So, you’re planning a trip to Iceland—amazing choice. Between the steaming hot springs, volcanic beaches, and waterfalls that sneak up on you around every bend, it’s a place that hits you in the soul. But packing for Iceland? That’s a whole different beast. With unpredictable weather, sneaky winds, and that chill that somehow finds its way through your clothes no matter how many layers you’re wearing, getting your suitcase right matters a lot.
Whether you’re hiking glaciers, chasing the Northern Lights, or strolling Reykjavik’s colorful streets, the key to a stress-free trip is bringing the right gear—especially the best layers, the best coat, and solid shoes for Iceland (trust me, your ankles will thank you). And if you’re looking for a quick win? Scroll down and grab the free Iceland packing list PDF. It’s got everything. Especially if you’re searching for a thorough Iceland packing list for women—this post covers it all without the fluff.
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Table of Contents
Iceland Weather: Unpredictable is an Understatement
Let’s just put this out there—Iceland’s weather doesn’t care about your plans. One moment, you’re basking in the gentle glow of the midnight sun, and the next? Sleet. Sideways. In July.
That’s why your packing strategy needs to be more about layers and less about assuming it’ll feel like summer just because the calendar says so.
Think of Iceland’s weather like a toddler with mood swings. You need to be ready for rain, wind, cold, and the occasional burst of sun—sometimes all within one hour. This is why an Iceland packing list pdf is so important.
Let’s Talk Layers: Your Real MVPs
Base layers are your secret weapon. You want moisture-wicking material—merino wool if you can swing it. Why? Because Iceland doesn’t just get cold. It gets wet-and-then-cold, and cotton will betray you faster than a bad Tinder date.
Here’s your layer breakdown:
- Base Layer: Thermal top and bottoms (again, merino wool is gold). Smartwool is my go-to brand.
- Mid Layer: Fleece or lightweight down jacket.
- Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof shell. (More on that in a second.)
If you remember anything from this post, let it be this: Cotton is a liar, and wool is your ride or die.
And ladies, if you’re wondering about an Iceland packing list for women, just know: packing a few extra pairs of leggings for thermal layering? Totally smart.
Base Layer Ideas for your Iceland Packing List PDF
Mid-Layer Options for Iceland
Waterproof Outerwear for Iceland
The Best Coat for Iceland: Function Over Fashion (But Both Is Best)
You don’t need a bulky Arctic expedition parka. You do need something waterproof, windproof, and long enough to cover your butt. Why? Because Icelandic wind is personal.
Some travelers swear by brands like North Face, Arc’teryx, or Columbia—but honestly, anything that ticks the waterproof and windproof boxes will work. A good hood and deep pockets help, too. My favorite brand of coat is Helly Hansen. I have one in that brand for each season.
Pro tip? Pack a lightweight down jacket to wear under your shell. That combo gives you flexibility without turning you into a sweaty marshmallow when the sun peeks out, especially during shoulder season.
Shoes for Iceland: Your Feet Deserve Better Than Soggy Sneakers
This one’s non-negotiable. If you bring one pair of shoes, make it waterproof hiking boots with solid ankle support and serious grip. Don’t mess around with cute sneakers unless you’re just sticking to Reykjavik (and even then… you’ll want something that can handle slush and surprise puddles).
Things to look for:
- Waterproof membranes (like Gore-Tex)
- Non-slip tread (wet rocks are everywhere)
- Broken-in comfort (this is not the trip to try out new boots)
And hey—if you’re planning to hit the Blue Lagoon, any natural hot springs, or your VRBO has a hot tub? Toss in a pair of slip-on sandals. But don’t wear them to hike to a waterfall. People do it. People regret it.
What Else Goes in the Bag?
You’ve got your layers, your best coat for Iceland, and the shoes for Iceland part down. But there are a few other essentials that are easy to forget and painful to be without.
- Wool socks. Multiple pairs. Your feet will get wet. Then cold. Smartwool is my friend.
- Touchscreen gloves. For all those glacier selfies.
- Swimsuit and quick-dry towel. Hot springs, remember? Our microfiber towels came in very handy on our Reykjadalur Hot Springs hike.
- Eye mask. If you’re visiting in summer, the sun barely sets.
- Daypack with waterproof cover. For hikes, snacks, and stashing layers.
- Reusable water bottle. Iceland’s tap water is some of the cleanest in the world.
- Travel adapter. Iceland uses the standard European two-round-pin plug.
- Waterproof phone pouch. If you’re in a lagoon and want to snap some photos, this is a game changer!
- Crampons. If you’re going in the winter months, these will be handy on slippery days.
A question that is asked often when it comes to packing lists for Iceland is about converters. When I travel to places like Iceland, Ireland or the United Kingdom, I avoid bringing a hair dryer. US hair products use a different voltage and you need a converter for it to work in Europe.
The first time I went to Ireland, I brought my dryer and a converter, and sure enough, I blew it! Now I will ONLY use the dryer in my accommodations, which most should have available. The story is the same for other products, like straighteners and irons. However, I did buy a straightener/iron combo from Amazon that is dual voltage and works like a charm in these countries. You still need an adapter, but if you wish to do your hair in Iceland, this iron is recommended and works well!
A Few Words on Style (Yes, Even in Iceland)
Look, you can look cute in Iceland—but function has to come first. Most folks wear practical clothes, especially outside the city. If you’re just visiting Reykjavik for a few days, feel free to throw in a stylish jacket or one “nicer” outfit. But nobody’s judging you for wearing the same hiking pants three days in a row. Promise.
