Preparing for Icelandic Winters with the Right Parka

How cold will it get in Iceland?

Depending on where you visit, winters in Iceland can be downright cold—or not that bad. The temperatures during the five months of winter (November 8 to April 4) vary depending on the part of Iceland you’re visiting:

1. Reykjavik, the capital city is located in the southern part of the island of Iceland, and the city enjoys a more temperate climate than you’ll find in the countryside or the north of Iceland. That’s mainly due to the presence of the North Atlantic Gyre, bringing warmer waters up from further south but also partly due to being further south and the urban environment will lift the temperature a little too. Reykjavik’s average temperatures during the winter months range from around 0C to -23C in the city.

2. In the northern parts of Iceland, the temperature ranges vary between -25C to -30C. Although the air is dry, harsh winds can cause very unpredictable weather that frequently changes in minutes. Icelanders have a saying about the weather: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes.”

Winter parkas and other must-have winter wear

Thought is required when dressing for this changeable Icelandic weather and should always be based on the activities planned while in Iceland. For example, if you’re planning a hiking trip of one or more days, you’ll need to dress in layers with a breathable base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a wind and rain-resistant outer layer. Always consider the fabric when dressing for the Icelandic winter.  Jeans and cotton shirts are not suitable for moisture control because they absorb moisture and become heavy and cold when wet, losing their ability to retain heat. Wool is a much better choice because it provides warmth even when wet and its famed breathability. These two attributes help to regulate body temperature as well as wick away perspiration.

A parka for an outer layer.  The outer layer of your outer layer needs to be both wind and water-resistant, but it doesn’t end there, the insulation filling is also important. The types of filling vary and you’ll usually discover parkas with down, feathers, or  a mixture, polyester, or (unique to Icewear) natural wool insulation.

What is a parka?

A parka is a longer length than a jacket but better designed for cold weather activity than a typical coat.  The purpose of the parka is to offer the wearer greater protection during cold, wet or snowy weather. Due to the longer length, the parka covers more of the body thus retaining warmth to the core areas of the body. Longer length options are often available offering additional heat retention because more of the person is covered.

Here are the top filling types available for your parka:

• Down feathers:  Down is nature’s best insulator and offers you the best warmth for the least weight and bulk. The lighter weight is a useful consideration if you’re likely to spend time carrying your parka in a backpack. There’s a downside to down insulation though, it doesn’t insulate when damp, and when down gets damp or wet it’s slow to dry.

• Polyester filling:  A type of compressed water-repellent fibres. Polyester filling performs well when damp, crucially it dries quickly, and is less expensive than the down filling.  Don’t be taken in by “puffy” chunky jackets, however, they might look warmer but looks can be deceiving.  The superfine fibres of polyester filling create a slimline parka offering superior warmth. Look for the product called Thermore Ecodown filling, it’s a 100% recycled polyester filling and offers a durable alternative to down. By utilising Thermore Ecodown filling you get the best of both worlds, gaining superior protection and eco-friendly production.

• Natural Icelandic wool insulation: Icelandic wool insulation is an innovation that began at Icewear. Icelandic wool insulation offers all the benefits of wool, including natural thermoregulation, moisture-resistance, and anti-bacterial qualities.

• Combination: Combination just as its name suggests, the filling comprises of a mixture of fillings that may be a down, feather, wool and polyester filling combination in varying percentages designed to provide a parka with the balance of warmth, breathability, wind, and water protection.

Choosing a parka should be easier for you now that you’ve read this guide.  Other considerations include how many pockets and the accessibility of the pockets, wind banishing adjustable cuffs and a high neckline. Whatever you decide your next parka can be more than a fashion statement.