Essential packing tips for every season, from thermal layers to waterproof gear.
Iceland's weather has a reputation, and it is well earned. You can experience sunshine, sideways rain, hail, and gale-force wind in a single afternoon — sometimes within the same hour. The key to staying comfortable is not bringing the warmest gear you own. It is bringing the right layers and the right materials, and knowing how to combine them.
This packing list is built from years of guiding visitors through Icelandic conditions. It covers both summer and winter travel, with specific recommendations for what actually works on the ground.
The Layering System: Your Most Important Strategy
Forget packing one heavy coat and hoping for the best. Iceland demands a three-layer system that lets you add and remove pieces as conditions change throughout the day.
Base Layer (Next to Skin)
Your base layer manages moisture. When you hike, walk between geysers, or simply move around in cold wind, your body generates sweat. A good base layer wicks that moisture away from your skin and keeps you dry.
What to bring:
Merino wool tops and bottoms — Merino is the gold standard. It regulates temperature, wicks moisture, resists odour (you can wear it multiple days), and stays warm even when damp. Brands like Icebreaker, Smartwool, and Devold are reliable choices.
Synthetic alternatives — If wool is not an option, look for polyester or nylon blend athletic base layers. They dry faster than merino but tend to hold odour.
Avoid cotton entirely. Cotton absorbs moisture, holds it against your skin, and loses all insulating properties when wet. A cotton t-shirt under a jacket in Icelandic rain is a recipe for misery.
How many: Bring two to three base layer tops and one to two bottoms. Merino can be worn multiple days between washes.
Mid Layer (Insulation)
The mid layer traps warm air. This is where your actual warmth comes from.
What to bring:
Fleece jacket or pullover — A medium-weight fleece (200 to 300 weight) is the workhorse mid layer. Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying.
Down or synthetic insulated jacket — For colder days or winter travel, a packable down jacket provides excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Synthetic insulation (like Primaloft) is better if you expect heavy rain, as it retains warmth when wet.
Wool sweater — An Icelandic lopapeysa (traditional wool sweater) is not just a souvenir. It is genuinely functional as a mid layer.
How many: One fleece plus one insulated jacket covers most situations. In winter, you may want both on simultaneously.
Outer Shell (Wind and Rain Protection)
This is the layer that faces the elements. In Iceland, waterproof and windproof are non-negotiable.
What to bring:
Hardshell waterproof jacket — Look for a jacket with sealed seams, a hood that cinches around your face, and a waterproof rating of at least 10,000mm. Gore-Tex or equivalent membrane.
Waterproof trousers — These are just as important as the jacket. Icelandic rain is often horizontal, and your legs will get soaked without them. Full-length side zips make them easy to pull on over hiking boots.
Critical point: "Water-resistant" is not the same as "waterproof." In sustained Icelandic rain, water-resistant fabrics will eventually soak through. Invest in properly waterproof outer layers.
Summer Packing List (June to August)
Summer in Iceland means temperatures of 8 to 15 degrees Celsius, long daylight hours, and unpredictable weather that can shift between sun and rain multiple times per day.
Clothing:
Two to three merino or synthetic base layer tops
One base layer bottom (leggings)
One fleece jacket
One packable down or synthetic insulated jacket
One waterproof hardshell jacket
One pair waterproof trousers
Two to three pairs hiking trousers or convertible pants (not jeans)
Casual clothes for Reykjavik evenings
Swimsuit — essential for hot springs and geothermal pools
Accessories:
Sunglasses (the sun is low-angle and can be blinding near water and glaciers)
Buff or neck gaiter (wind protection for face and neck)
Light gloves (useful even in July on glaciers or in high wind)
Wool or synthetic beanie
Sleep mask — the midnight sun will keep your room bright all night
Winter Packing List (November to March)
Winter means temperatures of -5 to 3 degrees Celsius, strong winds, potential blizzards, and very limited daylight. You need significantly more insulation.
