Shackleton And Leica Develop The World’s First Extreme - Weather Photographer's Jacket
The cold has a drastic effect on camera gear and presents photographers with numerous physical and mental challenges. To combat this, outerwear performance-wear brand Shackleton has launched the world’s first extreme-weather photographer’s jacket, the Frank Hurley, in association with Leica Camera AG, the internationally-operating, premium segment manufacturer of cameras and sport optics products.
Drawing on their experience in lightweight, expedition-grade parkas, Shackleton co-developed the Frank Hurley Photographer’s Jacket with explorer and photojournalist Martin Hartley, who has spent more than 365 days on major polar expeditions. The mission was to design a jacket that empowered photographers to continue shooting through the coldest winter months, capturing moments that only the brave witness.
The Frank Hurley Photographer’s Jacket has been engineered with 800 fill-power goose down and a graphene lining to function down to -25oC, while the bespoke features specifiedby Hartley enhance performance when it really matters. Its ergonomic design allows complete freedom of movement when lifting the camera and there are 15 functional pockets, including easy-access pockets for batteries, positioned to use body warmth to prolong life, and a collapsible external drop-pocket large enough for a camera and lens.
The jacket is named after pioneering photographer Frank Hurley, who documented Ernest Shackleton’s 1914-17 Imperial trans-Antarctic Expedition. He persevered for months in brutal conditions to capture his iconic images and defined early Antarctic exploration to the world. A century on, his name still motivates others to endure the elements and freeze moments in time.
Martin Brooks, CEO of Shackleton, said: “It’s Shackleton’s mission to equip pioneers in the world’s most extreme places – the Frank Hurley Photographer’s Jacket is a great example of partnering with the very best to develop a world first. Every feature of this jacket has been designed and engineered according to detailed insight from photographers who really know what’s required to survive and thrive in the extremes.
Steffen Keil, Director of Brand Relations at Leica, said: “The Frank Hurley Photographer’s Jacket is a clever piece of professional engineering, designed to enable photographers to keep shooting in the most challenging weather imaginable. I am sure it will contribute to the creation of some incredible images while protecting photographers from the extremes.”
Shackleton develop expedition-grade apparel, combining high performance with supreme refinement. Driven by exploration and innovation, they aim to inspire and equip the new age of pioneers, from record-breaking explorers to ultra-travellers to weekend adventurers. Their products are designed in London and made in Britain and Italy. They are a fur-free brand and all the down used in their jackets and parkas is RDS-certified.
