Packing List for Iceland

In this post, you will find my detailed packing list for Iceland for summer and winter trips. I have visited Iceland in summer (2 months) and winter (2 weeks). With good preparation and a complete packing list, you can be sure you won't forget anything.

The most important items are the documents: ID, insurance, and tickets. Is your passport still valid, did someone at home take care of the mail?

Do you have a good travel credit card (without incurring fees)?

Apps for Iceland on your phone: vedur.is, parka.is, safetrafel, and the Iceland App?

Travel guide (in book or digital format)

Power bank to charge your phone on the go

Clothing in layers. A good rain jacket and hat are essential on your Iceland packing list.

The biggest challenge when vacationing in Iceland is packing the right clothing. The weather is unpredictable and often unstable at any time of year. Weather conditions also depend on whether you're only visiting Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, or the Ring Road, or if you're exploring the highlands. Additionally, if you plan on going on many hikes (even a multi-day hike like the Laugavegur Trail).

In this post, you'll find both general tips for clothing for Iceland and recommendations for the summer and winter seasons. One thing's for sure: in addition to your passport, you should definitely add a rain jacket, good shoes, and a hat to your Iceland packing list. I will answer your questions about what you should have for your Iceland vacation, what weather conditions to expect, and what challenges there are in travel planning.

Camper packing list (if you're traveling in your own camper or renting one locally)

All info on climate and weather and the best time to visit Iceland

Tips for preparing and planning your trip to Iceland

Campsites in Iceland: Tips for Camping

All travel reports and vacation tips for Iceland at a glance

Information and tips for the Ring Road

My 11 coolest travel gadgets that I can't live without

NEW: My guide to Iceland with the most beautiful places, attractions, waterfalls, campsites, and a food guide with all locations for your phone, desktop, or tablet in Google Maps. With just one click, you can save all the places I've visited in Iceland. I will also add tips in notes so you can see where all the places are located. Check out the Iceland guide for your phone here.

I hope that with my tips, your stay will turn into an unforgettable trip!

The equipment depends on what you plan to do in Iceland. Are you just driving around the Ring Road with minimal hiking? Are you staying in hotels or vacation rentals? Do you have a tent and plan on camping mostly? Or are you traveling around in your (or rented) camper? Do you have a 4x4 vehicle or a regular one? Depending on the type of trip, we recommend different items.

When visiting Iceland, it's important to note that the weather is very changeable, and it's advisable to dress in layers (the layering system) year-round. In summer, you might find shorts and a T-shirt sufficient, but just minutes later, you may need to shield yourself from strong winds and rain. In winter, it's worth investing in good, warm functional clothing.

These tips will help you prepare and pack well for the weather in Iceland.

1. Base layer: Regular underwear and T-shirts, preferably made of merino wool. In winter, thermal underwear and socks.

2. Mid layer: Lightweight fleece jacket, softshell, or Icelandic wool sweater.

3. Outer layer: Wind and waterproof jacket (hardshell). This way, you'll be prepared for wind, rain, and snow.

4. Pants: Outdoor and hiking pants. In summer, thinner ones (possibly with zippers) and in winter, thermal pants. Definitely pack waterproof pants.

5. Headwear: A hat (merino), even in summer. In winter, one with fleece on the inside is preferable. It adds warmth.

6. For the neck, I like to use a neck gaiter. In winter, I prefer a fleece one (this one from Burton, which I also use for snowboarding).

Anyone traveling to Iceland should prepare for changing weather conditions. This includes rain- and windproof clothing, warm base layers, headwear, gloves, and good shoes.

I prefer to shop for my outdoor clothing at Globetrotter.

In general, we travel with a duffle bag (waterproof bags that you can also carry as a backpack), as well as a hiking backpack as carry-on luggage for flights, with a camera compartment. If you're traveling by rental car, you can also use suitcases. However, we find them too rigid. If you have 2-3 suitcases, the trunk in the rental car can quickly become too small. Be sure to pay attention to this and use a duffle bag like we do.

