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Iceland coats

Long coat suggestions for Iceland

I’m going to Iceland in mid February and I’m wanting some suggestions for wind proof waterproof, and warm LONG coats for minus temperatures. I’ve found a few online but usually they will be missing one of the features so if it’s a long one it won’t be waterproof and will be water resistant or not wind proof etc. I also want something really quite affordable, as I probably won’t be getting much use out of it and don’t want to waste money.

Thanks a lot!

Posted by
9221 posts

Have you thought about going to a 2nd hand store and looking or perhaps on Ebay?

Posted by
13 posts

Yeah I’ve been looking on ebay but not found many long ones that are wind proof etc but I’ll keep looking

Posted by
8883 posts

You may find more success with a layering approach. You don’t need one piece of clothing for all of those requirements, rather you need two or three to layer that will provide same effect. One positive is that you aren’t buying something you will only use once.

Posted by
13 posts

I’ve found a regatta Lucetta one which is padded and has breathable fabric and thermo guard insulation which might be a good option. The only thing is I’d seen another I think it was called a moon snow jacket but it was shorter and so even though it said it protected against up to -30 degree temps I wasn’t sure if they were designed to be worn with ski trousers and a longer coat might provide a bit of extra warmth. It’s just weighing it up really. Thanks for your advice

Posted by
911 posts

Have you looked at online sources like Lands End, Eddie Bauer, LL Bean? I agree with an earlier poster that a layering approach works best if you don't want/need a super heavy coat longterm. As long as the outer layer is wind/rain proof and roomy, you can then add additional layers under like wool, down, fleece,etc.

Posted by
2727 posts

Here is a guide to layering from REI: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.html. I took this approach visiting Iceland in late October. I have a Kirkland (Costco) waterproof trench coat (see here) and wore a merino wool long underwear as a base, and alternated between a Columbia insulated fleece jacket and a puffy down jacket as the middle layer. You'll also want a pair of waterproof pants to protect your legs - though I did not contend with snow, it was raining sideways a couple days and the pants were very helpful.

You may be able to find these things at a second hand shop or if you have a consignment store in your area, they might have something (you could also consign the jacket on your return, if you're wanting to get some money back). You can also beef up the waterproofing by using Nickwax wash in water proofing.

Posted by
201 posts

The Patagonia Jackson Glacier jacket isn't cheap but it fills your criteria (although I don't know how long your coat needs to be). Here is part of the description "Our premium technical parka is warm, weather-resistant, wind-blocking and has a sophisticated, stylish design. Its 2-layer shell is made of 100% recycled polyester with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish".
https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-jackson-glacier-down-parka/27915.html?dwvar_27915_color=SMDB&cgid=womens-jackets-vests-parkas#tile-3=&start=1&sz=24
Or you could pair the Patagonia Yosemite Falls Trench with a warm puffy jacket underlayer--that would be cheaper and more flexible.

Posted by
13 posts

Thanks guys! I’ve already got a breathable fleece for one layer and then I’m thinking of getting some wicking tops, maybe 2 long sleeved thermal tops, thermal leggings and merino wool long johns, would that be okay? I only really have two full days there as well.

Posted by
522 posts

In addition to a warm coat, waterproof pants were mentioned. I was in Iceland in late September and my waterproof pants were one of the most important items I packed! Not only will they keep you dry, but they will also cut the wind--and, believe me, the wind can really howl!

Posted by
3486 posts

I went a couple of years ago in December, and agree with the dressing in layers approach.
You definitely need windproof outer layers, and some Merino wool inner layers.
After pricing Merino wool sweaters, and being horrified at prices, I finally went round the thrift stores, and found men's small sized Merino wool pullover sweaters for $3 each!
No one cares what you look like, and these were a lifesaver in keeping me warm.
I also found Merino long underwear in a sale, though I think silk would be better, as I found the Merino ones a bit itchy.
You need a warm hat and gloves and a scarf.
Windproof pants are also necessary.
As I said, it's not the cold, but the wind that is fierce there.

Posted by
13 posts

Thanks that helps! I’m avoiding merino wool in case I itch lots - I don’t tend to react too well to wool, I’ve got some thermal leggings and I’ll take extra jumpers and wicking gym tops, I’ve also got a isotherm long sleeved top from mountain warehouse and a fleece, I think that will do. As well as extra long sleeved tops and fluffy socks, thermal socks and I’ll get some waterproof trousers too

Posted by
290 posts

I too used silk as a base layer. Before our trip to Iceland I tried on several merino wool type base layers at an outfitter shop but couldn’t wait to take them off. I ended up taking a pair of silk long johns I had bought several years ago from Lands End and they worked perfectly. I wore my long yoga pants over them and then waterproof pants. I was very comfortable. I had no problem with wool socks and thought they were one of the best things I bought for the trip.

Posted by
3486 posts

I too hate wool next to my skin too, and that's why I wasn't really happy with the Merino underwear.
However, the Merino socks and the Merino pullovers were not itchy at all, and of course, you'd have another thinner layer under the sweaters to help too.

Posted by
41 posts

I was in Iceland a few years ago and must warn you, the wind and rain were unrelenting. I took a Columbia rain jacket and also took a soft shell jacket, a wool sweater, and wool base layers. The rain jacket fit on top of the soft shell jacket. I ended up buying the rain jacket in a Tall to get the longer length. Women's jackets and coats are always cut too short in length IMO.

Eddie Bauer carries tall lengths, maybe you could find something on sale. I got a knee length raincoat with a removable insulating lining for $50 once. The coat is awesome, I just don't know if it would hold up to the Iceland rain and wind so if I were you, I would look up reviews before buying something. A lot of people in Iceland wear those authentic rubber raincoats which are truly waterproof (but don't breathe).