Blurred seasons
It is all about layering
In Iceland, the seasons are constantly merging. It can be difficult to see a clear difference between winter, summer, spring, or fall. That is where we come in.
Our products are just as home in the summer time as they are in the winter time. Whether on a sunny day in June or a cold December morning, our clothes will help you embrace the elements. The answer simply lies in layering.
The foundation of layering is to utilize different materials and insulation to provide warmth and breathability that can be adapted for all seasons.
During spring and summer, Icelanders usually begin to follow weather forecasts carefully and look for opportunities to drive to the countryside for camping and other outdoor activities. This is what is commonly known in Iceland as following the weather. But even though you do a decent job of following the weather, it can change from being sunny to stormy in a matter of minutes. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for anything and to do that, you must have the right gear.
As any Icelander will tell you, staying warm and dry is all about layering. The standard layering system consists of three parts: a weatherproof outer layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a comfort-focused base layer.
We have put together a layering guide that will help you to prepare for all weather conditions, no matter what season.
Outer-layers
Outer-layers
A layering system is only as effective as its outer layer - and the best outer layers aren’t ski jackets. In fact, you don’t need a “ski jacket” at all. Lightweight, versatile shell jackets make the best barriers, blocking out the wind and snow to protect you from the often unforgiving elements outdoors.
Shell fabrics range from water-resistant synthetics to fully waterproof membrane fabrics, each balancing protection with breathability to provide comfort when the weather turns. Those seeking total protection should look for garments made of Gore-Tex® Pro™ and NeoShell®. These thick and durable outer-layer fabrics ensure that wearers stay warm and dry, even if they end up in the snow.
Insulated outer-layers
Mid-layers
While the outer layer makes sure you stay warm and dry, the mid-layer is what actually keeps you warm.
Mid-layers utilize insulation technologies like down, fleece, and synthetic fill to retain warm air around your core. The Ok down jacket and Öxi Power Fill™ jacket combine fleece and stretch fabrics on the sleeves for comfort and flexibility in a variety of colder situations. Standalone fleece jackets such as Hrannar will also provide great insulation in milder temperatures.
Base-layers
The base layer is the foundation of the layering system. Yours should be the best.
Base layers are athletic garments that use soft, ultra-fine fibres to wick moisture away from the body and into the air. This heightens the breathability of the layering system overall, with the added bonus of managing the clammy feeling after hard runs. An essential first dose of warmth, our Básar Merino Wool and Grettir Polartec® Power Dry® base layers work extremely well for temperature regulation no matter what the thermometer reads.
Mid-layers
Base-layers
Accessories
A layering system without a good pair of gloves won’t keep you warm for long. Our Langjökull winter gloves are Primaloft lined and rain-resistant, giving you comfort in any extreme.
As for your head, the Básar Merino Wool balaclava and Dyngja wool blend beanie will allow you to create a nice seal for the heat rising from your core, and provide a soft wind barrier over your ears.
Finally, when out skiing, the long-length Primaloft ski socks will keep your feet insulated and ready to take on any mountain.
Accessories
Laugardalur collection
The Laugardalur capsule reflects the blurred seasons of Iceland. The pattern is created from an enlarged image of the Icelandic landscape, resulting in a pixelated and blurred pattern.