Iceland Packing List: What to Pack for a Trip to Iceland (in Summer or Winter)

Last updated on: September 2, 2022

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This post was written by Amanda Williams

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In recent years, Iceland has suddenly shot to the top of many travel bucket lists. The little island country is unlike any I've ever been to; sometimes in Iceland you'll feel like you're on a completely different planet.

But traveling on what feels like another planet means that you have to prepare for it – and that means packing the right things.

I myself have been to Iceland four times at this point – twice in the winter, and twice in the summer. Each season is a little different (in summer, you have long days and slightly more mild temperatures, whereas in winter the days are short and the weather can be colder), but the basics of what you want to pack for Iceland remain the same whether you're going in June or January.

Can you tell what season it is here? (Spoiler: it was August)

After my four trips there, I'm ready to share with you the ultimate Iceland packing guide, which includes everything you definitely need to pack for Iceland in any season.

(Scroll further down for detailed packing lists!)

5 Iceland packing essentials

Like many other islands around the world, the weather in Iceland actually doesn't vary *that much* across different seasons.

In January, low temps in Iceland are around 27 degrees F, with highs around 35-37 degrees F. (So, honestly, not that cold for winter!) In July, high temps on average top out around 55 degrees F – so no, you probably won't ever need to pack shorts for Iceland.

Because the temperatures don't vary all that much, there are a handful of items that I feel like are essential to pack for any and every trip to Iceland. Items like:

1. Rain gear

Amanda in rain gear at Studlagil Canyon — Hiking in the rain sucks less if you have rain gear.

A good waterproof coat and waterproof pants are musts in Iceland, especially if you'll be doing any hiking, visiting waterfalls, or just plan to spend a good amount of time outdoors.

Rain in Iceland usually comes paired with wind, making umbrellas all but useless. When it's raining sideways, you'll be happy to have waterproof clothing on!

My go-tos are my Columbia Arcadia II jacket (buy a size up if you'll need to layer warm items under it), and my Columbia rain pants (though in winter I've taken these ski pants for added warmth).

My husband Elliot also has a Columbia rain coat, rain pants, and insulated pants.

Amanda behind Kvernufoss waterfall — Wanna go behind waterfalls? Then wear rain gear!

2. Waterproof boots

Just like you need a waterproof outer layer, you also need waterproof footwear for Iceland! Rain boots are never a bad idea, and waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are essential if you plan to do any hiking.

I love my Xtratuf tall rain boots, and recommend the following hiking boot options for women:

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus boots are comfy, lightweight, waterproof, and kind cute!
You can never go wrong with Merrell Moab 2 boots.
For a hiking shoe? The Oboz Sapphire Low B-Dry shoes are a good waterproof option.
In winter, these Merrell Polarand boots are great

Amanda's boots looking down into Studlagil Canyon — My wet and muddy Columbia boots – feet still dry!

For men:

These KEEN Targhee 3s are great waterproof boots.
Elliot also loves his Oboz Sawtooth II Low B-Dry hiking shoes.
And in winter, you can look into winter hiking boots

3. Warm base layers

In order to stay warm and dry in Iceland, it's all about layers. You'll want a couple sets of base layers for both summer and winter trips.

I recommend splurging on merino wool layers, as they are breathable and sweat-wicking when it's warmer, yet thing and insulating when it's colder. Merino also is more odor-resistant than any other material, meaning you can wear your base layers multiple times before needing to wash them!

Amanda, back turned to camera, looking down at a small erupting volcano — Me in an Unbound Merino top at at active volcano

Elliot and I both have merino pieces from Unbound Merino, and we LOVE this brand. Their designs are classic, and their merino silky soft. Shop their items here. (I love the women's leggings, and both Elliot and I wear their men's long sleeved tips!)

If you don't love merino (or the price tag of it), silk leggings can also be a good base layer, as can fleece-lined leggings. I also still love my Terramar Women's Cloud Nine Turtleneck, which I've had for years!

4. A solid outer layer

With high summer temperatures only reaching into the 50s (and wind/rain often making it feel a lot colder), you'll need some mid-layers and a warm outer layer no matter the season.

For non-winter Iceland trips, a packable down or down-alternative coat is always a great item to pack (I love this cheap one from 32 Degrees that comes in lots of bright colors).

Amanda at the rainbow street in Seydisfjordur — Me in my packable jacket – yes, I needed it in August!

And in winter, I'm always a fan of tri-climate coats, which usually consist of a fleece or down inner jacket with a waterproof shell on the outside. Many brands make these for both men and women, including Columbia and North Face.

4. Swimsuit(s)

Iceland is known for its hot springs and geothermal pools, so if you're planning to visit any, be sure to pack a swimsuit or two!

If you're planning to visit multiple hot springs, more than one swimsuit is good to have, as the high humidity in Iceland can mean that wet items may take more than just an overnight to dry. (I packed 3 on my recent summer trip to Iceland, but would have been fine with just 2!)

Amanda in a hot pool at Hvammsvik — Swimsuits are a must!

5. A quick-dry towel

Whether you're planning to camp or just planning to visit several hot springs, bringing your own towel to Iceland is a good idea. (Otherwise you'll have to pay to rent one at every hot spring!)

I recommend a quick-dry towel like this one, which comes in extra large sizes. This is a large towel, but won't take up a ton of room in your suitcase.

