The Complete Iceland Packing List – Pack Like a Pro

Iceland is lovingly referred to as the land of fire and ice. This nickname stems from the country’s active volcanoes and peaceful glaciers that make up the terrain of this unique destination. Thankfully, Iceland’s weather tends to fall in between fire and ice. The summer months average around 50° to 60° F (10° to 15° C) and the winter months average around 32° F (0° C). The temperature will also depend on the region of Iceland you’re visiting. While the weather is considered mild, it’s also extremely unpredictable. The phrase, “if you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes,” is very applicable when traveling in this stunning country. That’s why utilizing my Iceland packing list and wearing the appropriate clothing is important to ensure you have a comfortable and safe trip.

I’ve visited Iceland twice, once in the summer and fall. I based my Iceland packing list on these trips since I wore similar clothing items in both seasons. There are many outdoor activities and hikes, so wearing the right clothes and footwear can make or break the experience. Trust me; you don’t want to be the girl or guy walking around in a cotton t-shirt and flip-flops on a rainy day in Iceland.

Planning a trip to Iceland? Check out my 8-Day Iceland Itinerary blog post that outlines our trip exploring the South and West regions. Or check out my 12-Day Iceland Itinerary blog post that outlines the entire Ring Road and Westfjords adventure!

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Tops

Starting at the top. Your top half sets the tone for a comfortable day in Iceland, in my experience, since it’s the easiest to adjust while on the go. Long story short, layering is essential.

Lightweight Base Layer

My first layer is always a crew shirt from Patagonia. The material is soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant, so it’s perfect to layer under your thicker items. I rotate between the lightweight and medium-weight, depending on the weather that day.

Merino Wool Base Layer

Next up is the merino wool base layer. I’m a big fan of the brand Smartwool, and I’ve been wearing their gear almost exclusively for five years. Similar to the Patagonia crew necks, I rotate between the lightweight crew, medium-weight crew, or quarter zip, depending on the weather. These three base layers are some of my favorite items in my Iceland packing list since I get a lot of use out of them both on and off the trail.

Helpful Tip: If you live in a city like Chicago that endures some cold weather, these tops are great to wear in the winter to keep you warm.

If you need a comprehensive packing list for all your travel needs, I’ve got you covered! I created the ultimate packing list for your upcoming adventures, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, clothing, and location-specific items.

Fleece Layer

Last but not least, the fleece layer for those colder Iceland days or if you find yourself at a higher altitude (the wind chill is real). I gravitate towards the Patagonia brand because their tops fit me well, and the quality is unbeatable. I’ve owned Patagonia’s Better Sweater 1/4-Zip Fleece for years, and it’s held up well after multiple wears and washes. I also own the Quilted Snap T Pullover (linking a similar option since mine is sold out), which I bought for our New Zealand trip back in 2019, and it’s gotten a ton of wear.

Sweaters

Believe it or not, I do change out of my hiking gear in the evening hours. After a long day of exploring, I enjoy changing into my regular clothes and grabbing a nice meal with Bill. You can’t go wrong with wearing a sweater in Iceland, so I recommend including a few on your Iceland packing list. My favorite sweater brand is Everlane, and I packed The Felted Merino Half-Zip Sweater and The Oversized Alpaca Crew Sweater with me on our recent trip to Iceland. Pair them with a good pair of jeans, and you’re all set.

Looking to purchase a traditional Icelandic sweater while in Iceland? There’s no better spot than The Handknitting Association of Iceland in Reykjavík!

Bottoms

Next up is the bottom half. Also essential but slightly more challenging to adjust mid-hike.

Base Layer Tights

I’ve tried on a few different base layer tights and found that the REI brand fits me the best. Similar to the top half, I rotate between lightweight and medium-weight base layer bottoms. I’ve noticed during our recent trips that I gravitate to the medium-weight since I find them more comfortable. REI gets bonus points from me since they also come in petite sizes!

Leggings

I’m a big fan of hiking in leggings since they’re flexible and comfortable. My all-time favorite pair is the Lululemon Fast and Free tights. They are built for running, so they provide support as well as unrestricted movement. Plus, they have pockets which come in handy on the trail.

I know what you’re thinking – “what about hiking pants?” Honestly, I’ve never tried a pair of hiking pants since I’ve always been happy with my leggings. I can be persuaded, though, so please leave me a comment if you have a recommendation for a good pair!

Rain Pants

The last layer I throw on as needed is a pair of rain pants. Rain pants might seem a little extreme, but you would be surprised how often we wear them in Iceland. They keep you dry when you’re exploring on a rainy day. They also block the wind and keep you warm if you’re higher in elevation. You will always find my rain pants in my pack since they are an important item on the Iceland packing list.

Shoes

The most annoying item to pack in your suitcase but packing the wrong pair could put a damper on your trip.

Hiking Boots

It’s a no-brainer that a good pair of hiking boots or shoes is a necessity on an Iceland packing list. I recommend going to your local REI or outdoor apparel store to try on various boots to find your perfect pair. Don’t be shy, work with a sales associate to pick the right pair for you. They’re extremely knowledgeable and there to help! We visited REI before our first trip to Iceland, and they helped me pick out my Oboz Sapphire Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots. They’re relatively lightweight, offer the perfect amount of ankle support, and are waterproof.

Plan on hiking in Iceland? Check out my Complete Hiking Packing List post that outlines the hiking ten essentials you need in your pack for a safe journey outdoors.

