What to Pack for Iceland If You’re Doing It Your Own Way

By Johanna Sigurðardóttir Verified Expert

So, you're taking on Iceland’s rough roads with a rental car and way too much optimism. Good. Now let’s talk reality. Packing wrong can ruin your trip before the first hot spring. The weather? Highly unpredictable. 

The roads? Remote. Let’s be honest, your rental trunk has the space of a large shoebox on a good day. So yes, knowing what to pack for Iceland might just save your sanity halfway through the trip. 

This isn’t your average checklist filled with socks and sunscreen. This is the only guide that really matters for people driving themselves into the heart of Iceland. Pack smart, stay dry, and keep the snacks close. You’ll thank us at the end of this article.

So, let's get straight to the heart of the matter with the all-season must-haves, and we will then specify what you need per season or activity for those that need far more details.

The 15 Essentials You Should Never Forget

With Iceland’s wild landscapes and mood-swingy weather (seriously, it can go from sunshine to sideways rain in 10 minutes), packing smart isn’t just a good idea, it’s survival. Here are 15 must-bring items for your trip… and no, optimism is not enough.

1. Waterproof & Windproof Outer Layers
   A solid jacket and pants combo is a must. Icelandic weather loves surprises, think of it as nature’s way of keeping you humble.

2. Warm Mid-Layers (Fleece/Wool)
   Layering is key. Thin but warm layers give you flexibility when the temperature jumps from cozy to “why is it snowing in July?”

3. Moisture-Wicking Base Layers (Wool or Synthetic)
   These keep you warm and dry underneath it all. Just say no to cotton; once it's wet, it stays wet. Forever.

4. Waterproof Hiking Boots with Ankle Support
   You’ll thank yourself when crossing muddy trails, volcanic rock, or the occasional glacier tongue.

5. Warm Hat, Gloves & Scarf
   Because that "summer breeze" can feel more like a slap in the face near a glacier or waterfall.

6. Swimsuit & Quick-Dry Towel
   Trust us...you don’t want to miss out on those hot springs just because you forgot your swimwear. Bonus: towels that dry fast = fewer soggy backpack moments and strange smells (yep, we've been there).

7. Reusable Water Bottle
   Iceland’s tap water is basically glacier juice. Bring a bottle and skip the overpriced bottled stuff.

8. Portable Power Bank
   For those long scenic drives and remote hikes where your phone will be your map, camera, and emergency TikTok device.

9. Camera + Extra Batteries & Memory Cards
   You’ll be taking a lot of photos. Cold drains batteries quickly, so pack spares or risk capturing only half a rainbow.

10. Sunglasses
    Between snow glare and that low-angled Arctic sun, your eyes will thank you.

11. Eye Mask
    Midnight sun is no joke. If you're not a heavy sleeper, this little mask is your best friend from May to August.

12. Medications & Basic First-Aid Kit
    Outside the cities, pharmacies are few and far between. Come prepared for minor cuts, headaches, or hiking blisters.

13. Travel Adapter (Type F - Schuko)
    Iceland uses the standard European plug with two round pins. Bring one unless you’re okay with your phone taking an Icelandic nap.

14. Snacks (Non-Perishable)
    Perfect for road trips or trails where the nearest shop might be an hour—or two—away. Also, who doesn’t love snacks?

15. Offline Maps/GPS
    Mobile coverage can vanish in the highlands. Download your maps before you go unless you're keen on discovering just how lost you can get.

What do I absolutely need to pack?

Layers, waterproof gear, sturdy boots, and a swimsuit (yes, really). Iceland is full of surprises—and hot springs.

What items will save my Iceland trip?

A reusable water bottle (free glacier water on tap!), a power bank, offline maps, and quick snacks for the long, scenic drives. Oh, and wool socks. You’ll thank yourself.

What mistakes do people make when packing for Iceland?

