Shooting in harsh environments

[Eastside Parkway]

So I'm currently in pre-pro on a documentary about climbing in the White Mountains. I plan to shoot some climbing scenes up on Mt. Washington this winter, perhaps in whiteout blizzards and similarly harsh conditions. I've shot in the cold before but I've always had a building or warm car to keep the camera in overnight. On the mountain it will be out in the cold and the wind every second of every day, and I need to figure out how to protect it and keep it functioning. I plan on getting the Porta Brace Polar Bear, which is tested down to -50 (it will likely be colder than that but it's the best I can do), but I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips or advice from personal experience. Anything at all. Thanks a bunch.

Josh

 

[Eastside Parkway]

Okay, I guess nobody has any experience with this. Can someone at least give me some tips for bringing a camera from a cold to a warm environment, and vice versa, to avoid condensation and nasty stuff like that.

Thanks...

 

[stanb17]

EP,

I skied Tuckerman's a bunch of years ago. You are brave. My .o2 is not very technical, but it might reduce the potential for condensation. B4 you bring the camera back inside, zip it up in a ZipLock bag, perhaps with a desiccant packet or two. Do not unzip until the camera has acclimated... yes.. even the inside parts (so take a good guess).
Certainly before risking your butt ice-climbing above Lunch Rocks, you should do some testing in situations with a lower probability of death.

Tuckerman's always has it's own weather system. If it is raining and crappy everywhere else in the world, you can be sure it's sunny and warm in the ravine. The opposite is also true and more probable.
"Harsh environment?" Man.. you crack me up. It doesn't get much tougher. That's why you'll never see a single season of Survivor taped there. "Next time on Survivor - Tuckerman's Ravine.... Jeff Probst waits at Tribal Counsel. Meanwhile back at camp Chilewhack our bikini clad castaways are frozen stiffer than a Butterball Turkey". Best of luck. I might see you up there next Spring.
Peace
Stan