Iceland : The Ultimate Packing Checklist

Everything you need to pack for Iceland, Packing checklist, Clothes, Footwear and recommendations!

Iceland can be the face of “Diversity and Inclusion” in Nature! In a matter of a few days, you can experience bright sun, heavy rainfall, blinding snow storms, turbulent windstorms, and whatnot. Now, how do you pack for such weather? :D

We have got you covered with this comprehensive list of must-carry things when you are planning your next trip to Iceland !

Clothes

The answer to surviving and thriving in Iceland is investing in good quality outerwear and layering it up nicely with your favorite winter clothes. The weather in Iceland is unpredictable and can change every few minutes. So, no matter which season you choose to travel in, you have to pack for all possible seasons!

Here is our recommendation, so that you can have a warm and cozy vacation :

• Layer 1 - Thermals

  1. Start with the first layer of thermal inner-wear. Make sure these are good quality thermals which are not just warm, but extremely thin so that they don't hinder movement

  2. Uniqlo and Decathlon have some great stuff which is long lasting and very comfortable.

• Layer 2 - Woollen Top/T-shirt

  1. along with some super comfortable trekking pants/warm leggings.

• Layer 3 - Warm fleece/sweater

  1. Depending on the weather and the resistance of your outerwear, you can choose to add an additional layer on top of your T-shirt/Top.

• Layer 4 - Weather-proof Jacket/Parka

  1. It will save you from wind gusts/snow/rain and cold in general! Basically anything and everything Iceland decides to throw at you!

  2. We had primarily carried a couple of winter jackets with us. The first one was from Decathlon’s mountaineering/winter wear range. It claims to be effective till -5 degrees and is water-proof and wind-proof. (Ratika’s Jacket | Prakhar’s Jacket)

  3. The other one was the super sturdy and super warm Columbia/Decathlon Long insulated Parka jacket, which was again weather-proof. We hiked glaciers and braved 100 Kmph ice cold winds in this jacket. (Ratika’s Jakcket | Prakhar’s jacket)

  4. Tip : Try investing in some bright coloured outerwear jackets - as it really makes a difference in the photos!

• Add Ons

  1. Rain jacket and Rain-Pants are a must. Although we had water-proof jackets, we still bought a light rain-jacket and over-trousers for warmer days. Decathlon has some very reasonably priced rain-gear that can be put over your clothes and it dries off pretty quickly!

  2. Water-proof gloves are a must, as the hands can get extremely cold and numb on bad days

  3. Swimsuit for that trip to geothermal pools!

  4. Muffler, woollen cap, ear- muffs are optional but recommended.

The super warm Columbia parka

Warm and Colourful

All Layered up

The super warm Columbia parka

From Ice to Volcanoes

Bright colours are the key

Footwear

You would need a good pair of sturdy hiking shoes if you want to enjoy Iceland in its raw form. The shoes need to be warm and water-proof as you will be going to powerful waterfalls that will drench you completely. More over, the shoes need to hold a good grip in snow and ice and hence it is recommended that you check the shoes for “Snow impact”.

Both of us got our shoes from Decathlon and undoubtedly this was the best and the most important investment of the trip. (Ratika’s shoes | Prakhar’s shoes). If there is one thing that we would prioritise, it will be buying the correct pair of shoes.

These shoes saw some amazing sights with us :)

Make sure you have some warm pair of socks as well.

Along with your hiking shoes, you can choose to pack a pair of slippers or walking shoes (if needed).

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Packing for any vacation is extremely fun and stressful. We have made a comprehensive list of things that you would need to pack, so that you don't have to!

Go ahead and paste the following checklist onto your To-Do list so that you don't miss anything :)

Final Checklist

Clothes/Accessories

1. Rain Jacket

2. Rain Pants

3. Good quality, weather-proof outerwear (Bright colors/Neon preferable)

4. Sturdy hiking shoes (preferably with snow grip)

5. A few pairs of Warm socks

6. Good quality waterproof gloves

7. Warm and thin inner wear/ thermals

8. Thermal T-Shirt/Tops

9. Trekking pants (water-resistant is recommended)

10. Warm leggings (for the ladies)

11. Warm winter cap/beanie

12. Woollen muffler

13. Swimsuit

14. Sunglasses

Utilities

1. Rain cover for your backpack (if it is not water-proof)

2. Extra polybags

3. Disposable towels (you would need them after the beach!)

4. Swiss Knife

5. Travel pillow

6. Travel adapter/Universal adapter

7. Water bottle (insulated preferably)

8. Power bank

9. Camera and related accessories

Cosmetics / Toiletries

1. SPF / Sun-Block

2. Moisturiser

3. Hydrating Lip Balm

4. Make-up (as per one’s preferences)

5. Toiletries (Shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, paste, etc)

Medicines

1. All necessary prescription medicines

2. OTC medicines for fever, cough, cold, stomach infection, motion sickness, etc

3. Pain relief spray / Patches

4. Supplements

Food (based on how much baggage allowance you have)

1. Snacks to munch on while driving

2. Ready to Eat food

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