I’ve Visited Iceland 6 Times: Here’s My Year-Round Packing List 

Packing for Iceland is no easy feat, and I’ve made numerous mistakes across 6 trips. My first trip in October 2018 had stable temperatures and almost no wind, and I foolishly thought it was like this year-round. Fast forward 2 months, when I visited again, and I was ill-prepared for -13ºC and brutal wind chill. 

The good news is that the more you experience something, the more you learn. Having visited Iceland in all seasons, I now know more about how to work with the weather and prepare accordingly. Moreover, having destroyed previous equipment, I now know how to look after my camera better. 

I’ve compiled this comprehensive Iceland packing list based on these experiences (and having been to multiple parts of the country). Regardless of when you visit, I’ll aim to ensure you have the essentials to enjoy your trip. 

To save you time researching further, I’ve also included some recommendations for jackets, sweaters, and more. You’ll also learn about the pros and cons of bringing things with you versus buying them in Iceland. Without further ado, let’s get started. 

Buying Checked Baggage Is a *Really* Good Idea

Though I’m a big proponent of packing as lightly as possible, I strongly recommend buying checked baggage for a trip to Iceland. Many things you take to Iceland, such as hiking boots, will consume significant space. 

My girlfriend and I shared a checked bag between us when visiting in 2024 and had no problems. When searching for flights to Iceland, be sure to include checked baggage in your ticket price. 

However, I successfully visited Iceland without checked baggage in 2018 and 2019. I’ll provide tips on that later in this guide.

The Non-Negotiables (Year-Round)

While some seasons require you to pack different things than others, a good number of items are necessary year-round. 

Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. For example, my mom and I had a flight to Akureyri canceled in September 2021 due to a snowstorm, yet it was 9ºC and sunny a few days later. The weather will likely change when you visit multiple parts of the country on a road trip. 

Before I show you what to pack for Iceland in specific seasons, let’s look at the year-round non-negotiables. 

Clothing

1. A Good Rain Jacket

I’ve spent over a month in Iceland across my combined visits, and I would guess that I can count the number of days without rain on one hand. You will also get wet at some waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. So, a good rain jacket is vital. 

Ideally, you should pick something that can withstand windy weather. GORE-TEX jackets are pretty helpful if you’re visiting outside of winter, but they aren’t necessary. The main brands I can recommend are: 

• RAINS (unisex)
• Helly Hansen (men and women)

66ºNORTH is also excellent, and they have a large store in Reykjavík. Their jackets are expensive, but the quality is also superb. 

2. A Water-Resistant Backpack

I can tell you from personal experience that having everything in your backpack get soaked is not fun. This happened to me multiple times after moving to Copenhagen, prompting me to invest in a RAINS backpack. 

This rolltop bag has the added benefit of fitting in more than any other carry-on luggage. It has worked for me on a daily basis in Copenhagen and while hiking in Norway, Iceland, and Sweden. I recommend getting green or black as the beige one stained quite easily for me. 

3. Base Layers

I recommend dressing in layers when you visit Iceland throughout the year. Since the weather can change quite a lot, it’s nice if you can quickly add or remove layers as and when you need to. 

Wool baselayers are incredibly effective. I use UNIQLO’s HEATTECH base layers, which are pretty high-quality and also affordable (I bought this in-store, but you can order them online for men and women). Definitely buy these at home, as they’ll probably cost less than in Iceland.

Stores in your home country, like Target and Lidl, might be good options, too, but this will depend on your location and the season. 

4. Good Hiking Boots

I suggest using a good pair of hiking boots if you join a guided tour, and they’re non-negotiable if you plan to travel around the country on your own. If you choose anything to invest in, make it these. 

Although you can buy these online, I strongly recommend going to an outdoor store and trying them in person. Getting a pair that suits your foot width is crucial, and you’ll also receive guidance from store personnel based on your individual needs. 

Wear your hiking boots before visiting Iceland, if possible, to break them in. They’ll be much more comfortable. Make waterproof boots a priority, too. 

