25 Life Changing Essentials For Your Iceland Packing List: What To Pack For Iceland
This post is all about 25 Life Changing Essentials For Your Iceland Packing List: What To Pack For Your Iceland Trip
Whether it’s your first time traveling to Iceland, or you’ve been here before, it can be challenging to figure out what to pack for Iceland.
Well, have no fear, I’ve put together the ultimate Iceland packing list including what outfit ideas, gear you’ll need, adaptors, and more!
From my favorite thermal layers, to how to create the best Iceland outfits, here’s the ultimate Iceland packing list!
This post is all about 25 Life Changing Essentials For Your Iceland Packing List: What To Pack For Your Iceland Trip
Iceland Packing List: Things To Know
You don’t need to bring cash
Pack double the amount of socks and underwear
Pack your most hydrating skincare, hair, and beauty essentials.
Don’t bring any hair curlers, or stylers, the wind is so crazy there, it won’t make a difference.
Iceland Packing List: Clothing & Footwear
What is the best clothing to wear in Iceland?
The Perfect Jacket
The first step in knowing what to pack for Iceland is the perfect jacket to keep you warm and create cute Iceland outfits (if that’s important to you!)
I opted for The Super Puff from Aritzia and it was perfect; it was easy-to-fit layers underneath and really kept me warm during the cold.
I highly recommend getting a bright jacket, (think pink, neon, red, blue) to stand out in your photos!
If the Aritzia Super Puff isn’t for you, here’s an amazing one I found from Amazon windproof and waterproof.
Please don’t underestimate the importance of the right jacket, it’s essential for your Iceland packing list.
2. Thermal Layers
Iceland is cold all year around and has been the COLDEST country out of 30 I’ve been to, definitely be prepared and grab at least 2 pairs of thermals for your Iceland packing list.
Layer them to stay warm and to create the best Iceland outfits.
These thermal layers from Amazon were so soft and easy to layer under my waterproof pants, or sweatshirt.
They were lightweight, fleece inside, and extremely breathable, I ended up wearing them every single day.
A must for your Iceland packing list!
3. Waterproof Pants
Whether you’re going waterfall hunting, going to an ice cave, or even battling the crazy weather in Iceland, a good pair of waterproof pants is an Iceland packing list essential.
I loved loved loved these two from Amazon, it was so stretchy, comfortable, and made really cute Iceland outfits.
I wore it to every waterfall and ice cave.
4. Hiking Boots
Don’t underestimate the importance of a good hiking boot for your Iceland packing list.
Most of the activities are outdoors and you’ll need to climb on rocks, hike icy steps, and will need sturdy footwear.
This hiking boot from Amazon was amazing because it were so comfortable, affordable, and even waterproof.
They were also easy to match to create the perfect Iceland outfits. Make sure to include a good sturdy hiking boot in your Iceland packing list.
5. UGGS
When I wasn’t wearing hiking shoes, I opted to wear Uggs to protect my feet from the cold while still walking around comfortably.
They were amazing against the cold weather, easy to slip on and off, and made really cute Iceland outfits. I wore them to walk around Reykjavik, eat at restaurants, and go jewelry shopping!
(Which you have to do in Reykjavik!)
6. Warm Thermal Socks
You will absolutely regret not bringing a pack of warm thick thermal socks.
In one of the black sand beaches, my feet got completely soaked and we still had a whole day ahead of us. I thought my feet would be freezing but these socks protected me the entire day and weren’t uncomfortable at all.
Definitely add a pack of thermal socks to your Iceland packing list!
Iceland Packing List: Accessories
What to pack for Iceland? Accessories!
Do not underestimate the importance of accessories in your Iceland packing list and to create the best Iceland outfits.
Cover your fingers, ears, head, and neck with the right accessories to brave the cold weather, and avoid getting sick. Here are my favorites:
7. Ear Muffs
I swear these made all my Iceland outfits so much cuter and really protected my ears from the wind. I felt such a difference when I forgot them in the car one time and my ears were FREEZING.
For less than $20 too, I highly highly recommend adding these to your Iceland packing list. They’re also such an easy way to spruce up your Iceland outfits.
8. A Warm Hat
Not only were these hats SO warm, they protected my head, I wore them in the rain, and they made really cute accessories for the best Iceland outfits!
If I had to only pack one accessory on my Iceland packing list, it would be these hats. They definitely definitely made a difference.
9. Gloves
Gloves are an absolute MUST to add to your Iceland packing list. I buy these every winter from Amazon (I’ve gone through 6 of them) and love them because they’re super warm on the inside and feel so good.
They’re also touchscreen and less than $10, I usually get a size L.
