Iceland Packing List

by Kshaunish Jaini

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The northern European country of Iceland is a gateway to sights that no other place in the world can offer. Iceland’s unique position on the earth makes it conducive to some of the most curious natural phenomena that only a lucky few can observe in their lifetimes. Some of these unique experiences include watching the Northern Lights, visiting active volcanoes, walking down black sandy beaches, exploring ice caves, hiking up glaciers, taking a dip in warm water geysers and looking at semi frozen waterfalls. The plethora of natural wonders that Iceland boasts on one hand is complemented by a rich cultural history and man-made wonders like the Perlan, the Solfar sculpture and the Imagine Peace Tower. The Icelandic year is studded with such events as the Secret Solstice Festival , the Airwaves Music Festival and the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival - some of the most unique music and arts festivals in the world. Such a myriad collection of things to do makes Iceland one of the most sought after tourist destinations. It is always easy to get excited by the extremely scenic photographs of the Icelandic landscape on the internet or through the backdrops of the Game of Thrones . But along with the landscape come the unique climatic conditions which are no piece of cake to deal with. Therefore, it is important for the first time traveler to know what exactly you are getting into and what exactly you would need while visiting this beautiful country.

What to Expect in Iceland

Due to its geographical location, Iceland’s climate cycle is extremely unique. It goes through a long winter from October to March, and the temperature is generally below zero during this time. Winter also brings the long nights in the country, with the average sunlight received not being more than 5 hours a day during the peak winter months. Torrential rains are not uncommon throughout the year and especially during the winter. April and May are spring months that witness an increase in the average temperature which goes up between 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. After the vernal equinox in mid-March, the days start getting longer. The summer months of June, July and August witness the longest of days, and sunlight lasts for as long as 22 hours, a phenomenon commonly known as the midnight sun. The temperature goes up to 15 degrees Celsius, and the interior highland roads clear up. The summer is also the peak tourist season and the best time to visit Iceland during the year, which means that it observes the highest footfall and as a result, an acute inflation in lodging and rental rates. September and October are Autumn months. The autumnal equinox of September bears the tidings of shorter days and longer nights, and beckons the beginning of the aurora season across the country. April and September are two in-between months when travellers can partake in most of the summer activities while also being able to see the aurora.

What to Pack for Iceland

The weather in Iceland is notoriously fickle, and it is not unusual to witness sub-zero temperatures, torrential rains, bright sunlight and icy cold winds within the span of a few hours. While packing for a trip to Iceland, one must therefore plan carefully for all eventualities because buying things in Iceland itself might not be strictly economical, especially during the tourist season. Here are some things that are expressly crucial while traveling to Iceland:



A good jacket is essential in Iceland. Photo by Daniel

1. A Good Jacket

   A good jacket will perhaps be the most important piece of clothing that you will carry to Iceland. Temperatures regularly plummet to 5 degrees Celsius during the summer, and below zero degree Celsius during winter. Iceland is also generally wet throughout the year, which means that a sturdy waterproof, windproof jacket that can withstand snow and hail is an absolute must during your trip. Look for a hardshell jacket with a fleece hoodie, large pockets and waterproof material. Recommendation .

2. Layered Clothing

   It is also important to understand that the jacket is only going to be the first layer of protection. The only way to beat the weather in Iceland is by dressing in layers, and a sturdy jacket is only the first of many. A thick sweater, a long sleeved t shirt and thermals underneath the jacket are a good way to fight the cold and get out in the wilderness. A similar technique of wearing a waterproof outer layer followed by thick trousers, leggings and thermal bottoms makes perfect sense to keep your legs warm and dry in the Icelandic outdoors. 

3. Women’s base layers:

   • Leggings
   • Tops
   • Merino Leggings
   • Merino Tops

   Men’s base layers:

   • Thermal Pants
   • Crew Neck Top
   • Merino Base Layer Pants
   • Merino Top


Layered clothing helps trap the heat, even in extremely cold conditions. Photo by Daniel

4. Shoes

   Shoes are perhaps the second most important item of clothing after the jacket, while packing for Iceland. Go for thick waterproof boots that allow you to hike on varied surfaces like snow, rock and gravel. Keeping your feet dry is extremely important in a place like Iceland, especially if you are out on a long hiking expedition exploring the countryside. Make sure to wear good woolen socks that trap the heat within your feet and keep them warm and comfortable.
   Some Amazon suggestions:  Shoes for men  , Shoes for women

5. Swimsuit

   A swimsuit surely seems like an anomaly as compared to the rest of the items on this list, but it is also one of the most important things you will need in Iceland, due to all the warm water lakes and geysers that you will find in the country. A good swimsuit will allow you to take full advantage of the curious geographical anomaly that causes so many hot water geysers to erupt in Iceland. A dip in the warm pools of Seljavallalaug under a sky full of the Northern Lights is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Do not forget a good quick drying towel to go along with your swimsuit, especially if you are visiting the Blue Lagoon .

6. Sleeping Mask

   A sleeping mask is an absolute must if you are going to visit Iceland in the summer. The midnight sun in Iceland is an exciting thing to experience for the first time, but without the darkness that our body is generally used to, it becomes difficult to go to sleep. A good sleeping mask solves this problem, allowing you to snooze after a tiring day out in the sun.



Photo by Daniel

7. Camera Equipment

   If you are an ameteur photographer, there is no better place to try your craft than Iceland. The stunning views that this place offers beg to be captured in a frame. If you are planning to take pictures of the aurora during your trip to Iceland , make sure you bring along a sturdy tripod and a remote trigger so that you can get the best images without shakes and disturbances. You can also experiment with lenses, but make sure you bring along standard 24mm and 50mm block lenses to frame your images.

8. Recommendations : DSLR with accessories , point and shoot

Additional things to pack for Iceland

Apart from the above, there are a few more items that deserve a mention in your packing list. Some of them are quite obvious, but it is still important to mention them just in case. For a week long journey you would perhaps need:

1. 4 to 5 t shirts
2. 2 thermals (both top and bottoms)
3. 2 sweaters
4. 3 trousers (jeans or other thick material)
5. 2 warm leggings
6. Sunglasses
7. Toiletries
8. Appropriate amount of underwear
9. Gloves and hat
10. A notebook and a pen
11. A good wallet for your cash, cards and documents
12. A waterproof backpack for day-long hiking trips

While the list of activities that you can partake in Iceland is endless and exciting, it is very important to be ‘dressed for the occasion’. The Icelandic climate can be harsh and unforgiving if it is not given the respect that it deserves, so make sure to tick off the items on the checklist, talk to some experienced travellers and check the weather conditions beforehand before embarking on your trip of a lifetime.

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