5. A Wooly Hat

Going to Iceland without a wooly hat is one of my most foolish all-time decisions, but here we are. Luckily, I was able to buy one there. 

I now have a hat from 66ºNORTH, which is by far the best I’ve ever owned. This one really went through the trenches when I visited Iceland in April 2024, and it kept me warm despite being soaked. I’ve tested it in Copenhagen multiple times since then to great effect. 

I’ve also owned multiple Fjällräven hats, including this one. It served me pretty well until I put it in the washing machine on the wrong setting, and now, it’d only fit a baby’s head 🙃. 

6. Good Gloves

Even when visiting Iceland in the summer, I’ve occasionally needed gloves. However, I emphasize that they must be *good*. The pair I used in 2018 and 2019 were useless as soon as it started raining or snowing, and I really felt it on those trips. 

It literally got to the point where I decided not to use them in Greenland because risking frostbite with exposed hands felt more effective than using them. 

GORE-TEX gloves are a great option. I bought a pair at the 66ºNORTH store in Reykjavík in 2021, and they’re still going strong today. I also own a pair of Vallerret photography gloves, which are superb for taking photos. However, I also use a pair of running gloves in the winter as a base layer. 

7. A Good Sweater

I own multiple Icelandic sweaters, and besides being a great souvenir, they’re also useful for exploring the country. The Rammagerðin store in Reykjavík is a great place to get them, and the Handknitting Association of Iceland is ideal for an authentic one. 

You can also go to any Icewear store; there are a couple in Reykjavík and another big one in Vík if you tour the South Coast. Though these are more “touristy”, I still like mine and think it’s performed pretty well. 

Devold and Fjällräven are also solid brands for sweaters. 

8. Hiking Pants 

Hiking in jeans is, in my opinion, just as bad as going to the gym in them. I’m speaking from personal experience because I’ve been that guy. Also, I can tell you that hiking in chinos is also not a good idea. 

Getting a pair of hiking trousers will help you focus on enjoying Iceland’s beautiful nature. I own a pair of Fjällräven pants, and they’re some of my favorite in terms of quality. They’re also available for women. 

If in doubt, you can always go to an outdoor store and try hiking pants in person. Sizes might be different from what you’re used to. Besides Fjällräven, I can recommend The North Face, Mammut, and 66ºNORTH. 

When visiting Iceland in the summer, you might want to consider bringing a pair of convertible ones that can also turn into shorts. 

Other Essentials 

1. An EU Plug Adapter

Iceland uses the same wall sockets as most European countries; you’ll need a Type C or Type F adapter. You can often buy an adapter at the airport, but purchasing one in advance provides peace of mind. 

Purchase the plug adapter that makes sense based on where you live: 

• US/Canada 🇺🇸🇨🇦
• UK 🇬🇧 
• Australia/New Zealand 🇦🇺🇳🇿

2. A Payment Card

Everywhere in Iceland is cash-free; the only time I’ve had to use physical money was when the card machine at Hallgrímskirkja was broken. Visa and Mastercard are your best two options. 

Though you can use the same bank you have at home, I don’t recommend it. The exchange fees are often significantly higher than a mobile-only bank, and you also get a worse rate most of the time. 

I have a Wise card that I use when traveling internationally. Besides being better value for money, I also like how I can control my spending by not using my main bank account. 

Revolut and Monzo are also great options. 

3. Travel Insurance

Although Iceland is a very safe country, the weather and nature can be very harsh. Getting travel insurance before your trip is therefore a very good idea. Healthcare in Iceland can be quite expensive. 

Although Iceland isn’t in the EU, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you’re a resident of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. You get access to required, state-provided healthcare, and the card is also free to get. However, you should still get travel insurance on top of this. 

4. Your Passport and Any Necessary Supporting Documents

Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, but border checks occasionally occur. So, I recommend bringing your passport regardless of whether you travel from in or outside the Schengen Zone. 

Check whether you need a visa to enter the country, too. If you’re from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, UK, US, Canada, and numerous other countries, you don’t need a visa and can stay up to 90 days. However, other nationalities—such as India—do. 

This useful page on the Directorate of Immigration tells you whether you need a visa based on your nationality. 

