Not sure what to pack for Iceland? I have put together a complete Iceland packing list for both men and women with everything you need to bring to Iceland whether traveling in the summer or the winter.
Iceland Packing List
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Below is a comprehensive packing list for a trip to Iceland.
Essentials for Iceland
Below are essential travel items you will need for Iceland.
• European Travel Adaptor – European travel adaptor for your electronics.
• External Battery – External battery to recharge phone, camera or other electronics (this is one of my travel essential items for any trip)
• Universal Waterproof Phone Case – Keep your smartphone dry with this waterproof case at pools and hot springs. You can also use it to keep your phone dry when getting close to waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss where you will get wet!
• Reusable Bottle – I like this insulated water bottle because it keeps my water cool. While the water in Iceland is safe to drink, you might want a water bottle with build in filter if you plan to fill up your bottle at rivers or streams.
• Sunglasses – Iceland are a must on sunny days! For optimum protection I prefer polarized sunglasses with dark lenses like this pair for women.
• Swimsuits – Don’t forget to pack at least 1-2 swimsuits if you plan to visit a swimming pool or a geothermal spa like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.
• Hair Tie – If you plan to visit the Blue Lagoon and have long hair, bring at least 1 or 2 hair ties to put your hair up in a bun. The water at the Blue Lagoon will damage your hair so most people keep their hair out of the water.
•Quick Drying Lightweight Towel – A quick drying travel towel is handy to dry off after getting wet from rain or waterfalls. A towel is also a must if you are planning on visiting local swimming pools or natural hot springs (bigger spas like the Blue Lagoon offer towels for guests).
• Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover – If your backpack is not waterproof, you can slip on a waterproof rain cover to keep your stuff dry when it rains.
•Eye Mask – If you are visiting Iceland in the summer, an eye mask to block the sun is a must to ensure a good night of sleep. In the summer there is almost constant sunlight and many places to stay do not have black out curtains. An eye mask is one of my long flight essentials for most international trips but it is especially needed in Iceland in the summer months.
• Heat Packs – Heat packs like this HotHands Toe, Hand, & Body Warmer variety pack are useful if visiting in the winter to keep your extremities warm. They are also convenient for other cold weather activities even in warmer months like glacier hiking, ice cave tours or waiting outside for hours to see the Northern Lights.
• Head Nets for Bugs (Summer only) – If you are traveling to Iceland in the summer, you might want to pack a head net like this one to protect your face from bugs. Mosquitos and not a problem in Iceland but you might encounter midges is some parts of Iceland with freshwater lakes especially Silfra in Thingvellir National Park (Golden Circle), Myvatn, Laurgavatn de Frontero, Hafrahvammagljúfur and Flúðir.
• Camera/Photography Gear – Iceland is very photogenic so don’t forget to bring your camera! A GoPro or an affordable underwater camera is great for taking photos at waterfalls or when snorkeling at Silfra. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, you might want to bring a selfie stick/portable tripod to take amazing photos of yourself. Don’t forget to bring an extra memory card.
What to Wear to Iceland: Clothes and Shoes
To figure out what the weather will be like when you visit Iceland, check the average temperature for the cities you will be visiting on a website like weatherspark.com but keep in mind the weather can vary significantly from the average temperature and changes constantly. Iceland is very windy so it feels much colder than you would think based on the temperature.
The weather in Iceland changes quickly and can vary depending where you go so dressing in layers is key! Also make sure your outer layers are windproof and waterproof.
Below are the essential items of clothing you need in Iceland.
• Scarf – A warm scarf is a must in Iceland year round. The temperature can be cold even in the summer. If you are visiting in the middle of winter, you might consider a balaclava which covers your face and will keep you warmer.
• Gloves – A pair of gloves is a must especially if visiting Iceland. I recommend bringing a pair of waterproof touch screen gloves like this pair so you don’t have to keep taking them off when using your smartphone for photos and directions.
• Warm Hat – A warm hat is a must if visiting Iceland. If you are visiting Iceland in the summer consider also bringing a baseball cap or a hat with protection like Coolibar hats for warmer sunny days.
