What to Pack in Your Winter Video Production Kit

Packing for a winter video shoot is a whole different story from throwing gear in a bag for a sunny day in July. When you're heading to a snowy location like Jackson, Wyoming, the cold isn't just a small detail. It affects everything you do. Batteries drain fast, hands get stiff, and gear can be harder to manage when you're layered up and dealing with wind, ice, or snow. It's not about having more gear. It's about having the right gear.

Whether you're shooting snow-covered landscapes, action scenes on the slopes, or branded content in unpredictable mountain weather, a solid winter kit helps keep the shoot on track. It prevents you from scrambling to solve problems during limited daylight hours and lets you stay focused on creating the content you came for. Below are the first pieces of that kit worth packing when the forecast says freezing.

Essential Camera Gear

Not all cameras are built for freezing temps. Cold weather can slow down electronics and expose them to moisture risk. If you’re filming outside in Jackson during mid to late fall or anytime in deep winter, go for cameras built to hold up in the cold. Some mirrorless systems do well because they have fewer moving parts, and certain DSLRs with weather-sealed bodies are generally more dependable.

You’ll also want to pack more batteries than usual. Battery life drops fast in low temperatures. Keep at least three fully charged spares with you and store them inside your coat so body heat can help them last longer. Rotating batteries between your camera and coat pocket can keep rolling time steady.

Snow and wind can interfere with your lens. A lens hood helps keep flakes from smacking the glass, while a filter, like UV or clear glass, adds a layer of protection that's easy to swap out if it gets scratched or fogged.

Here’s a quick cold-weather camera checklist:

- Weather-sealed camera body and lenses

- 3–5 spare batteries, stored in an insulated pouch or inner pocket

- Portable charger or power bank

- Lens hoods for all primary lenses

- Protective lens filters (UV, clear, polarizing)

- Drying cloth sealed in a waterproof bag

Frozen controls, dead batteries, and foggy lenses are the kinds of problems that throw off timing on set. Getting ahead of those issues keeps your schedule from derailing.

Clothing and Personal Gear

Your shooting gear won’t matter if you’re too cold to work it. Dressing right is just as important as choosing your camera settings. It’s not only about warmth, either. You need to move freely and be able to operate small controls without fumbling.

Layering is the key. Plan for three main layers:

- Base layer that wicks sweat off your skin

- Middle insulating layer like fleece or lightweight down

- Outer layer that’s windproof and waterproof

The base layer keeps you dry. The middle holds heat. The shell blocks wind and snow. Avoid cotton; it holds moisture. Technical fabrics work better in layers.

Gloves are a challenge. You need warmth without losing dexterity. Look for pairs built for photographers or outdoor work, with grippy palms and touchscreen-friendly fingers. Bring two sets, one slim for shooting and another thick pair for setup or standing around.

Boots make a huge difference, too. Waterproof and insulated is the bare minimum. Pick a pair with a thick tread so you can move safely on packed snow or ice. Cold feet make long days feel even longer.

Don’t forget these add-ons either:

- Thermal gloves with flip-back fingers

- Backup gloves for downtime

- Snug beanie that fits under headphones

- Neck gaiter or face shield

- Hand warmers for pockets and battery pouches

When your body is warm and mobile, operating gear gets easier. That means fewer breaks and more usable shots, even if the weather throws surprises.

Protective Equipment and Accessories

Cold is tough, but snow, wind, and moisture bring more risk than just low temps. Even rugged, weather-sealed gear can end up damaged. Adding protective equipment to your kit helps keep everything working with less cleanup or worry.

Camera covers are a good safety net. Whether you're filming during light snow or in full blizzard conditions, they help protect control dials, screens, and ports. Look for designs that let you actually see and use buttons without having to unzip or yank them off each time.

For lenses, lightweight rain guards or even plastic bag sleeves can work in emergencies, but it's better to carry lens-specific guards if you shoot in the elements a lot.

Insulated camera bags reduce shock from temperature swings and keep gear in better working condition. They’re also useful for organizing gear in wet or unstable places. Pick one with sealed seams or a rainproof cover built in.

Small extras make a big difference here:

- Microfiber cloths in sealed pockets

- Anti-fog wipes or spray

- Moisture absorber packets in all gear bags

- Waterproof wraps for spare lenses and lights

- Separate bags or plastic sleeves for power cords and accessories

These details don’t take up much space, but they protect hours of work. When time and weather are working against you, prevention beats repair every time.

Audio Equipment Considerations

Audio can be a headache when the winter weather takes a bite. Wind noise gets louder. Cables freeze and crack. Moisture sneaks in. Even if your image looks perfect, a hiss or pop can ruin a take.

Start with rugged mics that handle outdoor use. Shotgun mics are still a go-to if they’re protected. A furry windshield or deadcat doesn’t just fight wind noise; it shields the mic from ice or flakes settling on the capsule. Foam wind covers are okay for regular use, but fur wins out against sharp gusts.

Lavaliers need extra attention. Mount them under jackets, inside scarfs, or near neck gaiters. Always test for fabric rubbing that causes distortion. Bring clips, tape, or moleskin to help mold setups to each talent or operator.

Backup systems give you peace of mind. Wireless transmitters lose battery life quickly in the cold, just like camera gear. Keep batteries warm and swap often. A backup recorder with fresh batteries and preset levels can keep things moving if your main setup short-circuits.

A cold-proof winter audio kit might include:

- Directional shotgun mic with furry windshield

- Lapel or lav mic with placement tools

- Backup digital recorder

- Extra fresh batteries in a soft pouch

- Dry storage bags for cables and gear

Snow crunching under boots or wind slapping against a coat collar can wreck dialog in seconds. Keeping audio protected saves future complications.

Stay Ready, Not Just Warm

Packing for winter production in Jackson isn’t just about surviving the cold. It’s about being prepared to stay creative when conditions get tough. Whether the wind kicks up or snow starts falling mid-take, solid prep helps keep your workflow under control.

Keep your kit lean but focused. The goal isn’t to bring everything. It’s to pack for flexibility and reliability. From padded lens wraps to backup audio gear, each piece you bring should earn its spot.

And when time’s tight or conditions shift fast, having access to local gear that’s already tested for the Jackson winter can lighten your load and reduce risk. Knowing which tools won’t freeze up or slow you down makes the difference. Partner with teams who know how to shoot in snow and ice, and who’ve packed for this kind of work before. It puts your production miles ahead before cameras even roll.

Getting the right gear is key to making your winter video shoot in Jackson go smoothly. When you’re looking to lighten your load without sacrificing quality, explore our equipment rental in Jackson. Après Visuals has the winter-ready tools you need to keep your production moving no matter the forecast.