As an expert journey photographer, I discover myself out taking photographs in all kinds of climate situations and climates. Whether or not that’s chasing the Northern Lights in Finland, taking pictures waterfalls in Iceland, or capturing Scotland in winter, I’m not one to let the climate get in the best way of my targets.
That stated, I additionally grew up within the tropical Seychelles islands, and I’m not precisely a fan of being chilly. So, when Vallerret contacted me to ask if I’d wish to check out and overview their new line of images particular clothes designed to maintain photographers heat in chilly climate, I used to be more than pleased to take them up on the provide!
Common readers of this weblog may recall that not too way back I did a overview of Vallerret’s winter photography gloves, which stay my favorite gloves for images in chilly situations. I’ve been utilizing them for years.
So I used to be positively to see what their strategy to images targeted chilly climate clothes can be, and whether or not or not they’d discover a spot in my winter images clothes getup.
On this publish, I’ll be reviewing two gadgets of images clothes from Vallerret, their Merino Wool Long Sleeve Tee and their Merino Wool Zip Jersey.
Who’s Vallerret?
First, let’s do a fast introduction to Vallerret, in case you aren’t conversant in the model.
Vallerret is a Norwegian model, launched in 2015, with an preliminary concentrate on creating excessive efficiency gloves designed to serve the wants of photographers.
While there are various gloves in the marketplace, Vallerret felt that none of them adequately met the wants of photographers taking pictures in chilly climate situations. And being primarily based in Norway, they know a factor or to about images in chilly climate!
In order that they launched their very own winter images gloves, and at this time they’ve an intensive vary of images gloves to select from. You’ll be able to learn my overview of a few of their winter photography gloves here.
In fact, photographers must hold greater than their fingers heat! Recognising this want, in 2022 Vallerret expanded their vary to incorporate attire. This attire vary begins with excessive efficiency images targeted base layers. Which is what this overview will likely be overlaying.
As a part of this introduction, I really feel it’s value mentioning that Vallerret are additionally part of 1% for the planet. Meaning they’ve been licensed to donate 1% of annual gross sales to environmental causes, so your assist additionally does good for the planet.
You’ll be able to see their whole vary on their web site here. Lots of their merchandise are additionally obtainable on Amazon here.
Why Base Layers?
When planning for spending extended intervals of time outdoor in chilly climate, it’s generally advisable that you simply costume in a collection of layers.
The layer system originates within the nineteenth century, and was popularised by the US Army within the second world battle. The concept is that as an alternative of carrying one or two gadgets of heavy clothes, you put on quite a lot of gadgets of lighter clothes in layers.
This has the benefit in that it traps heat air between the layers to keep up physique warmth, while additionally permitting the wearer to take away or add layers as dictated by situations and exertion ranges.
The layers closest to the physique are known as base layers.
What to Search for in a Base Layer
There are a selection of issues to search for in a base layer, no matter whether or not you’re utilizing it for images or not. It ought to:
- be light-weight
- dry shortly
- be snug towards your pores and skin
Typically, base layers are designed to keep up your physique temperature and wick moisture away from the pores and skin. Additionally it is vital that it doesn’t retain moisture and get damp as this could make you chilly over time.
For instance, cotton is usually not advisable as a base layer materials because it retains moisture, which may make you colder.
Widespread base layer supplies are pure merchandise like wool or cashmere, or artificial merchandise like polyester. They need to be light-weight, heat, and dry shortly.
My private desire is merino wool, a pure fibre which has odor resistant, wicking, and fast-drying properties. Nevertheless, not everybody likes to put on wool towards their pores and skin, so your desire could also be for a unique materials.
When evaluating related merchandise for heat, it’s a good suggestion to verify the “gsm” score. This refers to grams per sq. meter, and basically signifies how heavy a sq. meter of the fabric can be. A better quantity means the fabric goes to be thicker and due to this fact normally hotter.
Below 200 gsm goes to be a lighter-weight materials, while over 200gsm goes to be a thicker materials providing extra heat.
What to Search for in a Base Layer for Images
Earlier than Vallerret created their base layer vary, I hadn’t actually thought of what encompasses a photographer may want in a base layer past the usual options.
While gloves have some apparent characteristic necessities to will let you function your gear whereas nonetheless maintaining your fingers heat, base layers don’t appear to have such apparent options.
Nevertheless, when you learn my tips for winter photography, you’ll discover that I do suggest maintaining batteries near your physique for heat, which is able to protect battery life. So if a base layer has a battery pocket for instance that might be very useful.
