Reykjavik, Iceland packing guide
Iceland • Packing Guide

What I Packed for Iceland

The complete packing list I used for Iceland — from waterproof layers and hiking gear to toiletries, tech, and everything I actually brought with me.

Plus: what to know about layering, rain, waterproof gear, and packing for Iceland’s constantly changing weather.

Jump to Clothing

Clothing

Category Items & Quantities
Base Layers & Tops
  • Base Top 1, 2, 3 — long-sleeve thermal tops (3 total)
  • Tee 1, 2 — short-sleeve, worn under fleece (2 total)
  • Fleece 1, 2 — mid-weight sweaters/fleece pullovers (2 total)
  • Daytime Top 1, 2, 3 — casual tops for city days (3 total)
  • Dinner Top — one elevated piece
Outerwear
  • Rain Shell — waterproof + windproof shell (1)
  • Puffer — packable insulated jacket (1)
  • Fleece/wool mid-layer jacket
Bottoms
  • Hiking Pants 1, 2 — waterproof/quick-dry (2 total)
  • Thermal Leggings 1, 2 — worn underneath on colder days
  • Jeans — city + dinner days (1)
  • Joggers — travel-day bottom (1)
Swim
  • Swimsuits — 2
  • Flip-flops / sandals — 1 pair
Footwear
  • Waterproof hiking boots — 1 pair
  • Casual boots/shoes — 1 pair
  • Warm hiking socks
  • Everyday socks
Accessories & Sleep
  • Beanies
  • Waterproof gloves + liner gloves
  • Scarf
  • Sunglasses
  • Underwear + bras
  • Sleepwear
Base Layers & Tops
Base layers and tops packed for Iceland
Outerwear
Outerwear packed for Iceland
Bottoms
Pants packed for Iceland
Footwear
Shoes and hiking boots packed for Iceland

Personal Care & Toiletries

Category What I Packed
Skincare
  • Facial cleanser
  • Moisturizers — day + night
  • Hydrating essence / glazing milk
  • SPF
  • Facial cleansing wipes
  • Lip balm / tinted lip butter
Shower & Body
  • Shampoo + conditioner — travel bottles
  • Shower oil / body wash
  • Body lotion
  • Deodorant
  • Razor
Dental & Grooming
  • Electric toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Hairbrush
  • Hair ties / clips
  • Nail clippers
  • Small scissors
Makeup
  • Concealer
  • Mascara
  • Brow products
  • Blush
  • Lipstick + lip products
  • Eye / lip pencils
  • Eyelash curler
  • Compact palette
Health & Essentials
  • Prescription medications / daily pills
  • Motion sickness medication
  • Basic first-aid essentials
  • Contacts / glasses, if needed
  • Feminine care
Toiletries Lineup
Full toiletries lineup packed for Iceland
How I Packed It
Toiletries organized in a hanging toiletry bag for Iceland
Makeup
Makeup packed for Iceland

Tech

What I Packed
  • Phone + charging cable
  • Portable power bank
  • Type C/F travel adapter
  • Headphones / earbuds
  • Laptop + charger, if working
  • eSIM / international data
  • Waterproof phone pouch / dry bag
  • Tripod + light

Miscellaneous

Travel Essentials
  • Documents — passport, tour confirmations, lagoon tickets + travel insurance
  • Credit cards + small ISK backup
  • Daypack
  • Packing cubes
  • Wet bag / zip bags
  • Foldable tote
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Travel pillow + eye mask + earplugs
  • Hand warmers
  • Snacks

A Few Things to Know Before Packing for Iceland

Iceland weather changes fast. The goal isn’t to pack for one forecast — it’s to pack so you can adjust throughout the day.

Dress in Layers

Think in three parts: a base layer for warmth, a fleece or mid-layer for insulation, and a waterproof outer layer on top.

Plan for Rain

Even if the forecast looks clear, bring a waterproof shell. Wind and rain can show up quickly, especially around waterfalls and the coast.

Waterproof Matters

Prioritize waterproof hiking boots and quick-dry or waterproof pants. Jeans are great for Reykjavík — less great for wet sightseeing days.

Don’t Overpack

Rewear your outer layers and mix your base layers underneath. You need fewer bulky pieces than you think when everything works together.