YOUR COMPLETE ICELAND SUMMER PACKING LIST – ESSENTIALS AND MORE!

HAT
A winter beanie can be useful for those windy and chillier days. I’d recommend something tighter to your head – a baseball cap would probably be prone to flying off in Iceland’s windy conditions.

THERMAL BASE & LAYERS
When packing for a summer trip to Iceland, it’s essential to think layers. The weather can change quickly, so having versatile clothing options is key. Start with a lightweight base layer that wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the day and pack a second or third layer to add on in case you get cold.

PUFFER WINTER JACKET
A puffer jacket provides a lightweight, but warm addition to your layers. I used my sister’s Patagonia jacket, but also recently bought an Amazon Essentials jacket too and love it! If you don’t like a puffer jacket, bring at least some sort of winter jacket – it’s a must have for your Iceland packing list!

RAIN/WATERPROOF JACKET
If you want to get close and comfortable with some of Iceland’s famous waterfalls (check out these must-visit Iceland waterfalls here), a rain jacket is a must! I loved this one from Amazon. I also recommend sizing up, so you can wear it over your winter jacket.

HIKING PANTS
Don’t forget to bring along some sturdy pants that are both comfortable and durable for hiking or exploring rugged terrain. Opt for quick-drying materials that will dry fast if they get wet during your adventures.

RAIN PANTS OR RAIN SUIT
Even if your hiking pants are waterproof, I found a lightweight and easy-to-throw-over-leggings pair of rain pants helpful for quick waterfall stops. Especially when it was nice out, I didn’t want to throw on my sturdy hiking pants all the time. A pair or rain pants or a rain suit goes perfect with the “bring layers” theme for Iceland.

LEGGINGS
These are great for layering under rain pants and for casually walking around, dining, etc. I love Lululemon leggings – they are expensive but a quality brand that stands behind their products.

SLEEPWEAR
We camped in a camper-van, so sweatpants and t-shirts were ideal for us to sleep comfortably and stay warm. Low temperatures did drop into the 40s when we were there.

SWIMSUIT
Iceland is known for it’s amazing geothermal springs! Don’t forget your swimsuit so you can soak in all the hot springs you want. In my opinion, this is a must add to your Iceland summer packing list!

HIKING SOCKS
A quality pair of hiking socks are important if you’re planning to explore Iceland by foot.

UNDERGARMENTS
Don’t forget your typical undergarments – underwear, socks, bras, etc.

HIKING BOOTS
When it comes to footwear for your Iceland summer trip, comfort and versatility are key. Start with a sturdy pair of waterproof hiking boots to tackle the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Opt for boots that provide ankle support and have good traction to prevent slipping on wet surfaces. The Columbia Newton Ridge are the hiking boots I have and I love them!

SANDALS/FLIP FLOPS
Don’t forget to bring along a pair of sandals or water shoes if you plan on visiting hot springs or beaches. They’re perfect for slipping on and off when moving around geothermal pools.

YOUR GO-TO WALKING SHOES
Pack a pair of lightweight sneakers or walking shoes for exploring urban areas like Reykjavik or casual strolls along the coastline. These will keep you comfortable during city walks while still being stylish enough for dinner at a local restaurant. If you’re in the market for a new pair of tennis/walking shoes, I would highly recommend the Kizik brand. They are designed to be “hands free” and they really work! I love being able to slip on my tennis shoes without having to bend down, tie my shoes, etc.

SLIPPERS
Consider packing a pair of insulated slippers for cozy nights in your accommodation after long days of adventure. Keeping your feet warm and comfy indoors is just as important as having the right gear outdoors in Iceland’s ever-changing climate.

SUNGLASSES
A good pair of sunglasses is a must-have to protect your eyes from the bright Icelandic sun that shines almost 24 hours a day during summer. Opt for polarized lenses to reduce glare off the water and glaciers.

BACKPACK OR DRY BAG
Don’t forget a sturdy backpack to carry all your essentials while hiking through rugged terrains and exploring waterfalls. We found a dry bag extremely helpful to keep our items dry near the waterfalls and on rainy days!

WATER BOTTLE
A reusable water bottle is essential for staying hydrated on long excursions.

TOWEL
Some of the geothermal spas require you to pay for a towel, so save on costs by bringing your own. We used travel-sized, quick dry ones that worked well for us.

BUG NET
We were told that some areas in Iceland during summer can be really buggy/filled with gnats. Thankfully, we didn’t experience any, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. Don’t let bugs ruin your experience and come prepared with these bug nets!

SLEEP MASK
During summertime in Iceland, it can be light out 24 hours a day. We went the first week of August and experienced ~5 hours of dawn/dusk overnight, but it was never fully dark. Our camper-van had blackout curtains, but a sleep mask may be helpful to make it fully dark for sleeping.

CHARGERS
Cell phone charger, camera charger, headphone charger, computer charger, water charger – don’t forget all your chargers! If you want a handy place to store all your chargers, keep reading.

POWER CONVERTERS
Dependent on where you are staying, you may need a power converter. Iceland has the standard Europlug outlets that do not match the typical American outlets. Our camper-van had USB-A and USB-C chargers (thanks Cozy Campers!), but check where you are staying if you rely on an outlet to charge anything.

PORTABLE CHARGER
Investing in a quality power bank/portable charger is helpful if you’re out on a long day hiking and want to keep your devices charged up for capturing those unforgettable moments.

QUALITY CAMERA
Another must-have gadget for your Iceland adventure is a good quality camera or smartphone with a high-resolution lens to capture the breathtaking natural beauty of this unique destination.

TRIPOD
Consider bringing along a compact and lightweight tripod for steady shots and panoramic views.

DRONE
If you have a drone, Iceland is a great place to get some EPIC footage. I bought one just for Iceland and totally ended up forgetting to use it – don’t make my mistake lol.

SUNSCREEN
First and foremost, make sure to pack sunscreen with a high SPF since the sun stays out longer during Icelandic summers.

LIP BALM
Additionally, don’t forget your lip balm with SPF protection as well. The wind and cool temperatures can easily dry out your lips while exploring the stunning landscapes of Iceland.

MOISTURIZER
A good quality moisturizer is also crucial due to the windy weather conditions that can be harsh on your skin.

MEDICATION & HYGINE PRODUCTS
Bring along any necessary medications or personal hygiene products you may need during your travels. Check out this travel-sized medicine holder that I carry with me!

BASIC TOILETRIES
Don’t forget the classics like shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc!

CORD ORGANIZER
If you’re like me and hate having cords get tangled and mangled with the other stuff in your carry-on, purse or backpack, it’ll be worth your time to invest in a cord organizer. Say goodbye to tangled cords mixed in with your other belongings!