In any other case, you need one thing that’s light-weight, heat, fast-drying and comfy to put on.
Let’s see if Vallerret have achieved these goals with their merchandise!
Vallerret Merino Wool Lengthy Sleeve Tee Options and Evaluate
The Vallerret Merino Wool Long Sleeve Tee is, because the identify suggests, an extended sleeve t-shirt primarily created from Merino Wool with a 150gsm score. Particularly, the label on my t-shirt states it’s:
- 84% Merino Wool
- 12% Nylon
- 4% Elastane
This mix of supplies provides you the heat and softness of merino wool, with the stretch and energy of the nylon and elastane.
The tee is presently obtainable in two colors, black, and a gray/black combine. I opted for the black. There are 4 dimension selections obtainable, I went for medium, however sizes can be found from small by means of to extra-large. Sizing data is obtainable on the Vallerret web site for every product they’ve.
By way of options, this long-sleeved t-shirt has a couple of you’ll anticipate from a merino base layer, and some you won’t. Let’s undergo them.
- It’s tremendous mushy. I’ve quite a lot of merino wool base layers which I exploit for images, and the Vallerret base layers are by far the softest I’ve ever tried. Vallerret say it is because they use an excellent high-quality merino wool and I’ve to consider them as a result of it truly is amazingly mushy.
- It’s fast-drying, breathable, and thermo-regulating. These are all qualities of merino wool, which make it nice as a base layer.
- It’s anti-bacterial / odor resistant. Once more, that is right down to the merino wool. Studies have shown that wool generally has anti-bacterial properties, so odor-causing micro organism don’t develop as quick. This makes it nice for journey as you received’t have to clean it as a lot
- Talking of washing, the t-shirt is mechanically cleanable on a wool/delicate setting and might be tumble dried on low. You’ll be able to in fact additionally hand wash it.
- It has four-way stretch. As images typically requires us to maneuver our our bodies into odd positions, you positively need clothes that may adapt to that!
- It has a built-in button-up battery pocket and lens fabric.
So these are all the principle options. What do I take into consideration this shirt?
Nicely, there are some things I actually like. First, and I already talked about this however it bears repeating, it’s extremely mushy and comfy. I’ve by no means worn such a snug merino wool base layer. I’ve personally by no means had an issue with itchiness from any merino wool base layer, however I’ve additionally by no means worn one which feels this good towards the pores and skin.
Second, I like that the shirt is longer than a traditional t-shirt is likely to be. With a base layer, you wish to make certain it goes down over your trousers so there isn’t a likelihood of a spot creating between your shirt and your trousers that may let chilly air in. That’s positively not an issue with this shirt which has a couple of inches to spare in my case.
In fact, I additionally admire the photography-oriented particulars. Having a built-in battery pocket to maintain a battery heat on these chilly shoots may be very good.
Having stated that, when you have been carrying this below a couple of layers it is likely to be awkward to succeed in the battery pocket. I feel the breast location is an effective possibility as you possibly can attain down by means of your neck space, however it’s simply one thing to remember when utilizing a pocket that’s designed to go below a number of layers.
The built-in lens cleansing fabric can also be good, as you may by no means actually have sufficient lens cloths! It’s proper on the backside of the tee-shirt that means it’s straightforward to entry, and it’s generously sized as nicely.
Over time, I do really feel that there’s a threat it would choose up pores and skin oils and so grow to be much less efficient, however that’s one thing I should revisit as soon as a while has handed. As a result of the shirt is sweet and lengthy, this a part of the shirt usually sits over my trousers, so this helps mitigate that threat.
By way of sturdiness, I haven’t had this shirt for lengthy sufficient to know if it’ll stand as much as the rigours of journey, outside images and life generally. It definitely appears to be like and feels very nicely made, and all my different Vallerret merchandise have stood the check of time. So I’m assured this can too. I’ll positively replace this publish if I encounter any points.
The principle draw back of the product is that the associated fee is sort of excessive, though the product high quality is superb, and to be honest, top quality merino wool is at all times going so as to add value to a product.
Vallerret do provide free delivery over a sure basket worth. As well as, they’ve a strong and documented sustainability focus, which I admire. The shirt label states that it’s designed in Norway and made in Poland. The one factor I didn’t like is that it’s shipped in a plastic bag which looks as if it may very well be a straightforward factor to repair.
General, I feel this is a superb base layer, and one I’m pleased to suggest. Nevertheless, you may also wish to contemplate the opposite product I’m reviewing, which has similarities however does differ in a couple of key methods.
