Iceland packing List: Guide on what to pack for Iceland

For a country of its size, Iceland sure punches above its weight. We spent 12 days on a ring road itinerary in Iceland in June. Now for most of western and southern Europe, the packing list in summer months is not varied and easy. Not Iceland. The weather here is as temperamental as can be. Plus there are zillions of things to see and do outdoors. So you need to put some thought on what to pack for Iceland and perhaps even shop for your Iceland trip. Here is a comprehensive Iceland packing list for your vacation to be amazing in this beautiful country.

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Travel Tips for Iceland packing list

What does summer mean in Iceland? Even in the warmest month of July, average temperature is about 10-13 deg C. It can rain, get windy or stormy even in summer months (June, July and August). The wind chill factor can make it cold on a summer day. So apart from checking for weather updates during your travel, it is important to pack for all weather types.

Always plan to dress in layers. As the day gets sunnier, you can take off your outer jacket and mid-layer easily.

The terrain in Iceland is such that waterproof shoes are a must, and not meant just for hikers. Whether you go behind Seljalandsfoss in south Iceland or wander around Lake Myvatn, you will need durable water-proof shoes. The requirements for intense activities like glacier hiking of course are quite different. My hiking shoes did not meet the guide’s bar and I had to rent ankle-length hiking boots for this tour.

You are never far away from fresh, cold water source in Iceland. So don’t bother to buy bottled water anywhere in Iceland. Instead carry a water bottle for each family member to fill in during the trip.

Since we are not backpackers and were taking a road trip across the country, a suitcase with wheels worked best for us.

A light day pack is needed for all days in Iceland. Browse through these options for Light Backpack for the day. Backpack rain cover is a cheap way to waterproof it or invest in a good waterproof backpack.

What to pack for Iceland in summer

Here I have given quantities for a 2 week trip to Iceland.

Clothing essentials for women and men: Layering is important

For dressing in layers, what you need is:

[Some items like a smart dress and bras meant only for women.]

• Base layer can be a light thermal or T-shirt. You will need about 6-7.
• Mid layer can be a fleece or sweater. You will need about 3-4. Browse through Mid Layer options for women. And mid layer options for men.
• The outer layer should be good-quality, durable, wind / rain jacket. Icelandic wind can get crazy so don’t scrimp on this. It started raining during our glacier hike at Vatnajokull, and if not for our excellent rain jacket, we all would have been quite miserable. I used Columbia rain jacket, but there are many options for quality rain jackets. Check out waterproof rain jackets for men.

Other clothing items to pack

• A lightweight down jacket may be required on some days in summer, especially if you feel cold in general. Check out down jackets for women. And down jackets for men.
• 4 or 5 travel bottoms. Jeans is not a great idea for Iceland. Perhaps you can pack 1 for Reykjavik but otherwise, joggers, hiking pants, work well.
• 1 pair of waterproof pants will be needed as well. Again, if you feel very cold, you can layer it up. I used waterproof pants over the first layer of light leggings for my glacier hiking tour.
• Pack 7-8 underwear and 6-7 bras. Iceland is great for sports bras, I think.
• Packing cubes are useful for inner wear to keep them separate. See options here for Packing cubes.
• You will need socks under your shoes all the time, so pack 4-5 pairs of socks. If day hikes are part of your itinerary, pack a couple more.
• A couple of nice outfits (I wanted to change for dinner at times). But summer dresses are of no use in Iceland. 
• Nightwear (pajamas, or whatever you are comfortable in at night time)
• 1 swimsuit (How else will you enjoy hot springs in Iceland!)
• Quick drying towel (many ticketed hot springs like the Blue Lagoon provide one)
• 1 pair of sandals (or flip-flops if you are more comfortable roaming in those). Just for a change in the hotel room during night. Also needed for hot springs area.
• 1 pair of good-quality waterproof shoes. Pack 2 pair of shoes, if you are planning any day hikes. For the Glymur waterfall hike, I saw many hikers carrying an extra pair on them. The river crossing on this lovely hike means your shoes and socks get drenched. Or you go bare feet in the icy cold river over rocky terrain like I did! Check out options for waterproof hiking shoes for women. And hiking shoes for men.
• 1 pair of gloves (yes, needed in summer).
• Sunglasses
• A cap or hat for sun protection 

Clothing essentials for young kids

Again, kids need to dress up in layers in Iceland. 3 layers are more than adequate for adults but for young kids, you may want to go upto 4 layers.