Note: If you’re from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, your visa-free stay in the Schengen Area cannot exceed 90 days in a 180-day period. This includes citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. 

5. Vitamin D

I recommend supplementing vitamin D year-round, but even more so outside the summer months. You can buy it in Iceland from a pharmacy, but it’s expensive, and I therefore recommend bringing your vitamin D with you.

The strength of the vitamin D will depend on your current levels. For example, I have darker skin and need more vitamin D than a native Icelander. 

6. Mobile Data

Iceland is included in most European data roaming plans, and you should also be fine if you visit from the UK. However, these rules may vary depending on your network provider; check with them before traveling. 

I recommend getting an eSIM for Iceland, as the setup is simpler than a physical option. Saily is a great option in this respect.

7. A Reusable Water Bottle

Iceland has some of the cleanest (and most delicious) tap water in the world, and I recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to reduce waste. 

You can refill your bottle in many places, such as Skaftafell National Park. I’ve also not had problems asking staff at gas stations to fill up my bottle. 

I have this LARQ water bottle with a UV filter, but to be honest, any bottle will do. The water in Iceland is clean enough to drink without filtering it. 

8. Toiletries

Bring anything you’d normally take on holiday, such as your toothbrush. Most hotels have shower gel, but some guesthouses might not. Consider bringing these with you if you’re camping. 

9. Power Banks for Long Trips

Although our rental car in 2024 had a USB-C charging slot, I still recommend bringing a power bank if you plan to go on longer trips. Doing so will give you extra juice if needed. 

10. Your Driving License

You can use your driving license in Iceland if you’re from another European country, and you should also be fine if you’re from the US or Canada. It’s still worth checking to see if you need an international driving license, though; your car rental company should be able to provide guidance with this. 

Nice-to-Have but Not Essential 

Besides bringing the absolute essentials, consider also bringing these nice-to-haves if you think they’ll add value to your trip. They aren’t necessary, though. 

A Good Travel Book	I like having a good travel book with me, though you can also get plenty of free brochures in Iceland. Lonely Planet’s Iceland guide is a classic; consider also buying its Ring Road trips guide.
Jeans (for Urban Experiences)	By all means, bring jeans when going out in the evenings and while in Reykjavík. Just don’t wear them while you’re hiking.
Trekking Poles	The ground on some trails can be slippery, so you might want to bring trekking poles if you feel like it’s necessary.
Flip-Flops	Flip-flops are useful if you plan to visit some hot springs. My feet were *freezing* between leaving the changing room at the Blue Lagoon and getting into the water.
Swimming Outfits	Bring these if you’re going to visit some Iceland’s hot springs.
A Map	You can bring a map of Iceland if you think it’s necessary, but it’s also possible to get these in the country.
A Hiking Headband	A headband can help protect your ears against the wind. Though not a must, having one might still be a good idea.

Potential Extras to Bring

You might need to bring extra equipment if you’re camping, such as sleeping bags. Decide if you want to bring these from your home country or get them in Iceland. Renting a campervan in Iceland is ideal because you do not need to bring a tent. 

Definitely bring towels if you’re camping; these shouldn’t be necessary if you’re staying in a hotel or guesthouse. I’ve never needed to bring a towel with me at any accommodation I’ve stayed in. 

Take the towel from your hotel if you visit the thermal baths in Reykjavík. You don’t need these at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, as they’re already included for free. 

Buy in Iceland or Bring With You? 

I recommend bringing most things with you in advance, especially if you regularly hike anyway. Bringing your stuff with you will ensure that you have everything needed to enjoy an amazing adventure in Iceland. It’ll also probably cost less than buying it while here. 

However, you can get a VAT refund when buying items in Iceland. Moreover, you’ll find plenty of outdoor stores in Reykjavík. If you purchase items while you’re here, make sure you have enough space in your suitcase to bring things home with you. 

You can also consider renting equipment in Iceland if you don’t want to bring it with you. The IcelandCover store in Reykjavík rents hiking boots, coats, and more. It’s on Laugavegur, the main shopping street. 

