Planning a trip to Iceland? You’re in for an exciting adventure with stunning landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and the chance to see the Northern Lights. As you prepare for this epic journey, it’s essential to consider what to pack for an Iceland trip. From the windswept coastlines to the majestic waterfalls, Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, making packing thoughtfully a must. While you may already have the basics in mind, ensuring your Iceland packing list is both practical and comprehensive will help you be fully prepared to make the most of every moment of your Icelandic escape.
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Why is the Iceland Packing List Important?
Iceland is known for its unpredictable weather. One minute, it might be sunny, and the next, you could be caught in a downpour or snowstorm. The key to enjoying your trip is packing smart so you can stay warm, dry, and comfortable no matter what the weather throws at you. This Iceland packing list will help you get ready for whatever your adventure holds.
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Clothing Essentials for Iceland
When packing for Iceland, the secret is to dress in layers. You’ll need to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures, especially during winter visits. Here’s a breakdown of the clothing items you should include in your Iceland packing list:
Base Layer (Thermal Underwear)
Product Amazon
- Why?: It keeps you warm in cold conditions.
- What to pack?: Thermal tops and bottoms, preferably made from merino wool or synthetic materials.
Product recommendation:
Thermajane Women’s Long Johns Thermal Underwear – Fleece-Lined Base Layer Pajama Set for Cold Weather
Price: $34.98
About this item:
Heat Retention: Thermajane thermal underwear for women is designed to lock in your body heat, offering extra warmth and comfort to make it the perfect everyday base layer, especially for your Iceland packing list.
Ultra Soft: Lined with fleece for added softness, our thermals provide gentle protection from the cold, ensuring comfort all day long, whether you’re relaxing at home or exploring the great outdoors.
Moisture Wicking: Stay dry and odor-free, whether you’re at home or on the go. These women’s long johns will keep you feeling fresh, no matter the activity, so you can confidently tackle your day.
4-Way Stretch: The fabric is soft and stretchy, offering a snug yet flexible fit that moves with you throughout the day. Perfect for any activity, no matter where you are—whether on an adventure or just lounging.
Layer Up: For both style and comfort, these women’s thermals are the ideal base layer for your day, ensuring you stay warm and cozy, especially when preparing your Iceland packing list for that next cold-weather adventure.
Mid Layer (Fleece or Insulating Layer)
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- Why?: Provides additional warmth and insulation.
- What to pack?: A fleece jacket or a warm sweater.
Product recommendation:
DEVOPS Women’s 2-Pack Thermal Turtle Long Sleeve Shirts – Compression Baselayer Tops
Price: $25.99
About this item:
Micro Fleece Lined: Made from 90% polyester and 10% spandex, these thermal shirts are designed for comfort and warmth.
Ultra Soft & Warm: The thermal tech fleece fabric feels gentle against the skin, providing exceptional comfort and softness while retaining warmth.
Stretchy & Durable: With added spandex for extra stretch and shape retention, these close-fitting baselayer tops help trap body heat to keep you warm throughout the day.
Versatile Performance: These thermal tops are ideal for a range of indoor and outdoor activities, including outdoor excursions and recreational adventures, providing both comfort and effective heat retention.
Easy Care: Machine washable for convenient maintenance and long-lasting wear.
Outer Layer (Waterproof and Windproof Jacket)
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- Why? Iceland’s weather can be very windy and rainy. A waterproof jacket will keep you dry.
- What to pack?: A high-quality waterproof jacket and pants. Gore-Tex or similar fabric is highly recommended.
Product recommendation:
Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Long-Sleeve Water-Resistant Packable Puffer Jacket
Price: $31.41
About this item:
REGULAR FIT: Designed for a comfortable fit through the chest, waist, and hips, offering ease of movement without being too tight.
WATER-RESISTANT SHELL: Made from durable plain weave fabric, with 100% nylon for solid colors and 100% polyester for prints and neons. The jacket is fully lined, quilted, and insulated to provide extra warmth on chilly days.
