Best Cold-Weather Photography Gear & Clothing
Best Cold-Weather Photography Gear & Clothing for Alaska and Northern Light Photography
Shooting in Alaska during the winter is magical — but the cold can be brutal on both you and your gear. Whether you’re chasing the aurora, photographing frozen landscapes, or documenting life in the Arctic, the right equipment and clothing will keep you warm, safe, and ready to capture the shot.
Below is my complete cold-weather photography gear guide, tested over many years of shooting in Alaska.
Camera Gear Tips
Weather-sealed cameras. Cold weather is unforgiving. Use weather-sealed bodies for reliability
Nikon Z9 – My top choice for extreme conditions.
Sony A1 – Lightning-fast, amazing in low light.
Budget Option: Nikon Z6ii with 24-70 lens A solid, travel-friendly workhorse.
Batteries. Cold drains batteries fast. Always pack extras and keep them inside your jacket close to your body heat.
Condensation Protection: Bring silica gel packs and/or a large ziploc bag to prevent condensation when transitioning indoors.
Tripod: Travel Friendly tripod is a must for Aurora Borealis and long exposures.
Peak Design Travel Tripod – Compact and rock-solid.
SmallRig Camera Tripod – Affordable and reliable.
Clothing Layers (Photographer’s Arctic Formula)
When you’re shooting outside at -20°F or standing still under the northern lights, the right layering system is everything.
Base Layer – Merino wool top & bottom (moisture-wicking, warm).
Mid Layer – Synthetic or down insulated jacket.
Outer Layer – Waterproof, breathable shell (Gore-Tex is my go-to).
Extreme Cold Tip:
When the aurora spikes at 2am, I’ve been known to throw my Canada Goose mountaineering jacket over pajamas, grab my camera, and head outside. Sometimes I end up lying on the snow between shots just to soak in the magic. If you want a Canada Goose jacket, it’s a must that you buy from a certified store or their website as there are fakes out there.
Footwear for Winter Photography
I’m 6’ tall, so I often wear men’s boots for durability, but I’ve included both men’s and women’s recommendations. The key is insulation + waterproofing, and GOOD SOCKS! While some boots are great for town trips, only some make the cut for long treks and stays outside taking photographs. Let’s focus on the beauty of the cold and not the pain and go with the good footwear to save us from having to go back inside before the winter fox comes up to see you closer or the northern lights begin to really get going.
Top Choice (Made in USA)
Steger Mukluks – The warmest boots I own. I use these inside and indoor as house boots to keep my toes toasty and warm all winter. Make sure to waterproof any boots before your visit.
Second Choices (US & Canadian made)
Kamik Men’s Nation Plus Boot – Link
Kamik Women’s Shellback Insulated Winter Boot – Link
Baffin Men’s Snow Monster Boot – Link
Baffin Chloe Women’s Boot – Link
Other Solid (China-made) Options
Socks & Warmth Layers for Feet
Carhartt Men’s Arctic Heavyweight Merino Wool Boot Sock – Link
Woolrich Merino Wool Socks (Made in USA) – Link
Headgear
Headgear: Merino beanie + a windproof hood, I tend to use this beanie with a silk scarf on days and carry a Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Balaclava for colder nights.
Headlamp: Get a solid one with a red-light mode (so you don’t ruin your night vision or scare away any locals) like this one
Photography Gloves for the Cold
You need warmth and dexterity to operate your camera. My favorite system is a liner glove plus an outer shell you can peel back quickly.
My Go-To Photography Gloves
Vallerret Tinden Photography Gloves – Designed for deep winter, merino lining, FlipTech magnetic finger caps, Thinsulate insulation.
Vallerret Markhof Pro V3 Photography Gloves – Perfect for most winter shooting.
Alta Arctic Mitt (Vallerret) – My warmest option for long, static night shoots.
Vallerret also supports 1% for the Planet, meaning your purchase gives back to environmental causes.
Other Essentials
Rechargeable hand warmers (in interior pockets to revive fingers between shots)
Hothands hand wamers to stick into glove pocket and socks if need be.
Winter Photography Tips from the Field
Short charge window: Batteries may last only 30–45 minutes—rotate frequently.
Avoid lens fog: Seal camera and lenses in zip-lock bags before going indoors. Condensation forms on the bag, not the glass.
Light is soft all day long: In winter, the sun stays low—making most daylight hours prime golden-hour opportunities.
Stay flexible with weather: Sometimes a snowstorm creates the most dramatic shots; embrace the mood.
Learn your rental car, being able to turn off headlights while the car is running is essential so you can keep it warm!
Closing Thoughts
Alaska in winter offers a photography experience few ever chase—aurora-washed evenings, crystalline ice, and settings so remote they feel like another world. With a thoughtfully structured itinerary, the right gear (and gloves that don’t freeze your trigger finger), and curated guided experiences, you’ll return with images—and stories—that shine brighter than any summer light.
Hatcher Pass Alaska
Amazing mountains, views, and northern light viewing.
