Are you planning a trip to Iceland in winter and looking for the best coats to keep you warm? This article offers you an in-depth overview of the best ethical winter jackets that will help you explore this wonderful island whilst making your time outdoors more sustainable.
Iceland in winter is magical and has been one of my favourite places: the waterfalls are frozen, the roads are icy, and the mountains are all covered with snow. A true winter paradise for explorers!
However, the weather on the island at that time of year can be unpredictable, from extreme temperatures to snowstorms. That is why dressing appropriately and finding the right winter coat is necessary. And I am here to help!
I have selected the best eco-responsible outdoor jackets (for women and men) that will allow you to discover Iceland in winter (from October to April) whilst protecting you from the cold and rain and having less impact on the environment.
Therefore, pack mindfully and enjoy your trip on the incredible Iceland Ring Road whatever the season!
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Overview:
The Best Ethical Coat for Iceland in Winter
- Women’s best winter coat for Iceland = Nuuk Parka
- Men’s best winter coat for Iceland = Singi Wool Padded Parka
Best Ethical Coats for Iceland in Winter / Women
| Coat | Description | price |
| Nuuk Parka – Fjӓllrӓven / LINK | Features: Durable, wind and waterproof, warming Supreme Micro Loft filling, fleece-lined hand warming pockets. Environmental info: Fluorocarbon-free impregnation. | £££ |
| Jackson Glacier Parka – Patagonia / LINK | Features: Insulated with 700-fill-power recycled down, durable water repellent (DWR) finish, windproof. Environmental info: Recycled polyester, recycler down, non-fluorinated DWR. | ££ |
| Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket – Rab / LINK | Features: Waterproof and windproof fabric, breathable and lightweight, insulated with hydrophobic down. Environmental info: Fluorocarbon-free DWR, Responsible Down Standard certified. | ££ |
| Nebulas Insulated Jacket – Finisterre / LINK | Features: Waterproof, fully recycled insulation A-form fill, microfibre-lined hand pockets. Environmental info: 100% recycled polyester, fluorocarbon-free DWR finish. | £ |
Best Ethical Coats for Iceland in Winter / Men
| Coat | Description | price |
| Singi Wool Padded Parka – Fjӓllrӓven / LINK | Features: Durable, weather-resistant G-1000 Lite Eco, insulated with renewable Swedish wool padding. Environmental info: Fluorocarbon-free impregnation, Organic, Recycled. | £££ |
| Jackson Glacier Parka – Patagonia / LINK | Features: Insulated with 700-fill-power recycled down, durable water repellent (DWR) finish, weather and windproof. Environmental info: Recycled polyester, recycler down, non-fluorinated DWR. | ££ |
| Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket – Rab / LINK | Features: Waterproof and windproof fabric, breathable and lightweight, insulated with hydrophobic down. Environmental info: Fluorocarbon-free DWR, Responsible Down Standard certified. | ££ |
| Borealis Waterproof Jacket – Finisterre / LINK | Features: Waterproof with FC-free DWR finish, fully recycled insulation polyester, durable and lightweight. Environmental info: 100% recycled polyester, fluorocarbon-free DWR finish. | £ |
Women’s Ethical Winter Coats For Iceland
1- Nuuk Parka – Fjӓllrӓven
A warm, comfortable, stylish and durable parka with many practical pockets.
Nuuk Parka is a comfortable and eco-responsible outdoor coat that will protect you from wind, rain and cold winter temperatures.
This long parka is my favourite item for winter expeditions and keeps me incredibly warm.
Nuuk Parka has many practical pockets, including spacious bellow pockets and handwarmer pockets (my favourites!), two zipped chest pockets and a media player pocket on the sleeve. On the inside part of the parka, you can find two mesh pockets, a phone pocket with an opening for earphones (perfect for hiking or skiing) and a safety pocket.
In addition, this Fjӓllrӓven winter coat has a fixed hood with soft fleece lining and removable artificial fur to keep snowstorms away from your face.
Although this parka is an investment, it is the most useful when travelling to Nordic countries and will last you forever. I have been wearing it for over two years, and I do not regret the purchase!
- Insulation: Supreme microloft (100% polyester)
- Sustainability: Fluorocarbon-free impregnation
- Price: £££
2- Jackson Glacier Parka – Patagonia
Sleek and warm with seamless baffles, this technical parka is highly protective.
