Essential Packing Guide for Summer Travel to Iceland

Planning a summer adventure to Iceland? With its stunning landscapes, unique natural wonders, and unpredictable weather, packing the right clothing is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. In this blog post we’ll guide you through essential packing needs for your summer travel to Iceland. We’ll also share some of our favorite products that we used in Iceland including many budget friendly options.

Layering Is Key

Iceland’s weather can be quite variable, even during the summer months. Even if the weather looks warm and sunny going into the day, there’s always a chance for rain and cold weather to move in! Layering is the key to adapting to changing conditions and maintaining comfort throughout your trip. Here are the essential layers to consider:

• Base Layers – Start with moisture-wicking base layers, including thermal tops and bottoms, made of materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics. These will keep you warm when temperatures drop and wick away moisture to keep you dry.
  • Women’s budget friendly option that has worked great!
• Mid Layers – Pack a few mid-weight sweaters or fleeces to provide insulation and additional warmth. These can be worn over your base layers and easily removed if the weather gets warmer.
  • We both love our Patagonia Better Sweaters and take them everywhere as a nice mid layer option, but we also have a few budget friendly options as well for men and women.
  • You can also consider just wearing a heavier base layer such as this women’s fleece lined top which is one of Becca’s favorites.
• Outer Layers – Invest in a high-quality waterproof and windproof jacket to protect yourself from Iceland’s ever-changing weather conditions. Look for a jacket with a breathable membrane to prevent sweating.

Bottoms

When it comes to bottoms, prioritize comfort and versatility. Consider packing the following:

• Hiking Pants – Opt for durable and quick-drying hiking pants that allow for ease of movement. Look for pants that can be converted into shorts to adapt to changing temperatures.
  • We use quite a variety of hiking pants with Drew really liking REI brand and Outdoor Research for men’s options. A few of Becca’s favorites are these BALEAF pants for every day use and this fleece lined option for those colder days.
• Jeans/Casual Pants – Pack a pair of jeans or pants for casual outings or evenings in the city. While they may not be ideal for prolonged outdoor activities, they can be comfortable for shorter walks or sightseeing.
• Waterproof Pants – Consider packing waterproof pants or rain pants to wear over your hiking pants when the weather gets wet. This extra layer will keep you dry and comfortable during outdoor activities.
  • Pro Tip – if you’re planning to get up close to some of the popular waterfalls in Iceland you definitely want to put on waterproof pants as you will get wet! These were the men’s and women’s options that we purchased for the trip.

Footwear

Choosing the right footwear is essential for exploring Iceland’s diverse terrain. Here are a few recommendations:

• Hiking Boots – Invest in sturdy and waterproof hiking boots with ankle support. These will keep your feet dry and protected during hikes and excursions.
  • We did a lot of research to find the boots that worked best for us – make sure to do the same for you! Becca uses the Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 MID GTX W Hiking Boots and Drew uses Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots.
• Comfortable Shoes – Pack a pair of comfortable, lightweight shoes for city exploration or casual outings. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off for convenience.

Accessories

Though you’re planning for summer travel to Iceland, our packing guide can’t be complete without considering some warmer accessories. Don’t forget to pack these essential accessories to enhance your comfort and protect yourself from Iceland’s elements:

• Hiking/Trekking Poles are great to have along if you plan to take on some of the steeper trails that Iceland offers. We’d recommend finding poles that are lightweight, durable, and collapsible like these TrailBuddy trekking poles that we use. If you are new to using poles like this, you’ll be wowed by the difference they can make to help the impact on your body!
• Hats and Gloves – Pack a warm hat and gloves to protect yourself from chilly winds and lower temperatures, especially if you plan to visit higher altitudes or venture out in the evening.
  • We invested in some budget friendly waterproof gloves specific for this trip and they worked great!
• Scarves and Buffs – Bring a scarf or buff that can be used as a neck warmer or headband. These versatile accessories can provide additional warmth and protection against the wind.

Packing the right clothing for your summer trip to Iceland is essential to ensure comfort and enjoyment during your adventures. By being prepared, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty that Iceland has to offer.

Safe travels and enjoy your Icelandic summer experience! Make sure to check out more of our travel tips blog posts.!