Iceland’s weather has a reputation, and it’s earned. You can experience sunshine, horizontal rain, snow, and howling wind in a single afternoon — and this isn’t an exaggeration for dramatic effect, it’s a Tuesday in October. What you pack determines whether you have an incredible time or a miserable one.
This guide is written specifically for people doing outdoor tours in Iceland: glacier hikes, Northern Lights hunts, Golden Circle day trips, multi-day adventures. Not a generic “visiting Reykjavík” packing list. If you’re going outside, read this.
The Golden Rule: Layers, Not Bulk
Iceland isn’t necessarily the coldest place you’ll visit (winter temperatures in Reykjavík average around -1°C to 3°C — warmer than many North American and European cities). The challenge is the combination of cold, wind, and moisture. A -5°C day with 40 km/h winds and rain feels brutal. A -10°C day with no wind feels manageable.
Layering lets you adjust to conditions in real time. The system:
Base layer → Mid layer → Outer shell
This works for every Iceland activity. Here’s what goes in each layer.
Base Layer (Against Your Skin)
The job of the base layer is to wick moisture away from your body. When you’re hiking uphill on a glacier, you’ll sweat — and wet fabric against skin in cold wind is how hypothermia starts.
What works:
- Merino wool long-sleeve top and leggings — warm, breathable, doesn’t hold odour (useful on multi-day tours)
- Synthetic base layers (polyester/nylon blends) — cheaper, dry fast, less comfortable than merino but effective
What doesn’t work:
- Cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture, holds it against your skin, and takes forever to dry. A cotton t-shirt under a jacket is the single most common mistake visitors make in Iceland. Leave the cotton at home.
How many to bring: 2 sets for a week-long trip. Merino can go multiple days between washes.
Mid Layer (Insulation)
The mid layer traps warm air. This is where your actual warmth comes from.
What works:
- Fleece jacket (100–200 weight depending on how cold you run)
- Down jacket — the lightest and warmest option for its weight. Excellent for Northern Lights tours where you’re standing still in the cold. Drawback: loses insulating power when wet.
- Synthetic insulated jacket — heavier than down but keeps you warm even when damp. Better for active glacier hikes where you might sweat.
Recommendation: Bring both a fleece and a packable down jacket. Fleece for active hikes (where you’re generating heat), down for standing-still activities like Northern Lights tours and sightseeing stops.
Outer Layer (Wind and Water Protection)
This is the layer between you and Iceland’s weather. It’s the most important single item you pack.
What you need:
- Waterproof, windproof jacket with sealed seams and a hood
- Waterproof trousers (overpants that go over your mid-layer)
What “waterproof” means: A jacket labelled “water resistant” will fail in Iceland. You need a genuine waterproof — Gore-Tex, eVent, or equivalent membrane. If you can see through the fabric when you hold it to the light, it’s not waterproof enough.
Fit: The jacket should be roomy enough to fit your base and mid layers underneath without restricting movement. Try it on over your layers before you travel.
Budget option: If you don’t own a proper waterproof and don’t want to invest in one, Icelandic outdoor shops (66°North, Cintamani) sell quality gear, but prices are high. Alternatively, a rain shell from Decathlon for €30–50 will get you through a week if you’re not doing extreme conditions.
Footwear
For glacier hikes and ice cave tours:
Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and a hard, flat rubber sole. Crampons attach to your boots on glacier tours — soft-soled shoes won’t work. Waterproof is strongly preferred.
See the glacier hiking guide for detailed footwear requirements.
For Golden Circle and general sightseeing:
Waterproof hiking shoes or sturdy walking shoes with good grip. Paths at Þingvellir and Gullfoss can be icy, wet, or muddy depending on the season.
For Northern Lights tours:
Warm, waterproof boots. You’ll be standing in snow or cold ground for extended periods. Insulated winter boots are ideal. Bring heat packs for inside the boots if you run cold.
What to avoid:
- Canvas shoes, Converse, Vans — no waterproofing, no grip, no warmth
- Brand new boots you haven’t broken in — blisters on a glacier are not fun
Accessories (The Stuff People Forget)
Hat — Warm, covers ears. You lose significant heat through your head and ears. A beanie or fleece-lined hat is essential. Bring one even in summer.
Gloves — Bring two pairs:
- A thin, touchscreen-compatible liner glove for operating your phone or camera
- A waterproof, insulated outer glove for warmth. On glacier hikes, your hands get cold fast when you’re gripping an ice axe.
Neck gaiter / buff — More versatile than a scarf. Covers neck, can pull up over face in wind, lighter and more packable.
Sunglasses — Year-round. In winter, sun sits low on the horizon and reflects off snow and ice. On glaciers, the glare is intense. Polarised lenses are ideal.
