Þórsmörk since 2006

Úlpa

A must-have to survive the harsh Icelandic weather. Everyone here has one. A large, warm winter coat. Not quite a parka. Not quite a coat. A concept entirely of its own.

Some Icelandic words used to describe the concept are loosely translated as ‚stormjacket‘ and ‚blizzardparka‘. That should give you a hint at the concept. First and foremost, an úlpa has to keep you warm. Preferably extremely warm. An úlpa is equally at home in a blizzard in the highlands as in a summertime camping trip, as the bright nights can come with a gnawing cold.

The 66°North team sat down with three Icelanders from different walks of life who have stayed true to their Þórsmörk úlpa for years. Whether they‘re zipping around the city or traversing glaciers, Þórsmörk is always there.

What I like about it is that it looks better with the passing of time.

Sigurður Freyr Björnsson, film maker

Þórsmörk Parka since 2011

Sigurður needs a úlpa in his line of work, as he has to endure extended stays in all kinds of weather.

„I got mine in 2011. As a filmmaker, I work a lot outdoors. I‘m always up to something in the winter. We‘ve had shoots in the Westfjords as well as North Iceland. Often they‘re on glaciers. So I was in need of a good úlpa. It‘s so important in this kind of environment. Preferably one that reaches below the waist and covers one really well. That‘s how this úlpa came into my life. I always needed one, and this one was just the right fit. Then, I also just thought it looked nice. What I like about it is that it looks better with the passing of time. It gets a bit of a worn feel.“

When has it proven its qualities?
„Especially when we are on set on a glacier, such as when we‘re shooting at Langjökull or Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. When it‘s cold out and we‘re experiencing a bit of a blizzard, Þórsmörk has done its part. We‘ve also been in these situations in the Westfjords. I‘ve held tightly onto this úlpa. I haven‘t found the need for a new one. It‘s in good condition. I clean it once per year, after that she‘s ready for anything.“

„Sometimes I take it with me in the summertime, especially when I go to the highlands. It can get cold then, especially in the backyard of the glaciers, such as around Vatnajökull glacier and in the Fjallabak area. I‘ll put it on once it reaches 3-5°C. It happens every now and then during the summer. It‘s just around 3-4°C around Landmannalaugar hot springs during the night. I venture into the highlands a lot, and I‘ll take it with me. It‘s very cosy as one can then sit outside in the nighttime. It‘s bright out but it‘s cold. Then the wool and úlpa really do their part.“

It‘s gone through secondary school, five years of law school and now it‘s hit the job market

Snorri Sigurðsson, lawyer

Þórsmörk Parka since 2009

Snorri is Reykjavík through and through. His Þórsmörk úlpa has followed him through era after era in his life, a trusty companion in the city life.

„I bought it in 2009 when the family was heading abroad. I started secondary school in 2010 and it was most likely bought for that. It‘s incredible that a garment bought in 2009 has been put to use every day throughout the winter. It looks as good as new. It‘s gone through secondary school, five years of law school and now it‘s hit the job market. It‘s thirteen going on thirty!“

„I use it throughout the winter. I‘ve used it more and more in the last two years since I bought myself an electric scooter. It can get freezing cold in the wind. So I put on the úlpa and dart away. I used it every single day in secondary school. Naturally, the weather was bad every day. Disgusting, really.“

When has it proven its qualities?
„One of the more memorable moments is when I went with my mate to see the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010. It was ridiculously cold. We never made it up to the eruption itself as the rescue workers stopped everyone 100 metres away from where we could see it. They made us walk all that way, however.

„People have stopped their car in the street and shouted to me, ‚Can you sell me your úlpa?‘.

Eva Thu Huong Jóhannsdóttir, business graduate

Þórsmörk Parka since 2007

Eva is part of the 66°North team. She sees her Þórsmörk úlpa as a gem that she‘s not letting go of any time soon. When Eva calls upon her again, she knows Þórsmörk will be ready.

„I got mine in 2007 so it‘s ancient. I thought it was spectacular as it is camouflaged. I‘ve got it in storage now but I can‘t bear to sell it or give it to someone. I used it a lot until 2015, and it got me through secondary school.“

„People have stopped their car in the street and shouted to me, ‚Can you sell me your úlpa?‘. Because it is so special. I just thought ‚Who is this?‘ and of course, I refused as it is so amazing.“

„I wore it everywhere. When I went to parties I just wore it over my dress. Camping, nights out, work. Just everywhere. I used it for eight years straight and it completely saved me. It‘s still in really good condition. I‘m kind of hoping for camouflage to become a trend again. Once the time comes, I have this amazing úlpa ready. Doesn‘t fashion go round in circles? At least I know that 66°North will never die out.“


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Þórsmörk

One of 66°North’s most popular garments is the Þórsmörk Arctic parka. It has been a staple of Icelandic everyday life since 2006.