UF PRO Field Test…
To be out in the field every day under sometimes challenging conditions can be hard. Our camera and lenses need to be up to these challenges and therefore we invest thousands to buy the best camera gear out there. Working in temperatures well below -20C shouldn’t be a problem for modern cameras and batteries.
Besides camera and lenses we also need to take care of ourselves. Working outside all day isn’t very pleasant when you’re cold. You can’t concentrate on your subject and it makes me grumpy to say the least. Therefore I like to invest in good clothing that is up to the job and I was very pleased to hear UF PRO wanted to support me on my next trip to Yellowstone National Park.
UNI&FORMA was founded in 1997 with the vision to make high performance garment systems for demanding professionals. Under the brand name UF PRO, the garments are today worn by various military and law enforcement special forces, where they are appreciated for its excellent wear comfort, quality and reliability.
UF PRO provided me the Delta Zero T jacket and the Delta OL over trousers.
The Delta Zero T is the all-round jacket for extreme cold and rainy weather conditions and that’s all I need in a jacket when going out in cold weather conditions. When traveling we already take a heavy camera bag and tripod so I was very pleased when I noticed this jacket was very light in weight. Most insulated winter jackets are heavy and bulky but that doesn’t apply to the UF PRO Delta jacket.
In Yellowstone the temperature can easily drop to minus 35C but I was convinced the G-Loft lining and double layer Gore-Tex laminate would keep me warm.
When I arrived the temperature was around minus 4C and the jacket felt really comfortable. We had some snow fall on the first day and the snow was sliding off my jacket. All the zippers are finished with a water and windproof lining. The jacket kept me cool but not cold. Even after walking through deep snow I didn’t sweat at all and I normally sweat really quickly. On one of the first days I came across a hunting bobcat. It sat motionless for over three hours waiting for prey and I was standing still all the time in half a metre of snow. Still I didn’t feel the cold and I felt really comfortable. There was a slight breeze and the temperature dropped to around minus 8C. The hood protected me against the wind and I could still look round 180 degrees without my view being blocked by the hood. Everything about this jacket is well thought through.
On my last morning in Yellowstone the temperature had dropped to minus 30C. Proper conditions to give this jacket a final test and it didn’t disappoint me. Even at minus 30C this jacket kept me cool without being cold. The double Gore-Tex laminate protected me against the snow and wind. The inner pockets are large enough to hold the extra batteries and keep them warm and charged. The outer chest pockets kept my memory cards at hand and also protected against the elements.
The Delta OL over trousers are also very light in weight. I wanted to give these trousers a thorough test so I decided to only wear thin summer trousers underneath to see how these trousers would protect me against the cold, and test the flexibility when walking and kneeling in the deep snow. The Delta 2.0 trousers are equipped with the same G-LOFT lining and WINDSTOPPER outer material. Ergonomic construction with UF PRO FlexZone in the knee and back areas provide excellent mobility when kneeling or sitting.
A little hook is easily attached to the boots and prevent the trousers from riding up when kneeling. Like the jacket, these trousers are also equipped with water repellent zippers. The detachable suspenders prevent the trousers from sliding down and are easily adjusted with the use of Velcro.
My verdict is that both the jacket and trousers will protect against temperatures as low as minus 30C. I never felt cold or uncomfortable and without any doubt I can recommend both to everyone who’s working in extreme conditions. Both jacket and trousers are of uncompromising quality at a fair price. You can visit their website for more information and also to order directly.
Click HERE to visit the UF PRO website and please contact me if you have any questions regarding this field test.
Edwin Kats