Bringing umbrellas (spoiler: the wind wins), underestimating the cold, and packing only one thick jacket instead of layers. Icelandic weather is like a moody roommate, prepare for all seasons, every day.

Why Packing Smart Matters for a Road Trip in Iceland

Driving through Iceland isn’t like cruising down the coast with coffee stops every hour. Leave Reykjavík, and things get real fast. No traffic, no shops, just miles of nothing and weather with trust issues. Your Iceland packing list better be solid, or you’ll feel it really quickly.

• Shops are rare. Out in the highlands or fjordes, you won’t find a corner store. If you forget it, you're out of luck until the next town, if there is one.
• You’ll do a lot in one day. Hike a lava field in the morning, swim in a hot spring by lunch, and freeze on a black sand beach by dinner. You need gear that covers it all.
• Don’t bury your essentials. No one enjoys unpacking half their stuff on the side of a windy road. Keep snacks, cords, and whatever else you’ll actually use somewhere you don’t have to dig.
• Cold kills batteries. Keep your electronics and power banks handy inside the car. Don’t bury them under wet clothes or forgotten gear.
• Space is tight. Smart packing means more room for souvenirs, dry layers, or shoes that aren’t soaked from chasing waterfalls.

Of course, none of the above matters if your ride can’t handle Iceland’s roads. Rent a car in Iceland and get ahead of the curve.

Iceland Packing Essentials for All Seasons

Remember that no matter when you come, Iceland’s still Iceland. This means that you’ll still need a few key items that work across hot springs, freezing wind, and gravel-strewn pit stops. What to pack for Iceland always starts with a core understanding. Build that first. We’ll get into the seasonal tweaks right after this.

Year-Round Basics for Your Suitcase and Car

Suitcase essentials:

• Base layer. Merino or synthetic. Cotton is useless once you’re damp.
• Mid-layer? A fleece or down jacket. Not both. You won’t have space.
• Waterproof shell with a hood. One that actually blocks wind, not just ‘repels’ it.
• Footwear with grip. You’ll walk over wet rocks whether you plan to or not.
• Gloves, a warm beanie, sunglasses. Trust us, Icelanders use them all in one day.
• Daypack, 20–30L. If it chafes your shoulders, toss it.

For the car:

• Flashlight or headlamp. LED. Don’t rely on your phone.
• Blanket. Fleece works. Emergency foil ones are better than nothing.
• Trash bags. For wet gear, muddy shoes, and snack fallout.
• Tote bag: Keeps clean clothes and dirty stuff separated.

Electronics and Navigation Tools

• Power bank. A good one. Cold eats phone batteries like candy. Bring 10,000 mAh or more.
• Charging cables. Bring two. You’ll lose one or sit on it.
• Dual USB car charger. Your rental might have one, or it might have nothing. Don’t gamble.
• Offline GPS apps. Google Maps goes dark in the highlands. Download Maps.me or Gaia. Do it before you land.
• Local SIM or pocket Wi-Fi. Useful if you like data, weather alerts, or not being lost. We have 4G WiFi routers available to rent from our ‘extras’ section. Just so you know.
• Travel adapter. Iceland runs on 220V with Europlug sockets. A surge protector saves you from fried gear.

Toiletries and Medications

• Hand sanitizer. Travel-size. You’ll be grateful when there’s a pit toilet at -2°C (28°F) and no soap in sight.
• Toilet paper or tissues. Keep a stash in the glove box. Iceland’s rest stops are... let’s say rustic.
• Painkillers. Headaches, sore muscles, or post-hike regret. Bring your go-to.
• Motion sickness tablets. Some roads twist like a rollercoaster. 
• Sunscreen. Doesn’t matter if it’s cold or cloudy. Iceland still finds a way to fry your face. Snow glare is real.
• Lip balm and moisturizer. Between the wind, hot springs, and dry air, your skin’s going to tap out. Cracked lips, flaky hands, maybe even elbows if you’re lucky.
• Prescription meds. Bring more than you need. Getting stuck an extra day is more common than you think.
• Quick-dry towel. For geothermal pools, unexpected dips, or drying off after an unexpected rainstorm.
• Swimwear. Iceland loves hot water in weird places. You’ll want to be ready.

