Planning a winter trip to Iceland? Amazing choice! It’s a magical place with the Northern Lights and beautiful snowy landscapes. But, winter weather there can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from -6°C to +6°C. So, packing the right stuff is key to having a great time. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you pack exactly what you need for the cold.
Clothing
Layer Up for Iceland’s Weather
Iceland’s weather likes to change its mind a lot, so dressing in layers is the way to go. Start with a warm base layer like merino thermals (I got both the top and bottom without breaking the bank from Mountain Warehouse – they were super light and kept me warm all the time. I wore the bottom all the time under my Eddie Bauer fleece pants or regular hiking pants. Then, throw on a comfy sweater/hoodie. Finish with a jacket that keeps the water out. This setup works like a charm, and you can adjust by taking off or adding layers as needed. I’m a big fan of t-shirts too, but in February, it was too chilly for those.
Keep Dry in the Cold
I brought the mentioned fleece pants with a special water-repellent finish, called DWR coating, and they were awesome. At first, I wasn’t sure they’d keep me dry since they’re not fully waterproof. But, after testing them under a faucet, they held up great! We also sprayed our shoes and pants with a water-repellent spray, so we never felt the need for a raincoat. My jacket had the same water-repellent feature, and also we didn’t run into any rain, it was perfect for staying dry around the waterfall mist.
Snow Pants Dilemma
Packing for a February trip to Iceland, I debated over bringing snow pants as we wanted to keep the luggage light. They seemed like a smart choice for the cold. In the end, I left them behind to stick to just the essentials. Seeing other tourists in their snow pants made me second-guess my decision at first. But as time went on, I realized my thermal and fleece pants combo was enough to keep me warm. I never really missed having snow pants. But if you are not much concerned about the weight and still have enough space you can still throw it in.
Extra Warmth and Protection
Don’t forget to pack a warm toque/knit cap, gloves, and something for your neck. I found a merino neck gaiter, or multiclava, was even better than a scarf, better to manage while strolling outside. It kept my face and nose protected from the biting winds. And remember, even in winter, the sun’s rays can be strong, so bring along sunglasses and sunscreen.
Shoes and Socks
We picked up some top-notch mountaineering socks from “Darntough,” plus a couple of mid-calf socks we already had. Choosing the right shoes was a bit of a puzzle because of all the different terrains and weather conditions. After a lot of thinking, we packed a pair of comfy shoes for walking around town and another pair of hiking shoes for the rough paths. If you’re planning to go on a glacier hike, they usually give you hiking boots for ankle protection. Don’t forget to pack crampons. These are handy attachments that help you walk or climb on ice and snow without slipping. We found some at Amazon for a good price, and they were a game-changer.
Swimsuit
Definitely bring a swimsuit for relaxing in the Blue Lagoon and other geothermal pools. It’s a must-have for enjoying some of Iceland’s best warm-water spots.
Adventure Essentials
Backpack
For all your day trips, a compact backpack is essential. It’s perfect for carrying water, snacks, and your camera gear. We each had a backpack—one for our cameras and another for everything else we needed for the day.
Camera Gear
Don’t forget your camera because Iceland is full of beautiful landscapes you’ll want to capture. For those amazing Northern Lights pictures, a tripod is super handy. If you’re curious about how to get the best Northern Lights photos, take a look at our “Chasing Iceland’s Northern Lights” post. Also, keep your equipment safe from water with a waterproof case. On days when you’re around water, like at the lagoon, a waterproof cover for your phone is a smart idea. We had our waterproof GoPro, which was perfect so we didn’t miss having a waterproof case for our phones.
Power Up
Keeping your gadgets charged is crucial for capturing all those memorable moments. While a portable charger is a good idea, we had a rental car, so we just brought extra USB-A to USB-C cables to keep our phones and camera charged on the go. And don’t forget an international adapter – it’s a must-have for us and should be for you too if you’re coming from abroad. Little tip – We also packed a phone mount/holder for the rental car.
Hiking Poles
If you love hiking as much as we do, don’t leave your hiking poles behind. They’re a big help on the trails, giving you extra stability and support. We always make sure ours are packed and ready for any adventure that comes our way!
Water Bottle and Cutlery
The tap water in Iceland is some of the cleanest you’ll find, so you can drink straight from the tap. But remember, the hot water might smell a bit like sulfur in some places because it’s heated by natural geothermal energy from underground. Carry a refillable water bottle with you to stay hydrated and cut down on plastic waste. We usually do road trips so we leek to keep our cooler bag but for Iceland we skipped that, instead just had our travel cutlery set.
Health Kit
Don’t forget to pack a small first aid kit, any medications you need, and hand sanitizer. With the world the way it is, having masks on hand and staying up-to-date with health advice for traveling to Iceland is also a good idea.
With this list, packing should be a breeze. Iceland is all about the big, beautiful outdoors. Having the right gear means you can spend your time enjoying the adventure, not worrying about being prepared for it. Have an amazing trip!