PACKABLE PUFFER: Lightweight and cozy, this jacket is perfect for layering over tees in the fall or sweaters in winter. It easily packs into the included bag, making it ideal for on-the-go warmth wherever you are.
EVERYDAY DETAILS: Featuring a classic quilted design with flattering seams, a front zipper, zippered pockets, a stand collar, and elastic cuffs for added comfort and style.
Pants
Product Amazon
- Why?: Stay comfortable while hiking and exploring.
- What to pack?: Waterproof pants and hiking pants.
Product recommendation:
Arctix Women’s Insulated Snow Pants
Price: $48.95
About this item:
Made with a 100% polyester ThermaLock shell and 85g ThermaTech insulation for warmth. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps you dry, while reinforced, sealed seams protect against wind and rain. Roomy zippered pockets provide extra warmth and space for essentials.
Warm Hat, Gloves, and Scarf
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- Why?: These will protect you from Iceland’s chilly winds, especially during the colder months.
- What to pack?: Wool or fleece gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf.
Product recommendation:
HINDAWI Winter Hat, Scarf, Gloves Set – Beanie, Touch Screen Mittens, Circle Scarf
Price: $14.99
About this item:
This cozy set includes a soft, heat-retaining slouchy beanie, a versatile scarf, and touch-screen-compatible gloves for warmth and convenience. The gloves feature anti-slip properties, making them ideal for using devices or driving in cold weather. It is perfect for outdoor activities or as a winter gift for both women and men.
Footwear
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- Why?: Comfortable and durable shoes are a must for Iceland’s rocky and uneven terrain.
- What to pack?: Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support. A pair of warm, preferably merino wool socks will keep your feet dry and warm.
Product recommendation:
Hsyooes Women’s Warm Fur Lined Winter Snow Boots – Waterproof Ankle Boots
Price: $41.99
About this item
- Made with a waterproof upper to keep your feet dry and comfortable, these ankle boots feature warm faux fur lining for added warmth without sacrificing style. The rubber non-slip soles are wear-resistant, shockproof, and perfect for long walks or hikes. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor activities, these boots are great for cold weather. Perfect for winter holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day.
Swimwear
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- Why? Iceland is famous for its geothermal hot springs, so make sure you bring a swimsuit to soak in places like the Blue Lagoon.
- What to pack?: A simple swimsuit and a towel.
Product recommendation:
RELLECIGA Women’s One-Piece Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swimsuit – UV Protection Surfing Bathing Suit
Price: $19.99
About this item:
Designed with a zipper for easy on and off, this long-sleeve rash guard features a medium-coverage bottom and a metal logo for quality assurance. The built-in bra features removable padding for customizable support, eliminating the need for an underwire. Its stylish splicing color design adds a retro, luxurious touch. Perfect for outdoor activities such as surfing, cycling, jogging, and more, this swimsuit offers excellent skin protection. Made from skin-friendly, breathable, and quick-drying material. Hand wash with cold water; do not bleach.
Travel Accessories You Can’t Forget
Now that you’ve got the clothing essentials covered let’s dive into the must-have accessories for your Iceland trip.
Camera and Spare Batteries
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- Why?: You’ll want to capture Iceland’s natural beauty, from waterfalls to glaciers.
- What to pack?: A high-quality camera, extra batteries, and memory cards. Iceland’s weather can be harsh on electronics, so make sure you have waterproof protection for your gear.
Product recommendation:
Digital Camera, FHD 1080P
Price: $49.99
About this item:
This user-friendly camera captures 44MP photos and FHD 1080P videos automatically, making it perfect for kids and beginners. Compact and lightweight, it’s easy to carry and features long battery life. With 16X zoom and 20 creative filters, it offers plenty of options for fun, customized photos. It includes all essentials and comes with a one-year warranty, making it an excellent gift for kids or teens.
Portable Power Bank
Product Amazon
- Why?: With all the photography, social media sharing, and GPS navigation, your phone battery will drain fast.
