Warm feet on a trip to Iceland's glaciers

Short answer: Cold feet on a glacier trip usually come from moisture, fit and too few layers, not only the temperature. Choose soft, breathable socks, keep them dry and pack an extra pair.

Why the feet get cold

The feet are far from the heart and cool down fast. Moisture from sweat or wet snow pulls heat out of the foot. Dry feet stay warmer, so good socks are more about keeping moisture away than about being thick.

The sock next to the skin

Choose a soft sock without hard seams, especially at the toes and heel, where rubbing quickly causes sore spots on a long day. You can see a selection among the socks for women. The sock should sit smooth without folds, so it does not chafe inside the boot.

Fit in the boot

A boot that is too tight presses the blood away from the toes and makes them cold. If it is too loose, the foot rubs and the air loses its insulating effect. Try the boots on late in the day with the socks you will wear, and make sure the toes have room to move.

Layer on layer and a spare pair

Pack at least one extra pair of socks in a sealed bag, so you can change if the first ones get wet. Many choose a thin sock next to the skin and a thicker one over it, which adds warmth. Find more styles among the bamboo socks, and try the combination at home.

Keep the rest of the body warm

Cold feet often come from the rest of the body not being warm enough, because the body protects the core first. Wear a soft layer close to the upper body and add a warm sweater on top. You can see the options among the bamboo tops for women, which work as a first layer under a jacket.

Change during the breaks

When you take a break, sit down on a mat and take off your boots if conditions allow. Dry your feet with a clean cloth and change into dry socks if the old ones are damp. It takes a few minutes and can make the rest of the trip easier.

Dry the socks overnight

Hang the worn socks up in the tent or the hut so they can air dry, and never put them back into a wet boot. Leave the boots open so they can dry too. Dry socks in the morning are worth the effort.

Washing and care after the trip

Wash the socks following the care label, usually at a low temperature and without fabric softener, so the fabric does not lose its softness. Turn them inside out so the seams get clean. Let them dry completely before you put them away, so they are ready for the next trip without an old smell.

What else to think about

Icelandic weather can change fast, and a glacier trip calls for good boots, an experienced guide and the safety rules the organiser gives you. Always follow the instructions on site, and check the weather forecast before you set off.

Frequently asked questions

How many pairs of socks should I bring on a day trip?

Pack at least one extra pair in a sealed bag, so you can change if the first ones get wet. On multi day trips, one pair per day is a good rule of thumb, and you can dry them along the way.

Are thick socks always warmer?

No, because a sock that is too thick can squeeze the foot in the boot and reduce circulation. Choose a thickness that suits the boot, so you can still move your toes freely.

What do I do if my feet get wet in the middle of the trip?

Change into dry socks as soon as possible and dry the foot with a clean cloth. Keep wet and dry socks apart, and hang the wet ones up as soon as you arrive.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.