Plus, most locals love when tourists dress smart—layered, prepared, and respectful of nature. And if your outfit screams, “I rented this entire look,” it’ll probably blend right in anyway. And yes, if you chose, you CAN rent outdoor clothes in Iceland.
Women-Specific Packing Reminders
If you’re skimming this looking specifically for an Iceland packing list for women, here are a few extra reminders:
- Leggings under hiking pants = genius.
- Dry shampoo saves lives (and sink space in tiny guesthouses).
- Sports bras for glacier hikes; comfy bralettes for travel days.
- Period products can be harder to find outside the capital—pack what you need.
- And honestly? Bring a little makeup or a travel hairbrush if you want to. Or don’t. Iceland doesn’t care.
Suitcase Organization Hacks for the Win
Now, if you’re anything like me, packing starts off strong… and ends with stuffing socks into corners and praying the zipper holds. Iceland demands a bit more order. Why? Because you’ll need access to layers, weather-specific gear, and things like swimwear at weird times.
So here’s how to keep your suitcase from turning into a disaster zone:
- Use packing cubes!! Game changer. Separate base layers, warm clothes, casual wear, and accessories. When the weather flips (and it will), you’ll know exactly where to grab what you need.
- Roll, don’t fold. Rolling saves space and keeps wrinkles to a minimum—especially with wool or fleece items.
- Stash a reusable tote or packable daypack. Perfect for tossing layers you shed on the go or bringing back snacks from the store. (And let’s be real, you’re going to find Icelandic chocolate you “have to” bring home.)
- Keep your waterproof gear at the top. Nothing’s worse than scrambling for your rain jacket mid-hike because it was under your fleece, your base layers, your wool socks, and… you get the idea.
- Pack a “first day” pouch. Include travel toothbrush, deodorant, fresh undies, and your base layers in a small pouch at the top. So if your bag gets lost or you arrive exhausted, you’re not digging for the basics.
- Ziplock bags for tech and toiletries. Iceland = moisture. Keep chargers, cords, and anything liquid sealed up tight.
Honestly, the real secret? Leave space. For souvenirs, for snack-stashing, for peace of mind. Because once you’re actually in Iceland, the last thing you want to worry about is your Tetris-stuffed suitcase exploding at a guesthouse doorstep.
**Packing Hack: We use a bluetooth tracker (Apple Airtag) in our luggage. If your luggage happens to get lost, you can at least track where it is on your phone. I also have one in my purse while I travel. If you’re an Android user, you could use the Tile tracker.
Budget Travel Tips for Iceland That Actually Work
Alright, let’s talk money—because Iceland is magical, but it’s not cheap. That’s no secret. A simple lunch can run you $25, and gas prices? Yikes. But don’t panic. Traveling to Iceland on a budget is totally doable with a few smart moves.
Here’s how to stretch your krona without feeling like you’re sacrificing the fun:
- Pack snacks and groceries. Seriously, load up at Bonus or Kronan (Iceland’s budget grocery stores) instead of eating out every meal. Instant noodles, skyr, and sandwiches will become your travel BFFs. We ate breakfast in our rental and packed lunch for the road. So that left one meal out a day.
- Stay in guesthouses or hostels. They’re often just as cozy as hotels and way more affordable. Plus, lots of them come with free breakfast and kitchen access. Cook your own dinner and boom—more cash for excursions. We rented a cabin with a hot tub.
- Travel in the shoulder seasons. Late spring and early fall mean fewer tourists, cheaper prices, and still-decent weather. Bonus? More room to breathe at the big-name sites.
- Use public pools instead of pricey spas. The Blue Lagoon’s cool and all, but the local pools (like Laugardalslaug in Reykjavik) are clean, relaxing, and waaaay cheaper. Or take a hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs.
- Rent a car with friends or family. Splitting the cost of a rental and fuel can be cheaper than doing guided tours every day. Plus, you get the freedom to stop at that random waterfall you didn’t even know existed.
- Book tours and tickets in advance. Even a few bucks saved here and there adds up—and some online-only prices are better than walk-ins.
Pro tip: Budget doesn’t have to mean boring. Iceland’s best stuff—hikes, waterfalls, volcanic craters, northern lights? Free. Or at least priceless.
Don’t Forget Your Iceland Packing List PDF!
If your head’s spinning (I get it—mine was too), I made it easy for you. Download the free Iceland packing list PDF below. It’s printable, customizable, and includes everything from the best layers for Iceland to specific gear for photography, hiking, and road tripping.
[Download the Iceland Packing List PDF] (Click the “Download” Below)
You can check things off, scribble notes, or just throw it in your suitcase and pretend you’re that organized all the time. No judgment.
Final Thoughts (a.k.a. Let Me Get Sappy for a Sec)
Packing smart for Iceland isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making space to enjoy the wild, rugged, totally jaw-dropping moments Iceland throws your way. When your coat keeps the wind out, your socks keep your toes warm, and your layers let you explore without thinking about the weather—that’s when Iceland really works its magic.
So yeah, bring your best coat, your waterproof hiking shoes, and your best layers for Iceland. Print out that Iceland packing list PDF. Whether you’re building an Iceland packing list for women, couples, or a solo escape, make it yours. Just don’t forget to stop and stare at a waterfall or two. That’s what you’re really here for, right?