Going to Iceland end of March, out of the city - really worried about expense of getting the right clothes?! helpd

[Spiritedlight]

So we're going to rent a car and drive South and the Golden Circle for a few days.

I have never been skiing so do not possess 'winter garb'. And I'm really worried about how much it will cost. Obviously I'm going to try and buy as much as possible on Vinted/ebay - and we've even thought about hiring it over there.

But any thoughts/wisdom/recommendations?

Thermal underwear will work under whatever else you hire or buy. The decent stuff that doesn’t overheat you just keeps you cozy in cold, wind and rain.

We went in January and it never dropped below zero so I wouldn’t panic too much. The Gulf Stream means even though it’s really far north it doesn’t usually get too cold. If you know anyone that skis see if you can borrow some base layers and/or jackets/salopettes. We went to see some ice caves inside a glacier (absolutely worth it) and we were the only ones in jeans! When I wanted to look nice I layered up in cashmere.

It’s a stunning place I’d return to in a heartbeat - enjoy!

Brill. Thanks a lot. Did you do day trips from the city?

It's the wind I'm worried about more than the cold

I didn't buy anything special at all. Used fleece lined leggings I had from Primark under my looser trousers, not jeans. A thermal short sleeve vest, long sleeve Tshirt, fleece jacket full zip, and wind/rain jacket from Decathlon. I could then peel off the layers as needed when indoors. I had all these already and nothing was high end ski price either. I also have a pair of fur lined waterproof ankle boots, and used ordinary socks. Was fine. Oh and a hat, scarf and gloves. Small backpack for putting the layers in if not needed!

I was in a similar situation at the same time of year and bought everything from Decathlon at a reasonable price. Ski trousers, jacket, layers, boots. I’ve used everything in this country since so I consider it a good investment. I was doing day trips out of Reykjavik and it was good not to have to faff with hiring stuff there. It was certainly cold when I went and I don’t think I’d have coped with jeans! It was indeed windy and when out and about when it was dark - northern lights tour for example - I was cold even with all the ski gear.

Thanks all, you've been really calming and helpful!

Would you suggest a puffer jacket and a windbreaker on top?

My 16yr old went last year end of march/early April. He took some thermal underwear and warm hat and gloves. He was fine. It was quite wet so waterproofs were handy. Luckily we got some waterproof trousers in a charity shop before he went and he had a decent jacket.

You need base layers normal active clothes then waterproof outer layers that are windproof, eg a 3 in one jacket from an outdoor store plus waterproof over trousers. Wind is more likely than very cold!

Really?? It was minus 11 when we went in January! Even then all we did was wear layers of clothes we already had. DH had some thermal long John's from primark and I wore tights and leggings under trousers, 2 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of gloves, a scarf, hat and regular coats.

@Spiritedlight

you need to look at the waterproof rating 10,000 is a good idea. Doesn’t need to be a fancy brand, mine is mountain warehouse but that waterproof rating is key

It’s not THAT cold. No colder than a cold UK winter’s day. I didn’t buy any special clothes.

We went last March and I didn’t buy anything special. Just took cheapy thermal leggings and vest that I had already (just Tesco ones). Then layers and a normal Regatta coat with gloves.
the only time I felt chilly was on a walk near the Gullfoss waterfalls. It was a particularly cold and wet day but I wasn’t freezing, just felt the cold a bit. There’s lovely hot chocolate there to warm you up!

DH took quite a bit of his snowboarding gear and didn’t wear half of it.

I went in January a few years ago and it was -9

I bought some padded waterproof ski trousers from Mountain Warehouse for £40. They were fab. I’m going to Tromso in March and have just bought another pair as I’d lost the original ones.

Thermal base layer top and bottoms, trousers, thick jumper or fleece top with ski trousers and ski coat I already owned over the top. Merino socks and gloves and snow boots. Scarf and hats I already owned.

We did a few trips out - went out onto a glacier, round the golden circle, northern lights hunt, and I was absolutely fine.

Wear layers, cafes, etc are all really warm so you need to be able to remove clothes

It was hella windy and weather changed about 15 times in 10 minutes but I absolutely loved it and plan to go back in the summer so I can do the ring road.

I went in November. I went to B&M for thermal tights, leggings, top, socks. I bought gloves and coat from mountain warehouse. I got some merino wool cardigans too- very warm. March won’t even be that cold. Boots I got second hand off eBay. I’m peri so will never wear them again and hate waste, but might hang onto them as it was amazing and want to go again! You’ll have a lovely time, it’s so clean, welcoming, visually stunning.

Also, have a look in Aldi. My DH bought padded waterproof trousers in there for £4.99. I think they must have had a middle aisle ski event or something recently as they had thermals, fleece lined leggings and a few bits and bobs still floating around

-11 when I visited. Really bloody cold.

We went one January and it hovered around freezing so not too bad. Didn’t buy special clothes. The only place it was bitter was Gulfoss. Phone battery drained in minutes. Take a portable charger.

TK maxx is always good for skiing stuff, and zara usually has good pieces….not sure if they’re technically any good!