Extreme Cold Weather/Hi Altitude Clothing and other suggestions, in no particular order
(I copied a lot of this from my own checklist. Of course there's got to be stuff
you'll want to add....)
Think of it like a trip to the Moon :))
First: at high altitude, in bad weather, cotton kills. Don't use it.
Goretex lined outer shell, upper and lower.
Multiple layered underneath polypro fleece with thick collar (wool OK too, if you can tolerate it)
Thick polypro or wool hat with brim
Sunglasses and eyglasses (two of each). If doing real high altitude, consider wrap around sunglasses.
Face guard for wind. Consider ski goggles for walking in bad weather.
Two layers of socks, one thin inner layer, one thick outer layer
Two layers of gloves, same as above. Goretex liners are available.
Extra water, dehydration is always a problem
Flashlight and compass, plus gps if you can afford it. Take more batteries than you think you need.
topo maps (learn how to use them, even if GPS has them)
chapstick
skin moisturizer (actually can help w/ frostbite)
Insulated boots with goretex liner.
A waterproof cover for your pack and camera.
Food. Any medicines you might need in an emergency. Small first aid kit. Rope.
At least three sets of batteries, fully charged for camera and accessories. My camera has one battery for the digital component, one for the camera body. Some film cameras also use two batteries.
Wrap your tripod legs in foam or cloth to help keep your hands from getting colder. Clean and service the tripod joints so they don't lock up. Keep the tripod out of the water. Clean snow off before you enter a warm environment.
If you walk on icy ground, consider crampons and a hiking pole
Snowshoes can be indispensable. There are models that can fit almost any boot.
Use a remote release so you don't have to take gloves off as often.
Take hand warmers - lots of them - if weight permits.
Take some energy bars, or those energy gel pouches cyclists use. Calories = warmth.
Two battery chargers - they break. Same for card readers.
Keep extra batteries in an inside pocket - warm batteries work, cold batteries die fast.
Extra memory cards.
If you lose your gloves, spare socks are an adequate substitute.
Take a whistle for signaling in case you need help. Ditto for cell phone/sat phone. Leave detailed trek plan with trusted person. If you go far, mark your trail for return (I use bits of tape that I retrieve on the way back)
If you are out in the cold, and you return to a warm environment, leave your camera gear in the bag until it warms up too. Taking the camera apart will encourage condensation on cold surfaces.
Go with a buddy. Stay together. Think about sharing the load on some items, and when you should each carry your own stuff.
Last, if you have a feeling that weather is going to turn bad, it will. Leave or take steps to protect yourself. Always leave a line of retreat.
If you feel sick, or feel like you are getting sick, postpone your trip. Altitude and bad weather makes things like this much worse, very quickly. If you get altitude sickness, descend immediately.
Your camera gear should be pretty high-end, with decent weather sealing. Bring a cover so you can shoot if its drizzling or wet snow. Change lenses in a protected place, not out in the open.
I can't possibly cover everything you might need for a particular circumstance. Use this as a starting point and think about it carefully. I've been 20 miles in when an ice storm hit (Mineral King in the Sierras), didn't have what i needed, and was totally miserable, froze my butt off. Two inches of ice on everything.
You'll find all of this is worth it. Once you get it set up it is a piece of cake to head out the door. You'll get the most amazing images, and see some really cool places.
David