What to Pack for an Iceland Summer Road Trip

Icelandic summer is a scam. You’ll get chilly wind, cold rain, and rare 15°C (59°F) sunshine bursts. Things to bring to Iceland in summer need to handle cold, wet, windy, and maybe one warm afternoon. Don’t pack light. Pack smart. We’ll break it down so you don’t suffer later.

Summer Clothing for Iceland

• Base layers. Thin merino or synthetic. You’ll want one in the morning and after a windy hike.
• Quick-dry tees or long sleeves. For those rare warm spells when Iceland pretends to be friendly.
• Insulating layer. Fleece or lightweight down. You’ll use it more than your “summer” brain expects.
• Rain jacket. Not water-resistant. Fully waterproof. Don’t cheap out or you’ll regret it halfway up a trail.
• Waterproof pants. You’ll laugh at first. Then you’ll hit a waterfall trail and stop laughing.
• Convertible hiking pants or leggings. There are some odd days when you wish you had them.
• Wool socks. Yes, even in July. Pack a few pairs unless you like cold feet.
• Waterproof hiking boots. Already broken-in. Iceland’s not where you test new shoes.
• Beanie and gloves. Summer in Iceland still bites.
• Cap and sunglasses. If the sun does show up, it’s surprisingly aggressive.

Car Travel Comfort in Warm Weather

• Neck pillow or cushion. Your spine will thank you after 20 km of gravel and one too many potholes.
• Dashboard cover or sunshade. Icelandic sun isn’t hot for long, but it loves baking your rental seats when it does.
• Bug screens for windows. Especially near Mývatn. Leave a window open and you’re hosting a midge rave.
• Water bottle within reach. Hydration’s non-negotiable. Especially after that surprise hike you didn’t plan for.
• Reusable coffee thermos. Fill it once. Skip overpriced roadside coffee. Bonus: it works for soup.
• Dry socks and a small towel. For when your “quick stop” ends ankle-deep in a river or mud.
• Offline playlists and maps. No signal means no Spotify. Unless you really like radio static and regret.
• Wipes or sanitizer. The car turns into a snack den fast. Keep the sticky off your steering wheel.

Optional but Useful Items

• Quick-dry sandals. Not for hiking. But for showers, campgrounds, or just giving your boots a break? Gold.
• Eye mask. Midnight sun will wreck your sleep. Iceland doesn’t do dark in summer.
• Insect repellent. No mosquitoes, but midges will swarm your face like they’re on a mission. Some bite. All annoy.
• Headlamp or flashlight. Campsites get foggy, dim, or just scary after sunset. Bring light.
• Light gloves. High trails get cold fast. Don’t be the one regretting bare fingers at 600 meters.
• Zip bags. For trash, soaked clothes, sulfur-scented swimwear, or whatever starts leaking mid-drive.

What to Pack for an Iceland Winter Road Trip

Apart from the challenges of driving in Iceland in winter, our winters aren’t like traditional winters. It’s wet, cold, windy, and dark when you least want it to be. What to take to Iceland in winter needs to keep you warm, dry, and upright on icy roads. This isn’t fashion week. It’s survival season. Let’s break down exactly what earns its spot in your bag.

