So you’re planning a winter trip to Iceland, eh? You must be either very brave or very crazy. I’m not quite sure which one I was, but probably the latter. Don’t worry though! With the right gear and a sense of humor, you can survive and thrive in the land of ice and fire. So let’s talk about what to pack, shall we? Get ready for the ultimate packing list for a winter adventure to Iceland!
Outerwear – Water PROOF
First things first: you’re going to need some serious outerwear. And by serious, I mean windproof, waterproof, and warm enough to make a polar bear jealous. Look for jackets and pants with high-quality insulation, Gore-Tex fabric, and adjustable hoods and cuffs. And don’t forget gloves, hats, and neck warmers, because frostbite is not a good look on anyone.
Merino Wool Base Layers
If you want to stay warm and cozy, merino wool is your friend. It’s soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant. And best of all, it won’t make you itch like a wool sweater from your grandma. Look for merino wool base layers in long-sleeved tops and bottoms, and pack at least two sets so you can alternate them. We love the Meriwool Brand.
Mid layers
On top of your base layers, you’ll want some mid layers for extra insulation and style points. Fleece jackets, down vests, and wool sweaters are all good options. Just make sure they’re not too bulky or restrictive, because you don’t want to look like the Michelin man or like Ralphie from A Christmas Story.
Swimwear
Yes, you read that right. Even in the dead of winter, Iceland has some of the world’s most amazing hot springs and geothermal pools. So pack your swimsuit, and prepare to soak like a Viking. And don’t worry, nobody will judge you for your speedo.
Waterproof hiking boots
Iceland’s terrain can be rough and slippery, so you’ll need some sturdy and waterproof hiking boots. Look for boots with good traction, ankle support, and insulation. And don’t forget to break them in before your trip, or you’ll end up with blisters the size of glaciers. I bought the Salomon X Ultra waterproof hiking boots and they were amazing.
Crampons
I thought the crampons would be an overkill, but boy was I wrong. Iceland is a land full of waterfalls. Waterfalls spray water. Water freezes. Ice is slippery. You get my drift. You can grab these cheap crampons from Amazon and slip them over your boots. 100% recommend. It also made us look super professional while other people were slipping, falling, and CRAWLING on the ice. (true story)
Waterproof winter boots
If you’re planning on doing any city walking or snowmobiling, you’ll want some waterproof winter boots as well. Look for boots that are stylish, comfortable, and warm enough to survive a blizzard. And don’t forget to pack some casual shoes and flip flops for those moments when you want to give your feet a break.
Quick Dry Towels
When you’re soaking in a hot spring, the last thing you want is a soggy towel. That’s why you’ll need some quick-dry towels, which are lightweight, compact, and absorbent. And if you forget to pack them, don’t worry – you can always buy one while you’re there.
Backpack (preferably waterproof or with a rain cover)
You’ll need a good backpack to carry all your gear, snacks, and camera equipment. Look for backpacks with adjustable straps, multiple pockets, and a rain cover. We love these Osprey backpacks for hiking. This style also comes with a pull out rain cover. And don’t forget to pack some reusable water bottles, because Iceland’s tap water is some of the purest in the world.
Travel Adapters and or Converters
If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll need a travel adapter to use your electronics in Iceland. And if you’re bringing anything with a heating element (like a curling iron or a hair dryer), you’ll need a converter as well. Just be prepared for your hair to look like a troll’s nest in the cold Icelandic wind. You could just do like I did, and wear a toboggan the entire time!
Sunglasses
Even in the dead of winter, Iceland’s sun can be surprisingly bright. So pack some sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare.
Headlight
Iceland in winter is dark. Really, really dark. So unless you want to stumble around like a drunk troll, you’re going to need a headlight. Look for one with a bright LED bulb, adjustable straps, and long battery life. We went during the end of March, so thankfully the days are much longer at this point.
Chargers
You’re going to have a lot of electronics with you on this trip, so don’t forget your chargers. And while you’re at it, pack some extra batteries for your headlight and camera, because you never know when the Northern Lights will make an appearance.
Photography Gear
Speaking of cameras, you’re going to want to bring your A-game photography gear for this trip. Iceland is a landscape photographer’s dream come true, with its glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and more. So pack your DSLR or mirrorless camera, your tripod, your filters, your drone, and your creativity. And don’t forget to dress warmly, because hypothermia is not a good look on anyone.
Drones are prohibited in many of the more populated attractions in Iceland. We weren’t able to use ours very much due to the “gale warnings” and the drone prohibited signs. The footage we did get was breathtaking though, especially of Black Sand Beach.
Hand Warmers
Last but not least, let’s talk about hand warmers. These little miracle packets of warmth are a godsend in Icelandic winters. Just open them up, shake them around, and stick them in your gloves or your pockets. You can also buy rechargeable hand warmers. They’ll keep your fingers from turning into ice cubes, and they’ll make you feel like a magician.
So there you have it, folks – your essential packing list for a winter trip to Iceland. Of course, you’ll need more than just these items, so make sure to do your research and plan accordingly. And most importantly, don’t forget your sense of humor or flexibility, because Iceland in winter is full of surprises, from blizzards to rainbows to hot springs. Embrace the adventure, and have fun!
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