Packing for Iceland can be confusing: the weather changes fast, the wind can be fierce, and you might experience sun, rain, and snow in a single day. Choosing the right clothing materials is the key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable—especially when you’re exploring the wild West of Iceland and staying with us at Ourhotels.is.
Below is a simple guide to the best clothing materials for Iceland, with tips tailored to guests visiting our three West Iceland locations: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn.
Wool – The Classic Icelandic Essential
Wool is the number one material for Iceland, and for good reason. It keeps you warm even when damp, breathes well, and naturally resists odour—perfect for multi-day trips.
• Why it’s great for Iceland:
– Excellent insulation in cold, windy conditions
– Stays warm even if it gets a bit wet from rain or sea spray
– Ideal for layering under a shell jacket
• When staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður:
The Borgarfjörður region can be chilly and breezy, especially near rivers and waterfalls. A wool base layer or a traditional Icelandic wool sweater (“lopapeysa”) is ideal for exploring the countryside during the day, then relaxing back at Hvítá Inn in the evening.
Merino wool is especially comfortable as a base layer—soft against the skin, warm, and quick-drying. It’s a smart choice for all three of our locations.
Merino Base Layers – Your Everyday Foundation
Your base layer is what sits closest to your skin, and it makes a huge difference in comfort. Merino wool is one of the best materials you can choose.
• Benefits of merino base layers:
– Regulates body temperature in both cold and mild weather
– Wicks moisture away from your skin
– Doesn’t smell easily, even after long days of hiking or sightseeing
Whether you’re walking around Stykkishólmur’s harbour, taking a boat tour among the islands, or strolling through Ísafjörður’s charming streets, a merino base layer under a light sweater or fleece will keep you comfortable all day.
Synthetic Fabrics – Practical and Quick-Drying
High-quality synthetic materials like polyester and polypropylene are also excellent for Iceland, especially for active travellers.
• Why synthetics work well:
– Dry very quickly if you get caught in rain or sea spray
– Lightweight and easy to pack
– Good for sports and outdoor activities
For guests at Stykkishólmur Inn, synthetic mid-layers and base layers are great for boat trips, kayaking, or coastal walks where you might get a bit wet. They’re also handy for layering under a waterproof shell on windy days.
Fleece – Lightweight Warmth
Fleece is a synthetic material that mimics some of the benefits of wool while being very light and fast-drying.
• Ideal uses in Iceland:
– Mid-layer over a merino base layer
– Extra warmth for evenings or windy days
– Easy to pack as a backup layer
In Ísafjörður, where the air can feel crisp even in summer, a fleece jacket is perfect for layering under a windproof or waterproof shell. After a day exploring the Westfjords, you’ll appreciate having something warm and cosy to slip into back at Ísafjörður Inn.
Down and Synthetic Insulation – For Colder Days
For colder seasons or late-night outings (like chasing the Northern Lights), an insulated jacket is essential. You can choose between natural down or synthetic insulation.
• Down jackets:
– Very warm and lightweight
– Pack down small
– Best in cold, dry conditions
• Synthetic insulated jackets:
– Better performance in wet conditions
– Still warm if slightly damp
– Often more affordable
In West Iceland, weather can shift quickly. A synthetic insulated jacket is often the safer all-round choice, especially if you’re planning to explore coastal areas around Stykkishólmur or the fjords near Ísafjörður. Pair it with a good shell and you’ll be ready for almost anything.
Waterproof and Windproof Shells – Your Outer Armour
No matter the season, a high-quality waterproof and windproof outer layer is one of the most important items you can bring to Iceland.
• Look for materials like:
– Gore-Tex or similar breathable membranes
– Fully taped seams
– Adjustable hood and cuffs
This outer shell protects you from rain, wind, and sea spray while allowing your inner layers (wool, fleece, or synthetics) to do their job. Whether you’re walking along the Hvítá river near Hvítá Inn, exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Stykkishólmur Inn, or heading out on a fjord-side hike from Ísafjörður Inn, a good shell jacket and pants will keep you comfortable in changing conditions.
Avoid Cotton – The “Cold Sponge”
Cotton might feel comfortable at home, but it’s not ideal for Iceland’s climate.
• Why to avoid cotton:
– Absorbs moisture and dries very slowly
– Loses its insulating properties when wet
– Can leave you feeling cold and clammy
This applies to cotton T-shirts, jeans, and even cotton socks. Instead, choose merino wool or synthetic alternatives for anything that touches your skin.
Socks, Hats, and Gloves – Small Items, Big Difference
The right accessories can transform your experience outdoors.
• Socks:
– Choose merino wool or synthetic hiking socks
– Avoid cotton socks, especially for long walks or hikes
• Hats and gloves:
– A wool or fleece hat is essential, even in summer
– Windproof or waterproof gloves are useful in colder months
These items are especially important in the Westfjords around Ísafjörður, where wind and chill can be more intense, and on open coastal areas near Stykkishólmur.
Layering: The Key to Comfort in Iceland
The real secret to dressing well in Iceland is layering. Instead of one heavy piece, combine several lighter layers made from the right materials:
1. Base layer: Merino wool or synthetic (for moisture management)
2. Mid-layer: Wool sweater or fleece (for insulation)
3. Outer layer: Waterproof, windproof shell (for protection)
This system lets you adjust easily as you move between indoor comfort at Ourhotels.is and the ever-changing outdoor conditions of West Iceland.
How Ourhotels.is Fits Into Your Iceland Packing Plan
Staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland puts you in the perfect position to explore diverse landscapes—from rivers and lava fields near Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, to the islands and coastline around Stykkishólmur Inn, to the dramatic fjords and mountains surrounding Ísafjörður Inn.
Because the weather can vary between these regions, packing the right materials becomes even more important. With wool, merino, synthetics, fleece, and a good shell, you’ll be ready for:
– Calm, sunny days by the river near Borgarnes
– Breezy harbour walks and boat tours in Stykkishólmur
– Fresh, cool evenings and fjord-side adventures in Ísafjörður
When you return to your room at one of our inns, you can dry your layers, warm up, and get ready for the next day’s adventures—knowing your clothing is working with the Icelandic weather, not against it.
By choosing the right materials and layering smartly, you’ll stay comfortable, enjoy more time outdoors, and make the most of your stay with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland.
