Winter investigations on Scottish Highlands - what equipment changes do you make?

Planning a proper winter ghost hunt in the Scottish Highlands next month (early December) and trying to work out how to adjust my equipment setup. I usually investigate in autumn/spring when conditions are more forgiving, but I've got a solid lead on a derelict hunting lodge near Cairngorms with apparently significant activity.

Problem is, Scottish winter is going to be brutal - temperatures near or below freezing, potentially snow, definitely wind. I'm worried about:

- Battery life (cold kills batteries fast)
- Thermal imaging cameras (does cold affect them?)
- EMF meters (any temperature issues?)
- Just general equipment durability

Anyone got experience investigating in harsh winter conditions? What should I prioritize and what can I leave behind to save weight? I'm planning to camp on-site for three nights so weight management is important.

Thermal imaging actually works better in cold because the temperature differential becomes more pronounced. That's your advantage. EMF meters are fine in cold, no issues there. Main problems are: your batteries (bring twice as many as you think you need), your fingers (gloves make it hard to operate anything, so thermal liner gloves only), and staying dry (sweat becomes your enemy in cold).

Don't bother with the full kit. Go minimal: good torch, EMF meter, recorder, phone for documentation, and one camera if you must. Anything else is weight you don't need. The spirits aren't more active if you've got fancy equipment - they're active or they're not. Leave the SB7 at home, the wind will destroy any EVP reading anyway.

That lodge sounds amazing but be genuine about safety - three nights alone in Scottish Highlands in December is proper serious. Tell someone where you're going, check in daily, bring emergency supplies. Paranormal investigation is fun but hypothermia is very real. Get a satellite messenger if you can, or at least make sure your mobile signal is reliable at that location before you commit.

Cairngorms are brilliant for investigations - loads of history in those lodges. Bring hand warmers (the little packet ones), wear proper thermals not just regular layers, and keep your sleeping bag quality. I'd actually recommend splitting the three nights between the lodge and a bothé or nearby accommodation to give yourself a proper rest. It's better data if you're not exhausted anyway.

Winter investigations hit different. The cold seems to amplify the weirdness somehow - maybe just because you're more alert, maybe actual environmental factors. Either way, the Highlands in winter is where you go if you want genuine atmospheric investigation. Good luck with it, would love to hear what you find.