A Complete Icelandic Packing Guide

If you are used to traveling to warm weather destinations but just booked your first trip to Iceland, you are going to find a complete Icelandic packing guide super helpful.

For some background, I live in the North East United States which can be quite chilly and wintery. However, Iceland also adds windy and unpredictable weather to the equation. Therefore, before packing for my first trip to Iceland, I did quite a bit of research and wanted to share what I found helpful and what I would leave behind.

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A Complete Icelandic Packing Guide - Astonished Abroad — Skógafoss

Consider the Weather

Before I discuss your packing list, be sure to consider the weather in Iceland. Winter certainly lasts longer in Iceland than you may be used to. Iceland is not only snowy, icy, and cold but it can get extremely windy. If you plan to be out and about hiking, sightseeing, etc, you’ll want to wear multiple layers during the winter months.

It is also imperative that your outermost layers are waterproof. Even if the forecast doesn’t call for rain, admiring natural wonders such as the many waterfalls or black sand beaches will put you at risk of getting wet.

We visited at the end of February into March for context. During our week in Iceland, the weather was between 32-40°F (0-4°C) and it rained for part of almost every day. We did not experience snow however, there was snow/ice on the ground in some areas.

What to Pack and Leave Behind

I would recommend a base layer of leggings or long johns and a long-sleeved T-shirt to start. On days that I wore my fleece-lined waterproof pants, I did not wear another base layer as I found this too warm. Next, a warm sweater or sweatshirt, and finally, a long waterproof coat as your top layer.

While I did pack my heated vest, it was not quite cool enough during our trip for it. Either that or my coat was no joke! Courtney wore a Down Eddie Bauer Parka that was also extremely warm and waterproof. If you are someone who is always cold, consider a heated vest that can be removed easily as needed. Do not forget a warm hat, scarf, and gloves. You may want to consider traveling with an extra hat or earmuffs/headband in case yours should get wet while exploring.

When it comes to shoes, you’ll want to have a comfortable and waterproof pair of boots. We also purchased crampons which are essentially metal cleats that fit over your boots to prevent slips or falls. While most tour companies will allow you to borrow or rent these, friends of ours had recommended them when walking around downtown Reykjavik as well. We didn’t need them to get around town during our visit but I was glad we had them just in case.

If you plan to visit any of the amazing hot springs in Iceland, be sure to pack your bathing suit and flip-flops/sandals. We also took quick dry towels but found the larger, more plush towels for rent at the hot springs better suited.

Finally, don’t forget some warm socks! Not only will you need them when you are outside but they are cozy when lounging at night after an active day.

Athletic Wear

If you are like me and like to stay active while on vacation, research what type of exercise you plan to do and go from there. I packed my travel yoga mat but ended up walking or running outside every morning since it was always so beautiful and the air was so crisp and fresh.

I wore leggings, running shoes, a long-sleeved running shirt, a fleece jacket, and a hat for my morning runs. In hindsight, a headband to keep my ears warm would’ve been better suited for running. On my next trip to Iceland, I would also would pack my packable Helly Hansen rain jacket for running.

I realize during the winter it is often too snowy and icy to run outside so I felt incredibly lucky that I was able to take advantage of these conditions.

Other Essentials

You won’t catch me packing for a trip without packing a moisturizer with SPF and lip balm. Given the wind and cold air, you may also consider hand/body lotion to keep your skin nice and hydrated.

Tap water in Iceland is not only clean and totally drinkable, but it is also delicious! I would consider packing a refillable water bottle.

In my experience, decaf coffee was hard to come by in Iceland, even at the grocery. If you love coffee but don’t drink caffeine, consider messaging the hotel or your Airbnb host to see if they can accommodate you.

Choose a Reliable Travel Bag

We flew on Play Airline which is a budget airline based out of Reykjavik. Due to their carry-on restrictions, we did end up checking our bags which I typically don’t do. I used a larger tote purse as my carry-on bag. I also wore a small belt bag under my coat which kept my passport, phone, wallet, lip balm, and medicine.

Since you will be packing bulky clothing, using packing cubes will not only help consolidate your belongings but will keep you organized.

I also would recommend taking a cloth grocery bag if you plan to prepare some of your own meals at your place. There is a fee for reusable and/or paper bags so this way, you’ll be prepared.

Make a List

If this is your first time visiting AstonishedAbroad.com, know that I love making lists. They help me stay organized and once you have a good packing list, it can be easily adapted to account for weather and activities.

Iceland Packing List 7 days

Long Johns
4 long sleeve T-shirts
Fleece heated vest
Fleece jacket/packable rain jacket
5 sweaters
3 pairs of leggings/sports bras/tank tops
Black pants
Waterproof pants
5 pairs of heavy socks
Snow/Waterproof boots
Flip flops or sandals
Bathing suit
Underwear/bras
Gloves (regular and waterproof)
2 Scarves
Hats/headband
Toiletry bags
Computer/charging cords/international adapter/backup battery bank
Tea bags/decaf coffee/sweetener if needed (artificial/alternative sweeteners may be hard to find at coffee shops)
Sunglasses
Grocery bag
Crampons
Quick dry towel
Coat
Hiking boots

Wear on Plane

Stretchy jeans, grey T-shirt, hooded sweatshirt, running shoes
Belt bag with passport, phone, wallet, lip balm, medicine