Embark on an unforgettable journey to Iceland fully prepared with our comprehensive packing guide. Whether you’re marveling at majestic waterfalls, exploring volcanic landscapes, or chasing the elusive Northern Lights, proper packing is essential for a comfortable and memorable adventure. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from essential items on your Iceland packing list to invaluable packing tips tailored specifically for Iceland’s unique climate and terrain. I’ve been twice in October, and if I hadn’t followed these packing tips, my Iceland journey would have been uncomfortable. Get ready to pack smart, travel light, and make the most of your Icelandic experience with our expert advice on what to pack for Iceland and what to wear to stay comfortable and stylish throughout your journey.

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Packing List For Iceland

Waterproof gear and layers are key to your packing list, no matter what season you plan to travel to Iceland. I’ve taken two trips to Iceland mid-October and have learned plenty of packing tips to utilize. Going during the fall, you will definitely want to think warm, waterproof gear and LAYERS. We experienced some days where we wore hats, mittens, and a winter coat, along with other days where we were comfortable in sweatshirts and pants. That being said, if you’re wondering what to wear, layers are always important, even in the summer months because Iceland never gets very warm.

Free Downloadable Packing list For Iceland

Click the download button below for a printable packing list for Iceland!

1. Iceland Travel Essential – Waterproof Boots

Waterproof hiking boots are an obvious travel essential for an Iceland packing list. I prefer Keen Hiking Boots. They kept my feet WARM and DRY the whole trip. A good quality hiking boot is a must. I have had my Keen Boots since about 2017 and love them because they’re held their shape and have taken me on many adventures, including two trips to Iceland and Ireland. They work like a charm! You will need waterproof boots no matter what season you travel to Iceland, including October, which is why this is my first packing tip.

Here are some great waterproof hiking boot options. I love my Keens but there are many great options out there. My daughter prefers Merrell’s. If you’re really unsure, head to REI. They have many options to try on. One more note: this is not where I try to save money. I would go for a high quality waterproof hiking boot, because cold wet feet will ruin your trip.

Here are options for women:

Waterproof shoes for men:

What are other shoes to wear in Iceland?

We didn’t spend our whole day hiking, so I brought 2 other types of shoes for less adventurous moments. I brought a good pair of sneakers for our day trips in Reykjavik. We did a lot of walking (including two walking tours) and shopping, so I made sure I had comfortable tennis shoes for this day. I also brought one pair of cute boots for dinners out.

Side note: My last trip was October of 2023. I wore On Cloud tennis shoes and just a quick review… These are the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever had. They are on the spendier side, but well worth the money!

For good measure, I also sprayed my shoes with waterproof spray prior to leaving, because why not? It helped keep my waterproof gear for Iceland more waterproofy!

If you plan to visit Iceland in the winter, you may want to consider crampons for your packing list.

Here are the two walking tours we did in Reykjavik. Our tour guides had a lot of knowledge and kept us engaged. And of course, the food tour had awesome local foods to try.

A unique place to stay that entangles you in the nordic life of Iceland is Hotel Viking.

2. Packing Tips for Iceland – Hot Springs Gear

A Microfiber Towel

Iceland is the land of fire and ice, with many options for natural hot springs to soak in, one of my packing tips is to bring a microfiber towel along, which I had on both of my October trips. No, it isn’t the highest quality towel you will ever own. But it is light and packs easily, fits well into your hiking bag, and dries fast. It is such a necessity if you plan to go to any natural hot springs.

Reykjadalur Hot Springs is a beautiful hike where we passed areas of boiling water. The hot spring is in the middle of this valley, not a building in site. One thing to note, there are no “changing rooms” exactly. Only some walls for a tiny bit of privacy.  We did the Reykjadalur Hot Springs hike the same day we drove the Golden Circle and you can find more information about it here. If you’re wondering what to pack for this hike, I would wear your swimsuit under your clothes on the hike to the springs. In your waterproof backpack, bring your microfiber towel, water bottle, and clothes to change into.

Swimsuit

An Iceland travel essentials that is often forgotten is a swimsuit, which is a must on your packing list. Not only did I use it in the Blue Lagoon and the above hot spring, but we ended every day in the hot tub at our rental.

Flip Flops

Another item you may not think you need, but I definitely used them are sandals. Even though the hot tub is warm, the ground can be pretty cold on your way. As mentioned, we traveled to Iceland in October, so sandals were an essential packing tip to get me from the cabin to the hot tub, due to the frosty ground.

