The Ultimate Iceland Packing Checklist

Visiting the Land of Fire and Ice but unsure how to prepare? Enter the ultimate checklist for packing for Iceland.

How to Pack for Iceland

Travel in Iceland is rewarding, but it’s rarely straightforward. A single day might start in sunshine, shift to horizontal rain, and end beneath the northern lights or the glow of the midnight sun.

Trust me, I’ve seen it all. It makes Britain seem easy.

To deal with these extremes, you need to pack carefully, with each item earning its place in your bag.

This checklist for Iceland trip planning lays it all out, season by season and style by style, so you can pack once, be ready, and say yes to any travel adventure.

Why You Need an Iceland Packing Checklist

Between slippery lava trails, sudden coastal squalls and long stretches without shops, packing right for Iceland is about being ready for conditions you can’t control.

You want to be able to tackle that Iceland bucket list after all!

Weather Shifts Are Real

Across the island, Iceland’s weather can swing from bright calm to side-blown drizzle in an afternoon. That’s why a smart Iceland packing list beats guesswork.

The time of year changes everything. Average temperatures drop fast in winter and rise gently in summer, while hours of daylight stretch to the midnight sun or shrink towards the aurora season.

Add strong winds, periodic rainy days, and the kind of wind chill that makes a calm forecast feel colder, and you can see why a waterproof jacket is baseline, not bonus.

Activities Demand Range

The island invites extremes in the best way: you might walk on black sand beaches in the morning and tackle a guided glacier hike after lunch. You’ll wander museums in Reykjavík, soak in local pools, and drive long coastal stretches that slip into gravel.

It’s a good idea to plan for city, countryside and coast together so you can say yes to spontaneous outdoor activities without regrets.

Summer’s a great time for road trips and highland tracks; winter’s for snow, storms and skies.

No matter the season, a few core items always belong in your bag. They cover the most important things: documents, safety, power, comfort, and the small details that save you on rainy days or during long transfers.

Quick Checklist Table

Seasonal Packing Checklist for Iceland

What you carry depends heavily on the time of year.

Winter (October–April)

Winter rewards forethought.

And despite what your instincts may tell you, bulky clothes do not keep you warmer.

Think in three parts: base layer to wick, mid to insulate, shell to shield.

Natural fibres and tight weaves help your body heat do the heavy lifting. In colder months, this combination will keep you comfortable outside for longer.

• Merino wool long johns and tops as your thermal engine.
• Fleece-lined leggings for town days and under-shell warmth.
• A pair of thermal leggings if you run cold or plan long nights out shooting stars.
• Thick wool socks (two pairs per day on multi-day hikes).
• Chunky wool sweaters that breathe yet insulate.
• A packable down jacket for static moments: watching geysers or waiting for buses.
• Snow boots with grip for icy pavements; carry spikes if you’re cautious about slips.
• Waterproof gloves with liner gloves for phone use.
• A storm-ready shell as your outer layer, plus an extra layer for cafés and cars.
• Long sleeve top for base comfort in cold weather.
• Hand warmers if you’re prone to cold feet.
• Thermal underwear for the winter months and northern regions.

Summer (May–September)

Summer brings warmer days and long days, but showers and gusts still roll in unannounced. Build your Iceland summer packing list around breathable fabrics and a shell that laughs at rain.

• Thin tees plus a light button-up; add a cardigan for cooler evenings.
• A waterproof rain jacket with taped seams for squalls.
• Trail trainers or waterproof hiking boots for mixed surfaces.
• Shorts or trekking trousers; add rain pants or trousers for days with low pressure.
• Cap, sunglasses, and SPF for glare off sea and ice.
• Midge/gnat repellent near wetlands in still weather.
• Swimsuit.

Shoulder Seasons (April/May and Late September/October)

Between extremes, Iceland can feel like three seasons before lunch. A thin insulating layer plus a soft shell adds choice when weather conditions turn on you. Lightweight fleece jackets are a great option here – they stuff into any tote yet feel cosy when the wind picks up.

