Tucked away at the far end of the world, a trip to Iceland feels as out-of-this-world as it gets. With that said, packing for Iceland would certainly be different from packing for a typical summer European trip. Plus, we took a cheap flight via a low-cost airline and we only added one checked luggage. Here's my three-season packing list for Iceland. (FYI, I went there in September.)
ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR ICELAND
CLOTHING
"There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing."
The weather in Iceland can be extremely unpredictable, it is super important to pack comfortable clothing to prepare for everything so that you can focus on enjoying the impressive scenery instead of being miserable soaking wet.
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Insulating jacket: down/ fleece
Thermal base layers
Sweaters
Leggings/ pants
Waterproof trousers
Wool socks
Waterproof and sturdy hiking boots
Warm hat
Gloves
Swimsuit
Flip-flops
Iceland is an island stuck in the middle of the North Atlantic with nothing around it. Cold air mass from the Arctic collides with the milder air brought up from the mid-Atlantic on the Gulf Stream which results in moist stormy weather that can change in a moment. During our trip, it rained more than half of the time. Umbrellas were useless against the strong gusts of wind. Thus, bringing a good waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers would be essential. (I wore rain pants from Montbell.)
Following the same principles as any hiking trip, a good thermal baselayer can keep you warm in colder temperatures and prevent overheating when you hike. They are designed to wick moisture away from the body. (My favourite base layers are also from Montbell.)
As its name implies, it's cold in Iceland no matter the season. An insulating layer made of down or fleece can keep you warm. (I wore a mustard yellow Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket. Bright-coloured jackets can make you stand out from the gloomy landscapes in Iceland.)
It can get very muddy and wet around waterfalls or when it rains. Hence wearing a pair of waterproof hiking boots can keep you dry and safe from injuries. (I wore HOKA Anacapa Mid GORE-TEX. The only downside was I needed to rent boots for glacier hiking as crampons couldn't be fitted on them. Otherwise, they're lovely.)
Iceland is renowned for its geothermal activity, and hot springs are among the country's most popular attractions. Visiting hot springs in Iceland offers a unique and relaxing way to experience the country's geothermal wonders while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. You would need a swimsuit and flip-flops for that. (Yes, you guessed it. I absolutely adore my Sock-on Sandals from Montbell.)
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Rain cover for your backpack
Waterproof pouch for your phone (for hot springs)
Reusable water bottle
Driver's license
Passport
Toiletries
Travel adapter
Credit/ debit card
The tap water in Iceland is sourced from natural springs and underground wells. The water undergoes thorough treatment processes, and it is not only safe but often considered some of the cleanest and purest water in the world. I really do not get why anyone would buy bottled water in Iceland.
PHOTOGRAPHY
ND filters
Tripod
Spare batteries
Wide angle lens
Carry a sturdy tripod for long exposure shots, especially when capturing waterfalls, Northern Lights, or other low-light conditions. This ensures sharp and stable images. My go-to is the Peak Design Travel Tripod. You would also need an ND filter to capture silky-smooth waterfalls.
Also bring a fast wide-angle lens to capture the vast landscapes, waterfalls, and wide expanses of nature. It not only helps to convey the grandeur and scale of Iceland's scenery but also allows more light in when photographing the Northern lights. I use a Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8.
Photographing in cold environments, such as Iceland, can pose challenges for camera batteries. Cold temperatures can significantly impact battery performance. It is important to bring a few more spare batteries.
FOOD
Snacks
Sauces and spices
Pasta base/ rice
Lunch box/ Silicon food bag
Travelling in Iceland is expensive. While the costs of renting a car cannot be budgeted much, we mostly tried reducing our expenses on food. We brought a lot of snacks for the long drives along the Ring Road. We also got condiment travel bottles and prepared some cooking oil and basic spices for cooking. We also brought a few packages of spaghetti and instant noodles for dinner. As for lunch, we were mainly on the road. So I brought a reusable silicon food bag for the hot dogs we pre-made.
I will talk more about how to visit Iceland on a budget and what to buy in my next article. If you've read this far, you are probably heading to Iceland soon. Have fun and safe travels!
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