It depends on whether we are staying in hotels and hostels or traveling with the (own) camper. Here are our recommendations based on the type of trip:

Road trip with a car and accommodations: Tatonka Barrel L with wheels, but flexible and not as rigid as a suitcase.

Traveling with hiking on the Laugavegur Trek: Yukon 50+10 Backpack (available for women and men).

Traveling with a rented camper: Patagonia Duffle Bag (100 liters), Barrel L Travel Bag from Tatonka (85 liters) or North Face Duffle Bag (95 liters) - all bags are without wheels and thus flexible in the trunk.

Travel with your own camper: just hiking backpack and various bags for dirty laundry.

In your carry-on, you should have everything you need first: In addition to your flight ticket, passport (or ID) and driver's license, also personal items like wallet, charger, camera, smartphone, and sunglasses. You should also pack the following items in your carry-on:

Important medications

Clear bag for liquids

Refillable water bottle (thermos)

Travel pillow and sleep mask

Camera, all batteries and chargers (my photography equipment for traveling)

E-book reader, tablet or laptop

Power bank

Clothes for 1 to 2 days (in case your luggage is lost)

By the way: Be sure to bring a reusable water bottle! You can drink cold tap water in Iceland without worry. Only the warm water contains sulfur.

Note: You can do without cash in Iceland. Credit cards are accepted everywhere. Only rarely do you need to use coins for showers or washing machines at campsites. In that case, you can get them at the entrance.

The choice of backpack for hiking should depend on your gear. I always carry a camera (Sony Alpha IV) as well as at least one spare lens (here you can check my camera gear for traveling). For hikes, I use a backpack with a breathable mesh back for a comfortable back climate while climbing (I sweat quickly). Instead of a camera backpack, I use an insert to protect the camera inside the backpack.

Here you can find my report for the best backpacks for every type of user

Note: When choosing your backpack, be sure to buy one with a good back system. You'd best get advice at a specialty store where you can also try it on.

Reading Tip: Tips on how to pack your backpack properly

Be sure your backpack has enough space for essentials like a water bottle, rain gear, snacks, camera, etc.

It's important that you have a rain cover for your backpack, as it can rain any day. No matter what season you're traveling in.

To keep organized on a road trip, I use packing bags. With these useful packing cubes, you can compress and organize your luggage. If you're camping (also for the Laugavegur Trek), I recommend waterproof packing bags like those from Patagonia, Tatonka, or Ortlieb:

Our advice is to seek advice on outdoor clothing for Iceland at a specialty store and invest in good, high-quality outdoor clothing. This lasts forever and can also be used for another vacation (for example, to Patagonia, Spitsbergen, Lofoten, Finland in winter, ...). If you do not want to invest too much, take your time to regularly check for deals (against the cycle, so winter clothing in spring and summer clothing in fall).

Merino wool is more suitable for Iceland than regular cotton or synthetic materials, which tend to get stinkier and dry slowly.

My favorite store to buy these clothes is Globetrotter. They have real specialists who know what they are talking about, especially when it comes to camping gear for Iceland (tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads). See more below.

I always pack a laundry bag for dirty clothing. Often, it's one of the packing bags pictured above that I use for that purpose, as I already have them in my luggage. A robust bag for used and dirty shoes (like this one) should also be on the list.

You also need to keep the unpredictable weather in Iceland in mind when packing underwear. Depending on how many days you're in Iceland, you should pack enough underwear and socks for each day. Usually, people travel for 7 to 14 days. As I am traveling with a camper, I only pack enough underwear for 7 to a maximum of 10 days and wash it on-site (at campsites with washing machines and dryers). For a shorter vacation, washing may not be worth it.

Plan for a fresh pair of underwear for each day.

For each day (up to 14):

Underwear (underpants and bras, plus sports bras for hiking. Men: underpants or boxers) - I recommend merino underwear.

2 to 3 merino long sleeves (W 260 Tech LS Crewe by Icebreaker) and 1 regular merino long sleeve shirt (perfect for sleeping in a tent at night).

3 to 5 T-shirts for hiking (Merino). If you sweat easily, at least 5.