• Button-down long sleeve shirt that works at dinner and on a trail.
• Stretch trousers that dry fast; cuff them if beaches tempt.
• Compact umbrella for town; leave it closed in open country on gusty days.
• A simple softshell from brands such as Patagonia, Arc’teryx or North Face.
• Buff or neck gaiter for chill ferries and viewpoints.
• Keep a beanie in your pocket; it makes a huge difference on cliff paths.

Checklist by Travel Style

How you travel shapes what you need. A weekend in Reykjavík, a week-long circuit on the Ring Road, or nights in a tent all call for different gear.

Hotel or City-Based Trips

You’ll drift between cafés, design shops, and harbours, then join a coach to see geysers at pace. City breaks mean lighter luggage and smarter shoes.

• A blazer, dress, or tidy knit for dinners; smart casual is a good option.
• Flats with grippy soles – the best shoes for slick pavements and museum floors.
• A small backpack for maps, water, and extra layers.
• Pack swimwear for rooftop pools at your hotel room, spa, or local baths.
• Earplugs if you’re central as weekend nights run late.

Camping and Self-Drive Trips

On road trips, you control the timetable and catch solitude long after tours depart. A camper van lets you chase weather windows and dawn light along the ring road.

If you’re planning to explore remote areas or camp in the Highlands, the best solution is to combine transport and accommodation with a local company like Camper Rental Iceland.

Here’s what you need for this type of travelling:

• Tent rated for Atlantic gales, plus snow stakes if travelling early or late.
• Four-season sleeping bag, compressible pillow, and liner.
• Camping stove, fuel, lighter, and reusable utensils, plus a heatproof mug.
• Power banks and a car inverter; sockets are precious on the move.
• Headlamp even in summer – caves, lava tubes and late arrivals need light.
• Microfibre cloths for condensation; keep windows cracked at night.
• Carry the right gear for safety: paper map, charged phone, and a basic tool kit.

Hiking And Trekking

Trails range from boardwalks to raw lava. When you’re out longer or higher, resilience counts.

• Trail shoes with grip; add waterproof pants or trousers and gaiters for spray and bog.
• Poles for balance on pumice and shale.
• Water purification: squeeze filter or UV pen when huts are far apart.
• High-calorie snacks: nuts, jerky, energy bars.
• Packable mid-layers and rain shells appropriate to your route.
• For longer hikes, keep insulation separate from wet items in dry bags.
• Choose the right clothing for rub-free movement: flat seams, no cotton.
• Check current hiking trails advice with local wardens before committing.
• If you bring crampons for a guided outing, protect them in a pouch; they’re outdoor gear, not suitcase-friendly loose metal.

Riding Holidays

The gait of Icelandic horses is smooth, but the terrain is not. Comfort and safety outrank fashion.

• Fitted riding trousers and chaps to prevent rubs.
• A warm base, windproof top layer, and light scarf.
• Slim gloves for reins; a riding helmet unless already supplied.
• Stable-friendly waterproof shoes or paddock boots with shallow tread (no spurs).

Special Considerations for an Iceland Trip

Some experiences in Iceland call for their own mini-checklist.

Here’s what we mean.

Highlands Travel: F-Roads, Remoteness and 4×4 Reality

This is not for the faint of heart. Deep in the interior, tracks are rough, bridges are rare, and bogs test judgement. Rivers run higher in late melt and forecasts shift quickly.

• A proper 4×4 is non-negotiable on F-roads, and you’ll need to check daily updates on conditions.
• Dry-bag your essentials and keep electronics in water-resistant pouches; one slip at a ford can be terminal.
• Fuel up whenever you can, especially across South Iceland, and tell someone your plan.
• Rangers can advise on closures and detours; heed them.

Hot Springs: What to Bring and What to Expect

Iceland’s bathing culture is a joy, and it’s more varied than the headline pools. Luxury lagoons, city baths and riverside eddies coexist, each with etiquette posted at the entrance.