Clothing (in addition to the core layers above):
Heavyweight merino base layers (top and bottom)
Insulated winter jacket rated for sub-zero temperatures
Insulated waterproof trousers or softshell trousers with waterproof over-trousers
Thermal leggings to wear under trousers
Accessories (winter-specific):
Insulated waterproof gloves plus thin liner gloves for operating cameras and phones
Warm wool or fleece hat that covers your ears completely
Heavy-duty neck gaiter or balaclava for blizzard conditions
Hand warmers (disposable heat packs) — invaluable during northern lights photography
Ice grips or crampons (slip-on traction devices for boots) — pavements and trails ice over regularly
Footwear: The Single Most Important Item
Waterproof hiking boots are non-negotiable. This is the one item that can make or break your trip. Iceland's terrain is rough — lava fields, muddy trails, river crossings, glacial gravel — and it is almost always wet.
What to look for:
Waterproof membrane (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
Ankle support (mid-cut or high-cut)
Sturdy, grippy sole with good tread
Broken in before your trip (do not bring brand-new boots)
Why trainers and fashion boots fail: Trainers soak through within minutes on wet trails. Fashion boots lack grip on uneven volcanic rock. Every season, visitors underestimate Icelandic conditions and spend their trip with wet, blistered feet.
Additional footwear:
Comfortable shoes for Reykjavik (waterproof preferred)
Flip-flops or sandals for hot spring changing areas
In winter: consider insulated waterproof boots rather than standard hiking boots
Socks: Bring four to five pairs of merino wool hiking socks. Wool stays warm when damp, prevents blisters better than cotton, and resists odour. Bring one pair of liner socks if you are prone to blisters.
Camera Gear and Electronics
Iceland is one of the most photogenic countries on Earth, and protecting your camera gear from the elements takes deliberate planning.
Protecting your equipment:
Rain cover for your camera bag — Icelandic rain can appear from nowhere.
Lens cloths — Bring several. Sea spray, rain, and mist will coat your lens constantly.
Silica gel packets — Toss a few in your camera bag to absorb moisture.
Batteries in cold weather: Cold temperatures drain lithium batteries dramatically. In winter, a fully charged battery can die in under an hour of outdoor use. Carry spare batteries in an inside pocket, close to your body. Body heat keeps them warm and functional. Bring at least two spare batteries for your camera and a power bank for your phone.
Tripod: Essential for northern lights photography in winter and long-exposure waterfall shots year-round. Make sure it is sturdy enough to withstand strong wind.
What NOT to Bring
Umbrella — Icelandic wind will destroy it within minutes. A good hood and waterproof jacket replace it entirely.
Cotton clothing — As base layers, cotton is actively dangerous in cold, wet conditions.
Excessive formal wear — Iceland is casual. Even nice restaurants do not expect formal attire.
Heavy jeans — They are cold when wet, slow to dry, and restrict movement on hikes.
What to Buy in Iceland
If you forget something or want to upgrade, Iceland has excellent outdoor gear shops.
66 North — Iceland's premium outdoor brand. Expensive but very high quality.
Cintamani — Another Icelandic brand, slightly more affordable than 66 North.
Bonus and Kronan supermarkets — Surprisingly good for basic thermals, wool socks, and hand warmers at budget prices.
Lopapeysa sweaters — Available at the Handknitting Association of Iceland in Reykjavik. Expect to pay 15,000 to 25,000 ISK for a handmade sweater.
Packing for Highland F-Road Tours
If your itinerary includes Landmannalaugar, Thorsmork, Kerlingarfjoll, or other highland destinations, add these to your pack:
Sandals or old trainers for river crossings — Some highland hikes involve wading through glacial rivers.
Extra warm layers — Highland temperatures can be significantly colder than the coast, even in summer.
Sun protection — At elevation, UV exposure increases. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.
Gaiters — Keep volcanic gravel and water out of your boots on scree slopes and river crossings.
The golden rule of packing for Iceland is simple: prepare for the worst weather you might encounter, and be pleasantly surprised when the sun comes out. With the right gear, no weather condition will stop you from enjoying every moment of your trip.