2 to 3 thin long sleeves for hiking in summer (not mandatory, ideal for sun protection).

Hiking socks (merino hiking socks can also be worn 2-3 times). For winter in Iceland, I recommend warm thermal socks. Check before you leave that they fit comfortably in your shoes (therefore my advice: always buy hiking shoes in a specialty store and get good advice). I had 4 pairs of hiking socks with me, plus two pairs of very warm thermal socks (those from Falke). This ensured that I always had dry socks on.

Regular socks for days without longer hikes.

For evenings in the camper: 2 pairs of cabin socks, as it can get chilly on the floor.

For the mid layer (midlayer), long sleeves (over t-shirts), thin down jackets (with or without sleeves), or a thin fleece or softshell jacket are ideal. During hikes, I prefer to wear long sleeves (on cold days, made of 260g merino) instead of wearing a fleece jacket. Fleece jackets work well under down jackets when camping or traveling in a camper. Layering is ideal here as well.

1 x jacket as a warm mid layer (this one from Fjällräven, Keb Padded Hoodie). Ideal for cool days over a merino long sleeve and between a down jacket and hardshell jacket (in icy wind, I wore everything).

1 x fleece (thin). I brought this one from Fjällräven:Vik Fleece Hoodie. For evenings after arrival.

1 x warm fleece jacket. This fleece jacket from Patagonia is the coziest you can get (W' S CLASSIC RETRO-X JKT Women - Fleece Jacket). I love it.

For higher temperatures: T-shirts (merino and breathable) or long sleeves as per base layer.

3-4 regular sweaters or hoodies.

Mandy bought an Icelandic sweater right at the beginning of her first trip to Iceland in Vík. These always keep you warm. If you buy a sheep wool product in Iceland, you can expect high quality that lasts forever. (Caution! Still, watch out for the product label. Even in Iceland - I know, bad pun - there are black sheep!).

Choose a breathable outer layer made from Gore-Tex, as it helps wick moisture and keeps you dry and warm inside. Ensure your jacket has a hood and that you can comfortably wear your other layers of down, fleece, or lightweight down underneath. Be sure to try it on at home!

Rain pants from Patagonia (I got mine on sale years ago).

Hardshell jacket from Arcteryx (wind and rain jacket).

For cold days, outings near glaciers (or climbing on them), whale-watching, and evenings at the campsite, a down jacket or thick fleece is essential. If you only bring a light down jacket, you'll probably need a fleece jacket or thin down jacket (softshell) as your mid layer. Remember that synthetic down stays warm when wet or damp and is likely the better option.

In winter, you can easily pack your snowboard or ski jacket. Think in layers; that has been sufficient for me.

Down jacket: My jacket from Fjällräven, used as a mid-layer or outer layer.

Ideal for Iceland are hiking pants of good quality, preferably made from quick-drying materials. Remember that cotton doesn't dry quickly and jeans are generally not suitable for hiking. Many trekking pants come with zippers to be converted into shorts (zip-off pants). As a woman, leggings are also ideal.

1 x thermal hiking pants for cold days even in summer and cool evenings (mine is from Tierra).

2 - 3 x trekking pants with zip-off or 1 to 2 shorts in summer.

Alternatively, 2 leggings.

I always recommend fleece gloves or softshell gloves. In winter, I recommend warm mittens (I use my snowboard gloves from Burton) to keep my hands warm. For these, there are thin inner gloves made of softshell that I pack. In winter, thin gloves are usually not enough. Mitten made of wool with fleece lining are always good.

These from blended knit fleece from Patagonia are ideal for photographers. To change a setting, you simply need to flip the cap.

Always remember that we lose half our body heat through our head. Therefore, it's essential to keep it warm.

In summer, we find baseball caps or a simple sunshade ideal for sun protection. The colder the days get, the more likely you are to put on your wool hat to protect your head and ears.

Eye protection is essential, especially near ice and snow, which reflect sunlight. Since I already own glacier glasses from my Kilimanjaro trip (highest mountain in Africa), I packed them for my Iceland trip. Be mindful of good eye protection. I know what I'm talking about, as I was once "snowblind" due to cheap glasses and my eyesight deteriorated so much that I wore glasses or contacts until just a few years ago (after eye surgery).