Winter Clothing and Layering Tips

• Thermal base layers. Merino or synthetic. Wear them every day. They’re your second skin, not optional.
• Fleece or down mid-layer. For when you're outside pumping gas or standing too close to a waterfall.
• Outer shell jacket. Windproof and waterproof. If it’s not taped at the seams, it’s useless.
• Insulated parka. Needed for slower stops, sunrise photos, or waiting around for the heater to kick in.
• Waterproof snow pants. Walking through snow? Sitting on a cold bench? Sorted.
• Wool socks. Essential. Bring extras. They’re one of those underrated Iceland travel essentials you don’t realize until your feet go numb.
• Two pairs of gloves. Thin liners and big waterproof ones. One always gets soaked or lost.
• Beanie. It needs to cover at least your ears.
• Neck gaiter or balaclava. The wind in Iceland is personal. You’ll see.
• Waterproof boots. Lined, broken-in, and ready for ice. Fashion shoes stay at home.

Driving-Specific Winter Gear

• Sunglasses. Snow glare bounces off every surface. Without them, you’ll be squinting your way down Route 1.
• Reusable hand warmers. A lifesaver when your heater is slow or your gloves get damp mid-hike.
• Ice scraper and snow brush. Some rentals include them. Others assume you brought your own. Don’t risk it.
• Windshield de-icer spray. Keeps frozen wiper fluid from ruining your morning. Works faster than scraping.
• Phone mount. Roads get bumpy. You don’t want your phone flying into the footwell mid-turn.
• Power bank. Always have one within reach, not buried under snacks.
• Flashlight or headlamp. Helps when you’re out in the dark, checking tires or clearing ice off the hood.
• Anti-slip shoe grips. Pack Yaktrax or similar. It’s the kind of thing people forget when planning what to pack for Iceland, then wish they had on the first icy trail.

Optional Items for Northern Lights Chasing

• Tripod. If you’re serious about what to bring to Iceland for northern lights viewing, then this is non-negotiable. Handheld shots will just give you blurry regret.
• Headlamp with red light mode. Saves your night vision and won’t blast everyone else in the face.
• Thermos with something hot. Coffee, soup, tea. Whatever keeps your hands warm and your patience intact.
• Camp chair or foam pad. Sitting on frozen gravel isn’t the cozy Icelandic fantasy people post on Instagram.
• Blanket or sleeping bag. You’ll be outside for hours if the lights show up. Pack like you mean it.
• Aurora app or offline forecast. No signal means no live updates. Load your tools before you go. Try My Aurora Forecast, Aurora Alerts, or check the Vedur.is aurora map ahead of time.

Car-Specific Packing Tips

Your car isn’t just a ride. It’s your mobile base camp, snack station, and emergency shelter. Pack it wrong, and the trip turns into chaos fast. These next sections break down the things to pack for Iceland that keep you safe, organized, and fed while driving through weather that can’t decide what season it is.

Emergency and Safety Equipment

• First aid kit. Scrapes, blisters, headaches, maybe a pulled muscle from wrestling wet gear. Keep it basic but stocked.
• Reflective vest. Legally required. If you break down in a storm or on a foggy back road, this is what keeps you visible and alive.
• Warning triangle. Usually tucked in the trunk. Confirm it’s there before you're the one blocking traffic near a fjord.
• Flashlight or headlamp. Changing tires in the dark or fumbling around in a campsite with no lights? You’ll need this.
• Tow ropes. If you're heading off paved roads in winter, don’t even think about skipping this.
• Small snow shovel. One good snow drift and you’ll be digging your way out. Bonus: it can double as a toilet digger if it really comes to that.
• Basic tool kit or multitool. For loose battery terminals, broken zippers, or MacGyvering things back into place.

Food, Snacks, and Reusables

• Non-perishable snacks. Protein bars, trail mix, jerky, dried fruit. Stuff you can toss in the door pocket and forget about. If it melts or needs a fridge, skip it.
• Cooler bag. For whatever you want cold-ish. Cheese, drinks, leftovers. Without it, half your food gets warm and tastes odd before lunch.
• Reusable cutlery and plates. Because trying to eat canned beans with your hands is not exactly sexy.
• Travel mug and water bottle. Every gas station has free water. Some have coffee. Refill and roll.
• Coffee thermos. This one's essential. Iceland has long roads, good coffee, and terrible prices if you stop at every café.
• Stove and gas canister. Optional, but making hot food with a view beats sad sandwiches. You can pick up gas at N1 stations, larger grocery stores like Bónus or Krónan.