Vallerret Merino Wool Zip Jersey Options and Evaluate
The Merino Wool Zip Jersey can also be an extended sleeve base layer, nevertheless, it’s a bit completely different to the tee. One of many important variations is that it’s constructed 100% from merino wool, and the merino wool is a heavier 240gsm. So that is designed for areas the place you may want extra heat in comparison with the tee.
The heavier wool is stronger, so there’s no want for elastane or nylon. The heavier wool can also be hotter, and evaluating them facet by facet it positively feels thicker.
That stated, it’s simply as mushy and comfy, and feels nice towards the pores and skin.
As well as, while that is primarily designed to be worn towards the pores and skin, I really feel that with the zipper and thicker wool, it may very well be worn as a mid and even outer garment on days the place it’s not so chilly and there’s no precipitation. It’s definitely sensible sufficient to work as an outer layer, and I’ve worn it comfortably over my Vallerret lengthy sleeve tee.
The jersey is presently obtainable in a single color, black. There are 4 dimension selections obtainable. I went for medium, however sizes can be found from small by means of to extra-large. Sizing data is obtainable on the Vallerret web site for every product they’ve.
Right here’s a fast overview of the important thing options and specs.
- Just like the tee, the jersey can also be tremendous mushy due to being created from 100% super-fine merino wool. It’s positively snug to put on towards my pores and skin.
- It’s fast-drying, breathable, and thermo-regulating. These are all qualities of merino wool, which make it nice as a base layer.
- It’s anti-bacterial / odor resistant. Once more, that is right down to the merino wool. Studies have shown that wool generally has anti-bacterial properties, so odor-causing micro organism don’t develop as quick. This makes it nice for journey as you received’t have to clean it as a lot
- It’s mechanically cleanable on a wool/delicate setting and might be tumble dried on low
- It has four-way stretch. As images typically requires us to maneuver our our bodies into odd positions, you positively need clothes that may adapt to that!
- It has two built-in zippered battery pockets on the entrance, one on the decrease left and one on the decrease proper. It additionally has a built-in lens fabric.
- It has 1 / 4 zipper created from recycled plastic, which you should use to assist regulate your temperature
I really feel that a lot of what I stated in regards to the lengthy sleeve tee applies right here. For this shirt, I like that you simply get two battery pockets that are zippered. Personally, I choose the situation decrease down the shirt for entry, however that’s a private factor.
Once more, I like that it’s good and lengthy so comfortably goes down over my waist belt space for additional heat. The lens fabric can also be appreciated.
I like each outfits, however of the 2, personally I choose the jersey. It is a bit more costly, however I really feel that the additional weight will come in useful on these colder shoots.
I additionally really feel that the thicker materials will likely be extra sturdy, I choose the battery pocket location (and that there are two) and there’s a quarter zipper for temperature management.
I’ve additionally worn each collectively, with tee beneath and the jersey on high, they usually match properly and definitely saved me very heat!
General although, I feel they’re each unbelievable merchandise, and a really spectacular launch from Vallerret when it comes to base layer clothes for photographers.
I stay up for seeing what different attire choices they provide you with within the coming years!
You’ll be able to see their whole vary on their web site here. Lots of their merchandise are additionally obtainable on Amazon here.
Additional Studying
This isn’t the one publish I’ve written on images! Listed here are some extra sources that will help you out with enhancing your images:
- I’ve a information to winter photography, in addition to snow photography particularly
- In case you’re travelling within the northern hemisphere in winter, you may see the northern lights. See our information to photographing the northern lights for extra data on getting nice photographs
- In case you’re on the lookout for extra recommendation on particular ideas for various situations, we additionally have you ever coated. See our information to Northern Lights photography, long exposure photography, fireworks photography, and tips for taking photos of stars.
- My at all times increasing collection of Photography Location Guides, that will help you get one of the best shot in areas all over the world.
- An summary of my Travel Photography Gear, in case you puzzled what an expert photographer has in his bag
- We’ve a information to what to buy a photographer, which has reward concepts in any respect worth factors and expertise ranges
- Our at all times up to date guides to the best travel camera, the best travel camera lens, and the best compact camera for travel
- A Beginners’ Guide to Improving your Travel Photos
- My collection of Photography Tips, which I’m at all times increasing and updating with posts like this one
- And, when you’re critical about enhancing your images, I run an extremely complete online travel photography course, which is able to educate you all the things it’s worthwhile to learn about images. Test that out here.
And that’s if for at this time’s publish on winter images base layers! Have something you’d like so as to add or suggestions to share? Let me know within the feedback under!