10. Warm Blanket Scarf
I love a good blanket scarf, they’re so trendy while giving you an extra layer and keep you warm. At night if I was cold, I would throw my blanket scarf over me as well, just to give me an extra layer.
11. Rain Jacket
The weather in Iceland is some of the most unpredictable I’ve ever seen. It could be rainbows and sunshine in one area and 5 miles down, it could be a torrential downpour.
We kept two rain jackets handy in the car and they were such life savers for our camera gear, our clothing, and perfect for waterfall chasing as well.
With the Iceland winds, a regular umbrella is no good.
12. Swimsuit
Whether you’re going into the Blue Lagoon or exploring any of Iceland’s other spas, don’t forget to add a swimsuit to your Iceland packing list!
I opted to wear a one-piece but you can really wear anything. These two were my favorite, they were so high quality and flattering.
Iceland Packing List: Bags & Suitcases
13. A Good Suitcse
I have dropped an entire Beis suitcase down an escalator in Japan and it completely survived the fall.
I brought the Beis suitcase on my trip to Iceland and the large check in was perfect for a 10 day trip. Plus it’s one of the cutest suitcases out there!
14. Packing Cubes
You need to add packing cubes to your Iceland packing list as these are an amazing way to be organized and fit more of your heavy thermals.
Plus you can have separate bags for laundry and dirty shoes, which you will absolutely need.
Iceland Packing List: Electronics
15. ESIM
Long gone are the days when you need to register for a SIM card at the airport or carry around a wifi pocket.
Instead, just grab an ESIM before your trip, install it, and start using it right when you land.
Plus you can refill it online if you run out, I used it in Iceland and had amazing internet which was so important with navigation!
Airalo is my favorite one to use and you can use CODE: FIONA6069 for $3 off!
16. Compact Camera With Flash
This is my favorite camera with a flash. It shoots in 4k, has an image stabilizer, and is the perfect camera for vlogging.
It also has amazing flash for night time photos and fits into any purse or even a jean pocket!
17. Octobuddy To Take Some Amazing Videos
These suction phone cases went absolutely viral on tiktok, and for good reason. It makes it easy to prop up your phone and take a video anywhere you need to. Grab one for your trip to get all the cute photos and videos you need.
18. Universal Adaptor
This needs to be at the top of your list for your Iceland packing list. Iceland uses the standard Europlug socket with the two round prongs.
This universal adaptor is perfect for your trip and has everything you need in one.
19. Portable Charger
From using Google Maps to taking lots of cute photos and videos, you’ll be using your phone ALOT in Iceland.
A good portable charger is a packing essential for Iceland so make sure to include one in your bag so you can get home safely!
Iceland Packing List: Toiletries & Beauty
20. A Good Sunscreen
You might not think to include a good sunscreen in your Iceland packing list but they are essential.
The sun in Iceland is super strong and my face burned multiple times, including at the Blue Lagoon.
This one is my favorite because its lightweight, no white cast, and blends beautifully.
21. A Hydrating Moisturizer
If there is ONE thing to include in your Iceland packing list, PLEASE bring the best hydrating moisturizer you have.
This was my one regret because there were no Sephora or Ulta and my face was so so dry. This one from Clinique is my absolute favorite since the moisture lasts 100 hours.
22. A Hydrating Hair Mask & Oil
Similarly to adding a good moisturizer to your Iceland packing list, bring your favorite hair masks as well!
These two are absolutely amazing because they’re so compact, but they make a huge difference. The K18 repair hair mask in particular eliminates the need to bring a chunky conditioner and does wonders for your hair.
Iceland Packing List Long Flight Essentials
23. Noise Cancelling Headphones
I will preach about these headphones to my grave, they are the absolute BEST noise-cancelling travel headphones out there and an essential to your Iceland packing list.
I wear them on every single flight, they have a 30 hour battery life, and so comfortable you can sleep with them on the plane.
24. Travel Pillows
Most flights from the U.S. to Iceland are red eye flights and to start your day right, you need to add this pillow to your Iceland packing list.
It’s saved me from a 24-hour flight to Australia before and will definitely be a game changer for you.
25. A Reusable Waterbottle
Did you know Iceland has some of the BEST and freshest-tasting tap water? You don’t even need to filter or buy any water bottles there.
We used a reusable water bottle the entire trip and saved so much money, definitely add it to your Iceland packing list.
And there you have it! 25 Lift Changing Travel Essentials for your Iceland packing list.
Whether you're chasing waterfalls in the Spring, seeing the Northern Lights in the winter, or simply living out your wanderlust dreams, I hope this Iceland packing list has armed you with all the essentials for an epic Icelandic adventure.
Related Post: 5 Genius Steps To Fix and Protect Blue Lagoon Hair Damage
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