Packing is one among my least favourite components about touring, however packing for a visit to a rustic as wildly numerous as Iceland had its specific challenges. We had been heading to Iceland in June, on the eve of the summer time solstice, once we may take pleasure in six “nights” of daylight and 5 days jam-packed with journey, and I used to be perplexed about what to put on in Iceland in the summertime and what to placed on my Iceland summer time packing record.
On our itinerary had been actions and excursions like a puffin boat tour, glacier mountaineering, a zodiac boat tour via the glacier lagoon, a visit to the Blue Lagoon, and canine sledding on the glacier. Plus, we deliberate to spend days exploring waterfalls and black sand seashores, in addition to the streets of charming Reykjavik. One factor was clear from the start, this was NOT going to be a carry-on-only kind of journey.
Summer temperatures in Iceland in July vary from highs within the mid-50s and lows within the mid-40s F. So, type of like March in New England the place one minute you could possibly pull on a hat to fight a cold wind after which the solar comes out and you’re stripping off layers to chill down.
After studying loads of weblog posts that stated to purchase what you want whenever you get there, I made a decision I used to be going to be ready upfront and store at outlet costs versus dear retail retailers in Reykjavik (though I admit shopping for a hat and microfiber gloves at 66° North simply because I preferred them.)
Being ready for all the things on a visit to Iceland is essential. On our day in Reykjavik, we wearing lengthy sleeve shirts and fleeces or weather-proof shells, carrying alongside hats and skinny gloves “just in case” we wanted them out on the water for our puffin cruise. Turns out, it was a completely beautiful day and we ended up taking off the jackets and wishing we wore brief sleeves.
Yet the subsequent day on our drive via South Iceland, it was overcast and windy, inflicting us to modify from a thinner fleece to an insulated down jacket and hat later within the day. And thank goodness we had been suggested to convey full rain gear, or our journeys to the waterfalls wouldn’t have been practically as enjoyable if we had gotten completely soaked. We additionally lucked out with nice climate for our time canine sledding and glacier mountaineering, however we had been ready simply in case the climate modified.
With all our overpacking and over-preparedness, I realized a number of classes about what to put on in Iceland in the summertime and what to pack to create these Iceland summer time packing record. If you do plan on visiting within the winter, make sure you additionally try my Iceland winter packing record based mostly on my journey again to Iceland in November. While it doesn’t fluctuate lots, there are some essential variations.
Iceland Summer Packing List
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This Iceland clothes record consists of what to put on in Iceland in June, July, and August (though I used an identical record for my newer go to in very early September.) I’ve unnoticed the fundamentals as a result of I feel you’ll be able to work out in the event you want underwear, however these are issues that you could be or might not have thought of:
Waterproof Hiking Boots
I’m placing waterproof mountaineering boots on the record, however don’t trouble with packing them, simply put on them on the aircraft and save the area. They are seemingly the one sneakers you’ll actually need, until you need to get a little bit extra dressed for dinners in Reykjavik (and even then you definitely solely want a trend sneaker at most.)
Don’t skimp on the waterproofing as a result of you’ll seemingly have to stroll via some streams, expertise some rain, and, in fact, be topic to the mist of the waterfalls. I’d recommend a boot that helps your ankle as you stroll over uneven surfaces, versus the decrease mountaineering shoe. This will even present extra waterproof protection for fording small streams on hikes or stroll as much as the top of a waterfall.
My favourite waterproof mountaineering boots are from Merrell or La Sportiva.
Hiking Socks
Look for wool or artificial blends as cotton traps the moisture and your ft will get chilly. I’d additionally recommend a midweight to heavy weight sock for colder days or in the event you plan on spending loads of time outdoor (and it’s Iceland, in fact you’ll spend loads of time outdoor!)
My favourite mountaineering socks are the made-in-Vermont Darn Tough socks.
Waterproof Rain Jacket with a Hood
in the event you plan on visiting the waterfalls, the spray from the falls will drench you head to toe. waterproof (not water-proof) jacket with a hood that matches snuggly round your face is crucial. You additionally have to be ready for rain at any specific time in Iceland.
I’d recommend that you simply both get a warmly-lined rain coat, such because the L.L. Bean H2OFF rain jacket, or a thinner, packable raincoat you can layer over prime of a fleece or a packable puffy jacket, such because the Columbia Omni-Tech Ampli-Dry raincoat.
Quick-dry Hiking Pants
Quick-drying mountaineering pants are good for out of doors actions in Iceland. You undoubtedly don’t need to solely pack denims as they’re heavy and can simply make you chilly in the event that they get moist. Maybe one pair to vary into or put on in Reykjavik is all you want.
