Embark on an unforgettable journey to Iceland fully prepared with this free printable packing list for summer, winter, spring or fall. Whether you’re marveling at Iceland’s majestic waterfalls, exploring volcanic landscapes, or chasing the elusive Northern Lights, proper packing and knowing the best clothes to wear 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 for men or women, 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. Learn about how to be prepared with the best shoes to wear for an Iceland winter to the best waterproof gear. Get ready to pack smart, travel light, and make the most of your Icelandic experience with my advice on what to pack for Iceland and what to wear to stay comfortable and stylish throughout your journey.
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A Free Printable Iceland Packing List for any Season: Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.
Waterproof gear and layers are best for 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 to Iceland during the fall, it is best to think 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. Layers or clothes are an exceptionally important to wear in winter months or if you’re going on a Northern Lights tour in Iceland.
Free Printable Packing List For Iceland
Click the download button below for a free printable packing list for Iceland for any season: winter, spring, summer or fall!
1. Best Waterproof Boots or Shoes for your Iceland Trip: Know What to Wear Whether You Go in the Summer, Winter, Spring or Fall
Waterproof hiking boots are an obvious travel essential on your free printable Iceland packing list. I prefer Keen Hiking Boots and think they’re one of the best shoes to wear in Iceland. 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 have held their quality 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 winter or summer, which is why this is my best packing tip for shoes in Iceland.
Here are some great waterproof hiking boot options. Like I mentioned, 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, where you can find help with the best waterproof gear and boots for Iceland. 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.
What Are Other Best Shoe Options for Iceland, Especially if you Travel Outside of Winter?
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 here is 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? Using waterproof spray is just another assurance that your best waterproof gear has extra protection for Iceland’s unpredictable weather.
If you plan to visit Iceland in the winter, you may want to consider crampons for your packing list, even if you have the best shoes for sturdiness. Winter months tend to get icy and visiting places like waterfalls can get especially slippery.
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: What is Needed for Hot Springs?
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 Iceland 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 a necessity if you plan to go to any natural hot springs.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs is a beautiful hike where we walked by springs of boiling water and through a scenic valley. The hot spring is in the middle of this valley, not a building is in sight. This is a lovely hike, especially in the summer, so make sure your packing list has a microfiber towel if you plan on doing this during your Iceland adventure. 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 and flip flops to wear after getting out, especially if the ground is cold.
Swimsuit on your Printable Iceland Packing List
An Iceland travel essential that is often forgotten is a swimsuit, which is a must on your packing list even beyond the summer months. 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, are sandals. I have sandals on my Iceland packing list because even though the hot tub is warm, the ground can be pretty cold on your way, especially if you travel outside the summer months. As mentioned, we traveled to Iceland in October, so sandals were an essential packing item to get me from the cabin to the hot tub, due to the frosty ground.
3. Packing Essentials for Iceland : Waterproof Jacket for your Free Printable Iceland Packing List for Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall
A waterproof, windproof jacket is 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 having a warm waterproof coat. If you travel during the summer months of June to August, you should be OK with a lighter waterproof jacket on your Iceland packing list, 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 partial to Helly Hansen coats. It is an excellent, high quality brand. Here is a Helly Hansen Waterproof Jacket and a Helly Hansen Insulated Parka.
Some coats for men for your summer or winter packing list to Iceland:
This boutique hotel is on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Hotel Budir is a great place to stay if you head to this beautiful peninsula.
4. Pants and Fleece Lined Leggings: More of the Best Waterproof Gear for Iceland
One question I often hear is, “What kind of pants should I wear in Iceland”? When it comes to picking out the best clothes to wear in Iceland, my biggest packing tip is layers and fleece lined leggings are one of my favorite go-to items, especially in fall or winter months or when hunting for northern lights. I always bring along a good pair of fleece lined leggings and waterproof pants. I wore these BALEAF women’s fleece lined water resistant leggings 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:
What About Jeans?
This is a question a lot of people have. Should I bring jeans? My honest answer is 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. So yes, even if you hear people say you shouldn’t wear jeans, they are perfectly acceptable. That being said, I have seen people in jeans at waterfalls, specifically Seljalandsfoss, and they are soaked. Due to how close you can get to this waterfall and factor in the wind, you will most likely get wet. If you wear jeans while out touring Iceland, be sure to have waterproof gear along for your best chance at staying dry.
5. What are the Best clothes to Wear in Iceland – Layers, Layers, Layers (especially when out searching for Northern Lights)
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?
More of the Best Gear for Iceland: Waterproof Cell Cover
One of my favorites packing tips for Iceland, something I added to the printable packing 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 on some rainy days and at some waterfalls. If you’re wondering if this case will actually keep water out, I had my doubts too. I never fully immersed my phone in the Blue Lagoon, because I was nervous. However, several months later we went to Belize, and my husband soaked in the Caribbean for hours with his phone in this pouch in the pocket of his swim shorts. The result? Not even a drip on that phone! I was impressed.
Smartwool Socks
Smartwool socks were a travel essential for my trip in October, but are a worthwhile packing tip for any season in Iceland, so I would even have them on my summer packing list. Known to keep your feet dry and warm, I would add this high quality sock to your packing list for Iceland.
Waterproof Backpack: More on the Best Waterproof Gear for Iceland
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 for 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) through the winter months, I suggest adding heated socks to your Iceland packing list, which are great to pair with even the best shoes or boots for warmth. 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! And even with the best shoes, if you wear heated socks, your feet should stay warm enough while touring Iceland in the winter.
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 are the best clothes to wear in Iceland, especially when searching for Northern Lights or what is the best waterproof gear or shoes for winter? This post will hopefully give you clarity on what to add to your packing list in the summer, winter, spring or fall. I hope this packing guide assisted in answering all your packing questions for Iceland. 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 free printable packing list can be a guide for any season of travel to Iceland, whether you travel in the winter, spring, summer or fall. 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!
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