Iceland Packing List
By the NanoPack team · Updated on · Checked against official sources
What to pack for Iceland: layers, and a genuinely waterproof, windproof outer layer, because the weather changes by the hour in every season. Build from a merino base layer, a fleece or down mid-layer, and a waterproof jacket and over-trousers, then add a warm hat, gloves and sturdy waterproof shoes. Bring a swimsuit and flip-flops for the Blue Lagoon and the geothermal pools, a European Type C or F adapter, and, in summer, a sleep mask for the midnight sun. Leave the umbrella at home, because the wind will destroy it.
Iceland essentials at a glance
- A waterproof, windproof jacket and over-trousers
- Merino base layers and a fleece
- A warm hat, gloves and a buff
- Sturdy waterproof walking shoes
- A swimsuit and flip-flops for the pools
- A Type C or F adapter (230V)
- A sleep mask for the midnight sun
- Sunglasses for the glare
Iceland has a saying: if you do not like the weather, wait five minutes. Sun, rain, wind and sleet can pass through a single afternoon in any season, so the answer is layers under a genuinely waterproof and windproof shell. Get that right and the rest is small but memorable: a swimsuit for the hot springs, a sleep mask for the endless summer daylight, and an adapter for the European sockets.
The layering system
- Merino or synthetic base layers ×2
- A fleece or light down mid-layer
- A waterproof and windproof outer jacket
- Waterproof over-trousers
- Long-sleeve tops and warm trousers
- Thermal leggings for winter
Warmth and extremities
- A warm hat
- Gloves
- A buff or neck gaiter
- Warm wool socks ×3 to 4
- Hand warmers for winter
Feet
- Sturdy waterproof walking or hiking shoes
- Flip-flops for the pool locker rooms
- Gaiters for wet, muddy trails
Hot springs and pools
- A swimsuit
- Flip-flops · you must shower before entering the water
- A quick-dry towel
- Leave-in conditioner and a hair tie · the silica dries out hair
- No jewellery in the Blue Lagoon · the minerals can tarnish it
Sun, sleep and health
- Sunglasses and sunscreen · glare off water and snow
- A sleep mask for the summer midnight sun
- Lip balm and moisturiser for the wind
- Any medication
- A reusable water bottle · the tap water is excellent
Tech and extras
- A Type C or F plug adapter
- Chargers rated 100 to 240 volts
- A power bank
- A camera and spare batteries · the cold drains them
- A dry bag for waterfalls and boat trips
- A small daypack
What not to pack
- An umbrella · the wind turns it inside out; rely on a hooded waterproof jacket
- Cotton for the outdoors · it soaks and chills; wear wool or synthetics
- Jewellery for the Blue Lagoon · the silica and minerals can tarnish and damage it
- Gear that is only shower-proof · Iceland's rain needs a genuinely waterproof jacket and trousers
- A suitcase of going-out clothes · Iceland is casual and outdoorsy; pack for weather, not glamour
Packing tips and mistakes to avoid
Waterproof and windproof, not water-resistant
There is a real difference in Icelandic sideways rain. A genuinely waterproof jacket and over-trousers, not merely water-resistant ones, are what keep a day at the waterfalls or on a glacier from becoming miserable.
Pack for the hot springs
Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops for the required pre-swim shower and the locker rooms, and a quick-dry towel. In the Blue Lagoon, leave jewellery off and tie long hair up, because the silica that makes the water so good also dries hair out.
Handle the midnight sun and the winter dark
In summer Iceland gets up to 24 hours of daylight, so a sleep mask is essential for sleeping. In winter the days are very short, so a headlamp and something reflective help on the long, dark evenings.
Skip the umbrella, drink the tap water
The wind destroys umbrellas, so rely on your hood instead. And Icelandic tap water is among the cleanest in the world, so carry a refillable bottle and skip buying bottled water.
The things people forget
- A swimsuit and flip-flops for the hot springs
- A sleep mask for the summer midnight sun
- A Type C or F adapter
- Sunglasses for the glare off water and snow
What people wish they had packed
- Waterproof over-trousers for the waterfalls
- A windproof hood instead of an umbrella
- A dry bag for the constant spray
- Warm gloves even in summer
Frequently asked questions
What should you pack for Iceland?
Layers built around a merino base, a fleece mid-layer and a genuinely waterproof, windproof jacket and over-trousers, plus a warm hat, gloves and sturdy waterproof shoes. Add a swimsuit and flip-flops for the hot springs, a Type C or F adapter, and a sleep mask for the summer midnight sun.
What should you wear in Iceland?
Dress in layers under a waterproof, windproof shell, because the weather changes constantly. Merino or synthetic base layers, a fleece or down mid-layer, a waterproof jacket and trousers, warm accessories and waterproof shoes work in every season.
Do you need a swimsuit for Iceland?
Yes. The Blue Lagoon and Iceland's geothermal pools are a highlight, so pack a swimsuit, flip-flops for the locker rooms and pre-swim shower, and a quick-dry towel. Leave jewellery off in the mineral-rich Blue Lagoon.
What do people forget to pack for Iceland?
Waterproof over-trousers, a swimsuit and flip-flops for the hot springs, a sleep mask for the midnight sun, a Type C or F adapter, sunglasses for the glare, and warm gloves even in summer.