Keeping Your Car Organized

• Packing cubes or bags. Group your clothes by day or type. No more tearing the van apart for a clean shirt.
• Tote box for dry food. Toss all your snacks in one place. No more granola bars rolling under the seat.
• Mesh pouches or seat-back organizers. Great for keeping chargers, snacks, hand warmers, lip balm, and whatever else you keep losing.
• Hooks or clips. Hang up wet gear so it can dry, not ferment. Towels, rain jackets, soggy swimwear.
• Dash tray or cup holders. Your go-to zone for things you grab constantly, sunglasses, a map, that gum you never chew.

Packing by Activity: What to Bring Depending on Your Plans

Iceland isn’t your average destination—it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. So, what you pack will totally depend on what you’re planning to do. Whether you're chasing waterfalls or trotting across lava fields on horseback, here's what you’ll want in your bag:

Horseback Riding (on Icelandic horses!)

• Comfortable, weatherproof pants (no jeans!! wet denim is a curse)
• Waterproof boots or sturdy hiking shoes
• Gloves and a warm hat (you’ll feel the wind more up on a saddle)
• A buff or scarf to keep the chill off your neck
• Important: If you're riding with a tour operator, avoid bringing any used riding gear from outside Iceland due to disease prevention rules. Most operators provide their own jackets, helmet and overtrousers.

Glacier Hiking / Ice Climbing

• Insulated base and mid-layers (you’ll need warmth but also breathability)
• Waterproof outerwear
• Gloves with good grip
• Wool socks (extra dry pair in your bag = smart move)
• Sunglasses – that ice glare is no joke
• Your tour will likely provide crampons, helmets, and ice axes but check ahead to be sure.

Hiking / Exploring National Parks

• Reliable hiking boots with ankle support
• Quick-dry pants and a moisture-wicking base layer
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Trekking poles if you need extra support on steep or rocky terrain
• A reusable water bottle and snacks for trail energy

Visiting Hot Springs or Geothermal Pools

• Swimsuit (bring at least one but two is better if you plan daily dips)
• Quick-dry towel
• Waterproof sandals or flip flops for walking to/from the pool
• A plastic bag for your wet gear

Road Trips & Sightseeing

• Layers you can add/remove easily
• A cozy blanket or pillow if you’re in a campervan
• Camera with extra memory cards
• Power bank for your phone (and don’t forget the car charger!)

What NOT to Pack for Iceland

Not everything deserves a spot in your bag. If it’s heavy, bulky, or useless in the wind, leave it. The space you save can go toward snacks or warm socks that actually matter. Knowing what to pack for a trip to Iceland also means knowing what not to.

• Umbrellas. Pointless. Wind will snap them instantly. Bring a proper rain jacket instead.
• Jeans. They take forever to dry. Wet denim at 5°C (41°F) is a nightmare.
• High heels or dress shoes. Even Reykjavík bars are fleece-friendly.
• Hard-shell suitcases. They don’t fit well in compact trunks.
• Too many clothes. Iceland won’t judge your repeat outfits.
• Hair tools. Hotels have dryers. The wind will ruin your style anyway.
• Heavy toiletries. Buy your shampoo, body wash, or sanitary items in Iceland to save weight. Krónan and Bónus have everything.

What to Pack for Iceland if You Actually Want to Enjoy It

Knowing what to pack for Iceland can make the difference between a smooth ride and a holiday disaster. It’s not about overpacking. It’s about packing right. Layers, waterproof gear, and smart car essentials. 

Skip the non-essentials. Bring the stuff that earns its place. And before you go, have a look at our full car fleet. Pick one that fits your route and your gear. Iceland rewards those who prepare. It punishes the ones who don’t. Your trip starts in the trunk.