Wool socks — Merino wool hiking socks. Bring 3–4 pairs. Your feet will get cold before anything else, and good socks matter more than most people realise.
Camera and Photography Gear
Iceland is absurdly photogenic. Whatever you shoot with — phone, mirrorless, DSLR — a few things to bring:
Tripod — Essential for Northern Lights photography. Also useful for long-exposure waterfall shots at Gullfoss and Skógafoss. A compact travel tripod works fine.
Extra batteries — Cold drains batteries fast. Carry spares in your inside jacket pocket (body warmth keeps them alive). This applies to cameras and phones alike.
Lens cloth and ziplock bags — Waterfall spray, rain, and condensation will find your lens. Carry a clean cloth at all times. When moving from cold outdoors to warm indoors (car, café), condensation will form on cold glass — seal the camera in a ziplock bag before going inside and let it warm up gradually.
Memory cards — Bring more than you think you need. On a good Aurora night, you can burn through 30+ GB in a few hours.
See the Northern Lights guide for specific Aurora photography settings and tips.
What NOT to Pack
Umbrella — Iceland’s wind will invert, break, and scatter your umbrella within minutes. Waterproof jacket and hood instead.
Heavy denim jeans — Absorb water, take forever to dry, restrict movement on hikes. Bring hiking trousers or quick-dry pants.
Cotton everything — One more time: cotton holds moisture and kills warmth. Synthetics or wool for anything touching your skin.
Formal clothes — Unless you have a specific event, you won’t need them. Iceland is casual. Restaurants, bars, even theatres are come-as-you-are.
Too many outfits — This isn’t a fashion trip. You’ll wear the same base layers and outer shell daily. Pack functional, not varied.
Season-Specific Additions
Summer (June–August):
- Sleep mask — it doesn’t get dark. At all. The midnight sun is real and hotel curtains are sometimes thin.
- Lighter mid-layer — a fleece alone may suffice on warm days (10–15°C)
- Bug repellent — midges appear near Lake Mývatn and in some highland areas
- Swimsuit — for hot springs, geothermal pools, and the occasional spontaneous ocean dip (the Icelandic approach to recreation)
Winter (November–February):
- Heavy insulated jacket or extra down layer
- Hand and toe warmers (disposable heat packs) — cheap, effective, essential for Northern Lights tours
- Balaclava or face-covering neck gaiter for high-wind days
- Ice cleats/Yaktrax — lightweight slip-on spikes for walking on icy pavements and paths. Reykjavík sidewalks in January are an ice rink.
Shoulder seasons (September–October, March–May):
- Pack for both summer and winter weather, because you’ll likely get both
- Waterproofs are non-negotiable in shoulder season — precipitation peaks in autumn
The Quick Packing Checklist
Worn on the plane:
- Hiking boots or waterproof shoes (saves luggage space)
- Base layer top
- Mid-layer fleece
- Waterproof jacket
In the bag:
- Waterproof trousers
- Down or insulated jacket
- 2 base layer sets (top + bottom)
- 3–4 pairs wool socks
- 2 pairs gloves (liner + insulated)
- Warm hat
- Neck gaiter
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Camera + tripod + spare batteries + memory cards
- Small daypack for tours
- Reusable water bottle (Iceland’s tap water is some of the cleanest in the world — no need to buy bottled)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy gear in Iceland instead of packing it?
Yes, but it’s expensive. 66°North and Cintamani are excellent Icelandic outdoor brands, but a jacket that costs €150 elsewhere costs €300+ in Reykjavík. The Kolaportið flea market sometimes has second-hand outdoor gear at decent prices. If you’re missing one piece, buy it there. If you need a full kit, pack from home.
What if I’m doing a multi-day tour?
Pack light but complete. You’ll have access to accommodation each night so you can dry wet layers. Bring one full change of base layers plus your layering system. Ask the tour operator about luggage limits — some vehicles have restricted space.
Scenic Iceland’s 2-Day South Coast and 3-Day South Coast & Golden Circle tours include gear recommendations in the booking confirmation.
Do I need hiking poles?
Not for standard glacier hikes (you’ll use an ice axe instead). For general hiking in Iceland, poles are useful on steep or uneven terrain but not essential. Most tour operators don’t provide them for non-glacier hikes.
What about electronics — do I need an adapter?
Iceland uses European-standard Type C and Type F plugs (230V). If you’re coming from the US, UK, or Australia, bring an adapter. Bring a multi-port USB charger — you’ll be charging a phone, camera batteries, and possibly a headlamp simultaneously.
Pack Smart, Enjoy More
The goal isn’t to bring everything — it’s to bring the right things. Layers that work together, waterproofs you trust, and footwear that keeps you upright on ice. Get those right and Iceland’s weather becomes part of the experience instead of fighting against it.