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 a great pair of pants.
So if you’re on the hunt for the best pants for winter or summer that will keep you warm, dry and happy no matter the season, have a browse through these suggestions.
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Pants for Iceland Comparison
What to Look For in Pants
Whether you’re visiting Iceland in the summer, winter, spring, or autumn, there are a few characteristics to look for when finding your pants 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 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 winter pants, 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 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 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 have at least some wind-proofing.
Oftentimes, winter pants 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.
Best Women’s Winter Pants
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.
Be on the lookout for pants that will keep you dry and warm, as that is absolutely essential during this season.
Columbia Modern Mountain Snow Pant
If you’re looking for winter pants, you cannot go wrong with the Columbia Modern Mountain Snow Pant. 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, these 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.
Artix Women’s Insulated Snow Pant
If you’re looking for a great value pair of warm and toasty winter pants, then the Artix Women’s Insulated Snow Pants are an excellent option for you.
As one of the most popular snow pants, 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 these pants are a great option!
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.
While you might need to layer a bit underneath, these pants are a great lightweight winter pant for a trip to Iceland.
Best Men’s Winter Pants
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 Bugaboo IV Snow Pant
If you’re looking for snow pants for your trip to Iceland, then you really can’t go wrong with the Columbia Bugaboo IV Snow Pant (also available from Columbia here).
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 the highest-rated snow pants out there, they are also incredibly durable and should last you many trips to Iceland or ski holidays to come.
Arctic Quest Insulated Snow Pants
If you’re looking for a more affordable winter pant for Iceland, then the Arctic Quest Insulated 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.
Best Women’s Summer Pants
If you’re travelling to Iceland between the months of April and 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.
Columbia Saturday Trail Pant
If you’re after a pair of the perfect hiking pants, then the Columbia Saturday Trail Pants (also available 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.
Nonwe Lightweight Cargo Pants
The Nonwe Lightweight Cargo Pants are another great option for waterproof pants, 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.
Yogipace 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 Thermal Tights are an excellent pair of pants 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 boxes. There is also a zipped pocket where you can stash some belongings.
All in all, these pants are a great option if you prefer a legging-style pant rather than a traditional hiking pant.
Best Men’s Summer Pants
When it comes to men’s summer pants, 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 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 Silver Ridge Convertible Pant (also available 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.
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.
Nonwe Breathable Cargo Pants
Much like their women’s counterparts listed above, the Nonwe 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.
With so many options available on the market, it’s easy to find the perfect pair of pants for your Iceland adventure regardless of what time of year you travel!
Are you looking for the perfect pair of pants for your trip to Iceland? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
