Rain Gear: How to Stay DRY in Iceland

Between semi-constant spitting rain and misty waterfalls, it's SO important to pack rain gear if you're traveling to Iceland. You're gonna want to stay dry from head to toe - if your clothes get wet, you won't want to keep adventuring (and we can't have that!) In this video, I talk about the 5 pieces of rain gear to bring to Iceland.

☔ Rain Gear I recommend in this video:

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[wanderawaywithsirikay]

Jeanie, this was the most helpful packing list for couple reasons: you showed us each item, and you interspersed clips of real people (you+) in the situations where one would need these things. My hubby and i have been struggling with do we need waterproof pants (so ugly), do we need high top hiking boots vs our trail runners etc. This was just really informative. Thank you. Really love the backpack cover!

[shaunathomas]

Me and REI have become best friends in our vacation prep. My son is now wearing his full rain suit to school when it’s storming in the Midwest.

[prettymiffedbrit]

Ankle support is so important. It is the difference between a tricky hike and a broken ankle.

[yzScott]

I am an offshore sailor with ocean rated Gore-Tex. That gear was flawless in Iceland. Breathable, completely water-proof, and designed to go over layers. If you own Gore-Tex (or one of its competitors), take it.

[Malember]

Good raingear will usually be rated in terms of both water resistance and breathability. The rating looks something like "15K/10K". If the item has no listed rating, I would avoid buying it.

Usually, raingear is standardized tested for 5K/10K/15K/20K water resistance levels ("roughly" equivalent to light rain, moderate rain, heavy rain, and storm driven rain).

Water resistance ratings refer to how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before water penetrates. For example, a 15K rating means that the fabric, when placed over a 1-inch diameter tube filled with water, can withstand 15, 000 mm of pressure before letting the water in.

Breathability is also measured in K ratings. However, this measurement refers to the amount of water that escapes the clothing over a 24-hour period. A 15K breathability rating means that 15, 000 grams of water vapor will escape in 24 hours. Preferred breathability ratings tend to be a very personal choice, everyone sweats at a different rate.

Additionally, some manufacturers do additional testing to get an exact failure point - when you see something rated to 7K for example, this was found through "extra" testing. Some fabrics can have water resistance ratings of 30K or higher, yet those tend to be expensive, such as Gortex.

Notes: Seams should be sealed, so that the garment doesn't leak at the seams. The outermost fabric layer will need to have its DWR (water repellent) renewed periodically. There are many products for this, such as Fjällräven's Greenland Wax and Nikwax Tx Direct. Never use a fabric softener on most membranes. The point is even expensive gear can fail if not maintained.

In order to save money while staying dry, you might consider fishing gear when on sale or when product lines get re-modelled. I provide an example below:

Here is a typical use comparison case: In the US, Eskimo's Superior line (what I use ice fishing) is 15K/15K rated and their product lines have water resistance ratings from 5K to 15K. Aftco's water resistance ranges from 10K to 30K on their product lines. Aftco's older style Hydronaught that I use is rated as 20K/7K. The newer model is rated to 30K/7K. By way of a pricing example, the older model Hydronaught is still sold directly from Aftco until stock runs out at considerable savings - $179 vs the normal $299, reinforcing my earlier comment. Both manufacturers make clothing up to the large "US 5X" size, which is also rarely done.

Sorry for the long post.

[markkaroo]

Really love your channel. You've mastered a good balance between narration shots and video content clips. You're also straight to the point with the fluff. Love it. Hoping your channel grows!

[dsloop]

I have FrogTogs. It is waterproof, and breaths, moisture does not build up while wearing it. Military surplus rain gear (Goretex) is the best if you can find it.

[kingsgaurd]

We will be in Reykjavik two weeks from today. We have collected all our water proof gear and am just counting down the dqys. Iceland has been a "bucket list" trip for a long time.

[wongjefx]

I have both as well. Water resistant does not hold in moisture but may need DWR spray or wax product to keep up resistance. Some are marked waterproof because they have a plastic liner that wears out over time. In jungle I pack water proof poncho, but with Iceland wind, probably useless. Have waterproof bag for camera…basically like freezer bag to shoot in rain, but probably not going to shoot in rain anyway.

[sarahsouth]

Moving to Iceland in a couple of months for grad school. Your channel is becoming my go-to for useful info. Thank you so much!

[stephaniewillborn]

I appreciate your videos! Love that you intersperse clips of you out hiking. I would love to know where the locations are that you showed. That huge waterfall and the rock sculpture (? formations?) right after were gorgeous.

[galadaftary]

I took your advice on the waterproof gear and was so happy that I did. A lot of people on my trip didn’t get your list and they were soaked and cold. Loved Iceland.

[yogalandawellnessyolandati]

Starting to get Info planning for a trip next year, you definitely have the best Iceland channel! Thank you so very much for all the tips ❤

[anathema]

Am planning a photography trip next year in march in a motorhome, and your videos help a lot !!!Thanks you so much !!!
Chears from Greece

[miliba]

Ive also used compression bags to pack the gear tightly

[sangeetaroy]

Heyy Jeannie, thank you for your packing list recommendations. My husband and I just returned from Iceland and am so glad to have packed the rain gear. It helped us keep dry not only at the falls but also at Reynisfjara beach, and Dyrhólaey, where it was raining hard and super windy. Thanks for your guide and maps too! I felt that it would help a lot of us a little more in planning if you could also mention the distance, time required to walk, (rather than just total time spent) and difficulty level.but definitely your detailed guide and your gems helped us see much more of Iceland.☺

[edwardjanssens]

Thanks for yet another nice video!
My personal wet weather tip: pack an extra pair of socks :)

[edl]

Iceland is not only unpredictably wet, but it can also be very windy. We brought waterproof/water resistant gear for hiking, but they also help block the wind. Waterproof jacket and pants with layers beneath can often work better than a just single, thicker jacket.

[senju]

Thank you! I was so nervous about the waterproof pants. I’ll just wear warm pants!

[bluenorthnw]

So in other words, dress for Seattle for about 8 months of the year . . .