We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The Ultimate Packing List for Iceland, According to Tour Guides

Here’s our list of the best gear, accessories, and clothing for an trip to the land of fire and ice.

Ultimate Packing List for Iceland
Photo:

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

There’s no other country in the world quite like Iceland. From chasing waterfalls during the day to hunting for the northern lights at night, there’s so much the island has to offer visitors. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise, which means you need to be prepared for everything Arctic Mother Nature throws at you.

I road-tripped around Iceland in the fall and, although I thought I was prepared for the weather, I should have been a bit more thorough in my packing list. To help you avoid my costly mistakes, we chatted with the co-owner of tour company Hidden Iceland, Ryan Connolly, and general manager of Intrepid DMC Europe, Kristijan Svajnzger, to get recommendations for must-have packing items. Keep reading to find our comprehensive guide to packing for a trip to Iceland, as well as tips and tricks for getting the most out of your visit to the island. 

Packing Checklist for a Trip to Iceland

Below, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about packing for your next trip to the land of fire and ice. From clothing and shoes to accessories and luggage, use our complete packing list so you arrive prepared to enjoy everything Iceland has to offer. 

Clothing

Shoes

Accessories

Luggage and Bags

Our Top Picks

Clothing

When packing clothes for Iceland, it’s imperative that you take common weather conditions into consideration. While there are lots of indoor activities, the majority of landmarks are outside so arriving equipped for rain, shine, or snow is the best way to stay safe and warm while visiting. “Because of that gulf stream and winter, you get cold days and then there will be other days where, believe it or not, you could be in a T-shirt,” Connolly says.

To start, focus on clothing that will keep you warm and dry like thermal underwear and fleece layers, and then move on to packing outerwear like waterproof pants, jackets, shoes, and gloves. “First, have lots of layers and most of them should be waterproof — no question about that,” Svajnzger stresses.

Outdoor Research Women's Aspire Super Stretch Jacket
PHOTO:

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Water Resistance
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5

Both of our Iceland experts are in agreement that a waterproof jacket is essential for visiting the country. The women's Outdoor Research Aspire jacket is waterproof and windproof, which is ideal for weather in Iceland that can often be both damp and blustery; it also comes in a similar men's option that offers the same stretchy and waterproof Gore-tex material. “When it's windy, it's windy, like there are limitations on vehicles which can drive,” Svajnzger says. “For example, tourist buses and stuff like that, if it's very windy, are not allowed to drive because they can get toppled over.”

REI Patagonia Women's Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover
PHOTO:

REI

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5

Connolly explained that while the weather temperature in Iceland varies by season, you’ll always want to pack layers like this fleece from Patagonia, which earned top scores during testing. “Except for the number of layers that you're wearing, and maybe the thickness of some of them, winter is not that different from summer or autumn and spring,” he says. It’s important to visit prepared for warmer and colder days so bringing a lightweight fleece layer is ideal for staying warm.

The North Face Men's Denali Zip Jacket
PHOTO:

The North Face

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5

In our men's fleece jacket testing, this one from The North Face also scored highly. This zippered jacket proved to be warm on chilly days and it can layer underneath jackets easily without sacrificing comfort and range of motion, making it an excellent layer for hiking in Iceland.

Trust me, you will be miserable without a pair of waterproof or water-resistant pants in Iceland. I didn’t wear mine on a hike thinking it wouldn’t rain and guess what? It rained and I was miserable. These Marmot men’s and women’s rain pants are made out of 100 percent recycled nylon and will certainly keep your legs dry and warm in return.

Pisiqi Thermal Underwear Women Ultra-soft Long Johns Set Top & Bottom
PHOTO:

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Warmth
    4.5/5
  • Moisture-Wicking
    4/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5

A basic set of thermal underwear is exactly what you need to wear under your outerwear to stay warm and dry while you’re enjoying your Icelandic adventure. Connolly recommends wearing a pair of long underwear made of a synthetic material that has moisture-wicking abilities like this men's set of polyester thermal underwear from Amazon (which also comes in women's sizing). “Anything made of cotton on the bottom layer is not good for wicking away sweat. So that kind of bottom layer staying warm and close to your skin keeps the insulation really well,” he shares.

Best Fleece-lined Leggings

lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Tight

Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight
PHOTO:

lululemon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5

I wore these fleece-lined leggings every day I was in Iceland and I was pleased that the water-resistant fabric prevented my legs from getting wet during a hike where it began to drizzle at the end. They’re also extra warm under a pair of waterproof pants on extra-chilly days as needed.

