Preparing your luggage is already the beginning of the journey. But this crucial and essential step comes with its share of questions and, sometimes, enough to pull your hair out!

Iceland is a land with a relatively harsh and cold climate, even in summer. The country also offers a vast number of activities that often require appropriate equipment. Caught between the fear of forgetting something and the worry of overpacking, it's easy to lose your head and miss the essentials. To guide you through preparing your travel bag, we've gathered all our best advice and a list of must-haves not to forget for your stay in Iceland.

Iceland's climate doesn't differ dramatically between winter and summer. Summers aren't warm, and temperature variations can be significant from one hour to the next. The best advice we can offer you, regardless of season, is to respect the three-layer rule: the first layer in contact with your skin should be made of breathable garments with synthetic fabrics, as cotton dries slowly. The second layer provides insulation and retains heat. Use fleece-type garments or wool sweaters or down jackets. The third layer protects you against the often-strong winds, rain, or the very present humidity in Iceland. You should then favor waterproof outerwear like windbreakers. You'll be able to adapt your outfit based on the weather, which can change very rapidly. Being able to remove a layer when it's warmer or add one when conditions worsen provides true travel comfort.

Packing for a Summer Trip to Iceland

In summer, Iceland experiences what's called the midnight sun, meaning it stays daylight around the clock, 24/7. If you struggle to sleep when there's continuous light, we strongly recommend packing an eye mask for sleeping. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also essential, even "at night."

What to pack for a summer stay in Iceland?

This list is very similar to what you'd need for winter trips (we'll discuss below what clothing and gear to add or adjust for winter).

Upper body clothing:

• Waterproof and windproof jacket (raincoat, anorak)
• Lightweight down jacket
• Wool sweater and/or fleece
• Wool base layer
• Thermal long or short-sleeved t-shirts in synthetic material

Lower body clothing:

• Lightweight but windproof pants
• Hiking pants that can be converted to shorts for warmer days
• Waterproof overpants for rainy weather
• Leggings

Avoid jeans, which take a long time to dry and aren't always comfortable for long hikes.

Footwear

• Waterproof hiking boots (Gore-Tex) suited to your feet (avoid wearing brand new shoes you've never worn before)
• Sneakers or trainers
• Flip-flops or sandals

Additional accessories

• Cap or lightweight beanie
• Neck gaiter or small scarf
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight gloves with touchscreen capability (practical for using your electronics)
• Hiking socks
• A swimsuit

Packing for a Winter Stay in Iceland

In winter, the climate is highly unstable. Within a single day, the landscape can be blanketed in significant snowfall, fog can catch you on the road at any moment, and snowstorms may force you to stay put for an extra day. The cold is fairly dry, but you must not hesitate to protect yourself well. In winter, there's no midnight sun, but the sun sets, often giving way to the incredible spectacle of the Northern Lights, and it's in the evening while observing them that the cold can cut right through you.

What to pack for a winter stay in Iceland?

To prepare your luggage for a winter trip to Iceland, the list isn't drastically different from a summer journey, though you'll need more protection from the cold and the abundant snow.

Upper body clothing:

• Warm, waterproof and windproof down jacket or parka
• Lightweight down jacket or warm fleece vest
• Wool sweater and/or fleece
• Wool base layer
• Thermal long or short-sleeved base layer in synthetic material

Lower body clothing:

• Warm hiking pants
• Tights or leggings to wear under your pants (especially for Northern Lights viewing evenings)
• Waterproof overpants
• Gaiters

Footwear

• Waterproof (Gore-Tex) and warm hiking boots suited for cold and to your feet (avoid new shoes)
• Sneakers or trainers
• Flip-flops or sandals
• Crampons to attach to your shoes for easier walking on snow and ice

Additional accessories

• Warm beanie covering your ears well
• Neck warmer and scarves
• Sunglasses
• Glove liners (touchscreen-compatible for easier handling of your electronics) + warm gloves
• Warm hiking socks, wool socks
• A swimsuit

Useful Equipment for a Trip to Iceland in Any Season

We won't say they're essential, but we strongly recommend them to ensure a successful stay in Iceland:

• Backpack between 15 to 30 liters to carry everything you need for hiking
• Waterproof protective cover for your bags
• Waterproof poncho that can protect both you and your electronics in heavy rain
• Hiking poles useful year-round and for any type of walk
• Emergency blanket in case you get stranded on the road or lost
• Water bottle or insulated bottle
• Binoculars to observe Icelandic wildlife
• Hand warmers (especially practical in winter)
• Car cigarette lighter adapter to charge your devices in your vehicle
• A camera with spare battery + at least 2 large-capacity SD cards
• External charger or solar charger to easily recharge your devices even in remote nature

Toiletries and First Aid Kit

Finally, here's a non-exhaustive list of "near-essential" items to have in your toiletry bag and first aid kit for your trip.

• 1 waterproof toiletry bag
• 1 solid soap (Marseille soap)
• 1 Shampoo (preferably solid)
• Deodorants
• Sunscreen
• Face and body moisturizer (important in cold weather)
• Lip balm
• Hand moisturizer
• Standard bandages and blister plasters
• Antiseptic
• Paracetamol
• Tissues (preferably cloth)

These lists are of course comprehensive—feel free to adapt them to your needs and habits.