As for food, you can’t bring animal products unless they’re boiled or canned. You can bring up to 10kg of food if it meets requirements and doesn’t exceed 25,000 ISK (c. 176 USD) in value. Learn more on the Iceland Revenue and Customs website. 

Iceland Packing List for Winter

Now that we’ve got the year-round essentials out of the way, let’s look at how to pack for Iceland in specific seasons. 

Winter is my favorite time to visit, but it’s also one of the most challenging. The air temperature will probably range from 6ºC to around -10ºC (42.8 to 14ºF), but it can be colder. For example, when we visited in January 2025, it dropped as low as -14ºC. In 2018, I experienced -13ºC while touring the Golden Circle. 

Regardless, the wind will make it feel colder. Here are the key things to pack for winter on top of what we’ve already discussed. 

1. Wool Socks

Wool socks are an absolute must if visiting Iceland in the winter. I bought a great pair from the Icewear store in Reykjavík, but you can purchase these from any outdoor store where you live. 

Wool socks will help keep your feet warm when wet, and I normally wear them with a normal pair of work socks. They can be itchy initially, but you should get used to them quickly. 

2. A Warm Jacket

Bringing a warm jacket is also a good idea when packing for Iceland in the winter. I did not listen to my own advice when visiting in 2018, and to say that I suffered would be an understatement. 

You might not need an ultra-puffy jacket, but you should check the forecast. It largely depends on where you’re going; the north is generally colder than around Reykjavík. Make sure it’s waterproof, too. 

3. An Extra Pair of Gloves

I often feel like having one pair of gloves is a waste of time in the winter, which is why I bought some running gloves as a base layer. I then put my main gloves on top of these. It’s still not foolproof, but I think it’s much better than only having one pair.

4. A Scarf

I would’ve suffered more on that 2018 trip without a good scarf, and you can say the same for trips when I was better prepared. Get a proper outdoor scarf to keep you warm; I had one from Fjällräven which was great, for example. 

Iceland Summer Packing List

Summer in Iceland is great once you get used to the disorientation of being unable to sleep so well due to the light. However, I also found it one of the most difficult seasons to prepare for. 

Temperatures in Iceland are normally mild; around 15ºC to 17ºC (59 to 62.6ºF) will likely be the maximum high. However, I’ve experienced it being as cold as 5ºC (41ºF) around this time of year. 

Here are my season-specific essentials besides the year-round non-negotiables discussed earlier. 

1. Sunscreen and Sunglasses (Yes, Seriously)

The sun in the Nordics can be *very* bright in the summer, and I recommend bringing some sunscreen with you if you plan to visit Iceland from May to August. It’s expensive to buy in Iceland, so pack this in your suitcase beforehand if possible. Ditto for sunglasses. 

2. A Sleeping Mask

First and foremost, I hope you book accommodation with blackout curtains if you visit Iceland in the summer. It’s very disorienting to sleep when it’s still not dark at midnight, as I’ve found in Iceland, Sweden, and Finland. 

Bringing a sleeping mask is a very good idea. They don’t cost too much, and you’ll thank yourself later. 

Just in case you think I’m joking, below is a photo I took in June 2019 at just after 23:30 in Reykjavík 🙂. 

3. A Light Jacket

Bringing a light jacket in the summer is wise for ensuring that you don’t get cold but also don’t overheat with a puffy one. If you find one that packs into a cube, even better. 

4. Bug Spray 

Though Iceland has no mosquitoes, it does have midges—and I’d argue that these are even more annoying. Mývatn in the north is notorious for them, but I recommend bringing bug spray regardless of whether you go there or not. Reykjavík itself is actually fine from personal experience, but it’s still keeping some spray handy in case you need it. 

Again, bringing bug spray with you to Iceland is a good idea rather than buying it there. 

How to Pack for a Trip to Iceland in the Spring and Fall 

I’ll just be real with you: The weather will probably be all over the place. I’ve had sunny days, rain, snowstorms, and everything in between during these seasons. The year-round essentials also apply to spring and fall. 