Eddie Bauer Men's CirrusLite Down Jacket
PHOTO:

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5

Depending on the temperature outside, you may or may not need all the layers you bring but the most important thing is having them on hand just in case. These Eddie Bauer packable men's and women's puffer jackets are the perfect layer to toss in your day pack or rental car when you leave your hotel for the day. They’re compact and will add an extra layer of insulation and warmth for a day of exploring the island.

Eddie Bauer Women's Altamira Down Parka
PHOTO:

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Warmth
    5/5

Whether you’re visiting the Saga Museum or searching for the aurora borealis, a parka is one of the best outer layer pieces to bring to Iceland. Eddie Bauer's Altamira parka for women is made with water-resistant nylon designed to keep you warm in as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. We tested the jacket and loved how lightweight, protective, and warm the jacket is, especially against chilly gusts of winds.

Eddie Bauer Seabeck Down Parka
PHOTO:

Eddie Bauer

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Warmth
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5

Our favorite parka for men we tried, this Eddie Bauer jacket brings the heat to freezing temperatures. The jacket is super warm and cozy but we didn't feel like it was bulky to wear or pack while testing it. Plus, the 650 down fill offers plenty of insulation and warmth to withstand 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best Swimsuit for Women

Andie The Amalfi

Andie The Amalfi
PHOTO:

Andie

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Coverage
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5

Although it feels weird to pack a swimsuit for the Arctic, you won’t want to forget an option like this one-piece from Andi. Iceland is home to dozens of natural hot springs, including the Blue Lagoon, which is one of National Geographic’s 25 wonders of the world. “When you come to Iceland, one of the main things you’ll want to do is the Blue Lagoon and then you have another one called the Sky Lagoon, which is a newer one that's also an amazing experience,” Svajnzger says.

Best Swimsuit for Men

Vuori Banks Short

Vuori Banks Short
PHOTO:

Vuori

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Coverage
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5

Don't forget to toss in a pair of swim trunks into your carry-on before embarking on your trip to Iceland. These swim trunks from Vuori are our favorite pair we tried thanks to the high-quality materials that dry quickly — a huge perk while traveling throughout the island.

Bringing a pair of thick, wool socks are the best way to prevent your toes from getting cold, and these Smartwool hiking socks (for men and for women) are a solid option for hiking or sightseeing. We love that Smartwool uses recycled nylon material and wool that is ZQ-certified, meaning the wool is sourced ethically and sustainably from the farm to the final production of each pair.

After a day of sightseeing, you may want to unwind with a nice meal at one of the many delicious restaurants scattered between the island’s cities. A cashmere sweater (like these from Quince in men's and women's sizes) is the perfect cozy layer that looks dressier than a fleece jacket, but will still keep you warm.

While outer layers are certainly important to stay warm, you can’t forget about a basic tee to wear under your outerwear. The Smartwool All-season Merino T-shirts (for men and for women) are the perfect base layer for regulating temperature on cold days and for wicking away moisture from hiking or other high-intensity activities where you might sweat a lot.

Shoes

Our experts both emphasized the importance of having waterproof shoes in Iceland year-round. Whether you’re hiking on a glacier, walking behind a waterfall, or strolling through the city center, dry feet will make your experience much more enjoyable. However, if you stumble upon one of Iceland’s off-the-beaten-path thermal pools, having a pair of flip-flops to slide on will be more comfortable than putting your wet feet back into socks and boots.

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex Women's
PHOTO:

REI

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Traction
    5/5

Because the majority of activities in Iceland are outdoor, Svajnzger says it’s crucial to have a pair of sturdy shoes like hiking boots. “Almost nothing is indoor and you need proper footwear. There is a lot of loose rock, gravel, volcanic rocks, [and] sharp edges so footwear is essential,” Svajnzger says. These lace-up Salomon hiking boots (for men and for women) have a completely waterproof upper lined with Gore-tex for superior waterproofness. We tested these boots and they proved to be exceptionally lightweight and comfortable right out of the box.