Polarized sunglasses are excellent as well.

The Buff(R) is omnipresent on hikes and days on a boat; it's great for protecting your face from the sun, dust, cold, and wind. I brought two: one made of thin material and a Fleece Buff (I normally use it for snowboarding) for cold and extremely windy days. You can also take a scarf. I love my fleece buff and was so happy with it because the icy wind was really whipping around us.

Lastly, be sure to pack a bikini, swimsuit, or swim shorts on your checklist. You cannot swim naked in the many hot pools and hot springs. You should also add a towel to your packing list for Iceland. For multi-day hikes, vacations with a camper, and backpacking, I always use these fluffy ones from the Globetrotter private label Frilufts (made from recycled microfiber material). Quick-drying and compact.

Leather or suede boots that go over the ankles are best. Ensure they are water-resistant and resistant to moisture. Your feet must stay dry to avoid blisters.

Keep in mind, as you gain elevation, your feet swell. Therefore, hiking shoes are generally purchased half to a whole size larger.

Tips: When climbing, it's important to take care of your feet. Proper care and preparation can prevent pain and blisters. Cut your toenails before the trip and keep your feet dry. Pack blister plasters just in case, and make sure you have dry socks on.

For Iceland, I brought my flat Adidas Terrex shoes.

For leisure time, I recommend ON Cloudvista and Cloudultra (we were out for a total of 8 weeks). Alternatively, you can pack comfortable sneakers. I included the Cloudultra as alternative shoes for hiking in case the Terrex got completely soaked.

For campsites (showers), lagoons, and swimming pools, flip-flops, (plastic) Birkenstock, or Adiletten are suitable.

Thin sneakers or Birkenstocks would generally have been too cold for Iceland. I left my tall hiking shoes (Lowa) at home, as we were not climbing glaciers (in July).

Tip: If you don't have hiking shoes, be sure to get advice in a good outdoor shop beforehand and try different models.

I often get asked whether it's absolutely necessary to have hiking shoes on the packing list for Iceland. The answer is complicated, as it always depends on what you want to experience on-site. If you're planning medium to long hikes: definitely. If you're only interested in the typical short tourist walks, sneakers will likely suffice. However, in winter, hiking shoes are indeed a must-have!

Are you using the bathroom at the campsite? Then I recommend buying a hanging toiletry bag. I have always owned a hanging toiletry bag, so the contents stay dry, whether or not there's a shelf.

Hanging toiletry bag

Toothbrush and toothpaste or chewing tablets

Biodegradable soap (or bar soap) and shampoo in refillable silicone bottles

Deodorant cream (plastic-free refillable from Holy Pit)

Hairbrush/comb

Face cream and sunscreen (for both winter and summer)

1 large and 1 small towel (microfiber, quick-drying, and lightweight)

Hand sanitizer, as hygiene is essential. Ideal for the backpack after eating from the lunchbox

Lip balm with SPF25 (we love Carmex)

Nail scissors and file

Tweezers

Handkerchiefs

Baby wipes (moist wipes) - ideal for multi-day hikes

For winter: Hand warmers

Optional: Travel hairdryer (I have long hair and like to blow-dry it with my own hairdryer)

Laundry bag for dirty laundry (ideal when camping, if you need to do laundry)

What you personally still need (contact lenses, glasses, condoms, ...)

Optional: Hair ties

Women: Menstrual products

If applicable, makeup or other cosmetic products

Earplugs

Sleep mask (I love this one) for the long summer nights

Hand cream (definitely needed in winter)

As is often the case on a trip, you can buy most things locally. However, I always pack the essentials and common medications. If someone gets sick, they don't want to go out to find a pharmacy again.

