Iceland is known for its dramatic scenery and ever changing weather, which makes packing for a trip to this Nordic country a complicated task no matter the season. In a country where it is possible to experience the climate of all four seasons in one day, finding the best gear to keep you warm and dry throughout your visit is absolutely essential. And while many people might concentrate on finding the ideal jackets and footwear for their visit to this northern island nation, they tend to overlook the necessity of finding the best pants for Iceland.
It is all too easy to overlook the boring and mundane task of finding the best pants to wear in Iceland when it is so much more fun to plan your trip details. However, it can be worth taking a break from planning your perfect route, finding some unconventional Golden Circle stops, or searching for the perfect place to stay in the Icelandic countryside.
In a country where it is necessary to take extra precautions to make sure the door of your rental car doesn’t blow off in the wind, it is just as essential to ensure that you pack the proper attire to ensure you are equipped to enjoy Iceland as much as possible. Especially if you’re coming from a warmer climate, the extreme conditions of this Nordic nation can come as a big surprise and you need to make sure that you are prepared.
So if you’re on the hunt for the best pants for Iceland that will keep you warm, dry and happy no matter the season, have a browse through these suggestions.
Best Pants for Iceland Comparison
What to Look For in Pants for Iceland
Whether you’re visiting Iceland in the summer, winter, spring, or autumn, there are a few characteristics to look for when finding your pants for Iceland that apply no matter the season.
Because of Iceland’s tendency for inclement weather, it is absolutely necessary to ensure that your pants can withstand all that the elements might throw at you, even if you’re planning on visiting in the middle of July.
Winds can be incredibly strong and a bright and sunny day can turn to pouring rain at the drop of a hat, so making sure that you pack pants for Iceland that can withstand these kinds of conditions is a must.
Because of the changing weather conditions, make sure that when looking for the best pants to pack for Iceland you find a pair that are waterproof. If you’ve happened to read any of our other Iceland gear guides, you will notice that there is a trend when talking about what to wear in Iceland, and we always recommend waterproof items.
This is because, even though it might seem sunny, there is always a tendency to get wet and cold, which will inevitably ruin the experience of seeing some of nature’s most stunning scenery that you can find in Iceland.
If you’re looking for the best winter pants for Iceland, a waterproof feature is an absolute must for navigating your way through the inevitable snow and ice. This is also relevant during some months in Spring and Autumn, as well.
Waterproof pants for Iceland are essential in summer, as well. While there may not be a lot of snow to contend with, it can still get very wet and cold and you will need to have gear that will keep you warm and dry.
Another thing to look out for, especially when on the hunt for Iceland pants for winter, is a cosy lining and wind-proof ability. There is absolutely nothing more chilling than the strong Icelandic winds shooting directly through your clothes, so you will want to make sure that your pants for Iceland have at least some wind-proofing.
Oftentimes, the best winter pants for Iceland are ones specifically designed for skiing and other snow sports. This is because they are made to be durable, warm, and wind/waterproof.
If you’re travelling in winter, I would also recommend wearing a pair of fleece-lined leggings or a thermal base layer underneath your pants — a fleece or thermal lining is going to make sure that you stay extra warm.
In warmer months, you can get by with a pair of basic hiking pints (still waterproof!) coupled with a base layer of warm, fleece-lined leggings or thermals.
The Best Pants for Iceland in Winter
When it comes to packing for a winter trip to Iceland, this is the season where you are most likely to need to buy specific gear, rather than multi-use pants for Iceland. Be on the lookout for pants that will keep you dry and warm, as that is absolutely essential during this season. If you want some help making your choice, check out these suggestions:
The Best Winter Pants for Iceland: Women’s
While other essential items for Iceland like hiking boots, gloves, and jackets, come in unisex versions, pants are a little bit of a different story. So if you’re looking for the best women’s pants for winter in Iceland, take a look at these recommendations:
Columbia Women’s Modern Mountain 2.0 Snow Pant
If you’re looking for one of the best winter pants for Iceland, you cannot go wrong with the Columbia Women’s Modern Mountain 2.0 Snow Pant (also available direct from Columbia here). Columbia is a great brand when it comes to finding durable outdoor gear that is made to last and their snow pants are no different.