You might also need to embody a pair of fleece-lined leggings or base layer/lengthy underwear in case you are doing an exercise like a glacier hike. I depend on mountaineering pants from Columbia, Prana, and Northface.
Waterproof Rain Pants
I actually debated if wanted to purchase rain pants for the entire household, however I’m so glad we determined to put money into pairs for every of us. Trust me, you’ll need these on the waterfalls until you need to get soaked to the pores and skin. It is a good suggestion to convey them alongside on glacier walks too, simply in case it begins to rain while you’re out on the glacier.
We had a tough time discovering these for the entire household however Columbia rain pants got here via, as they did for our insulated jackets, raincoats, and mountaineering pants.
Long-sleeve and Short-sleeve Shirts
In Iceland in the summertime, the temperatures are going to fluctuate, as will the climate. It is greatest to be ready with a number of long-sleeve and one or two short-sleeve shirts. In Iceland, it’s all about layering. Bring alongside a base layer, a number of energetic tees that provide sweat-wicking, and not less than one sweater and/or flannel shirt as a prime layer.
Mid-weight Fleece
In Iceland, it’s all about layering and choices. You can both layer up with a fleece and a climate/wind-resistant shell on prime or have a fleece for the hotter days and a hotter puffer jacket for the chilly days.
Columbia has a wide-range of fleece choices which are good for layering.
Down Jacket
We solely wanted our down jackets a few occasions on this journey and doubtless may have gotten away with layering a fleece and a rain jacket on the windier summer time days but it surely was good to have one thing that insulated and lower the wind.
If you don’t go for a water-resistant/windproof three-in-one jacket or properly insulated rain and wind jacket, then you need to convey alongside a packable puffer jacket.
Swimsuit
in the event you plan on making the most of any scorching springs, public geothermally-heated swimming pools, or scorching tubs, don’t neglect your swimsuit! Unless you’re springing for the Premium bundle on the Blue Lagoon, you may additionally need to convey alongside a gown or coverup.
Flip-Flops
Again, in case you are visiting any scorching springs or swimming pools, a pair of flip-flops will turn out to be useful.
Hat/beanie
For windy days, particularly out on the glacier or out by/on the water, you’ll most likely need to have a wool or thermally-lined knit or fleece beanie. Just don’t convey one with a pom pom on prime in the event you plan on doing any journey actions that require a helmet.
You might also need to convey alongside a buff, scarf, or neck gaiter for windy days.
Thin Gloves
Just just like the hat, when it’s windy you may want a pair of skinny microfiber or fleece gloves. I’d recommend getting gloves which have fingertips that work on touchscreens so that you don’t have to take your gloves off to take pictures.
Backpack
With all of the actions you’ll be doing, you’re going to want a spot to stash your layers, rain gear, digital camera gear, and so on. Make positive to convey alongside a weather-proof backpack (or a backpack with a rain cowl.)
Polarized Sunglasses
It might usually be gray and wet in Iceland, however when the solar shines, it’s vibrant, particularly if you find yourself out on the glacier. pair of sun shades, ideally with a neck strap in order that they don’t get misplaced, are a necessity.
Camera Gear
I’d advocate investing in a very good digital camera to seize photos of the beautiful Iceland surroundings. Some gear to incorporate can be:
- A mirrorless or DSLR digital camera with a wide-angle lens for waterfalls and a zoom lens for wildlife
- Extra batteries and SD playing cards
- A digital camera bag with a rain cowl
- A tripod (the Peak Design journey tripod is my favourite!)
- A neutral-density filter to seize silky clean photos of waterfalls
- Smartphone with waterproof case
- A selfie stick for these waterfall pictures and particular moments. I additionally use this selfie-stick / tripod combo with a Bluetooth distant.
- GoPro or Insta 360 waterproof digital camera with additional batteries and case choices
Extras
- European energy adapter
- Quick dry towel – in case you need to cease at a pure scorching springs
- Car charger – you’ll most likely be utilizing your cellphone for GPS and with lengthy drives and many photos, you’ll need to have your automobile charger alongside
- Power packs – convey alongside backup energy sources for cellphone charging as a result of chilly and the digital camera app actually drains the battery rapidly
- Sleep masks – that is very crucial for summer time visits when the solar doesn’t set and never each room has black out shades
- Refillable water bottle – the water in Iceland is clear and it can save you cash through the use of a refillable water bottle. Sometimes the water may need a slight sulfur order from the geothermal heating however it’s nonetheless protected to drink
- Phone case with a strap for straightforward entry to your digital camera app and so that you simply don’t unintentionally drop your cellphone off a cliff. I really like my Bandolier cellphone case and strap.
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Moisturizer
- Extra conditioner because the water could be a bit harsh on the hair, particularly on the Blue Lagoon
Download your Iceland summer time packing record PDF right here!
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