Iceland packing list (for women)

Here's a more detailed look at what I recommend packing for a trip to Iceland! This list can be used for any season, though there are some notes on additions/substitutions if you're traveling in winter at the end.

In my backpack/suitcase

I've traveled to Iceland with all sorts of luggage: a backpack on my first trip in 2012, my Osprey wheeled bag on trips in 2015 and 2018, and in a carry-on rolling suitcase in 2022.

I always use packing cubes to organize my things, and always roll my clothing (which helps save space AND avoid wrinkles).

(Iceland is a suitable destination for a suitcase or rolling bag since you're likely to either be basing yourself in Reykjavik, or self-driving. See all of my favorite luggage here.)

Backpack Iceland — Trip 1 to Iceland in 2012

Here's a look at my packing list for a weeklong(ish) trip to Iceland:

1 pair of jeans (optional)
1-2 pairs of hiking pants
2-3 pairs of leggings
1 set of base layers (my Unbound Merino layers are my go-to these days)
5 t-shirts
1 long-sleeved shirt (I LOVE this top!)
1 Columbia quarter-zip fleece
1 zip-up sweatshirt or sweater
Pajamas
Plenty of warm hiking socks
Swimsuit (or 2)
Quick-dry travel towel
3 bras (2 regular, 1 sports bra)
Underwear (including my favorite quick-dry Ex Officio undies)
Columbia Arcadia II rain jacket
A pair of Rain pants
Rain boots (my Xtratuf ones are awesome)
Waterproof hiking boots (currently I'm traveling with these Columbia ones)
1 pair of flip flops for hot springs/pools (optional)
Packable puffer jacket (I like this down-alternative one)
Hat, gloves, and a scarf (yes, even in summer!)
Toiletries (including solid shampoo/conditioner)
Eye mask (especially important in summer, when it never gets completely dark!)

In winter, I would add or substitute:

Warm winter coat (make sure it's waterproof!)
Columbia ski pants instead of rain pants
Winter hiking boots instead of rain boots
A pair of Yaktrax to add onto my boots for extra grip on snow/ice
HotHands hand and toe warmers (these things are great!)

Pro tip: Need to pack bulky winter clothing but don't want it to eat up space in your luggage? Use vacuum spacesaver bags (that you can ROLL the air out of) for the bulkiest items. I have these, and they work great!

Columns at Reynisfjara beach — Decked out in my winter gear in Iceland in 2015

In my carry-on

My carry-on these days is photography focused – I usually carry a backpack with a dedicated compartment for camera lenses and gear (like this Thule camera backpack or this one from Lowepro).

(Not too concerned with photo gear? Then my carry-on pick is the Pacsafe Venturesafe, which is a great carry-on-friendly backpack.)

In this bag:

Macbook Pro laptop
Camera gear (check out my current photography gear here)
My GoPro (I currently have the GoPro Hero 7 Black, which is great for outdoor activities)
My Vanguard VEO tripod (sometimes)
My headlamp (essential for being outside at night anytime other than summer, like when taking Northern Lights photos)
A phone lanyard (which looks silly, but is useful for keeping your phone handy during active activities)
A collapsible day pack or hip pack for hiking
Kindle Paperwhite
Electrical plug adapters (Iceland uses the same plugs as Europe)
My Belkin power strip
Various chargers
Headphones
Wallet, passport, etc.

Packing for Iceland — My Pacsafe Camsafe V25

Iceland packing list (for men)

My packing guidelines for men are pretty much the same: Warm, waterproof layers are where it's at, no matter what time of year you're traveling!

Here's a look at some of the things my partner, Elliot, had in his bag when we went to Iceland together:

4 pairs of hiking pants
1 pair of jeans (optional)
1 set of base layers (Unbound Merino layers are great)
5 t-shirts
1-2 long-sleeved shirts
1 zip-up sweatshirt or fleece
1 sweater
Pajamas
Plenty of warm hiking socks
Swimsuit (or 2)
Quick-dry travel towel
Underwear
Columbia Watertight II rain jacket
A pair of rain pants
Waterproof hiking boots (Elliot likes his KEEN boots)
1 pair of flip flops for hot springs/pools (optional)
Packable puffer jacket
Hat and gloves
Toiletries

In winter, I would add or substitute:

A 3-in-1 winter coat
Warm ski pants instead of rain pants
Winter hiking boots
A pair of Yaktrax to add onto boots for extra grip on snow/ice
HotHands hand and toe warmers (these things are great!)

Amanda and Elliot at Skogafoss — Elliot and I at Skogafoss (Nov. 2015)

Iceland is filled with mini micro-climates – it could be clear and sunny in one area, but then sleeting sideways 30 minutes away. So no matter when you go, just be prepared!

A couple other miscellaneous things that are always a good idea to pack include some plastic bags for wet things, and laundry detergent packets in case you need to do some sink laundry.

And, even though it's not a tangible item, I also always recommend packing a good travel insurance policy! That way everything from lost luggage to a bad accident is covered – because you just never know! I recommend World Nomads for basic (and really affordable) travel insurance.

READ MORE ABOUT ICELAND

Have you been to Iceland in winter? What else would you suggest packing?

Amanda Williams

Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!

www.dangerous-business.com

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