While you may already have a general idea about what to pack for an Iceland trip, we thought that we would go in-depth about one of the most important items you need to bring with you when you visit this gorgeous country: choosing the best coat for Iceland.
Whether you’re looking for a coat for winter or a jacket for summer, there is no denying that getting the proper gear is paramount to enjoying the most of what this spectacular place has to offer.
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Coats For Iceland Comparison
Best Winter Coats
Though Iceland doesn’t see an extreme variation in the weather depending on the season, you can bank on it being pretty damn cold if you are visiting between the months of November and March.
This is the coldest and darkest time of year, but many people continue to travel there in order to go ice climbing, enjoy a completely snow-covered landscape, soak in hot springs or to catch a glimpse of the majestic northern lights.
Iceland is a primarily outdoor destination (unless you’re staying only in the city of Reykjavik) and the weather can change at the drop of the hat, so it is important when you are looking for a coat to find something that will not only keep you warm but also dry.
North Face Gotham – Best Overall Choice for Winter
An insulated down jacket, the North Face Gotham (also available from REI) is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a winter coat. It is bulky enough so you can wear multiple layers underneath and the down filling will keep you warm and toasty in even the harshest of conditions.
The exterior is waterproof and windproof, which is perfect if you get stuck in a surprise rainstorm or blizzard (which is common!) and there are multiple pockets, both interior and exterior, so you can keep your things dry and secure.
This coat comes in both men’s and women’s styles and in several different colours, so you’re sure to find something that suits your particular needs.
Not only will it keep you incredibly warm, but this coat is both lightweight and durable meaning that it will be easy to move around in and will last you for years to come.
A men’s version of this jacket is available on Amazon here.
Wantdo Mountain Waterproof Jacket – Best Budget Choice for Winter
If you are looking for a less expensive option for an Iceland winter jacket, then the Wantdo Mountain Jacket is a great choice for you!
Designed for skiing, this jacket is made to withstand water and windy conditions while still keeping you dry and warm — perfect for Iceland’s harsh, ever-changing environment!
This jacket is not as bulky as the North Face mentioned above, however, there is still room to wear multiple thinner layers underneath. It is also lined with fleece for extra insulation.
There are multiple pockets to keep your belongings safe and, as it is designed for skiers, it is an ideal option if you are planning to be very active when visiting Iceland.
Men’s versions are available on Amazon here.
Columbia Alpine – Best for Active Travellers
Similar to the Wantdo jacket above, the Columbia Alpine (also available direct from Columbia here) is designed with skiers in mind, making it a great option for travelling in Iceland.
This jacket has multiple layers, an inner fleece layer and an outer wind and waterproof layer, which can be detached and worn separately.
There are also multiple pockets in order to store your items and is incredibly durable, so it will last you for many years. It is built to withstand sub-zero temperatures, so it is great for keeping you warm in Iceland — especially due to the high wind-chill factor in the country.
Because it is meant for outdoor activities, it doesn’t feel bulky to wear and you can easily move around in it. However, it is big enough that you can wear a sweater or two underneath to keep extra warm.
Men’s versions are available from Amazon here or direct from Columbia here.
Best Summer Jackets
If you’re travelling to Iceland in summer, you aren’t going to need a huge parka or fancy ski jacket like the options listed above.
However, you will still need adequate outer layers and the weather can still be very chilly. The rain and wind in Iceland are still quite heavy in the summer months, so it is necessary to have clothing that will keep you dry and warm.
Ensuring that you have adequate layers that you can add and remove depending on the current conditions will help ensure that you enjoy your trip to Iceland as much as possible.
North Face Antora – Best Overall Choice for Summer
Even though you aren’t going to need a heavy parka to withstand an Icelandic summer, you are going to need a solid waterproof and windproof layer to brave the disparate weather patterns of this Nordic nation. A great rain jacket for Iceland is the North Face Antora (also available from REI here).
This is the waterproof jacket that we personally for all of our travels and we couldn’t be more pleased with it. It is very lightweight, packs down small, and will resist rain and wind like nobody’s business.
Not only is this a great waterproof jacket, but it is also another essential travel item for any trip and I bring mine with me wherever I go.
Because it is light, it is just as perfect over a t-shirt during a summer rainstorm as it is over multiple warm layers during the winter in Iceland.
The men’s version of this jacket is available from Amazon here or from REI here.
Wantdo Ultra-Light Down Jacket – Best Budget Choice for Summer
Not only the perfect addition for when you pack for Iceland but also a great item of clothing to bring with you on all of your travels, the Wantdo Ultra-Light Down is one of the best jackets on the market.
Not only will this keep you very warm, but they are also incredibly lightweight and pack down to almost nothing (they come with their own compression sack).
They have a waterproof quality, so you can keep dry when wearing this jacket — though it probably isn’t going to protect you if you’re caught out in a torrential rainstorm. Because of their lightweight characteristics, it is also quite practical to use as a base layer if the day is more chilly.
This jacket is also very well-made and is useful whatever the season, which makes it one of our essential travel items in general, not just for Iceland trips.
Men’s versions are available on Amazon here.
North Face Glacier – Best Choice for Layers
While not exactly a jacket, packing a fleece pullover such as the North Face Glacier is essential in Iceland no matter the season.
In the summer months, where the temperatures average about 13°C (55°F), sometimes all that is needed is one warm layer, and a fleece is a perfect addition! This pullover is lightweight, cosy, and packs down very small, which can save you a lot of valuable space in your backpack or suitcase!
This pullover is also one of the best things to wear in Iceland under all of the jackets and winter coats listed above and is an invaluable item to bring with you on your Icelandic adventure.
Men’s versions of this jacket are available on Amazon here.
Things to Consider When Packing for Iceland
If you are travelling to Iceland outside of the summer or winter months, it is best to pack for all types of weather. If you are avoiding the colder months of late October/November and March/April, then you should be fine bringing the jackets listed under the summer section, but make sure to pack some additional warm layers and thermal wear.
While a proper coat or jacket is one of the most essential items for your trip to Iceland, you also need to make sure you pack other pertinent gear as well.
For instance, making sure you have the proper hiking boots (or hiking shoes) for Iceland is a must and also, especially if you’re travelling in winter, packing a good pair of gloves is essential as well. More information about everything you need to bring can be found in our essential Iceland packing list.
Make sure you check the weather forecast before you leave for your trip but do remember that the weather conditions can change drastically and at the drop of a hat, so it is always good practice to come prepared.
Figuring out what the best jacket or coat for Iceland is can be a daunting task, with so many options on the market. However, it is essential you keep warm and dry enough to withstand even the most extreme of weather and you are sure to have a great trip to this amazing country!
Are you looking for a coat to take to Iceland? Have any questions about buying these products? Let us know in the comments below!
How about mid September? More winter or more summer? I keep reading about bringing a merino wool base layer .. what’s your opinion?
September can get pretty cold in Iceland – so ai think a merino wool base layer could be a good option!