River Crossing Shoes

While buying waterproof hiking boots is important when traveling to Iceland, you may also want to consider packing a pair of river crossing shoes. You wouldn’t want to be stuck deciding between submerging your boots in water or turning back on a trek. Though hiking boots may be marketed as waterproof, they will likely get soaked if fully submerged. There are a few options for river crossing shoes, depending on your style and price point. Tevas are popular since they can be used as camp shoes and are easy to pack. If you want more coverage, Merrell Wildwood Aerosport Shoes are lightweight and quick-drying.

Casual Non-Hiking Shoes

My non-hiking shoes consist of a pair of black boots and white sneakers. These are my go-to shoes outside of our Iceland travels too. They go with everything, and they’re comfortable to wear while walking around in the evening hours.

Socks

Merino wool socks are a must-have item from my Iceland packing list. Merino wool is often suggested for hiking because it is both breathable and moisture wicking. It is also naturally antimicrobial, aka odor resistant. It should come as no surprise that my favorite brand of merino wool socks is Smartwool. For hiking, I prefer the Performance Hike Full Cushion Socks or the Classic Hike Full Cushion Socks. For casual wear, I like the Ultra Light Micro Running Sock or the Hike Light Cushion Low Ankle Sock.

Jackets

Packing appropriate outerwear is one of the most critical pieces of the packing puzzle when traveling to Iceland.

Rain Jacket

Starting with my Patagonia rain jacket. This item is my most worn jacket on the trail for any of our more adventurous trips. Similar to rain pants, your rain jacket keeps you dry and protects you from the wild Icelandic winds. It also rolls up and packs easily, so it doesn’t take up much space in your daypack.

Shell Jacket

My other favorite jacket on the trail is a technical shell jacket. This type of jacket helps keep you warm while being lighter-weight, water resistant, and breathable. I will layer this under my rain jacket on cooler and/or windy hikes to keep me comfortable on the trek. My shell is an older version from Eddie Bauer (linking a similar option since mine is sold out). However, there are many great brands out there that vary in price points and fit.

Lightweight Puffer Jacket

A cozy lighter-weight puffer jacket is a fantastic outerwear item to pack on a trip to Iceland. You can wear this on a trek or while walking around Reykjavík. I wear an older version of the Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket, which got a ton of use on our trip.

Swimsuit

Iceland is known for having some of the best hot springs and hot pots in the world. Packing a swimsuit is a must if you want to take part in this classic Iceland travel experience. I recommend this top and bottom if you like to wear a two-piece or this one-piece suit for more coverage. Tip: wear a colorful swimsuit if you want to stand out in the photos.

Accessories

The accessories might be my favorite part of any cold-weather hiking outfit. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good hat!

Hats

If you ever spot me on the trail in colder weather, you will always find me in a Carhartt Beanie. These beanies are comfortable and versatile and come in over a dozen colors. As a bonus, they’re gender neutral and look good on everyone.

The other beanie I wear off the trail in the winter months is my J. Crew Wool Beanie. I’ve never worn this hat hiking since my hat is usually the first layer I remove when I inevitably get warmer on the trek. But this beanie is my go-to for those freezing Chicago nights when I question living in the Midwest.

Gloves

Finding a waterproof pair of gloves is a good rule of thumb for cold-weather hiking, especially when dealing with unpredictable Iceland weather. I packed my North Face gloves for our trip, and they kept my hands warm and dry, even on rainy days. As a bonus, they’re touch screen compatible so you can use your phone without removing your gloves.

Neck Gaiter

Another popular hiking accessory for the cold is a neck gaiter. I personally don’t use a neck gaiter since I’ve found if I zip my fleece up and layer in my jackets, I’m warm enough. Other people swear by this item on the trail, and the Smartwool neck gaiter came highly recommended.

Scarf

If you want to keep your neck warm off the trail, packing a wool blend scarf will be the perfect addition to your cold-weather wardrobe. They can also dress up an outfit as an added perk.

Bags

The only way to carry all your necessities on a trek or while exploring a city.

Hiking Daypack

You’ll definitely want to bring a versatile daypack for your hiking needs if you’re traveling to Iceland. There are plenty of options, and I recommend swinging by your local outdoor store to get a feel for the size. I have an older version of the Patagonia Refugio Daypack that I bought for our first trip to Iceland. It’s held up very well over the years; however, if I were going to purchase a new pack, I would lean towards the brands Osprey or Deuter. I’ve also found that Bill’s Matador daypack fits my frame well, so I might need to steal his or purchase one of my own.

Casual Non-Hiking Bags

There are a few casual bags I like to pack for when I’m not on the trail – starting with the very popular Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. There’s a reason why this particular belt bag is consistently sold out. It’s lightweight, has three interior pockets and one exterior zipper to keep everything organized, and is a perfect size. The Madewell Transport Camera Bag might be right up your alley if you’re looking for a more traditional cross-body purse. If you’re looking for something with a little more space but not quite the size of your daypack, you can’t go wrong with a Tumi backpack. This bag is the perfect combination of fashion and function.

Final Thoughts

With the proper clothing and preparations, anyone can have an enjoyable experience traveling to Iceland, even when the weather is sunny, cold, windy, rainy, or possibly a combination of the four. Despite its unpredictable weather, Iceland will always hold a special place in my heart.

If you’ve used any items from my Iceland packing list or have recommended additions, leave me a comment!