DS visiting Iceland

[Outnumbered1983]

16yr old DS will be visiting Iceland early next year with his school. School haven’t released a suggested packing list yet, but I want to start buying bits and pieces now so it’s less of an expense nearer the time. The trip is 4 nights, it’s packed with activities and outings. Has anyone’s DC been on a similar trip and have an idea of packing? I k ow it’s going to be sub zero temps.

I've been myself - thermal underwear, walking boots and socks, warm waterproof coat, woolly hat. Swim wear for the geothermal pools.

Well I have been to Iceland several times and originally Canadian so I may know about cold weather 😂. Winter boots are a must for warmth and also grip on snow. Walking boots if not high enough can get snow over them and get wet. Layers are your friend. In the sunshine it will feel warmer so having a massive warm coat and long sleeve T won’t work. But insolation for colder times means layers - T shirt, long sleeve T, sweater etc. I never had thermals growing up so it layers that are important.

Sub zero means that any exposes skin can get mighty cold so hat is a must with scarf for neck and over chin sides of cheeks.

Bring shoes for inside or chunky socks - you don’t want to onky have big shoes. Waterproof trousers if there is going to be snow or ski pants.

Jeans are the worst trousers - they aren’t that warm and retain moisture if they get snow on them. Same with knit wear - knitted gloves can get wet and cold. Ski gloves are better.

Hope he has a brilliant time.

Thank you both for your replies, I’ve made a list and will start buying things for him. ☺️

I cannot shout ‘a very very very good waterproof enough’. The first time I went my reasonably expensive (£150/200) waterproof which has never leaked in the UK was soaked through in minutes. I have never known rain like it and I’m based in the Scottish Borders and spend a lot of time outside. For our second visit we ordered waterproofs from Revolution Race (a Swedish brand) which has a much higher waterproofing rate than you typically get in the uk. Otherwise a lot of layer. The difference in wether day to day, or at times hour to hour, can be phenomenal

Boot Grips. DS found these helpful as he is like Bambi on ice walking on normal ground!

I live in Iceland. Likely weather will be fairly cold, very windy and plenty of snow, sleet and rain. It could be better but be prepared for that.

He needs a coat that is properly waterproof and ideally also waterproof trousers. Not insulated, just a shell layer. You may well already have a coat that would be suitable - it really doesn't have to be anything special as long as it's genuinely water and windproof.

Then you layer underneath. If the trip is in January it could well be cold enough to need thermal base layers - merino is best. But you probably wouldn't need them all the time and could get away without them. A good thick wool jumper under your jacket is perfect in my opinion - that is what I wear all winter. But fleece is OK if you have enough layers.

Good insulated boots with proper grippy soles because icy pavements can be treacherous.

I don't really recommend gloves, ski gloves or otherwise. Mittens are sooo much warmer, especially if you layer them which is the best way. I wear 2 pairs of wool mittens in the coldest weather and after trying a lot of options you cannot beat proper wool. Anyway mittens not gloves and I highly recommend layering 2 pairs.

I also layer hats. A thin merino wool beanie with a thicker wool beanie over the top is the way to go and will do you so much better in a freezing gale than a single hat.