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Your Essential Packing List for Iceland Adventures You’ll Never forget.

Is it almost time for your trip to Iceland? Make sure that you check our list on what to pack for a trip to Iceland. Whether you’re planning to visit Iceland in the summer or winter, packing the right clothes and gear can make a huge difference to your experience.

In this article we’ll give you tips on what to pack to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Some items might feel a bit obvious, but others will be essential for a pleasant stay in Iceland. And we will also share a huge mistake we made, so hopefully you won’t experience the same trouble.

Iceland is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and adventure. But to truly enjoy all that this country has to offer, you need to pack the right clothing. Iceland’s climate is unpredictable and ever-changing, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Do you have your suitcase open? Let’s pack!

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Skogafoss
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Jokulsarlon Iceberg Lagoon
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Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

What Should be on your Packing List for Iceland?

Clothing

First things first, let’s talk about clothing. Iceland’s weather can be quite unpredictable, so it’s important to pack a variety of clothes to be prepared for all conditions. Even in the summer, temperatures can be chilly, so it’s always a good idea to bring a warm sweater or jacket. In the winter, you’ll definitely want a good quality wintercoat, as well as warm gloves, a hat, and waterproof boots. Layering is key, so pack a variety of clothes that you can mix and match depending on the weather.

Let’s be a bit more detailed on the clothing you should bring.

No Umbrella

One item that you may be surprised to hear you should leave behind when packing for Iceland is an umbrella. While umbrellas are a common item to pack for any trip, they are not practical for Iceland. The country experiences frequent rain and strong winds, making umbrellas impractical and often useless. Instead, you should pack waterproof clothing, including a rain jacket and pants, and a good quality waterproof backpack to protect your belongings.

Base Layers

When packing for Iceland, it’s important to start with a good set of base layers. These are the layers that will be closest to your skin and help regulate your body temperature. We recommend bringing thermal underwear (both tops and bottoms) during the winter months. Thermal underwear is not needed anymore from Spring through Autumn, but always check ahead for exceptions.

Insulating Layers

Insulating layers are the ones that will keep you warm and cozy in Iceland’s chilly climate. Fleece jackets, wool sweaters, and down jackets are all great options for insulating layers. The key is to choose layers that are lightweight and packable, so you can easily add or remove layers as needed.

Waterproof outer Layers

Iceland is known for its rain, so it’s important to bring waterproof outer layers to keep you dry. A good waterproof jacket and pants are essential for any trip to Iceland. Look for jackets with sealed seams and waterproof zippers for added protection.

Hats, gloves and scarfs

Don’t forget to pack accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves. These items are essential for keeping you warm in Iceland’s cold weather. Choose materials like wool or fleece for added warmth, and look for gloves with touchscreen compatibility so you can still use your phone without taking them off.

Hiking Boots

Iceland’s rugged terrain requires sturdy and comfortable hiking boots. Make sure you pack a pair that’s waterproof, has good traction, and offers ankle support. We recommend breaking in your boots before your trip to ensure maximum comfort on long hikes.

On a personal note: we didn’t bring hiking boots, but wore good walking shoes. This was enough for all the hiking we did. For a glacier walk you need the proper hiking boots to fasten the crampons on, so we needed to rent these for the tour.

Swimsuits

Don’t let Iceland’s cold weather keep you from experiencing its famous hot springs and geothermal pools. Pack a swimsuit so you can take a dip and relax in Iceland’s natural hot springs. Many of Iceland’s hot springs require a swimsuit, so be sure to check before you go. Also always keep a towel standby for when you spot a hot spring somewhere along your route.

  • Top Tip: Our absolute favorite natural hot spring was Hrunalaug Hot Spring in the Golden Circle area. We definitely recommend you including this in your day of visiting Geysir and Gullfoss. You pay a little bit with the owner of the land and then walk down a path into the valley. There is a little shed to get dressed. There are three small pools and it is amazing. Bring a towel.
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Hrunalaug Hot Spring
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This view!
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Kvernufoss Waterfall

What Else should be on Your Packing List for Iceland?

Gear

Next up, let’s talk about gear. If you’re planning to go hiking or exploring in Iceland’s beautiful natural landscapes, you’ll want to make sure you have the right gear. Lik we already said in the clothing section; a good pair of hiking boots is essential, as well as a waterproof backpack to carry your gear. You might also want to bring a waterproof camera or a waterproof case for your phone to capture those beautiful moments without worrying about water damage. Here are some things to consider bringing:

  • Waterproof backpack
  • Waterproof camera case for DSLR cameras
  • Lightweight tripod to get some great “selfies” on the rugged ground
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Powerbank for your phone
  • Travel Power adapter for when you visit outside of Europe
Dennis Stufr

“Learn from my mistake: bring a waterproof case for your DSLR camera for when you visit the waterfalls. I took my Canon DSLR when walking behind the waterfalls and it got wet. Not a little bit, a lot! This damaged my lens. Water made a little stain inside the lens which gave a blur when zooming on the right side of all my pictures.

Most phones are waterproof these days. So maybe keep your DSLR in your backpack when walking behind or close to a waterfall and use your phone.”

Dennis

Toiletries and Medications

Don’t forget your toiletries and medications! Iceland can be quite remote, so it’s important to bring any medications you might need with you. You’ll also want to pack sunscreen and lip balm, as well as any other personal care items you might need.

On the road

You can easily use your phone for navigation. It can be wise to download the map of Iceland in Google Maps, since some parts of Iceland have bad cell-reception. But we didn’t encounter any problems with this during our full circle ring road trip. And there is no need to add the extra costs of a navigation device to your car rental bill.

You can refill your water bottle at any tap. The water in Iceland is so clean, buying bottled water in supermarkets is simply a waste of money and plastic.

Iceland is not filled with restaurants and supermarkets everywhere. No panic, there is enough along the way, but it can be wise to have some food in the car to take with you on hikes etc. We can advice you to buy a bag of chocolate licorice candy. The come in the shape of little balls. It’s a traditional Icelandic combination of flavors and we loved it.

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Studlagil Canyon
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Kirjufell
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Black Church
Check out our guide on how to plan your trip to Iceland

That’s it for our packing list for Iceland! We hope this blog post has been helpful and that you’re feeling prepared for your upcoming adventure. Let us know in the comments if you have any other packing tips for Iceland. We wish you a great time at this dream destination.

Check out our 10 day Full Circle Road Trip Vlog

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