that's for another day.

As usual, one must state, I have no connection with any of the above companies apart from using 'some' of their products...