Teva Womens Mush II Flip Flop
PHOTO:

Zappos

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4.8/5
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5

A pair of flip-flops is also essential if you plan to visit one of Iceland’s many thermal pools. Connolly says that “these will all be very handy when you find a random hot pool in the middle of nowhere. And there's no good changing rooms so if you find one that's just outdoors, then a nice pair of flip-flops will probably keep your feet from soaking wet and freezing immediately.” These T+L-tested and loved flip-flops (men's sizing available, too) are lightweight, easy to pack, and offer superior cushioning.

Best Waterproof Boots

Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boot

Amazon Blundstone Men's Thermal Chelsea Boot
PHOTO:

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Waterproofing
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Fit
    4/5

Whether you’re walking through Rekjavik’s city center or driving Ring Road, a pair of versatile Blundstone boots are a must-pack. My boyfriend and I wore our waterproof Blundstones for sightseeing, light hiking, and going out to a nice dinner in Reykjavik. We also tested them in our waterproof boots test and they scored highly for warmth, comfort, and durability.

The Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoes (for men or for women) are ideal walking shoes for Iceland with their waterproof uppers and sturdy Vibram rubber sole. If you don’t want to wear a bulky hiking shoe, these sneaker-like walking shoes provide the same waterproofness as a hiking boot but don’t take up as much space in a suitcase.

Accessories

No matter what time of year you’re visiting, it’s important to be equipped with all the small accessories that make a big difference during your stay. For example, Iceland can have up to 24 hours of sunlight in the summer and, while your accommodations might have black-out curtains, consider bringing an eye mask to ensure the bright rays won’t disrupt your sleep. Iceland also uses a type “C” adapter for plugging in electronics so you’ll want to pack a few outlet adapters as well.

Best Quick-dry Towel

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

Amazon Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Perfect Travel & Sports &Beach Towel. Fast Drying - Super Absorbent - Ultra Compact. Suitable for Camping, Backpacking,Gym...
PHOTO:

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    3/5
  • Absorbency
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5

Iceland has plenty of thermal pools to enjoy and, while some of the more popular ones like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon include towels, ones off the beaten track won’t have towels on hand. Your best bet is to keep a quick-drying pick like this tested-and-approved Rainleaf towel in your backpack at all times just in case you want to take a dip.

If you’re planning on hiking with a group tour, you’ll likely get certain gear like hiking poles or crampons through the tour company. For self-guided hikers, consider bringing a pair of portable and easy-to-pack hiking poles like these Cascade Mountain Tech ones. They break down to a length that easily fits in a checked bag (as they’re banned from carry-ons), and they’re made with lightweight carbon fiber and cork for little added weight.

I didn’t bring a pair of gloves to Iceland and, while it wasn’t too cold in October, I would still recommend bringing a pair. My hands got really cold during a windy volcano hike when it started raining and that’s when I wished I had a pair of gloves like The North Face Apex+ gloves (for women or for men) in my day pack. They’re water- and wind-resistant, making them the perfect shield for when the Icelandic weather takes a turn.

Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie
PHOTO:

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.1/5
  • Warmth
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.7/5

Keep your noggin protected from the cold with a cozy beanie like this knit one from Carhartt. Even if it looks nice and sunny out, the weather in Iceland can change quickly so having a hat with you just in case can be a game-changer for staying warm.

Visiting Iceland in the summertime? Consider bringing an eye mask to avoid the bright sun from trickling in and disrupting your sleep. “Especially [with] 24-hour sunlight in summer…having a sleeping mask helps with the light coming through the windows. Even with the blackout curtains, they don't really block the sun out,” Connolly explains. This weighted eye mask helps for catching Z's if you're jet-lagged and it eliminates bright city lights at home and on red-eye flights.

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
PHOTO:

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5

Whenever you travel to another country, it’s important to double-check which kind of outlet you’ll find in your hotel room. Iceland, like most European countries, uses the standard Euro-plug or C-shaped adapter that’s different from the A-shaped outlet used in the U.S. This T+L-approved adapter has outlet prongs for over 150 countries including those in Iceland, Australia, and Japan, and it can charge up to six devices at a time.

Both of our experts stressed the importance of reducing your consumption of single-use products while visiting Iceland by using a reusable water bottle. “Bring a water bottle and don't buy plastic water [bottles]...because you can drink the water and it will taste the same. It has a slightly sulfuric taste but it's probably one of the cleanest waters you can [get],” Svajnzger shares. The Platypus SoftBottle is one of the our favorite water bottle brands and it’s lightweight enough to carry around with you during all of your Icelandic adventures.