As one of their top-rated snow pants, the Modern Mountain 2.0 pants were originally designed with skiers in mind, making them a great choice for Iceland, especially if you’re planning on spending a lot of time outside and in the elements.
They have advanced water-repellent capabilities ensuring that you will keep warm and dry and they are also roomy enough to allow for a base layer or two to be worn underneath. All in all, the Columbia Women’s Modern Mountain 2.0 Snow Pants are a great choice for Iceland.
Artix Women’s Insulated Snow Pant
If you’re looking for a great value pair of warm and toasty winter pants for Iceland, then the Artix Women’s Insulated Snow Pants are an excellent option for you.
As one of the most popular snow pants for Iceland, these trousers are lined and insulated to keep you extra warm even on the coldest of days. They are also ultra water-resistant, ensuring that you will stay warm during snow or ice storms.
All in all, if you want to make sure your legs are nice and protected from the elements while not breaking the bank, then the Artix Women’s Insulated Snow Pant is a great option for winter trousers for Iceland.
Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Pant
If you’re after a more lightweight but still warm and water-resistant winter pant for Iceland, then the Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Pant (also available direct from Columbia here) are a great choice for you.
These mesh-lined ski pants are extremely well made and ultra water-resistant, ensuring that you won’t have any issues with cold, icy water leaking through.
The adjustable elastic waist allows you to find an easy fit, even if you have multiple layers underneath and they are also completely machine washable.
All in all, while you might need to layer a bit underneath. the Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Pants are a great lightweight winter pant for Iceland.
The Best Winter Pants for Iceland: Men’s
For men, you need to look out for exactly the same things and qualities that women’s pants have. Durable, wind and water-resistant pants are sure to make your winter trip to Iceland all the more enjoyable.
Columbia Sportswear Men’s Ridge 2 Run II Snow Pant
If you’re looking for the best men’s snow pants for Iceland, then you really can’t go wrong with the Columbia Sportswear Men’s Ride 2 Run II Snow Pant.
These ski pants are very water resistant and are equipped with a thermal lining that are perfect for keeping heat in while still being breathable.
As one of highest-rated snow pants out there, they are also incredibly durable and should last you many trips to Iceland or ski holidays to come.
All in all, if you’re looking for the ultimate trousers for Iceland, the Columbia Sportswear Men’s Ride 2 Run II Snow Pant is an excellent choice.
Arctic Quest Men’s Water Resistant Insulated Ski Snow Pants
If you’re looking for a more affordable men’s winter pant for Iceland, then the Arctic Quest Men’s Water Resistant Insulated Ski Snow Pants are a great option.
These insulated pants are sure to keep you warm and toasty even if you’re trekking on a glacier and their water-resistant technology will keep you dry if you encounter a blizzard or sleet storm.
They are one of the top-rated ski pants for men and they are sure to make you dry and warm when travelling in Iceland. So if you need an affordable yet durable option for pants for Iceland, then the Arctic Men’s Water Resistant Insulated Ski Snow Pants are the best option for you.
Unitop Men’s Winter Warmth Water-Resistant Snowsports Ski Snow Pants
If you’re after another affordable but highly-rated option for pants for Iceland, then you can’t go wrong with the Unitop Men’s Winter Warmth Water-Resistant Snowsports Ski Snow Pants.
The name of these snow pants really says it all, as they are both toasty warm and water resistant so they are sure to keep you comfortable no matter what activities you get up to in Iceland.
All in all, if you want to save money but not sacrifice warmth and comfort, the Unitop Warmth Water-Resistant Snowsports Ski Snow Pants and an excellent choice for you.
The Best Pants for Iceland in Summer
If you’re travelling to Iceland between the months of April-October, it isn’t likely that you’re going to need the heavy, insulated ski and snow pants that are listed above.
However, you are still going to want to wear a good base layer and make sure your pants are durable and water resistant because, while the temperatures might be slightly warmer, the weather is still inclement and you never know what you could encounter.
