Rain Gear

RAIN SHELL OR HARD SHELL JACKET

A rain shell is one of the most important and useful items you should bring to Iceland or an any other outdoor adventure for that matter. When you get wet it makes it significantly harder to stay warm, especially in a place like Iceland.

These jackets are also windproof making them an ideal layer to throw over a t-shirt, a fleece or a puffy jacket. Despite their windproof nature, they also breath a little, expelling moisture from sweat so you can stay dry even while exerting yourself.

Though many companies now produce their own proprietary versions, the GORE-TEX brand name has become synonymous with this kind of waterproof yet breathable, or “hard shell,” material. Similar to how many people still refer to photocopier as a “Xerox machine.”

I won’t dive too deeply into the difference between hard shell and soft shell jackets. Just know that soft shell material is usually more stretchy, breathable and tear resistant, making it ideal for skiers and rock climbers, whereas hard shell material is more water resistant.

I own two of these, one made by TheNorthFace and another from Patagonia. I brought the former to Iceland because it was cheaper and therefore evokes less emotional attachment, but any waterproof hardshell will do.

THE NORTH FACE MILLERTON RAIN JACKET

I have actually owned two of these. I got the first one at an Eastern Mountain Sports back in 2007. After a few years the membrane on the inside started flaking off. I found out that the flaking problem is fairly common and is covered under their warranty.

I sent it in and even though it took a long time to process, after several phone calls and what seemed like hours of holding for a warranty representative, I finally got through. It took at least a couple months but to their credit, they mailed me a brand new jacket. And even though I can’t seem to locate it at the moment, that’s the jacket I brought to Iceland.

It’s a great jacket for the price and it has kept me dry many a time.

PATAGONIA TORRENTSHELL JACKET

On the surface the Torrentshell might seem like a similar jacket with a higher price, this is definitely a nicer jacket than the Millerton. It’s easy to tell once you feel the quality of the material and how nicely the seams are stitched together. It’s made with all around superior workmanship. I’ve owned this for almost two years and it has held up great, but only time will tell.

My one complaint is that the zipper inevitably catches on the fabric unless you run your finger over it as you zip it up. A small gripe, but it does get annoying, especially if I’m wearing thick gloves.

RAIN PANTS

When I was in Iceland I only wore these on the days when the rain was really torrential. I find that my legs get really hot when hiking in pants like this, which is why I prefer rain pants that either have lots of vents or unzip all the way down your leg.

For more information on waterproof materials see the section on Rain Shells.

REI CO-OP BRAND

They work. This is the kind of gear item that you’ll only use when you really need to. They get used a lot less often than your jacket so they’ll probably last a lot longer. I have had mine for ten years and they barely have any worn out spots.