Gearing Up for Icelandic Winters with the Right Parka

How cold will it get in Iceland?

Depending on where you call home, 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 based upon what part of Iceland you’re visiting:

1. The capital city of Reykjavik, located in the southern reaches of the island, experiences a more temperate climate than that which you’ll find in the countryside or the northern latitudes mainly due to the presence of the North Atlantic Gyre, bringing warmer waters up from further south. For example, Reykjavik’s average temperatures during the winter months range from 32 degrees F to -10 degrees F in the city itself.

2. The temperature range in the northern parts of Iceland is a frigid -13 degrees F to -22 degrees F. While the air is dry, the harsh winds can cause the weather to be very unpredictable, frequently changing 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

Dressing for this changeable Icelandic weather requires some thought, based on the planned activities while in Iceland. For example, if you’re planning a hiking trip of one or more days, you’ll need to dress in layers and with appropriate gear to allow a moisture-wicking inner layer, an insulating middle layer, and wind and water-resistant outer layer. The fabric of these layers also requires careful consideration. Jeans and cotton shirts aren't suitable for moisture control since they absorb moisture and become wet and heavy, and lose their ability to retain heat. Woolen fabric is a much better choice because it provides warmth—even when wet—as well as breathability. These two attributes help regulate body temperature as well as control perspiration.

And how about that outer layer the parka? As mentioned, your outer layer needs to have a shell that is both wind and water-resistant, but the filling is just as important. The types of filling you’ll usually find are down feathers, polyester, or (unique to Icewear) natural wool insulation.

What is a parka?

A parka is a coat or jacket which is longer than most jackets, designed to offer more protection and warmth in the cold weather. The longer the length, the more body it covers, and more heat it can trap.

Here are the top types of fillings available for your parka:

• Down feathers: this is nature’s best insulator and gives you the best warmth for the least weight and bulk, an essential issue if you’re carrying it in a backpack. The downsides of down feathers are that they don’t insulate when damp, and they dry slowly.

• Polyester fill: this is a form of compressed water-repellant fibers. Polyester filling performs well when damp, it dries fast, and it's less expensive than the higher-priced down feathers. Don’t be fooled by “puffy” jackets thinking they’re warmer, though. The superfine fibers of polyester fill can create a slimline jacket with superior warmth. ​A product called Thermore Ecodown filling is also worth consideration. It is a filling made of 100% recycled polyester and makes a durable down alternative. Utilizing Thermore Ecodown filling gives you the best of both worlds with superior protection and eco-friendly production.

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

• Combination: this filling is just as its name suggests, with down feathers and polyester fillings combined to provide the balance of warmth, breathability, wind, and water protection that you need.