What I wore while adventuring in Iceland’s extreme conditions and why it matters

Packing for Iceland is always an exercise in balance, layers that work across extremes, from horizontal snowstorms and gnarly winds to unbelievable still days as high pressures arrive and calm descends. On this trip, it was a joy to test out some of BAM Clothing’s sustainable layers and they proved to be beyond idea, offering warmth, breathability and that all-important ease of movement while photographing, hiking and aurora-chasing in some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. I’ve been wearing BAM’s leggings since 2019 and I love them, living and working in them all year around and so it was amazing to add in some more layers in some of the most challenging spaces which I shoot in.

Clothing that moves with the wild edges of Iceland

Why versatility matters in unpredictable conditions

One day, it was -12°C with winds so strong they stole the air from my lungs and were close to taking me straight off my feet. Another, it was crisp and still, the kind of quiet that makes every footstep sound in the snow sound like a percussion section as it crunches away! I am an absolute advocate for wearing layers that adapt effortlessly to these vastly different conditions. BAM Clothing’s pieces aren’t just warm, they move with the body, allowing for seamless layering and regulating temperature perfectly, whether bracing against icy winds or peeling back layers in more serene conditions.

Sustainability at the heart of adventure

I made a decision some years ago to aim to buy clothing I needed from ethical brands and this is what drew me to my first pair of BAM leggings all those years ago. It’s about making choices that tread lightly while giving excellent functionality that allows for full immersion in wild places. I’ve been intentional for years about investing in pieces that last, choosing brands that align with my values of rewilding connection to nature. BAM Clothing’s commitment to ethical, sustainable production means every piece is created with care, without compromising on performance.

BAM Clothing’s commitment to ethical, sustainable production

This means every piece is created with care, without compromising on performance. Their approach to sustainability goes beyond fabric choice; with them being B Corp Certified, it is woven into every stage of their process. They use bamboo, a fast-growing, regenerative resource that requires significantly less water than cotton. Alongside other innovative low-impact materials to reduce their environmental footprint. Their closed-loop production methods help minimise waste, and they are constantly evolving to develop circular solutions. Including take-back schemes and garment recycling initiatives to keep clothing in use for longer.

Beyond their materials, BAM Clothing actively works to reduce carbon emissions, track their supply chain impact and ensure fair working conditions at every level. Their Climate Positive initiative sets ambitious goals to remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they produce. Moving beyond carbon neutrality into tangible positive impact. Transparency is at the core of their mission. With each product lifecycle carefully considered, from responsible sourcing to ethical production and long-term durability.

For me, choosing BAM Clothing is about more than performance gear, it’s about investing in clothing that reflects a deeper respect for nature, adventure and responsibility. Their commitment to sustainability means that every step taken outdoors in their gear is a step toward a more considered, connected and regenerative way of moving through the world.

My essential BAM Clothing layers for Iceland

Base layers: the foundation of warmth

Starting with a strong base layer is non-negotiable in extreme cold. The Sudbrook Slim Fit Base Layers in Fog and Azurite Blue were my go-to, providing breathable warmth without bulk. They are so, SO soft and I’ve been wearing them on repeat since I got home! Over this, the Intensity Zip-Neck Base Layer added an extra shield against the elements. The length of the body on these reaches all the way down to the top of my legs. Adding an extra layer across and area that is normally not used to this, with me being 6 foot tall, this just helps to keep cosy! And speaking of cosy, the thumbholes in both of these base layers were a game-changer. They made it easy to put on and keeping sleeves tucked securely into gloves. So, no icy drafts creeping in, just a cocoon of warmth.

Leggings that never let me down

Since 2019, the Enduro Sculpting Leggings have been a staple in my wardrobe. Whether under insulated trousers for stormy days or worn alone in milder weather, they move with me. Never restricting, never uncomfortable.

As someone who needs clothing that supports sensory comfort, these are a non-negotiable part of my kit. I am both ADHD and autistic, so sensory comfort is essential to how I experience the world. Therefore, clothing is an integral part of that. Anything that feels too tight or too stiff is distractingly uncomfortable. I literally feel like my clothes are loud and it is a really dysregulating experience.

These leggings have become a staple part of my wardrobe. Allowing me to move freely, focus fully and stay present in the wild places I love to document. Whether crouching low for a shot, climbing over rugged terrain or standing still for long periods, they provide the perfect balance of support and ease. Adapting to my body without becoming loose or see through. In a world that often demands constant adjustment, finding gear that works seamlessly with my needs is an essential part of how I move, create and connect.

A fleece that felt like home

Iceland’s landscapes shape everything about how I dress, so I loved that BAM’s Relaxed Round Neck Fleece was named ‘Seaweed’. Being a coastliner from Ramsgate in Kent, I have an absolute love of seaweed, so it felt very aligned! What surprised me most, though, was just how warm this fleece was. On one particular day, when the wind unexpectedly dropped, I realised I didn’t need my usual Arctic coat. Layered over the two base layers I’d already mentioned, with my hat and gloves, this fleece kept me toasty. Which is something I hadn’t anticipated in Iceland’s wintery conditions hovering around zero deg c. It was a reminder of how well-designed, thoughtfully made layers can provide incredible warmth without bulk. Allowing for the freedom to move, explore and shoot without feeling weighed down.

Simplifying decisions with a minimalist wardrobe

Reducing decision fatigue through intentional choices

After my AuDHD (autistic ADHD) diagnosis, I re-evaluated everything, including my wardrobe. Sensory-friendly, easy-to-layer clothing became a priority, reducing executive function overwhelm and allowing me to focus on what really matters, being present in the moment. My system is simple: black leggings, jeggings or joggers on the bottom and then whatever colours you choose on top will always match. BAM leggins have been the cornerstone to my minimalist wardrobe and it has been really transformation to remove some of the decisions you have to make each day.

Choosing well and choosing once

The principle is simple: buy well, buy once. Iceland reinforced this again. Every piece I packed was chosen for longevity, functionality and sustainability. Clothing should never be disposable. BAM Clothing is proof that performance and sustainability go hand in hand.

What I wore: Here’s a quick and easy list of the beautiful layers that kept me cosy in Iceland:

Enduro Sculpting Leggings – 16 (Black)
Sudbrook Slim Fit Base Layer – 16 (Fog)
Intensity Zip-Neck Base Layer – 16 (Marabou Print)
Relaxed Round Neck Fleece – Large (Seaweed)
Sudbrook Slim Fit Base Layer – 16 (Azurite Blue)
Sculpting Training Top – 16 (Black)
Enduro High Waisted Crossover 7/8 Leggings – 16 (Canopy)
Women’s Origin Bamboo Vest – 16 (Fog)

Exploring Iceland’s shifting landscapes requires clothing that adapts to ever changing weather. BAM Clothing’s sustainably made, thoughtfully designed pieces provided warmth, comfort and ease, ensuring every layer moved with me as I shot and explored. The colours mirrored the land, I love how the blues in the tops were almost identical to the waterfall blues!

Disclaimer: This post is part of a collaboration with BAM Clothing, but every word reflects genuine experience and insight. These are pieces I would recommend wholeheartedly, regardless of any partnership, as I have faithfully worn their clothing since 2019.