Iceland is a beautifully unique country, shaped by extremes—volcanos and fjords, long summer days and dark winter nights, peaceful hikes and unexpectedly wild weather. Powerful waterfalls spill from mossy cliffs, while glaciers stretch toward black-sand beaches. For being a relatively small island, it’s a destination with incredible range. A single morning can bring sunshine, wind, rain, and frigid cold, so what you bring matters just as much as where you go! Not exactly sure what all you need to pack for Iceland? A thoughtful packing list can be the difference between an awesome trip and feeling caught off guard by the elements (the wrong kind of unforgettable).
While Iceland’s summer brings milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and easier access to iconic sights, it unfortunately does NOT mean you can pack light. Even in the summer months, howling winds, sudden rain showers, and cold mornings are part of the experience—especially when you’re hiking, driving the Ring Road, or chasing waterfalls. This packing list is tailored specifically for summer travel! We’re talking versatile layers and all the essentials, to help you toe the line of prepared-but-not-overpacking.
Beauty abounds in Iceland year-round, but the summer months are hard to beat. Roads are easier navigate, hikes are amazing, and waterfalls are in full force, and the landscape is beyond lush. If you’re looking for a packing list, chances are your ticket is already booked, so GET EXCITED!!!! Iceland is truly amazing.
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THE ESSENTIALS LIST
When we were visiting Iceland, we drove a camper van around the island; however, this packing list isn’t campervan specific. As a matter of fact, we didn’t really bring much extra, because our van was pretty inclusive with all of the things we needed (shoutout Happy Campers). If you’re considering making your Iceland trip a campervan adventure, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND! The flexibility is unmatched— you can check out our itinerary here.
The below packing list is tailored for about 10 days in Iceland, but its really pretty easy to flex to your itinerary length.
Warm Jacket
Just to preface, this isn’t sponsored at all– just a jacket I LOVE, that could not be more perfect for Iceland weather. The Eddie Bauer Women’s Girl On The Go Insulated Trench Coat has an outer shell that is fully water-and-windproof, which is perfect for rain and waterfalls alike. Inside, there’s a removable insulated liner. This keeps the jacket WARM— warmer than you might think. It honestly works as a great winter coat for moderately cold places (i.e. I use it as my winter coat in Bend, OR). It’s a versatile jacket that’s adaptable to Iceland’s range of climates and weather experiences— without feeling bulky.
Lows in the 40s-50s (Fahrenheit) aren’t terrible, but if it’s windy and raining, it can feel rather biting. A warm jacket with a waterproof shell is nice, but it’s not the end of the world to pack a separate rain jacket!
Pack count: one
Light puffy jacket
It’s nice to have a puffy jacket that keeps you warm but packs down. This is a layer you can wear for the first part of your hike, but it’s also easy to store it in your backpack without issue. Not to beat a dead horse, but even in summer, Iceland can be chilly—especially near glaciers, waterfalls, or as the sun sets!
Pack count: one
Rain pants
You want to be prepared for the weather if you head to Iceland. If it’s drizzling out, it’s nice to be able to head out on your hike in dry clothes. Even if you manage to get lucky every day you’re visiting, the rain pants are still nice to have for waterfalls! The foot of a waterfall gets WET, so this can be a fabulous way to get close without being soaked for hours. Rain pants are not the most ‘aesthetic’ but they will keep you dry!
Pack count: one
Hiking pants
The ideal hiking pant is situation dependent— I will certainly go for a hike in leggings BUT the pants I’m talking about here are a little more durable. Think something a little thicker that offers protection from wind, light rain, and rough terrain, but also stays breathable enough for long walks and hikes.
There’s lots of Amazon options (like these), but if you live close to an REI, it might be nice to go try on some different pants and see what fits best.
Pack count: two to four pairs (depends on which hikes you plan to do, how comfortable you are re-wearing clothes, and/or if you plan to do laundry while you’re gone)
Bathing suit
Packing a bathing suit might seem a little counterintuitive, but it’s definitely an essential! Iceland is home to a plethora of geothermal hot springs and public swimming pools. These are such an awesome part of the Icelandic landscape and culture to experience. After a long day of hiking, driving, or sightseeing, relaxing in a hot pool is one of the best ways to unwind. You really only need the one, but don’t forget to pack your bathing suit!
Pack count: one
Trail runners
Trail runners have become a more and more popular surrogate for hiking boots, and this is a perfect spot to put them to use. There’s ample opportunity to go hiking, but the versatile nature of these shoes will also work as a sneaker as well. Great for a hike, awesome to trek out to a black sand beach, perfect to wear into the grocery on a rainy afternoon, etc etc.
When we visited, I brought hiking boots and sneakers, which works, but shoes can be so cumbersome to pack, so if I were to do it again, I would just bring a single pair of trail runners!
Pack count: one
Sweatshirt & Sweatpants
Comfort matters!!! After a long day of exploring, you’ll want to have something warm and cozy to exist in. You may also find yourself on a longer drive day, and it’s nice to be comfortable in the car. This recommendation is true for anyone, but especially notable for any Ring-Road-camper-van visitors. You’ll definitely want the warmer layer of a sweatshirt and sweatpants (or joggers) after the sun goes down.