• Base layer for kids can be a light thermal or a full-sleeve T-shirt. You will need about 6-7
• Mid layer for kids can be a fleece or sweater. You will need about 3-4.
• The outer layer should be good-quality, durable, wind / rain jacket. Browse through options for kids’ rain jackets.
• A lightweight down jacket is required on some days in summer, especially if you feel cold in general.
• 5 or 6 travel bottoms, like leggings and hiking pants. 1 pair of water-proof pants as well.
• Pack 7-8 appropriate inner wear.
• 5-6 pairs of socks. Maybe a couple of wool socks for younng kids.
• Nightwear (pajamas, or whatever else they are comfortable in at night time)
• 1 swimsuit 
• 1 quick drying towel
• 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops
• 2 pair of comfortable hiking shoes 
• 1 pair of gloves
• A cap or hat for sun protection

Additional items for Iceland packing list in spring/ fall months

The above packing list works well for June, July and August. If you are going to Iceland in April, May or September, October, you need to pack the following additional items:

• Dress up in 4 layers instead of 3 during spring and fall months.
• Warm down jacket is needed on all days. If it rains, you can use it under an outer waterproof shell. Here are some warm down jacket options for women.
• Thermal tops and pants: You will need to pack thermal top and pants as the base layer, and not just full sleeve T-shirts.
• Fleece lined leggings will be useful.
• Warm wool socks needed for all days.
• A wool scarf will be useful.
• Warm gloves are needed for sure.

Iceland packing list: Toiletries and medication

A toiletry bag is needed to pack all this separately. See some of the options for travel: Toiletry Bag.

• Regular toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lens kit, menstrual products, hair accessories, hair brush
• It is important to travel with good quality sunscreen and deodorant to Iceland. You will be spending a lot of time doing outdoor stuff.
• Remember if you are staying in nice hotels throughout your trip, shower soap / gel, shampoo, conditioner are all taken care of. But do carry them if you prefer your own brand.
• Prescription medication, if you need allergy medication. Some basic medicines like paracetamol and for sore throat.
• I was traveling with my 12-year old daughter, so essential medication like paracetamol for kids, stomach bug, anti-itch cream for bug bites, band aids, pain killer appropriate for a kid, cough syrup was in my medicine kit.
• Mosquito head net. (This is needed only in few areas like Lake Myvatn that has a lot of ticks all over its surroundings so not an essential)
• 1 sleep mask can be added to your Iceland packing list (Many folks advised on taking this because of the 24 hour daylight phenomenon in summer but to be honest, I never needed it during my 12 days in the country)

Electronics: What to pack for Iceland

• We now read books on kindle app on the ipad. So we carried our iPads. 
• Phone for sure
• Also charging cables and travel adapter for the same. The electricity is 220 volts in Iceland, and you must use European Type C adapters. 
• We use packing cubes for electronic items like chargers and cables to keep them separate. See options here for Packing cubes
• Portable power bank
• Camera. My photography is usually limited to iPhone, but Iceland landscape is beautifully captured by quality cameras and lenses like Sony.

Travel essentials for Iceland

Passport: Carry your valid passport that has at least 6 months of validity.

Visa: Schengen visa is needed to enter Iceland for most passport holders.

Travel insurance: I would not recommend any trip to Iceland without proper travel insurance. Carry a printed form with you.

Full insurance if you rent a car: It is important to take proper insurance at your car rental. Do not scrimp on this. Iceland ring road is safe to drive but it is a rugged country with single lanes at many places. 

Credit cards: Carry your credit cards to be used everywhere in Iceland. We needed to punch in our credit card PIN at most places in Iceland, so do remember it. There were some unmanned petrol pumps where we couldn’t use our credit card (issued in India), For such instances, we bought a local prepaid card to buy fuel. 

Cash: No cash is needed during your Iceland trip. Iceland currency is Icelandic Krona and there is absolutely no need to exchange your country’s currency for Krona. There is no place in Iceland that doesn’t accept a credit or debit card. 

Best places to visit in Iceland

There are too many incredible places to visit in Iceland. You will likely land in Reykjavik, and do keep a day for seeing Reykjavik attractions.

First time visitors to Iceland should not miss the famous stops on the Golden Circle route – Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall. This is one of the most popular day tours in Iceland.

If you are in Iceland for at least 10 days or more, I recommend a ring road itinerary via a self-drive option. If you are in Iceland for 5-7 days, there are several itinerary suggestions as well.

Whatever time you spend in this beautiful country, it is best to estimate a budget for your Iceland trip cost. It won’t be cheap!

Then there is Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western region. Lovely scenery with beautiful mountains like Kirkjufell, sea-side villages, volcanoes and waterfalls, beaches and lava fields, all can be added to your West Iceland itinerary.

For first-time visitors, the famous attractions on the South Coast are like a magnet. You would need at least 3 day Iceland south coast itinerary to explore the highlights fully.

The Diamond Circle of Iceland covers the main highlights in North Iceland: Husavik, Dettifoss waterfall, Lake Myvatn attractions, and Asbyrgi canyon. You can extend your trip to the East Fjords, there are many things to do in Seydisfjordur Iceland.

Like I said, there are too many things to do in Iceland, so you will need to prioritise. But you will come back with memories and adventures of a lifetime!

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Have you visited Iceland? What was the one item you couldn’t do without on your trip?

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