Summer Packing List for Iceland (Nordic Countries)
Putting together the best Nordic packing list is one of the most important things you can do before your trip! Countries like Iceland and Norway are destinations known for their cold, wet, and windy weather even during the Summer. In June, we have seen beautiful sunny days, fog, and cold, windy conditions.
You might luck out and get amazing weather. However, you might be there for 10 days and not see the sun once. This is why I always recommend being well prepared and adding extra days in case of bad weather.
This packing guide provides my best tips for any Nordic country, but I will use Iceland as an example.
Weather in Iceland: What to Expect
There is a very popular saying in Iceland: " If you don’t like the weather, wait for 5 minutes.” I entered a coffee shop, and it was sunny with blue skies, and 10 minutes later, there was a massive downpour. You need to be prepared to tackle these drastic changes at all times because if you are not, your trip will not be enjoyable.
Vedur is Iceland’s go-to weather application, managed by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The app delivers real-time facts and figures on the island’s weather conditions, rolling data, news, weather predictions, and hazard warnings. The SafeTravel app is also a great resource to check road conditions.
For Normay, use YR.NO. These apps provide a lot of information about the changing conditions.
If you’re visiting during the summer (May-September), the best time to visit for good weather, you should be ready for average temperatures around 40-60 F (7-15 C). So it's not that colds usual’s usually windy and it rains frequently.
Summer is an amazing time to visit Iceland
Purple and yellow wildflowers are in bloom, waterfalls are flowing at their peak, most of the roads will be free from ice, and the weather is usually at its best.
However, summer in Iceland can be a little tricky to pack for.
packing tips:
Tip #1: Wear layers. When the sun comes out in Iceland, it can feel hot. Wear layers that you can easily take off and on when necessary. I mostly wore a T-shirt and a fleece.
Tip #2: Always have a raincoat in your bag or in the car.
TIp #3: Do not let your Fuel Tank go below Half-Full because there are areas where you might need to drive 50 miles to find a gas station.
Dressing Tips for Iceland
IN Reykjavik
In Reykjavík, the dress code is generally casual. You'll often see locals in sweaters, jeans, and comfortable yet stylish shoes.
Outside of Reykjavik
You’ll need hiking shoes, a fleece, and a light jacket everywhere outside the capital region.
Summer Packing List – OVERVIEW
Waterproof hiking shoes
Hiking Socks
Hiking pants and rain pants
Waterproof jacket
Fleece
Short- and long-sleeved shirts
Gloves, and a wool Hat/Cap
Swimsuit and flip-flops
A reusable water bottle and a thermos
Day backpack
Sun protection.
Moisturizer/Lip Balm
Mosquito head net
European electrical adapter
Camera gear
Sleep mask
Power bank
Car Charger
Waterproof HIKING SHOES/shoes
If you’re planning on traveling outside of Reykjavik, then you’ll need waterproof boots or shoes to walk on the wet ground around waterfalls or near the ocean. It also tends to rain unpredictably.
For Iceland, I recommend packing at least two pairs of shoes. The first pair is comfortable walking shoes, like sneakers, to explore Reykjavik and in hotels. The second pair is hiking shoes/boots for waterfalls, beaches, and glaciers that require a hike. Both pairs should be waterproof.
Casual Shoes
On Cloud Shoes
Men: On Cloud 5 Men's Shoes
Women: On Cloud 5 Women's Shoes
On Cloud shoes are known for their comfort and lightweight design, making them perfect for exploring Iceland's urban areas and light outdoor activities.
Hiking Boots
It takes time to find the best hiking boots. I love the Lowa Renegade Mid GTX and La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots, which also make great shoes.U. This article provides some good solutions.
Full Lenght Boots (ULTRALIGHT)
For photographers, you probably will want to get into the water to get photos with reflections. So you will need a full-length boot. The problem is that these boots can be VERY HEAVY in a suitcase.
Explorer Unisex Wellington Black - these boots from LBC Boots are absolutely incredible. When I received them, I thought the box they were shipped in was empty. They are so light. You can wear them in cold conditions and easily add the liner when it gets warmer.
Socks
Make sure to choose socks with the right mix of breathable, and moisture-wicking.
Hiking Socks
Pants
I never wore shorts in Iceland. I tend to wear hiking pants. Iceland is not an ideal destination for jeans since they take forever to dry. However, you can wear them in Reykjavik.
If you visit any waterfalls, I suggest packing a pair of waterproof rain pants. You will thank me later.