Pack count: one of each
Long sleeve shirts
Long-sleeve shirts are ideal for layering and temperature control. They provide warmth when it’s cool, protection from wind and sun, and can easily be worn on their own or under jackets depending on the day’s conditions.
Before we left, snagged a couple shirts from Athleta, that were perfect for Iceland but I continue to wear all the time. You’ll find loads of options at REI as well!
Pack count: five to seven
Vest
A vest is less of an essential, but it is a surprisingly useful layering piece. It keeps you warm, but not hot while hiking and sightseeing— perfect for cool-but-not-cold days!
Pack count: one
Leggings (or shorts)
Generally speaking, Iceland stays chilly throughout the summer months, but you might find yourself enjoying an almost-warm day in the southeast region of the island. Leggings or shorts are easier to throw on for an afternoon hike or may be nice to have for a longer drive day.
Anyone can certainly wear whatever they desire, but as a female traveler, I brought a couple pairs of leggings and no shorts. My husband brought a couple pairs of shorts and not even a single pair of leggings. So check the weather before you go, but you’ll likely want at least something for the couple ‘warmer’ days.
Pack count: two to four (weather dependent)
Short sleeve shirts
Yes Iceland is still cold in the summer, but warm days are also possible! You’ll want a couple short-sleeve shirts for any sunny or particularly active days— especially in the southeast.
Pack count: two
Beanie
At this point in the list you get it….. even summer in Iceland can get chilly. A beanie helps keep you warm and protects your ears when it gets windy out. It’s something small that’s nice to have!
Pack count: one
Gloves
Gloves are a bit more optional than a beanie, but nice to have, if there’s space in your bag. Thin gloves can make a big difference on cold mornings or windy hikes.
Pack count: one pair
Sunglasses
With long daylight hours and an abundance of reflective landscapes sunglasses are essential! They don’t need to be trendy— Iceland isn’t exactly a high fashion destination.
Pack count: one pair
Baseball cap
You can always check the weather before you go, but a baseball cap is such an easy item to throw in the ole bag. Sun protection? Handled. Hair needs to be washed? Out of sight. Outdoorsy accessory? Cute AND functional.
Pack count: one
socks & underwear
When you’re packing socks, at least a few pairs of merino wool socks are nice to have— especially when it’s cold out… or if your feet get a little wet! Whenever we pack underwear, our philosophy is there’s no such thing as too many pairs (LOL).
Pack count: one of each per day
Pajamas
Don’t forget your jammies! Every action-packed day starts with a good nights sleep.
Pack count: two sets
Towel
Leave the fluffy beach towel at home! What you’re looking for is a quick-dry towel, that packs down delightfully small. Local swimming pools and hot springs don’t always have towel service— let alone any wild geothermal pools you might find. PLUS getting close to one of Iceland’s many iconic waterfalls can leave you damp as well.
Pack count: one
Hiking backpack
A comfortable hiking backpack makes it easy to carry your discarded layers, snacks, water, and all the other pocket treasures you’d rather just carry on your back. This does not need to be large at all! Ideally under 20L to ensure it doesn’t get filled up too heavy.
Pack count: one
Water bottle
Iceland has some of the cleanest tap water in the world! You can refill almost anywhere, so it’s easy to stay hydrated throughout your long days of exploring.
Pack count: one
Fanny pack
Iceland isn’t really a trendy fashion destination. You can leave your cute purses at home, because a fanny pack does the trick! It’s especially helpful when you’re just running into the grocery store or for a fast stop at a busy viewpoint.
Pack count: one
Eye Mask
The sun only sets for a few hours in the summer months, so an eye mask can make all the difference in the world! This is a definite essential if you are campervan-ing, but still nice to have even nin you plan to stay in hotels.
The Extras List
Camera — your phone camera certainly suffices, but if you have a nicer camera, the scenery here is worth capturing as vividly as possible
Tripod —- a tripod is always a little cringey to set up, BUT after years and years of trip-selfies, I have never regretted a single photo we’ve taken via tripod…. a ‘real’ photo can just be so much better
Collapsible camping chairs— this is for anyone campervan-ing! You can always rent camping chairs from the van company, but if you already own lightweight collapsible camping chairs (and have room in your bag), bring ’em!
Hand Sanitizer —- an easy item to forget, but it’s nice to have a sanitizer you keep in your fanny pack, hiking backpack, rental car, etc.
Phone Charger —- this is a given, but don’t leave this behind, unless you’re feeling extra #unplugged
Extra Battery Pack/Power Bank —- I received this version as a stocking stuffer a couple years ago, and use it alllllll the time. It’s nice to have while traveling to ensure alllll your devices are charged
the packing checklist:
Iceland is beyond magnificent with its cornucopia of astounding natural beauty. Pack for Iceland with all the right essentials, to ensure you are able to make the most of your time! Get ready for an incredible season of adventure. Happy travels!
written by Hannah
Hannah traded the warm beaches of southwest FL for the outdoor adventure locale that is Bend, OR. Despite the distance, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves making time to explore newfound hikes. These days she has some extra pack weight; however, Xavier is notorious for being unimpressed by sweeping vistas.