Jackson Glacier Parka is a technical yet sophisticated coat that is warm, weather-resistant and wind-blocking. The perfect combination for a winter trip to Iceland!
Its 2-layer shell is made of 100% recycled polyester with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and insulated with 700-fill-power 100% recycled down, held in place with no-stitch bonded quilt lines that increase water repellency, which means it is high-quality and compressible.
This functional parka is impressively comfortable whilst feeling lightweight and keeping an incredibly slim profile.
- Insulation: 700-fill-power 100% recycled down
- Sustainability: Recycled polyester, recycler down, non-fluorinated DWR
- Price: ££
3- Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket – Rab
The ultimate warm and waterproof jacket with all the features you need to face winter.
Shelter from the rain in this warm, waterproof down jacket with a Pertex® Shield exterior and innovative bonded wall technology that keeps you dry and comfortable.
However wild the weather gets, your Valiance jacket is a welcome refuge from the storm.
With sealed seams and the highest quality 800 fill power ethically sourced hydrophobic down, this jacket is perfect for cold and changeable weather and will help you explore Iceland without getting wet, cold and uncomfortable.
In addition, stay protected from the rain with an insulated helmet-compatible hood, YKK® AquaGuard® zippers and adjustable cuffs and hem.
- Insulation: 800-fill-power ethically-sourced hydrophobic down
- Sustainability: Fluorocarbon-free DWR, Responsible Down Standard certified
- Price: ££
4- Nebulas Insulated Jacket – Finisterre
A warm and ethical jacket made with handwarmer pockets for cold days.
Lightweight and packable, the Nebulas Insulated Jacket is the warmest Finisterre coat, a perfect companion for visiting Iceland in winter.
This jacket uses A-form Finisterre Engineered Insulation padding to combine the look of down with the achievement of 100% recycled fluorocarbon-free polyester, which is windproof and water-resistant.
The relaxed puffer-style fit of the Nebulas is designed to be worn over your knitwear for maximum warmth, finished off with microfibre-lined pockets for cold hands.
- Insulation: 100% recycled polyester
- Sustainability: Recycled polyester, fluorocarbon-free DWR finish
- Price: £
Men’s Ethical Winter Coats For Iceland
1- Singi Wool Padded Parka – Fjӓllrӓven
Warm, durable winter parka with sustainable Swedish wool padding.
Singi Wool Padded Parka is the ultimate eco-friendly outdoor coat for men that will keep you away from wind, rain and cold winter temperatures.
Natural fibres are the primary provider of warmth in Singi Wool Padded Parka, insulated with renewable Swedish wool padding, in collaboration with Lavalan©.
In addition, its weather-resistant G-1000 Lite Eco and lengthy cut make it perfect for the outdoors in winter.
Finally, this parka uses Fjällräven G-1000, their hardwearing outdoor fabric that creates products able to stay in use for many years. Sustainability through longevity.
- Insulation: Renewable Swedish wool padding
- Sustainability: Fluorocarbon-free impregnation, organic, recycled
- Price: £££
2- Jackson Glacier Parka – Patagonia
Sleek and warm, this parka is the perfect blend of comfort and protection.
Jackson Glacier Parka is a technical yet sophisticated coat that is warm, weather-resistant and wind-blocking. The ideal combination for a winter trip to Iceland!
Its 2-layer shell is made of 100% recycled polyester with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and insulated with 700-fill-power 100% recycled down.
In addition, Jackson Glacier Parka offers an insulated and removable hood and many practical pockets with on-seam hand warmers.
This functional parka is impressively comfortable whilst feeling lightweight and keeping an incredibly slim profile to trap heat more efficiently and keep your entire body protected.
- Insulation: 700-fill-power 100% recycled down
- Sustainability: Recycled polyester, recycler down, non-fluorinated DWR
- Price: ££
3- Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket – Rab
A very weather-protective down jacket, built for tough winter conditions.
Shelter from the rain in this warm, waterproof down jacket with a Pertex® Shield exterior and innovative bonded wall technology that keeps you dry and comfortable.
However wild the weather gets, your Valiance jacket is a welcome refuge from the storm.