The Best Summer Pants for Iceland: Women’s
There are many women’s hiking pants on the market, but not all are created equal. If you’re on the hunt for the best women’s pants for Iceland in summer, then check out these recommendations:
Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Pant
If you’re after some of the perfect hiking pants for Iceland and everywhere else, them the Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Pants (also available on REI here or direct from Columbia here) are a great choice for you.
These durable pants are equipped with fantastic water-resistant technology sure to keep you dry in the wet Icelandic climate. They are slim cut, but they can also leave room for a base layer underneath in the cooler months.
All in all, the Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Pants are one of the best options when it comes to hiking trousers for Iceland.
Nonwe Women’s Outdoor Water-Resistant Quick Drying Lightweight Cargo Pants
The Nonwe Women’s Outdoor Water-Resistant Quick Drying Lightweight Cargo Pants are another great option for waterproof pants for Iceland, especially if you want some hiking pants for other destinations as well.
Their waterproof quality makes them an excellent choice for Iceland and the fact that they’re quick-drying and lightweight make them a great addition to your suitcase without adding much to the weight-limit imposed by most airlines.
Equipped with a number of zipped pockets as well, the Nonwe Women’s Outdoor Water-Resistant Quick Drying Lightweight Cargo Pants are an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best pants for Iceland in summer.
Yogipace Water Resistant Fleece Lined Thermal Tights
If you’re more of a fan of leggings or tighter pants when you’re hiking or exploring the outdoors, then the Yogipace Water Resistant Fleece Lined Thermal Tights are an excellent pant for you.
These leggings are skin tight and fleece-lined, meaning they will keep you toasty warm and they are also water resistant, checking off all of the best pants for Iceland boxes. There is also a zipped pocket where you can stash some belongings.
All in all, the Yogipace Water Resistant Fleece Lined Thermal Tights are a great option if you prefer a legging-style pant rather than a traditional hiking pant.
The Best Summer Pants for Iceland: Men’s
When it comes to men’s summer pants for Iceland, you need to look for the same qualities as the women’s. Durable, water resistant and lightweight pants that you can easily fit a base layer beneath are going to be your best friends when visiting Iceland.
Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pant
If you’re looking for a solid, all around hiking pant not just for Iceland, but for everywhere in the world, the Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pant (also available on REI here or direct from Columbia here) is going to be a great option for you.
These waterproof and lightweight pants are very durable and are suitable for both warm and cooler climates, as they can easily convert into shorts. Because they are made from a more thin material, it will likely be necessary to wear a thermal base layer beneath these pants in order to stay warm as well as dry in Iceland.
However, if you’re looking for multipurpose pants for Iceland, you certainly cannot go wrong with the Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pant.
prAna Men’s Brion Pant
If you’re looking for a hiking pant for Iceland that you can seamlessly transition from the wilds of Skaftafell National Park to the trendy streets of Reykjavik without standing out, the prAna Men’s Brion Pant (also available on REI here) is an excellent choice for you.
These smart-looking hiking pants are made from a breathable water-resistant material that is durable and made to withstand the elements. They are also loose-fitting enough to allow for a thermal base layer to be worn underneath.
So, if you’re looking for a multi-use pair of pants for Iceland, prAna Men’s Brion Pant is a great option.
Nonwe Men’s Outdoor Quick Dry Water-Resistant Breathable Cargo Pants
Much like their women’s counterpart listed above, the Nonwe Men’s Outdoor Quick Dry Water-Resistant Breathable Cargo Pants are a great, affordable pant choice for Iceland.
The water-resistant technology is sure to keep you nice and dry and you will be very warm with a thermal base lay worn below. The many zipped pockets are also very convenient for safely storing your things like a wallet or mobile phone.
So, if you’re looking for a lightweight travel hiking pant for Iceland, you cannot go wrong with the Nonwe Men’s Outdoor Quick Dry Water-Resistant Breathable Cargo Pants.
With so many options available on the market, it can be a hard task to find the best pants for Iceland no matter the season you’re travelling.
Are you looking for the perfect pair of pants for Iceland? Have you found them? Let us know in the comments!