Because of the strong winds that can occur throughout the country, Connolly recommends that visitors stray away from bringing scarves or umbrellas that can easily be taken by the gusts. Instead, he prefers a buff or a neck gaiter that stays secure around your neck like the Turtle Fur fleece neck warmer.

No matter the season, you’ll be thankful to have a pair of UV protection sunglasses with you. “Sunglasses are something that you would absolutely need in summer,” Connolly says, “but weirdly, in April, October, and even in the middle of winter, the sun is always so low in the sky. If it's shining directly on you, you're going to be driving directly toward the sun for hours.” You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses with UV-protective coating and a sharp crystal lens.

Amazon Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
PHOTO:

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Transfer
    5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Water Resistance
    5/5

Even in rain or shine, the rays in Iceland are still strong enough to cause sun damage to your skin. It’s easy to forget sunscreen when you’re enjoying all the nature Iceland has to offer but it’s imperative to “sunscreen up. Always,” Connolly advises. This daily sunscreen from Babo Botanicals is our favorite travel-size sunscreen since it doesn't leave a white cast and comes in a compact 3-ounce bottle so it’s TSA-approved and easy to travel with.

I rented a car in Iceland and did a lot of self-drive tours to hike and sightsee, and having a portable Wi-Fi device was a life saver. While a physical map is helpful to have in the car, too, I found that it was ideal to have access to the internet to research destinations and restaurants along the way. Keep in mind that you’ll have to add a data plan to this mobile hotspot, but it isn’t carrier-specific so it’s a breeze to do so.

Luggage and Bags

While it ultimately depends on how long you’re planning to stay in Iceland, we recommend two T+L tested and approved suitcases to make packing a breeze. For long-weekend trips to Iceland, carry-on luggage will likely hold everything you need but, if you’re planning on visiting the island for over a week, opt for a harside checked suitcase to have extra room. Don’t forget to check your airline’s bag restrictions and fees to make your travels smoother when you arrive at the airport.

Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner
PHOTO:

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5

While I’m generally not a light packer, I was able to fit everything I needed for a four-day trip to Iceland in a carry-on suitcase. The best carry-on bag we've ever tried, we love that this suitcase has expandable zippers to add more room in the main compartment as needed.

Best Checked

July Checked Bag

July 26-inch Checked Bag
PHOTO:

July

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Durability
    3.5/5
  • Value
    4/5

If you’re planning to spend a week or longer in Iceland, a checked bag might be the only way to fit all of your warm layers and accessories. This July suitcase is one of our favorite checked bag we’ve tested thanks to its spacious interior and sturdy polycarbonate exterior. The best part is that it only weighs 8.3 pounds, leaving plenty of weight left over to pack it full of cold-weather essentials.

For storing extra layers, snacks, or water, a daypack like this Gregory one is essential. And, yes, you guessed it: The bag is completely waterproof and comes with a hydration reservoir for drinking water on the go. It also features a waterproof lining and top-rolling opening to help you avoid a soggy mess on your hands after a day of hiking or sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What should I not bring to Iceland?

    While you can bring clothing that isn't water-resistant, you might want to reconsider it. Clothing like jeans or items made of cotton won't do the best job of keeping you warm and dry, which can put a real damper on the trip. Hiking leggings made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, for example, are a better option.

  • What is the weather like in Iceland for each season?

    The weather in Iceland is a bit all over the place, making it particularly difficult to pack. “You can actually experience all four seasons in one day… you're gonna get a snowstorm on the same day; you're gonna see the aurora borealis. So, that's why it's important to be properly clothed when you go there,” Svajnzger stresses. Because Iceland is located at the edge of the Arctic Circle, you can expect temperatures of 30 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, with humidity and wind chill thrown into the mix as well. “Iceland is never as cold as people think. And it's probably never as hot as people think as well,” Connolly explains.

  • What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof gear?

    When you’re buying clothing for a trip to Iceland, you’ll want to look for gear that is advertised as waterproof, not just water-resistant. Waterproof means that the clothing is designed to repel water no matter how much rain or water is getting on the outerwear. Water-resistant means that the fabric can ward off a certain amount of water but eventually it will seep through.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer Anna Popp tests and writes about the best travel products to make your travels easier. Anna visited Iceland in October 2022 and used her own experience packing and traveling in Iceland to write the article. She also consulted two tour guides who are experts in all things Iceland to give tips and tricks on how to best pack for your next trip to the island. The experts she consulted included:

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles