Surprisingly, my Iceland packing listing for winter isn’t too dissimilar from my Iceland summer time packing listing — however there are some vital variations. Boy Scouts ought to do effectively in Iceland as a result of it is very important be ready. After visiting Iceland in winter and summer time, I’ve put some thought into what to put on in Iceland in winter and what different gear to place in your Iceland winter packing listing. Don’t be caught unprepared!
The very first thing to bear in mind is that “winter” in Iceland is technically September via May. The common temperature is 32 levels Fahrenheit within the Southern Lowlands however will get all the way down to about 14 levels within the Highlands. This might not really feel that chilly when the solar is shining however because the climate in Iceland is so unpredictable, this may shortly change to wind, snow, or sleet, making the temperatures appear decrease.
What to Wear in Iceland in Winter
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- Base layer: since layering is crucial, begin off with base layer. Columbia is one in every of my favourite manufacturers with their good heavyweight or Omniheat base layers.
- Fleece: You will then desire a good fleece to layer on prime. You can all the time discover some heat and trendy choices from Columbia.
- Fleece-lined leggings: cold-weather leggings are nice for layering. You positively don’t need to put on denims, as a result of if these get moist they’re so chilly and take endlessly to dry. The Dog Walker leggings from Aventura Clothing are very heat and produced from recycled polyester. The Columbia Titan Pass Helix leggings are one other nice alternative.
- Water-resistant pants: You may even need some good waterproof pants to layer on prime. Columbia’s Ballistic Ridge insulated pant is ideal for out of doors exercise and the Omni Shield expertise retains you dry.
- Water-proof pants: I’d additionally advocate pair of waterproof/windproof rain pants. You by no means know when it would begin raining or snowing, or whenever you need to rise up near a waterfall. Our entire household has made good use of our Columbia rainpants.
- Warm coat: Of course, you’ll be able to’t neglect a heat, waterproof, or waterproof coat ski jacket with warming expertise. A ski jacket is ideal since you need to have the liberty of motion which you could’t simply get from an extended, down coat.
- Waterproof mountain climbing boots: An absolute requirement is a very good pair of insulated, waterproof mountain climbing boots or sturdy, sturdy snow boots with nice grip. I’d advocate the La Sportiva Gore-Tex Nepal Evo mountaineering boots or the Sorel Kinetic Conquest Sneaker Boot. You may need to spend money on some strap-on crampons like Yaktrax, as a result of close to the waterfalls it’s pure ice within the winter.
- Wool socks: Wool socks are crucial for staying heat and dry within the chilly climate and I don’t suppose there are any higher than Vermont-made Darn Tough socks.
- Hat and gloves: Just don’t neglect a very heat hat and gloves (particularly ones with touchscreen-friendly finger ideas so that you don’t freeze your fingers off taking photos.)
- Bathing go well with: I do know that it might sound shocking to carry a showering go well with to Iceland (particularly within the winter), however chances are high, you’ll both cease on the Blue Lagoon or at the very least take a dip in a scorching spring or scorching tub in some unspecified time in the future on the journey.
- Flip-flops: In addition to your bathing go well with, you might be additionally going to wish flip flops for these scorching springs or visits to the recent tubs.
- Polarized sun shades: The solar doesn’t keep out for lengthy within the winter, however when it does the reflection off the snow can have a whole lot of glare. Bring polarized sun shades to guard your eyes.
If you do neglect something, simply head over to 66° North in Reykjavik or within the airport. I’ve a very heat hat, socks, and skinny microfleece gloves from them that I purchased in Iceland, plus I introduced Hannah again a pair of fleece-lined leggings of theirs that she loves.
Iceland Packing List for Winter
Now you realize what to put on in Iceland in winter, however there are different issues that must go in your Iceland packing listing. Remember, shops are few and much between so you’ll want to carry alongside some primary provides together with:
- Moisturizing lip balm (we love Burt’s Bees in our home.)
- facial moisturizer with SPF solar safety.
- Protection on your cheeks from the wind and chilly, like Aquaphor.
- Tissue packs on your pockets.
- Foot and hand heaters to pop into your boots or gloves.
- Back up energy packs and a automobile charger on your cellphone. Remember, the chilly drains batteries so shortly. I discovered that even after I warmed my cellphone again up it didn’t flip again on except I plugged it right into a cost.
- While telephones take wonderful photos, Iceland is one place the place you’ll desire a good digital camera as a result of the surroundings is wonderful! Consider a weatherproof digital camera or journey digital camera.
- Make certain you carry a wide-angle lens, tripod, a distant/shutter launch (to keep away from shaking your digital camera), and tons of additional digital camera further batteries (due to that chilly.)
- Day pack or backpack on your digital camera, further batteries/chargers, and any further gear you may want.
- Refillable water bottle — all of the water from the taps is clear so don’t fear about shopping for bottled water.
- Protein bars for if you end up out doing actions and want a snack otherwise you simply can’t discover a place to eat.
- Electric outlet adapter (if you wish to use a hair dryer, flattening iron, and so forth then additionally, you will want a converter — however don’t fear about your hair in Iceland ;)) I like those which have built-in USB ports so I don’t must carry as many (simply understand that they take longer to cost although this manner.)
- If you propose on going out at evening to search for the Northern Lights, take a soak in a scorching tub beneath the celebrities, or simply in case you might be out in nature after darkish, be sure that to place a headlamp in your bag. One that has a crimson mild is finest to attenuate mild air pollution for star gazing.