Iceland Packing List: What to Pack for a Trip to Iceland (in Summer or Winter)
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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).
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!)
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.)
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!
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.
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!)
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.
Have you been to Iceland in winter? What else would you suggest packing?
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!
Do you have any suggestions for a five day summer trip.
You’ll still want warm layers and rain gear, even in summer! Weather in Iceland can change quickly. I would check out this Ireland summer packing list, but maybe swap out the rain boots for hiking boots: https://www.dangerous-business.com/2018/08/ireland-packing-list/
What about for summer????
I haven’t been to Iceland in summer yet! (Though I’ll actually be going next month!) Iceland’s summer weather can still be wet and cold, though, so I honestly wouldn’t change many of these recommendations. You’ll still need warm layers, a waterproof coat/pants, and solid boots that will keep your feet dry!
Thanks for sharing this useful information through this blog. I was also planning to go to Iceland in this upcoming winter. It will really help me in my packing.
This was very helpful, thanks! My friends and I will be in Iceland for three days next February before we go on to Paris, and even though I live in snowy Colorado, I’m a bit scared I’ll be unprepared. I hear the wind can really howl over there!
Definitely bring lots of layers, as you just never know what you might run into!
Amanda! Thank you for this great, detailed pack list. I LOVE the pictures you included and the Amazon picks. You’ve made me feel a lot more confident in my choices for the trip I’m taking to Iceland this January. If you ever make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, look me up!!
So happy to be able to help, Kim! I hope you have a great time in Iceland!
Great post and THANK YOU for actually posting links of everything. We’re going this September 23 – October 4. Do you think a pair of LL Bean Boots (the traditional 6-inch Bean Boots) will be enough of a hiking/waterproof boot? I am also planning on taking my Roxy snowboarding pants and Pulse snowboarding jacket and my husband is worried they won’t be enough waterproofing. P.S. Here is my packing list so far: http://www.polyvore.com/iceland_packing_list/set?id=204200517
I think that should be fine. And, honestly, you may not even need super cold-weather gear at that time of year; they usually don’t start getting snow until the end of October. You might want to go to your local outdoor/sporting goods store and see if they have some waterproof over-pants you can pick up for a decent price. That’s what I bought for a hiking trip in Utah earlier this year, when it was chilly but not cold enough for ski pants.
Excellent!Hoping to visit Iceland this year..which backpack did you carry as your main luggage?
Thanks!
The first time I went, I was using a 60L backpack from REI. Now I tend to travel with an Osprey Sojourn (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P675LK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006P675LK&linkCode=as2&tag=adangbusi04-20&linkId=IIB774FSEN65ELQ6). It’s also a 60L bag, but it has wheels and optional backpack straps. It’s one of the best bags I’ve ever owned!
[…] WHAT TO PACK: Good hiking shoes and waterproof layers – check out a complete packing list here […]
LOVE this post, especially the photograph of what you packed. we are light packers as well choosing to only take one rolling bag (carry on size) and a backpack each. we are cruising out of copenhagen in early may with a stopover in keflavik on the way over. this will be my packing guide. i know it might be a bit warmer then, but research shows that the wind and rain are ever present. i so enjoy your blog, fellow buckeye (though i am now transplanted to sw fla).
I’m so glad you’ve found this helpful, Sheri! And yes, it’s always a good idea to pack layers whenever Iceland is involved!
Nice photos! Great advice on whats inside your pack.
More of a question: Is there anything you packed that you wish you wouldn’t have or anything you wished you had packed and didn’t? I’m heading there in March. Will be a part of an organized “Northern Lights Tour” and many activities on the itinerary are outside. Your post has been most helpful so far. I’m completely stressed out about packing!
Thank you!
On this list, no there wasn’t anything that I didn’t use, or that I was missing. I would just tell you to bring plenty of warm (and perhaps waterproof) layers! I went on a Northern Lights trip to Canada last March and packed quite similarly, but with more layers (including some ski pants). Also bring good, waterproof boots!
Thanks so much for having a post like this! Andy and I are getting ready for RTW trip next year, and we have started looking a packs and boots for me. But I have seriously been wondering what I will need to pack for a trip like that. I know it’s a little bit of a different situation, but it is still neat!
I’ve never done a RTW trip, but I can only imagine how daunting the packing would be since you have to take so many different climates into account! Good luck!
nice job! I too am an overpacker… usually with more than one pair of shoes and outfits to match…. lol
Yeah, I like to have lots of choices in my wardrobe, even when I travel. So a trip like this is tough!
[…] a Backpacker Now? Add comments Mar 162012 So now that I’ve got a shiny new REI backpack and am planning a summer trip around Europe, I’ve had a couple friends ask me if this means […]
Looks like you successfully packed all the necessities! We are headed on a backpacking trip to New Zealand in May, just as winter starts over there. We were getting worried about only having a backpack when we have to bring winter clothes, but this just gave us a bit more confidence! If you can do it, we can do it 🙂
You can definitely do it! And, for what it’s worth, most of New Zealand doesn’t get THAT cold in the winter. May is actually still autumn, and the weather can be quite nice! (I was there last year in May, and as long as I layered up on the South Island, I was fine). My advice is to bring plenty of things you can layer!