- What to pack?: A good-quality power bank that can charge your phone on the go.
Product recommendation:
INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh Power Bank
Price: $15.02
About this item:
The INIU power bank is the thinnest 10,000mAh charger on the market, measuring just 0.5 inches thick. It features a USB-C IN/OUT port, making it versatile for all devices. With 3A fast charging, it powers iPhones up to 78% in just one hour. Its 15-layer SmartProtect system ensures safe, reliable charging. Includes charger, USB-C cable, travel pouch, and lifetime support.
Reusable Water Bottle
Product Amazon
- Why? Iceland has some of the cleanest and freshest water in the world. Stay hydrated while helping the environment by opting for reusable bottles.
- What to pack?: A reusable water bottle, ideally insulated, to keep your drinks cold or hot.
Product recommendation:
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw
Price: $24.99
- Ideal for Kids: 16-ounce capacity, leakproof design with a push-button lid that locks, perfect for active kids.
- FreeSip Spout: The patented design allows sipping upright through the built-in straw or tilting to drink from the spout opening.
- Easy to Carry: A convenient carry loop doubles as a lock to secure the lid.
- Keeps Drinks Cold: Double-wall insulation keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours.
- Durable & Safe: BPA, lead, and phthalate-free. Hand wash the cup; the lid is dishwasher-safe.
- Versatile: Features a wide opening for easy cleaning and adding ice, making it a great addition to any Iceland packing list.
Sunglasses
Product Amazon
- Why?: The sun can be bright, even in the winter, and reflections from snow can hurt your eyes.
- What to pack?: Sunglasses with UV protection. Polarized lenses are a bonus.
Product recommendation:
MERRY’S Unisex Polarized Aluminum Sunglasses – Vintage Sunglasses for Men & Women
Price: $12.97
- Polarized Lenses: Effectively reduce glare from roads, water, snow, and other surfaces. Restore true colors, eliminate scattered light, and provide superior eye protection for a clearer, more comfortable view.
- Stylish Design: Featuring a new brand design that suits any face shape, reflecting a unique and high-end taste.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for various outdoor activities, including selfies, shopping, driving, running, fishing, climbing, trekking, and more.
- Perfect Fit: Lens Height: 45mm (1.77″), Lens Width: 56mm (2.20″), Arm: 140mm (5.51″), Bridge: 16mm (0.63″), Frame Length: 142mm (5.59″).
- Gift-Ready Packaging: Includes sunglasses, a leather glasses case, a cleaning kit (with microfiber cloth and instruction manual), and a paper box—a great, practical gift for friends and family.
Small Backpack or Daypack
Product Amazon
- Why?: You’ll need a bag to carry your essentials while you’re out exploring.
- What to pack?: A compact backpack that can hold a water bottle, snacks, and extra layers of clothing.
Product recommendation:
WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Sling Bag for Travel & Hiking
Price: $32.99
- Removable Strap: The ergonomically designed triangular fixation straps prevent shifting during use. Easily remove when not needed for a more streamlined fit.
- Improved Shoulder Strap: Soft, adjustable strap (33″ to 48.5″) that can be worn on either the left or right shoulder. The expandable phone pocket (4 x 1.5 x 8.0 inches) fits phones under 7 inches.
- Organized Storage: Size: 7 x 3.5 x 15 inches. Features a front zipper and buckle pockets for storing essentials, such as an iPad mini, power bank, and other small items. The side mesh pocket accommodates a bottle with a diameter of 2.4 inches.
- Durable and Comfortable: The water-resistant material, combined with a breathable shoulder strap and back, ensures comfort during travel, hiking, running, or biking—a perfect addition to your Iceland packing list for outdoor adventures.
Travel Adapter
Product Amazon
- Why? Iceland uses the European two-prong plug system, so you’ll need an adapter if you’re coming from outside the European continent.
- What to pack?: A universal plug adapter to ensure your devices work.
