Iceland: Packing List
The most important thing to remember when packing for Iceland is that the weather is unpredictable and constantly changing. For that reason it is important to dress in layers and make sure the outer layer is always waterproof!
Layers of Clothing
Waterproof Clothing
Winter Accessories
Pool Essentials
Toiletries
Photography Equipment
Layers of Clothing
- Thermal underwear
- Wool sweater
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sweatpants for added warmth
- Short sleeve shirt - during summer months
- One set of nice clothes for dinner - a nice top and dark jeans will do
Waterproof Clothing
- Winter jacket - preferably one with a hood
- Pants - ski pants are ideal during winter
- Hiking/snow boots
- Don't wear jeans on outdoor tours - they will get wet!
- Don't bother bringing an umbrella - winds are too strong!
Winter Accessories
- Gloves - bulky winter gloves are ideal for warmth, but also consider bringing a pair of stretchy inner lining gloves for easy picture taking
- Hats and earmuffs - make sure they fully cover the ears, consider a winter face mask for cold wind and rain
- Scarf
- Thick socks - preferably wool
- Sunglasses - even during the winter!
Pool Essentials
- Bathing suit
- Towel - towels can be rented at most pools or consider investing in a compact quick-drying micro-fiber towel
- Hair ties - to keep hair out of the damaging sulphur water
Toiletries
- Over the counter medications - next to non-existent or very expensive in Iceland
- Travel tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent - during the summer months
- Sunscreen - during the summer months
- Sleeping mask - for long summer days when it never truly gets dark
Photography Equipment
- Telephoto and wide angle lenses
- Polarizing lens filters
- Tripod
- Shutter release cable or remote
- Spare batteries - keep them warm inside inner pockets
- Large memory card
- Rain hood
- Mini flashlight or headlamp - for viewing camera settings and getting around in the dark
- Ziploc bags - to prevent condensation and acclimate equipment
- Waterproof camera or GoPro (accessories: flotation device, red dive filter, anti-fog inserts, helmet mount)
- Small backpack for gear
