What to pack for Iceland: The ultimate year round packing list

So, you’re off to Iceland! You lucky thing, I’m not jealous at all. Once the flights are booked, accommodation and activities are sorted, and mum has been informed, you’re probably onto wondering what on earth you need to wear right? Look no further, intrepid explorer, your trip is covered with this Iceland packing list. Please note, I’m not covering the basics, I’m sure you can count your own socks and underwear. A lot of seasonal advice will also cross into others, so use your judgement, I trust you. First time traveller? Why not go on an Icelandic tour and meet some new lifelong travel buddies? Contiki even has a trip catered specifically to 35-45 year olds too.

What should I not bring to Iceland?

• Cotton: From t-shirts and sweaters down to socks and underwear, try to avoid packing this slow drying, heavy-when-wet material. Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable, so opt for lightweight, fast drying breathable layers. This is your chance to trial the new Lululemon range you worked so hard to girl math your way into owning.
• Dressy clothes: There’s a reason the runway is in Paris, not Rejkivik. Swap out the Gucci for North Face, and the penny loafers for those Salomons you went hiking in once but now wear on the train. 
• Sneakers: I know how attached you might be to your favourite pair of Reeboks, but they simply won’t cut it in the Icelandic wilderness. Things get rocky, muddy, wet, and slippery. You want every fall of your foot to be dependably grippy as you traverse those trails. I’ve lost count of the number of first time hikers I’ve seen slipping their way up and down mountains because they didn’t invest in the right footwear. Want to look cool, calm, and nonchalant? Wear boots.
• Umbrella: It’ll turn inside out at the first gust of arctic wind. Become a human umbrella by dressing head to toe in waterproof outerwear when things get rainy.
• Old socks: If you’re in Iceland, chances are you’re doing some serious outdoor adventuring. Leave the holey old cotton socks at home, and pack good quality, warm, thick woolen hiking socks. 
• Denim: See below…

Are jeans ok to wear in Iceland?

In short, no. If you’ve ever been caught in the rain with jeans on, you’ll know that horrible feeling when they cling to your legs, cold and soggy and gross. You finally get home, exasperated and mildly disgusted with yourself for some unknown reason. You unpeel the jeans, hop in the shower, and hang them up to dry. 3 days later and the mere touch of them is enough to make your skin prickle. Still cold, still soggy, still gross. Do you really want to put yourself through that in Iceland? I can’t even bear the thought of hopping back on a Ryanair home in wet jeans either, the plane ride is enough of an ordeal as it is. 

In a land of unpredictable weather and outdoor scenery to die for, play it smart. Go for lightweight, waterproof trousers that you can pair with thermals if it’s really chilly. 

What not to pack for a week-long trip?

Aside from all the things I’ve already mentioned not to bring, here are a few more luxuries you can go without during your Icelandic adventure: 

• Horse Riding Gear: If you’re planning a cross country horse trek, don’t try bringing in your own gear! It’s strictly prohibited for the health of the horses, protecting them from foreign pathogens.
• Bicycle: You can Bikepack or cycle across Iceland, but this is not for the faint hearted or in the wrong conditions. It can be cold, rainy, and windy, a perfect trifecta of discomfort and relentless difficulty for those on 2 wheels. I’m not saying don’t do it, just commit to a cycling holiday if you are. 
• Bulky camera equipment: By all means, bring your DSLR. Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime beauty worth capturing. But, do you need the tripod, 6 different lenses, and backup camera you spent your inheritance on? Probably not. Pack minimally and as lightly as possible to make sure you can physically trek to the locations worth shooting.

What to pack: Summer (June, July, August)