Packing in layers is even more important during these seasons since the weather can be even more unpredictable.

Photography Equipment to Pack for Your Trip 

Iceland is *the* ultimate photographer’s destination, but since the weather doesn’t always play fair, you’ll also need to consider a couple of things. Speaking from the experience of destroying one of my cameras here, I’ve listed my Iceland packing list for photographers below. 

The Essentials 

1. A Weather-Sealed Camera

Weather-resistant might work in the summer, but I really don’t recommend it outside of that. I did that in April 2024 and returned from the trip with a water-damaged screen. 

A weather-sealed camera will add an extra layer of security against the elements. I’ve since bought the Nikon Z6 II and NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens, which you might also want to do. Though more expensive, weather-sealed cameras are a fantastic investment if you enjoy photography in extreme weather (*raises hand emoji*). 

At the very least, take a camera cover. Peak Design is my favorite brand for this; check to ensure that the cover fits your specific device.

2. A Lens Cloth

I never go out with my camera unless I have a microfiber cloth. You don’t need to spend too much on these, but I recommend getting a multipack. Be sure to wash them every now and then, too. 

3. Additional Batteries 

Your camera batteries will drain faster in the cold, but you should bring additional batteries with you year-round. It’s sometimes difficult to charge our devices on the road. I really like Duracell’s rechargeable batteries, so it’s worth checking to see if you can find one for your camera manufacturer. 

Nice-to-Have

• Extra SD Cards: I’ve never come back from a week-long trip to Iceland without at least 1,000 photos, and bringing SD cards is always a good idea. It’s even more important so you can still shoot if something happens; my SD card broke in Norway, for example. I like SanDisk’s SD cards, but you’ll need one that fits your camera’s slot(s).  
• A Tripod: Bringing a tripod is useful for landscape photography in Iceland, but I also don’t like carrying one around, so I sometimes leave it at home. However, if you plan to photograph the Northern Lights, you’ll need one. I have this Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod, which is also superb in cold weather. 

How to Pack Light for a Trip to Iceland

Though I still think you should take at least one checked bag to Iceland, it’s definitely possible to get away with carry-on baggage. I’ve done this in the past, and it’s largely about being strategic. 

I’ve added my top tips in the table below. 

Use Packing Cubes	I used packing cubes for my 2019 trip for my socks and underwear, and they made a huge difference. Try and fit as much as you can in them.
Be an Essentialist	Be serious about what you actually need to bring. You probably only need one sweater, for example. If your accommodation has a washing machine, you can get away with packing minimally even more.
Wear Your Hiking Boots and Sweater on the Plane	This is the easiest way to save space in your baggage. Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane; you can take them off when on the flight.
Be Careful With Baggage Sizes	My mom got stitched up in December 2018 because her carry-on suitcase’s wheels didn’t fit in the frame cage. Double-check your airline’s maximum carry-on dimensions and stay within these boundaries.

What to Wear in Reykjavík

Wear the same in Reykjavík as you would in pretty much any other European city. You can always spot the tourists because they’re the ones wearing hiking gear (not that there’s anything wrong with this). 

Though Icelanders are typically well-dressed when going out for dinner or drinks, Reykjavík is still more laidback than in most places. I cannot remember a single restaurant or bar I’ve visited with a dress code, but you should check if you have a particular place in mind. 

In any town outside of Reykjavík (e.g., Vík), you should be even more fine wearing whatever you want. 

Things You Should Probably Leave at Home

Besides stopping Arctic Terns from divebombing your head, or you want to re-enact Mary Poppins, umbrellas are pretty useless in Iceland. The wind makes them needlessly difficult to use; a good coat with a hood is much wiser. 

You can probably leave any other shorts at home besides swimming shorts. Convertible hiking pants might be worthwhile in the summer, but unless you visit during extreme temperatures, I highly doubt you’ll need shorts for daily life. For context, Reykjavík’s record-high temperature was just under 26ºC (70.8ºF) in 2008. 

I also recommend only bringing thicker socks with you. I’ve made the mistake of bringing thin ones before, and I can tell you right now that they were a total waste of time. 

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