3. Packing Essentials for Iceland – Waterproof Jacket

A waterproof, windproof jacket is an essential if you plan to travel to Iceland. Here, you will want to consider the season you’ll be traveling. I’ve been twice in October, and like most of the year in Iceland, weather can be unpredictable, and an important packing tip is to bring the right coat. I brought two waterproof jackets along, one was more of a shell, one was a thicker winter coat. I ended up using both, depending on the weather that day.

If you’re wondering what kind of coat to wear in Iceland, here is a good tip. During the winter months November to April, plan on a warm waterproof coat. If you travel June to August, you should be OK with a lighter waterproof jacket, but be sure to plan for layers, as the weather is still unpredictable. During the fall and spring, I would plan on bringing a warmer jacket and a shell.

I am a Helly Hansen girl. If you don’t know the brand, look it up. I love their coats. Here is a  Helly Hansen Waterproof Jacket and a Helly Hansen Insulated Parka. 

Some coats for men:

This boutique hotel is on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Hotel Budir is a great place to stay if you head to this beautiful peninsula.

4. Packing Tips for October (and every season in Iceland) – Waterproof Pants and Fleece Lined Leggings

What should you wear on your legs when you travel to Iceland in October (or really any season for that matter)? I always bring along a good pair of fleece lined leggings and waterproof pants. I wore these BALEAF women’s fleece lined water resistant legging often while visiting Iceland. Also, living in Minnesota, I have several pairs and wear them for winter months. Furthermore, I would slip on these waterproof hiking pants over my leggings if it was raining out or when we ventured out to waterfalls. Iceland is the land of 10,000 waterfalls and there is no shortage of them. Even if it isn’t raining, waterproof pants are wise to have for these waterfalls, especially if it’s windy or you chose to walk behind them.

For the men:

Jeans? This is a question a lot of people have. Should I bring jeans? My honest answer it this. I brought one pair. I never wore them on our day adventures but when we’d get home and change for suppers out, I often wore jeans, paired with a cute sweater and boots.

5. What to Wear in Iceland – Layers, Layers, Layers for your Packing List

Wearing layers in Iceland is essential due to its unpredictable and often harsh weather conditions, which can change rapidly even within a single day. A good layering system typically includes a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof and windproof outer layer to ensure warmth, dryness, and flexibility. Most of these components were mentioned above, but here I will highlight some of my favorite merino wool layers and base layers.

BONUS: What Else Should I Add to My Packing List for Iceland?

Waterproof Cell Cover

One of my favorites packing tips for Iceland, something I would for sure add to your list is a waterproof phone pouch. I bought this for my last trip and LOVED having it at the Blue Lagoon! Being able to take pictures and have my phone with me while in the Lagoon was great. Additionally, I also used it at on some rainy days and at some waterfalls.

Smartwool Socks

Smartwool socks were a travel essential for my trip in October, but are a worthwhile packing tip for any season in Iceland. Known to keep your feet dry and warm, I would add this high quality sock to you packing list for Iceland.

Waterproof Backpack

What type of bag should you pack to keep your gear dry for adventures in Iceland? If you’re sightseeing or hiking, a dry pack is one of the best travel essentials to bring to Iceland and an important add to your packing list. You can expect rain and even at some waterfall sights, you can get wet, so it’s nice to have a pack to keep your gear dry.

Iceland travel essentials: A European Adaptor

Make sure you have the correct adapter on your packing list to Iceland. I usually take 2 or 3 with me. The first option is a European adapter. The second is a universal adapter that can be used in 100+ countries. This is a better option if you plan to travel more.

Heated Socks (more for winter months)

If you go in the late fall (October) thru the winter months, I suggest adding heated socks to your Iceland packing list, which is a packing tip I love. I know they’re not “necessary” but I get cold feet easily, so they are a preference for me. There is nothing worse than cold feet!

Collapsible Water Bottle

This is on all of my packing lists, including Iceland because I love taking a water bottle on all my travel adventures and this particular bottle is light and collapsible. We have one for each member of our family.

Gloves

Lastly, on my packing tips for Iceland, let’s talk about keeping our hands warm and dry, especially from October to April. Making sure you have dry and warm hands is another essential for Iceland. Below I have some great options for gloves. I would consider heated gloves during winter months.

Many people wonder what to wear in Iceland, how should I pack? I hope this packing guide assisted in answering those questions. When you travel to Iceland, it’s important to be prepared for the weather and climate, making sure you have packed all the essentials to keep you warm and dry. The printable packing list can be a guide for any season of travel to Iceland. Remember the key to staying comfortable in Iceland is waterproof gear and layers. Now that you know how to pack for Iceland, be sure to book that trip!