What to Pack for Iceland: Our Ultimate Packing Guide

Packing for Iceland can feel like a puzzle. Every guide online seems to tell you to bring half your wardrobe, but after spending over 40 days travelling across the country, we’ve figured out what you’ll actually need — and what’s just wasted space.

Whether you’re visiting in the icy depths of winter or under the midnight sun in summer, this honest guide will help you pack smarter, travel lighter, and stay warm, dry, and comfortable while exploring Iceland.

1. Start with the Right Layers

The key to surviving Iceland’s ever-changing weather is layering. The temperature, wind and rain can shift in minutes — so you’ll want to be prepared for anything.

Our layering formula:

Base layer: Lightweight thermals or merino wool tops and leggings.
Mid layer: A fleece or insulated jumper.
Outer layer: A waterproof and windproof coat (look for one with a hood and taped seams).

Even in summer, the evenings can get cold — so don’t skip that extra layer.

2. What You’ll Actually Use Every Day

After multiple trips, these are the things we used constantly:

Waterproof hiking boots – essential for waterfalls, black-sand beaches and uneven trails.
Waterproof phone case – perfect for capturing footage at lagoons and waterfalls without ruining your phone.
Vaseline or lip balm – the cold, dry air can crack lips quickly.
Power bank – between maps, cameras, and aurora apps, your phone battery will drain fast.
Sandwich bags – perfect for making packed lunches if you’re travelling on a budget.

3. What You Can Leave Behind

We all overpack the first time, so learn from our mistakes! You probably don’t need:

More than two or three jumpers — you’ll wear the same favourites.
Dress clothes — unless you’ve got fancy dinner plans, comfort comes first.
Hand warmers — as long as you’ve got a good winter coat, gloves, hat, and scarf or snood, you’ll be fine (unless you really feel the cold).

4. A Few Extra Packing Tips

Microfibre towel: Lightweight, quick-drying and ideal for lagoons or guesthouses.
Dry bag or waterproof pouch: For swimsuits or wet clothes.
Crampons (winter only): Clip-on ice grips for shoes — they’ll save you from slipping.
Reusable water bottle: Icelandic tap water is some of the purest in the world.
Plug adapters: Iceland uses the standard European two-pin plug (Type C/F).

5. Keep It Simple

Iceland isn’t about fashion — it’s about staying warm, dry, and ready for adventure. Choose practical clothing that mixes and matches easily, and don’t stress about repeating outfits.

Packing smart means less time rummaging through your suitcase and more time exploring glaciers, waterfalls, and lagoons.

6. What we took

Crampons – https://amzn.to/4o6oo1O

Waterproof Case for iPhone 15 Pro Max – https://amzn.to/4o13mSf

Carry On Cabin Bag (Black) – https://amzn.to/4hm1bG9

Carry On Cabin Bag (Mint) – https://amzn.to/3JjI5nz

European Plug Adapter – https://amzn.to/4nlKJr5

Waterproof Phone Pouch – https://amzn.to/4nkL5ya

Refillable Perfume/Aftershave Travel Atomiser – https://amzn.to/3LmKgHy

Watch the Video

Prefer to watch instead? You can see our full Iceland packing breakdown — including what we wore, what we didn’t need, and how to prepare for Iceland’s unpredictable weather — in our video below:

Follow Our Journey

We’re sharing new Iceland travel videos every Sunday and Wednesday — packed with real tips, experiences, and honest advice from our time on the road.

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