Packing to Adapt: What to Wear in Iceland

Packing for any trip requires thinking about the sort of experiences you know you will have, the experiences you want to have, and the unexpected ones too. Iceland, a small rocky island in the middle of the North Atlantic, is known for hot and cold: wind and ice, volcanoes and geysers, mountains and beaches, and I can’t think of a better place to test your preparation and packing know-how.

Packing for Iceland is an exercise in being ready for nearly everything - a skill Icelanders know well. On the edge of the arctic circle at the whim of the changing elements, the entire country has had to develop their own culture of preparedness. From rugged outdoor gear to detailed emergency services and resources, it’s no surprise that despite its precarious position on our planet, the country is also often considered one of the safest in the world.

While you should always develop your own packing list around your personal needs and program, there are some specific ways we suggest you can pack to be prepared:

#1: Pack to fight the Elements: Outerwear for Iceland

Most of Iceland is in the arctic region and the country is heavily exposed to storms from the Atlantic and cold air from the Pole. While the weather can change fast (see the next section) even in the summer you should be prepared for wind, rain, ice and snow.

Lots of the highlights of exploring Iceland are outdoors and so you are going to want the clothing that can let you stay outside as long as possible. This really boils down to having some good outerwear. You want a good waterproof jacket/windbreaker to stop the chilly winds and allow you to stay out even if it’s raining. Same thing for shoes. You want shoes that can handle a little or a lot of rain, so if you are planning even a short hike, you should try to bring some waterproof shoes.

You might also want to keep your head and hands warm with a cap and gloves, and again think about the possibility of getting wet. Waterproof gloves might be good for a longer trip or the winter, and a hood on your jacket will keep your head or cap dry.

So, pack at least a good outdoor jacket, and if you will be hiking more than a couple hours you will want some waterproof pants and boots, too. If you can’t find something at home, Iceland of course has some quality gear made for the local lifestyle. For example, Iceland’s most notable outerwear company, 66 North, is ubiquitous there (though it is also quite pricey) - the quality is top-notch, and it’s perfect for the climate. The arctic credentials are in the name based on the latitude at 66 degrees north, where the company started developing clothing for fisherman and rescuers to handle the elements and last for ages starting in 1926.

#2: Pack for Frequent Changes: Layering Clothing in Iceland

Iceland’s location also means that you need to pack for frequent changes. For every bit of truth in the weather forecast in Iceland is an equal bit of surprise. The weather will often change, quickly, and multiple times, every day. You might get ready for a walk in the sun and find yourself in the pouring rain only a few minutes later. The thick cloud cover, short winter days, and strong gusts can be freezing, and a break in the wind with some sun or a long summer day can get you sweltering in your fancy outdoor jacket just as fast. The trick is to layer.

I know, I know, everyone always tells you to layer your clothing when traveling, and while it is surely true, it is especially true in Iceland. You want to be able to stay dry even if you are warm. You want to have some extra things to pull on if you are colder than expected, and some layers to take off when you warm up. Unless you are near your car or accommodation, bring a daypack with your waterproof gear and a couple extra mid-layers. On a recent spring trip to Iceland I lived in a t-shirt and fleece and then added 2-3 other layers as necessary, often changing throughout the day.

So what does layering actually mean: Under layers (a good idea for the winter in Iceland) are long underwear and undershirts. Base layers might be your shirt, hiking pants, jeans, socks (*do bring good socks), or even a sweatshirt. Mid-layers like a puffy jacket or sweater with limited water resistance are perfect under your outerwear for providing the warmth you might need.

Because of the practical culture you will see people dressing casually everywhere. Besides the upscale spots in Reykjavik, your outerwear can go nearly everywhere (plus that’s what some nice base layers are for anyway, right?)

#3 Pack to get wet: Bring your swimsuit to Iceland!

Finally, while this packing list is far from finished, our last tip is not to forget your bathing suit! With such a focus on outdoor gear it’s easy to overlook that Icelanders are known for their almost daily swim or soak. From local public pools (in every town) and a heated geothermal beach (in Reykjavik) to the numerous known (blue lagoon) or hidden hot springs (we won’t say), you will probably want to get into the water during your time in the country. So bring a swimsuit and ideally some sandals for the locker room/pool deck too!

Icelandic bathing spots are often unchlorinated (hence the strict pre-swimming protocols and wash), so your bathing suit should also be dried or washed often. If you are going for more than a couple days, bring an extra bathing suit in case you need to give it time to dry in between. Also keep an eye out for the bathing suit dryers in many of the pool locker rooms.

While these tips will get you part of the way, be sure to practice your own form of preparation before your trip. Plan out the gear you need and take time to research your trip and the needs of your itinerary. If you are joining us in Iceland we will share a detailed suggested packing list, or if you have any questions we’d love to help share some of our insights and passion for Iceland with you, too.