With sealed seams and the highest quality 800 fill power ethically sourced hydrophobic down, this jacket is perfect for cold and changeable weather and stands up to freezing temperatures, icy rain and snow without sacrificing your comfort.
In addition, stay protected with an insulated helmet-compatible hood, and YKK® AquaGuard® zipped handwarmer pockets.
- Insulation: 800-fill-power ethically-sourced hydrophobic down
- Sustainability: Fluorocarbon-free DWR, Responsible Down Standard certified
- Price: ££
4- Borealis Waterproof Jacket – Finisterre
The ultimate sustainable parka: technical, stylish, light and warm.
Lightweight and packable, the Borealis Waterproof Jacket is the perfect companion for visiting Iceland in winter.
Designed to be waterproof, insulated and durable, this coat for men is built to withstand the worst weather conditions.
The 2.5L shell fabric and the warm Finisterre Engineered Insulation padding are made from recycled polyester, topped off with an FC-free DWR finish, protecting you and the planet.
- Insulation: Recycled polyester
- Sustainability: Recycled polyester and fabrics, fluorocarbon-free DWR finish
- Price: £
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How cold is Iceland in winter?
Winters in Iceland usually have temperatures hovering around 0°c, which is not too bad, with cloudy and snowy days.
However, the weather can be unstable with unpredictable snowstorms and strong winds.
For example, the week before I visited Iceland in January, the weather was quite bad, and many roads were closed. Therefore, people were stuck in different parts of the island. Always check the conditions on this website before you travel: https://safetravel.is/conditions.
Looking for the most epic stops on the Golden Circle? Check out this article:
Iceland’s Golden Circle Guide: 13 Epic Stops
What to consider when buying a winter jacket?
When buying a winter jacket, consider what is best for you, your body and your needs.
Each jacket has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is best to do your research to make sure you buy the right winter coat for YOU.
If you visit Iceland in winter, I recommend looking for an insulated, wind and waterproof coat.
What is the difference between Down and Synthetic?
Down is the lightest and most compressible insulation, so if weight and size are essential to you, it is what you need. However, it is necessary to remember that down is not ideal in humid and wet conditions. That is why Rab jackets are hydrophobic.
There is a wide variety of proven synthetic insulations available on the market. Although this insulation may be heavier than down, it is just as warm, much more affordable and effectively resists moisture.
How to know if my coat is water-resistant?
Look for winter coats with a durable water-resistant (DWR) treatment.
To perform well, a winter jacket must have a weather-resistant outer shell that is either waterproof or treated with a DWR finish. This outer surface is your first line of protection against the elements, so make sure it is suitable for your destination.
What are other features to look for?
Make sure your jacket has an adjustable hood, as most body heat escapes through your head.
Pockets are also an essential part of your winter jacket. Having hand warmers and secure pockets is a must and keeps your coat functional.
Finally, choose a coat that fits you well and adapts to your destination and favourite activities. Give yourself enough room for extra layers.
Check out this page for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.
My experience visiting Iceland in January
Iceland during winter is simply beautiful – the waterfalls are frozen, the roads are icy, and the mountains are all covered with snow. It was very different from my first trip in spring. It was like discovering a new side of the island.
The sun was rising at 10am and setting at 5pm, which gave us enough time to explore during the day. And because of the short days, the sun was never really high in the sky, which created beautiful and soft colours.
The road conditions were good for us. Most of them were covered with snow and ice, but it was not bad, and I was not scared of driving. In all cases, do not drive fast! The maximum speed on the whole island is 90km/h and 80 on gravel roads. Always check the conditions before you travel, and in case of snowstorms, do not panic and go slow.
It is also the ideal time to visit ice caves and see the northern lights. Its location makes it one of the best places in the world to observe them.
Trust me, Iceland in winter is magical and something to experience once!
Looking for another winter getaway? Check out this article:
Travel Guide to Lapland, Finland in Winter
More inspiration for your green vacation:
- Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
- 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
- Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World
Eco-friendly gear you might love:
- 10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
- 10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
- 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking
Shop the editable travel packing list
Prepare for your perfect winter adventure and pack responsibly.
And you, what are your favourite winter coats and jackets for Iceland?
Let me know in the comments below!
With love ♡
Lucie
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