Hiking Pants
Windbreaker or waterproof jacket
It can get windy in Iceland, especially on the coast and in the highlands, so you should definitely take a windbreaker or waterproof jacket that will keep you cozy and dry. This will also be useful if you’re planning on taking a sightseeing cruise or a zodiac ride. When traveling in Iceland in summer, we always pack a light rain jacket with some space to layer up underneath when needed.
Mens: Arc'teryx Beta LT or Helly Hansen Loke
Womens: Arc'teryx Beta LT - Women's or Patagonia Torrentshell 3L - Women's
I also never travel without my Uniqlo Light Down Jacket that packs down
Fleece/Light Sweater
Sweaters and fleece are great because they can easily be taken off if you get too hot and layered up if you get too cold.
For Men: Arc'teryx Kyannite Lightweight Jacket Men'S or Patagonia Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket
For Women: Outdoor Voices RecFleece Snap Jacket or Hyperaxis Fleece Jacket 2.0 - Women's
Another great option is the Arc'teryx Delta LT Jacket for both Men and Women. A more economical option is the Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece jacket.
Shirts/tees
You’ll need a few shirts to wear under your sweaters as a base layer. You probably won’t need thermals, but a long-sleeved shirt and a few tees will be useful.
These base layers from Uniqlo and Icebreaker combine affordability, comfort, and high-performance merino wool to keep you warm and dry. I also love Unbound Merino.
Uniqlo Base Layers
Icebreaker Base Layers
Flip Flops
One item not to overlook on your Iceland summer packing list is flip flops or a pair of slip-on shoes, especially for visits to hot springs like Reykjadalur and the Blue Lagoon.
Flip-Flops
These flip-flops are durable and comfortable, perfect for casual wear during your trip.
A Beanie or warm hat
This is a good way to keep your hair from getting blown about as well as staying warm. Even in the summer, you might need a beanie or warm hat.
A good option is these merino wool hats from Icebreaker.
Swimsuit
Swimming in the thermal baths of the Blue Lagoon is so much fun. There are thermal baths all over Iceland.
Sunglasses
It might be rare for the sun to show itself, but it can get bright when it does. Take sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare, especially if you’re planning to do some road trips or a cruise.
Credit card or debit card
Nearly everywhere in Iceland accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit or debit cards with no minimum spend, so make sure you take cards that will work internationally.
Sleep mask
If there is one thing you don’t want to forget when traveling to Iceland in summer, it’s a good sleeping mask like the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask. You know, one of those eye masks designed to keep all the light away from your eyes and help you fall asleep.
Reusable water bottle and a thermos
Tap water is pristine in Iceland, and it’s very convenient to have a reusable water bottle that you can refill during the day. I like this one from Lifestraw
Day backpack and rain cover
Even if you don’t plan on doing longer hikes, you will be walking a lot in Iceland. It’s convenient to have a small day backpack where you can stash all your clothing layers and travel gear.
These daypacks feature ventilated back panels, adjustable harnesses, and multiple compartments to keep your gear organized, making them perfect for day hikes and city explorations in Iceland.
Sun protection
As everywhere else, you also need sun protection in Iceland in the summer. Sun cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen should always be in your backpack.
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Lip Balm with SPF
Moisturizers
Face lotion or face cream and a lip balm are must-haves when packing for Iceland. The sun and the wind are particularly harsh for your skin in Iceland, so don’t forget these simple travel essentials. This one from LaRoche-Posay is excellent.
Mosquito head net
Some areas of Iceland, especially around Myvatn Lake (Mosquito Lake), are full of black flies in summer. If you happen to be there when the flies arrive, you really want to have a mosquito head net.
European electrical plug adapter
For traveling in Europe, including Iceland, a highly recommended travel adapter is the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter.
This adapter supports a wide range of plug types and includes four USB ports and one USB-C port, making it convenient for charging multiple devices at once. Its compact design and built-in safety features make it an excellent choice for travelers.
Camera gear
When packing camera gear for Iceland, make sure that you have plenty of batteries and memory cards with you and a very good travel tripod for Iceland. It’s a must if you want to take silky waterfall pictures.
You can take a look at my Iceland Blog for more photography gear tips.
Portable charger
I really recommend taking an Anker Power Bank with you. The days are long in the summer, and the chances are high that your phone will be empty long before you have finished sightseeing for the day. I also bring an Anker car charger since you will most likely rent a car.
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