Heading to Iceland and unsure what to pack? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! I’ve been exploring this incredible country for over a decade, in all seasons and in all sorts of weather. Steal my packing list for Iceland and get ready for an unbelievable adventure!
Here’s your packing guide for Iceland, plus a few secret tips!
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Packing Philosophy for a Trip to Iceland
I have a confession: I’m prone to overpacking. Even though I tend to wear the same few items over and over again when I travel. I’m also guilty of throwing last-minute ” just-in-case” items into my suitcase. But, multiple trips to Iceland have taught me to perfect my packing game.
Layers are Critical
You visit Iceland for its otherworldly natural beauty. This means lots of time outside in a country where the weather is at best unpredictable.
Expect rain, snow, sunshine, and rainbows, often all on the same day.
Always dress in layers. When the sun is out, peel a layer off and celebrate. When it’s rainy, cold, and overcast, your layers offer warmth and flexibility, helping to make your time in Iceland much more enjoyable.
Expect the worst
I am generally a glass-half-full kind of person, but when it comes to Icelandic weather, expect the worst. Yes, all those photos you see of blue skies and sunshine are real, but when it comes to packing for Iceland, expect windy weather and precipitation (rain and/or snow).
Rain jackets, hats, gloves, and something to cover your face against the wind are mandatory regardless of the season.
Be Colourful
Iceland’s landscape is dramatic and immense. Don’t be a dark little bleep in your photos, wear something colourful. I brought a bright pink rain jacket and some colourful hoodies so you can always spot me in photos.
Secret Packing Tips for Iceland
Two Bathing Suits
Iceland has several amazing geothermal lagoons. You need to visit at least one! But trust me, once you do, one visit won’t be enough. Hence, the two bathing suits! No one wants to pull on a cold, wet bathing suit, so bring two. Trust me on this!
While the Blue Lagoon is world famous, it’s also crowded, and the water is terrible on your hair. My two favourite geothermal lagoons are just outside of Reykjavik, and you can get a package that includes transportation. Check out Sky Lagoon and Hvammsvik.
Double Up on Footwear
Maybe it’s just me, but every time I’ve visited Iceland, I’ve gotten a soaker. Puddles, rain, and accidentally getting too close to the ocean while gazing at the baby icebergs on Diamond Beach have left me with cold, wet feet. Having a backup pair of shoes/boots is an Iceland packing hack that you don’t want to skip.
Small Suitcases
If you are going on an Icelandic road trip, chances are good that your rental car will have a teeny tiny trunk. Don’t overpack, and don’t bring a huge suitcase that might not fit. My packing list for Iceland can fit in a carry-on or small suitcase. Plus, the layers mean you’ll wear a lot of your wardrobe daily.
I typically use Expedia to search for the best-priced rental cars in Iceland. I’ve had good experiences with Avis and Blue Car, but my favourite is Lava Car Rental. Even though they are off-site, their customer service is top-notch.
Packing for Iceland
Outerwear
- A warm down jacket for winter (ideally hip to knee length) and a lighter down jacket for spring, summer and fall
- Waterproof shell or rain jacket
- Hat, gloves, scarf or buff
- Rain pants for summer and snow pants for winter – Optional
Most tourists in Iceland wear rain pants, all the time, every day. Given the unpredictable weather with a high chance of rain, rain pants are a good idea. But I’ve never owned a pair. I’m a fan of quick-dry hiking pants and yoga pants, based on aesthetics and comfort.
Clothing for a week in Iceland
- Fleece jacket
- Hoodie
- Sweater for evenings out in Reykjavik
- 3 – 4 pairs of pants: Quick dry hiking pants, fleece-lined joggers, yoga pants
- 3-4 long-sleeved t-shirts
- 2 t-shirts or tank tops – summer
- Base layer – long-sleeved & leggings
- 3 -4 pairs of wool socks
- Your coziest pyjamas
- Underwear
I love Merino wool. It’s great for travel. Even if you usually find wool itchy, merino is soft, odour-resistant, and good in both cold and hot climates.
Footwear
Keep your feet happy, bring at least two pairs. If you get a soaker or a blister, having a backup helps ensure you’re comfortable throughout the vacation.
- Waterproof trail runners – summer
- Hiking boots – year-round
- Blundstone boots – year-round
I’ve travelled all over the world wearing only Blundstone boots—this is not sponsored. I just love them. They are comfortable, cute, and super duper durable. Depending on the model, they are water resistant, some waterproof, and others thermal. You can hike in them, and you can also wear them with tights and a little dress for dinner out.
Packing Other Essentials for Iceland
- Reusable water bottle: Iceland’s water is some of the cleanest in the world. You can drink it straight out of the tap.
- Power bank: Remotely charge your phone and digital camera while out exploring.
- European travel plug adapter: Iceland uses a C-type plug. The voltage is 230V at 50Hz. Get a plug that includes USB and USB-C ports.
- Sunglasses
- Face mask for the summer. I love a weight face mask.
- Head net: If you’re visiting the Highlands or Lake Mývatn in the summer, be prepared for midges.
- Crampons: For winter visits.
- Lip balm: The wind can be brutal!
- Conditioner: Coat your hair in it before entering the Blue Lagoon.
- Small day pack
Every trip, travel essentials
- Passport
- Plane tickets
- Confirmations – tours and rental car
- Credit credit
- A good book
If you love reading local authors when you travel, check out Arnaldur Indriðason. His books are set in Iceland, and he writes Nordic Noir, or crime fiction. Although at least one person dies in every book, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world.
Buy at Keflavík Airport
Iceland is expensive, but taxes on alcohol are almost prohibitively high. If you’re hoping to indulge while in Iceland, head straight to the duty-free at the airport as soon as you land. You don’t have a choice; you have to walk through it to get to the luggage carousel in Keflavík.
Prices are approximately half what you’ll pay at the Vinbudin, the state-run liquor store. If you enjoy gin, several local brands are made with Icelandic botanicals. I love Lundey Gin, which is blue in the bottle but turns pink when adding tonic water.
A few things you DON’T need to bring to Iceland
- Umbrella: The wind makes umbrellas useless.
- Shorts: Even at the height of summer, the temperature rarely goes above 20°C/68°F.
- Cash: You can use credit and debit cards pretty much everywhere, even in the most remote spots.
If you need more help planning your Icelandic adventure, check out these two posts: Iceland on a Budget: 7 Tips to Save Money and Booked My Ticket to Iceland! Now What?
