2026 Gear Review!
Having the appropriate equipment in Iceland is not only essential for keeping warm and and feeling safe, but also necessary to traverse the varying terrain and environment that changes with the seasons. My latest YouTube video explores this by detailing some of the most important pieces of equipment that I have come to own for travelling Iceland during the winter period! I find it really interesting looking back at when I first came here and what I considered to be important items at the time. Now, as things change and my usage of those things which I initially deemed important are no longer necessary, I find myself invested in equipment that I thought I would never really need.
Merino wool.
In my YouTube video, I talked a lot about merino wool and the importance/properties of merino wool. You might still be wondering why merino wool is so important, why it’s a staple of mine during winter and why is it also so expensive? If you are travelling to Iceland during the winter period there are a few things that need to be considered with regards to the cold. The first is how dry the air can be, at times there is no moisture in the air, skin can become very dry and start to crack if continuously exposed. The second factor is the wind and it’s pretty brutal in Iceland. Geographically, Iceland is a piece of land that sits at the intersection of the Arctic ocean and the North Atlantic ocean. This wind, which is brought down from the arctic and mixes with the cold and low pressure weather conditions. The result is a type of cold which feels much more aggressive and volatile than what standard weather reports might indicate. So for example, if the weather forecast is going to be -3 degrees the following days with unfavourable wind directions, then you can bet it will be much colder than -3!
So why merino wool? The properties of merino wool are quite incredible, as a base layer (the first layer of clothing that touches the skin) the difference in warmth is night and day! The structure of merino wool make garments quite light, strong and also very breathable! This type of structure allows breathability by wicking moisture very well, keeping you dry while expelling any sweat that may cause you to get sick or cold. Merino wool is a fantastic material because it holds body temperature at 37 degrees continuously, so if you layer up well you won’t run the risk of losing body heat in essential areas!
By far the best brand to invest in is Devold! A Norweigian company which specialises in merino wool products and manufacturing. Devold’s quality control is unique, in that they have direct contact with farmers who produce merino wool specifically for this company so you know that you are receiving a product which is not only 100% biodegradable, but also sustainable from source too consumer!
Here’s a link to Devold’s website! Find out more about their products and the importance of merino wool:
Mammut Trovat Explorer shoes
By far the best shoes that I have ever owned for hiking! The Trovat Explorer’s from Mammut are a great piece of equipment simply because of their construction and support. About a year ago I was in the market for a good pair of shoes that would allow me to feel more confident on harder trails, longer hikes and tougher peaks. I eventually settled on Mammut due to the fact that these specific type of shoes felt great with regards to their support. What was most surprising was the level of insulation and waterproofness ability that they had! If you are considering buying shoes like these, that are much tougher on the feet but serve a very specific purpose then I urge you to try out a pair of Mammut shoes. Different shoes work for different people, no everyone will like shoes from this brand and comfort is ultimately subjective. However, I cannot deny the quality and construction of this boot!
Key features of this boot is the great flexibility and ankle support as well as a tough front, providing you with good support when digging feet into ice with crampons and managing a variety of terrain.
Nortec Microspikes
The Nortec microcrampons or microspikes are more of a recent purchase and specific to the winter period itself or when traversing on the glacier. The difference between these smaller spikes and regular crampons are the fact that crampons are made specific for ice climbing and glacier trekking. Microspikes are smaller metal version of crampons which aim to help with stability and grip on uneven and slippery terrain. The use of microspikes are specific to the winter period due to the fact that they are not very healthy for the earth itself, digging into the ground and moss and breaking up the environment. During heavy period of snow for example, or when the ground calls of the use of this specific piece of equipment, safety of the individual is usually the very first thing that is considered.
Below are some images detailing how crampons are used on some of the most dangerous and hard surfaces for stability and overall function. The difference between microspikes and crampons are clearly visible in the amount of metal used and what purpose they are use for!
Creams and lotions
The final piece of equipment which I would like to briefly discuss are specific creams and lotions used for battling the cold. Why are creams important for moisturising? As mentioned above, during the winter period, the cold air is often devoid of any moisture and can cause your skin to become very dry and irritated. In my particular case it can be quite bad, especially on my lips and hands. In order to fight the cold, applying a good lotion to the body to prevent drying out is imperative for feeling comfortable throughout the day! Likewise, lips and hands are often the first to crack, so a good lotion which is limited in alcohol is great for reducing bleeding knuckles and chapped lips.