Product recommendation:
Ceptics Universal Travel Adapter, 35W International Power Adapter with PD & QC 3.0 Dual USB-C
Price: $19.54
- Top-Rated Brand: Designed in the USA, Ceptics is the #1 travel adapter brand, known for reliability and safety.
- Charge Multiple Devices: Features 1 universal input, 3 USB ports (2.4A) & 2 USB-C ports (1W with Power Delivery & Quick Charge 3.0), allowing you to charge up to 5 devices simultaneously—perfect for cell phones, tablets, laptops, and more.
- Global Compatibility: Supports Type A (USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan), Type I (China, Australia, New Zealand), Type C (Europe, South America, Asia), and Type G (UK, Ireland, Singapore, Hong Kong) plugs, making it ideal for international travel.
- Certified Safety: Includes an 8A fuse, FCC, CE, and RoHS certifications, surge protection, child electric shock protection, plug lock, and safety shutters to protect both you and your devices from electrical hazards.
- Important Note: This is a power adapter, not a voltage converter. Ensure your devices support 100-240V for international use. Not compatible with 110V appliances, such as hair dryers or curling irons.
Miscellaneous Items for Your Iceland Packing List
There are a few other essential items you might not immediately think of, but they’ll make your Iceland trip much more enjoyable.
Travel Insurance
- Why? Iceland’s remote location and rugged terrain mean accidents or unexpected events could happen.
- What to pack?: Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance, especially one that covers outdoor activities.
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Snacks and Energy Bars
Product Amazon
- Why? Iceland’s remote areas often lack easy access to food, especially during hikes or road trips.
- What to pack?: A selection of snacks and energy bars for quick meals or to keep your energy up during activities.
Product recommendation:
Nature’s Bakery Original Whole Grain Fig Bars – 36 ct. (6 Boxes)
Price: $35.74
- Flavor: Fig
- Quantity: 36 bars (72 oz total)
- Brand: Nature’s Bakery
Toiletries
Product Amazon
- Why?: Keep your toiletries travel-friendly and straightforward.
- What to pack?: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and any other personal hygiene items you may need. Iceland also has great skincare products, so you can shop while you’re there.
Product recommendation:
Cottonelle Fresh Feel Flushable Wet Wipes, Adult Wet Wipes
Price: $12.99
- Includes: 8 flip-top packs, 42 wipes per pack (336 total)
- Compelling Freshness: Removes up to 100% of odor and residue
- Sewer & Septic Safe: Breaks down like toilet paper, safe for plumbing
- Gentle on Skin: No harsh chemicals, alcohol, or parabens
- Triple Action: Removes mess, reduces odor, and protects hands
- Perfect Pairing: Best used with Cottonelle Ultra Clean toilet paper for a complete clean.
Conclusion: Ready for Your Iceland Adventure
Iceland offers a world of unforgettable sights, and the right gear will allow you to experience it all comfortably and safely. Your Iceland packing list should strike a balance between practicality and a sense of adventure—ready for the elements yet geared for exploring the endless beauty this country has to offer. With proper preparation, you’ll be well-equipped for an unforgettable journey, creating memories that’ll last long after your return.
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FAQs
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Q: What clothes should I pack for Iceland?
A: Pack layers, including thermal underwear, a waterproof jacket, hiking boots, and warm accessories like gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
Q: Do I need a swimsuit for Iceland?
A: Yes! Iceland is famous for its hot springs, such as the Blue Lagoon, so be sure to bring a swimsuit for a relaxing soak.
Q: What type of camera should I bring?
A: A high-quality camera with extra batteries and memory cards is essential for capturing Iceland’s stunning landscapes.
Q: Is it necessary to bring travel insurance?
A: Yes, travel insurance is recommended for any unexpected events, especially if you plan on engaging in outdoor activities.
Q: What snacks should I bring to Iceland?
A: Pack energy bars and easy-to-carry snacks to keep your energy up while exploring remote areas of Iceland.