Blister plasters and regular bandages

Pain relief medication for headaches (Ibuprofen or aspirin)

Throat lozenges for any throat pain (Neo Angin)

Elotrans, to replenish lost electrolytes after many hikes

Wound cream (Bepanthen)

High SPF sunscreen (+50)

Insect and mosquito repellent (especially at Lake Myvatn)

Imodium or Lomotil for diarrhea

Nasal spray

Hand sanitizer gel

If applicable, contraceptive supplies

Personal medications for existing conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, ...)

-> Check out our extensive pharmacy checklist here.

Many prefer to camp rather than stay in expensive accommodations (check out our accommodation tips for Iceland here). Since Mandy has camped in Iceland twice and I spent several nights camping on the Laugavegur Trek, here's the packing list supplement for tent and more.

Are you traveling with a camper? Then check out my camper packing list. For beginners, I wrote 21 tips for camping newbies here.

Are you camping? Then it's really important that you bring a suitable tent for Iceland. I'm glad I consulted with Globetrotter in the store. Otherwise, I would have bought a completely wrong tent that couldn't withstand the wind and rain. Tip: Tunnel tents are flat and ideal for Iceland.

This is my tent: Wechsel TEMPEST 2 - Tunnel Tent. One advantage of this tent is: We can also store shoes and backpacks dry in the vestibule, as it provides ideal rain protection. Also, everyone can enter and exit without having to climb over one another. Again, don't skimp and pack a cheap pop-up tent from Decathlon. It won't serve you well. Pay attention to the water column and ensure that it's suitable for strong winds.

Our favorite: sleeping bag for people who are prone to getting cold: Therm-A-Rest Parsec 0F/-18C sleeping bag (super compact and made from sustainable down)

For warmer months or those who are less sensitive: Mountain Equipment Helium 400 - Down Sleeping Bag

Possibly an inlay made from flannel or silk in addition. I own this mummyliner made from flannel (brushed cotton) from Cocoon, which makes the interior about 6 - 7 degrees warmer.

I use the lightweight Therm-a-Rest NEOAIR XLITE NX (wide and long version). I previously used the narrow and shorter one for women, and I was always lying directly on the cold ground.

The laundry bag also doubles as a large packing sack. Great for gathering dirty clothing, ideal on vacation if you have a trip to the laundry (at the campsite).

As a pillow, you can use a packing bag and your clothes or down jacket to stuff it. Most of us have done that. I, however, hadmy trusty inflatable pillow with me.

With great envy, I watched other campers during our canoe tour in Sweden using a Jetboil (Flash Java Kit Camping) stove. I also bought this for this trip and am thrilled. It's automatically wind-protected and brings 500 ml of liquid to a boil in just 100 seconds. It's cool that it even serves as a French press for us coffee junkies.

Cutlery, plates, cups (everything lightweight)

Pocket knife or Leatherman multi-tool

Small can opener

Biodegradable dish soap and drying cloth

Headlamp that you can also hang inside the tent

Lighter; as a non-smoker, I always forget such things (in the camper)

A camera is essential for me alongside the smartphone to capture special moments. No phone can compete with a proper camera in challenging lighting conditions.

Since my equipment with camera and drone is expensive, everything goes in my carry-on when flying. My camper is secured with a very good alarm system. It's so loud that I hope it will never be broken into.

Sony Alpha IV camera and following lenses: 12-24 mm, 24 - 75 mm, 70 - 200 mm, and 100 - 400 mm. Also for the telephoto lenses, a 2x converter. Check out the exact names in my article about my Sony Alpha lenses.

Memory cards and a waterproof case for them

Drone (currently DJI Mavic Pro 3, the Mini doesn't make sense for Iceland due to strong winds and stays at home)

insta360 - the 360-degree camera allows for completely different perspectives (especially where drones aren't allowed)

Chargers and batteries - check here for my camera with technical equipment

Action camera (waterproof). Currently: DJI Action 2

Power bank charger- to charge multiple devices simultaneously when there's no socket nearby

MacBook Pro 12" and charging cable

External hard drive - robust, fast, and extremely small external drive with 1 TB

Camera cleaning kit and a sensor cleaning set

Microfiber cleaning cloth for lenses, in case drops or dirt get on the lens

For hikes, ideal: PeakDesign camera clip to keep hands free. For Iceland, this shoulder bag from Patagonia is also suitable (better than the clip for longer periods).

In winter: Travel tripod for photographing the Northern Lights. In summer, for long exposure of waterfalls (then also take a ND filter).

Here, I have listed all the important utensils that I pack on a trip.

Vaccination card

Power strip (from my experience, there are always too few sockets). In Iceland, you don't need an adapter.

In-ear headphones (noise-canceling). I use my Apple AirPods

Phone mount for the car (I already have one in my own camper. For rental car trips, I use this small one). Check out my road trip packing list.

Headlamp (this is mine) - always useful, especially when camping or for hiking outside peak hours.

To ensure you don't forget any important documents, here's my checklist:

Wallet (with RFID protection)

Waterproof document bag

ID or passport

Credit card, which lets you withdraw and pay abroad without incurring fees

Debit card (also possible, but we advise against it). A credit card is essential for the rental car.

Cash (only for some private campsites, everything else is paid for with credit cards)

If necessary, an international driving permit for your German license

Your ticket for the ferry or flight (printed or on your smartphone)

Iceland travel guide

Travel journal for road trips (designed by me for self-filling)

My tip for important travel documents: scan all important documents additionally. I store all important documents in the cloud (Dropbox), so I can access them online from anywhere.

I usually keep my important documents like my passport in a waterproof document bag.

Iceland is situated very far north, but thanks to the Gulf Stream, it's much milder here than in other regions at the same latitude. Overall, the weather in Iceland is primarily characterized by one thing: unpredictability! Conditions can change from sunny to stormy in mere minutes. Don't underestimate the strong winds. Due to the island's location, you often experience all seasons in a single day.

Daytime temperatures vary between 0 and 3 °C in winter and between 5° and 18° C in summer. Increasingly, it can also get over 20 °C warm in summer. Around Reykjavik, the climate is usually the mildest and warmest. It's often colder in the north and the highlands than in the south. Around Vík - as the locals say - it rains the most. The highlands behind the mountains and glaciers around Þórsmörk (also known as Thorsmörk) are often quite sheltered and mild. In general, Iceland is very wet; it rains or snows more often than in other regions of Europe. Travelers love the country of ice and fire for its unpredictable conditions, alongside its stunning landscapes and nature.

Detailed tips: When is the best time to visit Iceland?

No matter the season: March, May, June, July, or August. The weather remains unpredictable in Iceland. In summer, you can without worry circle the Ring Road. However, even then, a storm with subsequent driving bans may slow you down. In summer, the sun often shines, the days are mild, and the nights are bright. It doesn't get dark, which adds a special charm.

Even in summer, I needed gloves, a buff, and a hat. I was often grateful for the thin down jacket under my hardshell (rain and wind jacket) in the highlands and in the evenings. But there were also days when I wore short pants and a T-shirt close to midnight. In short: even in summer, layering is key.

That said, we once had two weeks of continuous rain in the south (in June). The first stop led me to Vik, to the huge outlet mall, to buy an even better rain jacket (66 North, Gore-Tex Plus, and non-stop waterproof), as my perfect Arcteryx rain jacket, which has served me well around the world, unfortunately, was not suitable for the Icelandic rain.

In winter, extreme snowfall occurs. If it rains, the persistent rain is really cold. The wind blows continuously and storms are common. Only sporadically does the sun show itself. But when it does, it's all the more beautiful.

Above all, be sure to prepare for this kind of weather change before your departure and while packing. Consider carefully during your travel planning when to visit Iceland and what clothes to pack.

The warmest time of the year is between mid-June and September. Accordingly, this is also the peak travel season for Iceland. Nevertheless, your packing list for Iceland should always include a rain jacket, hat, and warm clothing.

If you notice something that I forgot on the list, please let me know in the comments! Thank you for your help!

I hope this packing list for Iceland in summer or winter helps you with your preparations, and that you have a dreamy trip to Iceland, no matter the season.

You can find more packing lists here:

Roadtrip packing list for road trips

Packing lists for your camper to print

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