Rab Coat for Iceland and other tips!

[parkingproblemos]

Can anyone tell me if this will be warm enough for Iceland at end of January

Is it waterproof and windprrof? We're heading there in Feb and have been reading up quite a bit. I'm putting my faith in my down-filled waterproof coat, DH is going for a very good waterproof jacket with many layers under.

What's the average temp or last few years temp at that time?
I went in Nov and it was no colder than a winter day here.

My DD went to Iceland in February a few years ago and her coat was a fairly normal waterproof jacket with a detachable fleece lining. She wears it every day in the UK (admittedly without the fleece).

She said the key was layers – vest plus T shirt with polo neck, plus hoody, plus fleece-lined coat, plus hat plus gloves; leggings or running tights plus joggers. And sometimes it was warmer and you would shed layers. On the last day they went out without coats at all.

I wouldn't spend £200 on a coat for it unless you will wear it in UK. I drive to work and don't have a dog so I would get zero wear out of that. But you may have three huge dogs and walk 30 mins to work in which case a) you are fitter than I am and b) it would be a good investment anyway (today for sure!).

If you avoid the freezer sections you should be ok,
Have you ever considered their home deliveries instead? Will save you the hassle of wrapping up and petrol at least.

It’s warm enough for playground duty in Sussex. I’d think layers like ski merinos and a microfleece would be the best option. It’s not at all waterproof though and I’ve had mine 3 years now.

Thanks everyone

I have this cost already- I don't know why I was so obtuse about it!

It isn't waterproof or wind proof. My waterproof is decent but does not fit over it. But I have loads of layers so I think I will be ok!

@moogdroog can you tell me which coat you have that is waterproof down?

@clary I do have a giant dog!

Take a look at decathlon, I find their down jackets every bit as good as the more expensive brands.

You will need something waterproof

@parkingproblemos
Mine is a Landsend one that's a few years old. Not quite the same style as this one, but they do have this waterproof down coat on sale at the moment www.landsend.co.uk/Womens_Expedition_Down_Parka/pp/P_42810.html?dwvar_P__42810_sizeVariation=59&dwvar_P__42810_color=4AN&cgid=11312

No, don't go to Iceland in a coat that's not waterproof or windproof.

A thin waterproof is what you need for the top layer. If you have a good waterproof already, take that. No need to get anything new. Ordinary wool jumpers underneath will keep you warm if the top layer can keep out the wet and the wind.

This down coat might be good for dry cold, but is completely inappropriate for the Icelandic climate, which is very wet and windy.

We went to Iceland in January ‘23 and it was between -8 and -13 during the day but we didn’t have any rain or falling snow (everywhere was deep snow though) Sunny but the wind was brutal.

I had a long puffa coat similar to that one and it helped keep the cold out.

The main issue is keeping your face, head, ears, feet and hands warm - I had a thermal snood pulled right up over my face and nose with a fleece lined bobble hat pulled right down over my eyebrows. I look so funny in some of the photos!

Iceland, it’s history and natural beauty, make it one of the greatest places I’ve been lucky enough to visit (and we saw the most amazing Northern Lights too 🤩 )

Enjoy!

That coat looks lovely and warm. I love Rab coats, they are really popular for a reason. I ski and I see loads of Rab up in the mountains.

If you have that coat already, I wouldn't get a different one. You already layer up but I really recommend a thick padded bodywarner that you can wear under a coat. I have a Rab bodywarner that I wear under a padded coat when it's very cold abroad (ie -5) and it really makes a difference. I don't think Icelands temps drop much below that

I

i used that exact coat last Easter; it was perfect as it was very cold and dry. I now wear it all the time here and it is my favourite coat.
just make sure you layer up as it is easier to add and remove when needed.

You shouldn't dress for a skiing holiday because that isn't what Iceland is like. You should have clothes that can deal equally well with -9° and a bitter wind, 0° and driving sleet, and 3° and hammering rain. Because all are equally likely.

Don't gamble on one or the other and risk spoiling enjoyment of your holiday through something as avoidable as being wet and cold.

For heads, the absolute best is a Merino balaclava as a base layer with another hat on top. But two hats (one thin, one thick) and a neck scarf is something you're more likely to have. For hands, gloves are shit compared to mittens. Two pairs of mittens. Layering is as effective for heads and extremities as it is for your core.

My coat year round is a completely uninsulated Didriksons raincoat. The mid layers change, but the raincoat is the key. Ideally have waterproof and windproof trousers with you and some solid winter boots appropriate for snow, ice, slush or puddles.

I've recently gone the other way and bought an Icewear Reykjavik coat (ships from Iceland) to use in the UK. Cost a ridiculous amount, I know, but by all the gods it's warm. Maybe you could buy something similar while you're there?

Remember to look after your face - my skin became painfully chapped and it wasn't even particularly cold

Right this is great!

I have a plan. I will take rab coat and wear it if I need to. I will also take my TNF waterproof and under layers.

I have a merino buff, and lined TNF hat, usb hand warmers, thin thermal e tip liner gloves and some TNF insulate gloves. I have cashmere and merino sock and sorel explore Joan boots. I have thermal "waterproof "joggers (Amazon) and under leggings from primark and a thermal base layer from sainbos.

I will pack jeans and jumper, a TNF zip fleece, a gilet and some cheap both from primark.

For the skin I just got the new cerace repair ointment ad have avene cicalfate.

I think I'm going to be ok!

Make sure you can remove your layers quickly, everywhere is toasty warm inside as the underground therms make heating cheap.

Leave room in your case to take alcohol, fruit and snacks, it's eye wateringly expensive!