Packing List for Iceland

Iceland requires a thoughtful packing list — the weather is extremely changeable, and good equipment can make the difference between a dreamlike and a miserable experience. Here are the essential items that should not be missing from any Iceland backpack:

Clothing — The Layering Principle

Layer	Recommendation	Why
Base Layer	2–3x Merino wool underwear (top + leggings)	Regulates temperature, dries quickly, doesn't smell. NO cotton — it gets wet and cools down
Insulating Layer	1–2x fleece jacket or light down jacket	Warmth during breaks and evenings. Synthetic down is better than real down in rain
Outer Layer	1x wind and waterproof hardshell jacket + rain pants	THE most important item! Gore-Tex or equivalent. Sealed seams, storm-proof hood
Shoes	Waterproof hiking boots (ankle-high)	Essential for glacier hikes (crampons), hikes, wet trails. Break them in beforehand!
Extras	Hat, gloves, buff/scarf	Even in summer! It gets cold and windy on glaciers and mountains

Equipment

• Sunglasses: Essential — the sun is low and reflects on glaciers, water, and snow. UV protection 400
• Sunscreen (SPF 50): UV radiation in Iceland is surprisingly strong due to the thin atmosphere and reflection on ice — even on cloudy days
• Water bottle: The tap water is one of the purest in the world — fill your bottle everywhere for free. Don't buy plastic water!
• Headlamp/Flashlight: Essential in winter (short days), useful for ice caves and Northern Lights hunting
• Power bank: The cold drains batteries. A good power bank (20,000 mAh+) keeps your phone alive for photos, navigation, and the vedur.is weather app
• Dry bag/Pack sack: For camera, phone, and valuables during waterfall visits and boat tours. You'll get wet at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss!
• Swimwear + quick-drying towel: For hot pots, thermal baths, and wild hot springs. You'll bathe more often than you think
• Adapter: Not needed! Iceland uses Type C/F (Europlug) — the same as in Germany

For Campers additionally

• Sleeping bag: Comfort temperature -5°C or warmer. Even in summer, nights can drop to 2–3°C
• Sleeping mat: R-value at least 3.0 for summer camping, 5.0+ for shoulder season. The ground is cold!
• Camping stove + gas: Buy gas canister at the airport or in Reykjavík (not allowed on the plane!). The "Primus" brand is available everywhere
• Dish soap + sponge: Available at most campsites, but not always

Summer vs. Winter

Item	Summer (Jun–Aug)	Winter (Nov–Mar)
Jacket	Light rain jacket + fleece	Warm winter jacket (insulated + wind/waterproof)
Pants	Hiking pants + rain pants	Thermal pants + snow pants
Shoes	Hiking boots + sandals	Winter boots (insulated, non-slip) + crampons/spikes
Gloves	Thin fleece gloves	Ski/mittens + liner gloves
Extras	Sunglasses, insect repellent (Mývatn!)	Balaclava, hand/toe warmers, headlamp