• Eye mask: In the land of the midnight sun, you might have some trouble sleeping when the sun’s out at 3am. Catch some Zs in comfort so you have the energy for that hike the next day. While you’re at it, take the earplugs too, someone’s bound to be a snorer.
• Swimwear: Ever heard of the Blue lagoon? It’s a must-do during your time in Iceland, and luckily for you it’s a thermal hot spring, so you don’t need to worry about any chilly extremities.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: In Iceland? Yes! During the summer it can be lovely and sunny,  with enough UV rays to burn you like a sausage on the BBQ. So pack the sunscreen, and use it.
• Hiking boots (with ankle support): As someone who has broken their ankle hiking and had to hobble 2 hours to civilisation, I can’t emphasise the importance of boots with ankle support enough. I know they’re not as cool as the Salomon trail runners, but they’re sturdy, dependable, and loveable once given enough time.
• Quick drying towel: You’re going to be swimming, hiking, moving constantly. Whether you’re based out of a campervan or a hostel, you’ll need to shower sooner rather than later in that summer heat. Do everyone a favour and pack something lightweight that isn’t going to smell like wet dog for 3 days.
• Insect repellant: Summertime is when the creepy crawlies come out to play. Like Shrek, midges flourish near swamps and waterways (the more stagnant the better). Don’t fall victim to these annoying creatures, use protection.
• Hiking pack: I’ve seen people hiking with totes, gym duffels, even plastic supermarket bags. Yes, I know. Don’t be silly, you’re getting older. Save the shoulder and the lower back by investing in something with plenty of room and a hip strap. It’ll serve you and a friend on all manner of day trips, but don’t give up that real estate for free.

What to pack: Autumn (September, October, November)

It’s shoulder season, which means anything is possible. Pack for all conditions but remain cautiously optimistic. 

• Fleece: A nice wooly Patagonia fleece is all the rage, and not just in hiker-chic circles. Warm and fluffy, they make you feel like a gigantic cuddly bear.
• Waterproof Boots: I mentioned hiking boots with ankle support, but in addition you’ll want some water resistance on those bad boys too. Wet shoes mean wet socks, wet socks mean wet feet, wet feet mean blisters and misery.
• Waterproof Trousers: Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, is more of an ick than trousers that make loud noises when you walk in them. Guess what, you’re about to put on a pair that does just that. 
• Waterproof Jacket: This is a must in all seasons! Time to bust out that full price Arcteryx number you told yourself was an investment piece.

What to pack: Winter (December, January, February)

Newsflash! It’s cold. But, Northern Lights right?? I hope you’re ready for the oppressive darkness that it comes with, but it’ll be so worthwhile!! 

• Base layers: A key component in getting warm and staying that way. Opt for lightweight, breathable thermal tops and bottoms, Merino wool being a perfect material of choice for those chilly winter nights.
• Outer layers: What good is a thermal if you go and get it soaking wet? The answer is, it’s not. Your mum would tell you to put a jacket on, and I will too. See the Autumn guide for appropriate outer layers. 
• Lip balm: Nobody wants dry, cracked lips, so make sure you have this at the top of your winter packing list.
• Beanie: Think of a beanie like you would roof insulation in a home. A good lid stops all the heat from leaking out. You’re no different really, you can wear it on its own or pair it with a balaclava if it’s REALLY cold.
• Gloves: An absolute essential. Maybe get a couple of different pairs in your suitcase for different levels of cold.

What to pack: Spring (March, April, May)

I’m not going into an in-depth analysis of weather patterns and seasonality, but spring is similar to autumn, in that its shoulder season and anything goes. You’re just as likely to get wind and rain as you are sunshine and rainbows! So be prepared for either scenario. 

• Aid Kit: One thing I haven’t yet mentioned but should be included in your kit, is an emergency first aid kit! Be ready to help out a friend, loved one, or total stranger with some gauze and a few old plasters.
• Long sleeve shirts: A perfect garment for the variable spring. Hot? Roll your sleeves up. Cold? Sleeves down. Simple. Elegant. Beautiful. Quick-drying activewear type shirts will treat you well on hikes and adventures, as well as covering that tattoo of a viking you got in Rejkevik.
• Shorts: Feeling optimistic? Sure, go on, pack a pair. I won’t judge you, just don’t come crying when you get cold.
• Water bottle: Let’s be real, the environment is crumbling before our very eyes and we’re all aware of it. Do your bit to stem the flow of single use plastic being produced by taking your favourite reusable water bottle! Yeti, Camelbak, Stanley, it doesn’t matter, they all hold water and make you feel like you could fend off a polar bear.

A note for the unprepared

It’s not the north pole, you can buy whatever you need if you’re on the forgetful side. Iceland has cities, people, and even shops! If you left something at home, fear not, because you can get a new one here and take it back as a ‘memento’. You’ll be fine on your trip to Iceland, the key in packing is just to be prepared for any scenario! In saying that, this Iceland packing list is not gospel, adjust to suit your personal needs. Or, go on Contiki and steal your new type A friend’s spare pair of gloves!