However, it’s not quite like getting in a hot tub at home. Here’s what you need to know:

• Wash naked with soap before bathing.
• Many spots rent towels; you’ll be faster if you bring your own.
• Flip-flops are handy for wet changing rooms and decking.
• The Blue Lagoon is just one option; try geothermal pools in small towns, the fashionable thermal lagoons near the capital, or natural hot springs on hiking days.
• Keep hair ties handy and jewellery minimal to avoid lost-and-found woes.

Check out our guide to the most popular thermal spring in Iceland: what you need to know before visiting the Blue Lagoon.

Northern Lights Hunting: Stay Warm, Stay Patient

Aurora chasing means stillness on dark verges, frozen fields, or empty car parks. Pack a Thermos, sit on a foam pad, and build warmth from toes up.

• Tripod for exposures longer than a second.
• Spare camera battery and manual focus know-how.
• Hand warmers and a flask for extra warmth during long waits.
• Red light mode on headlamps to preserve night vision.
• Check cloud forecasts and be ready to change plans, fast.

Accessibility: Transport and Gear Choices That Help

Iceland is getting better at step-free access and clear information, but distances and weather remain part of the logistics puzzle.

Here are the most important things if you’re navigating mobility, sensory or stamina considerations.

• Choose centrally located hotels with lifts and ramp entries and confirm bathroom layout in advance.
• Ask tour providers about vehicle steps, securement points and seat heights.
• Opt for boardwalk-rich sites (like geyser areas and waterfall overlooks) on days when energy is limited; save rugged routes for when support is available.
• Use lightweight trekking poles for uneven car parks and keep an emergency foil blanket in the glovebox.
• Make clothing easier: pull-on trousers, zips not buttons, mitts over gloves when dexterity dips.
• Keep hydration and snacks at hand height, not buried; a chest rig can beat a rucksack on windy viewpoints.

For more information, check out our guide on travel to Iceland with kids.

Safety and Practical Travel Tips

Travelling in Iceland is straightforward once you account for a few essentials: unpredictable skies, challenging roads, and the high cost of last-minute purchases.

So, one last time as a reminder…

Weather Unpredictability and Layering

Iceland’s skies change quickly:rainy days, sudden fog, and bursts of sun can all happen in one drive.

• Follow a three-layer system: base layer (synthetic or merino wool), insulating mid-layer (such as wool sweaters or fleece jackets), and an outer layer like a waterproof rain jacket and waterproof pants.
• Always pack an extra layer in your day bag, even in summer, to cope with wind chill or sudden drops in temperature.
• A hat and waterproof gloves belong in your small backpack all year.

SafeTravel App and Emergency Contacts

• Download the SafeTravel app before travelling; it lets you register your plans and sends alerts about weather conditions and closures.
• Store 112 (emergency) and 1777 (road updates) in your phone.
• Reception drops in remote areas; carry paper maps for day trips and longer hikes.

Driving Tips for Iceland

Expect challenges on the ring road: gravel stretches, blind hills, and one-lane bridges.

• Hold car doors firmly in strong winds; park facing the gusts when possible.
• River crossings in the Highlands are only for trained drivers with proper vehicles; mistakes can lead to serious damage and void your insurance.
• During the winter months, check tyre rules; studded tyres may be essential.
• Allow more travel time than maps suggest – weather conditions and photo stops always slow the journey.

Check out our itineraries for more:

Money-Saving Tips

• Carry a reusable water bottle; Iceland’s tap water is free, safe, and excellent.
• Buy snacks in supermarkets before heading out on road trips.
• Purchase duty-free alcohol on arrival at Keflavík Airport; local shop and bar prices are much higher.

Quick Reference Checklist (Printable)

Use this to double-check before you lock the door.

Conclusion

Iceland will hand you storms and sunshine, basalt and steam, galleries and gullies, and if your kit meets the day, you’ll say yes to all of it.

Choose adaptable layers, keep your tech charged, and set realistic plans for distance and daylight. Know when to change course, when to linger, and when to jump in.

Pack well and you’ll trade stress for stories – outdoor adventures by day, calm in the evening – and that’s the quiet foundation of an amazing trip.

I promise you it will be worth it!

More About Iceland