• Baselayers – I suggest packing at list 2-3 baselayer tops. When I visited Iceland in September and October, I packed both lightweight baselayer and midweight baselayer tops that I wore under my sweaters. If you are visiting Iceland in the colder months, also pack thermal underwear/baselayer bottoms to wear under your pants.
• Sweaters/Turtlenecks – Bring at least 2-3 warmer sweaters or turtlenecks that you can wear on top of your baselayer shirts. I wore and recommend this turtleneck for Iceland and it was both warm and lightweight.
• Fleece Jacket – Pack at least one fleece zip up to wear over your sweater and baselayer to keep warm (this is was my 3rd layer). I usually kept my thick coat off when I was sitting in the car and would just run out in my fleece for a quick photo or errand.
• Rainproof Jacket/Warm Coat – Make sure to pack a waterproof and wind resistant jacket or coat. If you are visiting in the summer months you can pack a lightweight rain jacket like this one. If you are traveling in the winter, choose a thicker winter coat like this one. I prefer a mid-length jacket with a hood for maximum warmth. You do NOT need a travel umbrella as they are too hard to hold because of the strong wind.
• Pants – Bring at least 1 or 2 pairs of pants including hiking pants or leggings (for women). I wore this pair of water resistant fleece lined leggings which kept me warm.
• Waterproof pants – If your hiking pants are not waterproof, bring a pair of waterproof rain pants that can be worn over your regular pants. You do not have to wear them all the time, you can put them out when it rains or when visiting waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss.
• Shirts/Tops – Pack at least 1 short sleeve shirt, like a t-shirt or a performance short sleeve tee for the hotel even in the winter.
• Hiking Shoes – Make sure to pack a pair of waterproof hiking shoeswith good traction. I wore this pair of hiking boots and found them comfortable.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes – If you have room, you can bring another pair of walking shoes in addition to your hiking boots that you can wear at restaurants or when walking around town. Personally, I brought a pair of black sneakers which I also wore on my flight. You can also bring a pair of black rainboots like this one.
• Flip-flops – You want to bring a pair of flip flops if plan to visit the Blue Lagoon or to use in hotel showers. Havaianas flip flops are great because they have great traction and don’t slip when walking on wet surfaces.
• Socks – Bring a few pairs of warm hiking socks. You might also want to pack 1-2 pairs of compression socks if you have a long flight.
• Underwear and Bras – If you are checking luggage, pack at least 1 of each in your carry on bag in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed. ExOfficio underwear is great for travel because it is breathable, quick-drying fabric and odor-resistant.
Other Things to Pack for Iceland
Below are some other things that need to be on your packing list for Iceland (and everywhere else):
• Passport.
• Credit cards. I always bring at least 2 credit cards in case the one credit card gets lost, declined or there is some other bank issue. Make sure your credit card has no foreign transaction fees – I recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
• ATM card and a small amount of cash. You do not need cash in Iceland but I recommend always bringing a small amount as a backup.
• Medication and prescriptions (keep these in your carry on bag and not in checked luggage).
• Apple AirTags or other luggage trackers to put in your checked luggage in case it gets lost.
• Daypack or small backpack for hiking and carrying your essentials in the day. It is best to choose a bag that is packable and water resistant or waterproof.
• Women might want to bring an extra tote or purse for dinner or walking around town in addition to their small backpack.
• Electronics (smartphone, computer, tablet, kindle, cords, memory cards, tripod).
• Noise cancelling headphones or earplugs for your flight.
• Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer.
• Glasses, contacts, contact lens solution.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.
• Toiletries (makeup, lotion, deodorant, tissues, comb/brush, feminine products, razor, shampoo/conditioner/soap)
• Body wipes to wipe off sweat
• First aid kit (band aids, pain reliever, allergy medicine, anti-nausea medicine, antacid tablets, charcoal tablets, qtips).
• Lip balm with UV protection – Don’t forget to protect your lips! Most people apply sunscreen but they overlook sun protection for their lips.
• Sunscreen – Don’t forget to bring sunscreen with high SPF.
• Packing cubes
• Reusable bag for carrying groceries or shopping for souvenirs.
• TSA approved locks for your checked luggage.
• Notebook and pen.
These are my travel essentials for Iceland. Is there anything else I should add to my Iceland travel packing list?
