What to Pack for Iceland: 15 All-Season Essentials
Year-round, travelers will find that Iceland's forecast is a rollercoaster ride of sun, rain, snow, and wind. Ask locals, and they'll even joke that if you don't like the weather—just give it 5 minutes. To make sure you're prepped for whatever the Nordic nation throws your way (and to prevent any emergency shopping detours), we've gathered 15 all-season essential items.
Danner Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boot
Recognize these vintage, 70s-style Danner boots? You likely saw them share the silver screen with Reese Witherspoon in Wild. But Hollywood notoriety aside, the stylish footwear is perfect for every facet of Icelandic travel; their trendy, retro look means you can hit the town in Reykjavik, while their waterproof, breathable leather design also makes them ideal for a day of hiking.
Sony DSC-RX100 Digital Camera
Fancy yourself an amateur photog but don't quite understand the bells and whistles of a high-end DSLR? This compact (and easy to use) camera packs a punch with a huge 1-inch image sensor and as close to SLR-quality images as you'll find in a point-and-shoot.
Patagonia Bivy Down Hooded Vest
Since Icelandic weather is so unpredictable, the rule of thumb is to dress in light, easy to remove layers. Patagonia's cozy, quilted vest makes our list of approved garments thanks to a wind- and water-resistant nylon design that's simultaneously durable, warm, and retro-cool.
Free People Park City Pullover
Hands down, our favorite travel pieces are those that effortlessly combine comfort and style. This chunky knit pullover covers all our needs with statement cuffed sleeves and a slouchy turtleneck.
Herschel Supply Co. Little America Studio Collection Backpack
Built for all types of travel, this design-forward mountaineering pack is large enough to comfortably stow away a laptop and camera gear. Bonus? Its water-resistant exterior means they'll be safe from any unsuspecting storms.
The North Face Venture 2 Waterproof Jacket
Whether you're visiting in winter or summer, it's always safest to dress for two weather factors: wind and rain. This lightweight, breathable, and ultra-packable jacket features a DryVent shell built to withstand even Iceland's most fervent downpours.
Anthropologie Seafolly Deep-V One-Piece Swimsuit
With all this talk of rain, wind, and snow, we wouldn't want you to forget about Iceland's other main claim to tourism fame: hot springs. Whether you're braving crowds at the Blue Lagoon or you've found your own off-the-beaten-path dip, you'll need a suit. This sleek one-piece is easy to pull on but doesn't skimp on style.
Nomad Trackable PowerPack
Travel days push our iPhone batteries to the brink of exhaustion, so we're always in the market for a portable charger that'll keep our electronics juiced up. This fast-charging power pack comes equipped with Bluetooth tracking, is compatible with nearly all devices, and can withstand drops thanks to a military-grade, impact-resistant rubber exterior.
Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover
For a mid-weight layer that's cozy and timeless, we're fans of Patagonia's classic Synchilla fleece pullover. The piece is also a feel-good purchase as every one is Fair Trade certified.
Canada Goose Kensington Down Parka
It's not beyond us that purchasing a Canada Goose is a real investment. But the iconic parka has a rugged water-resistant shell, duck down insulation that guarantees core warmth (rated for temps as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit), fleece-lined pockets, and high quality craftsmanship that promises years of extreme weather protection.
Eleven Six Callie Hat
Hand-knit by Peruvian artisans, this color blocked, cable-stitched beanie is sure to keep your melon toasty without compromising your style.
The North Face Etip Gloves
Keeping your digits safe from the cold should be your number one concern when it comes to gloves. This breathable pair happens to do just that while also being touchscreen compatible, providing full palm conductivity so you can snap shots of the landscape without having to take them off.
S'well White Marble Water Bottle
If you've perused any of our other packing lists you've probably noticed something: we're obsessed with these water bottles. That's because S'well bottles are non-toxic and non-leaching, and will keep your drink cold for 24 hours or hot for 12, meaning you keep your morning cup of coffee piping hot, or your post-hike water nice and chilly.
Canada Goose Chunky Cable Wool Snood
Chunky cable knit is our go-to style when it comes to warm weather accessories. This merino wool-crafted snood delivers classic design and maximum warmth.
Hi-Tec Performance Hiking Socks
Sure, they're not the most glamorous socks we've ever seen, but we're including them in the name of practicality. Extra cushioning on the ball and heel of the foot absorbs shock; arch compression reduces foot fatigue; smooth toe seams prevent blisters; and their mid-weight merino wool and polyester blend keeps your feet cool and dry.
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