What to pack for Iceland in Winter: a practical packing list

Because Iceland in winter is breathtaking – and you’ll want to feel prepared enough to enjoy it.

Even though I’ve wanted to go to Iceland since the beginning of time, I was slightly anxious when packing for this trip: would I freeze? Get soaked? Slip or trip and disappear into one of those spectacular waterfalls? I couldn’t bring everything but the kitchen sink with me because a) the plane ticket wouldn’t allow it and b) the tour company I’d booked with wouldn’t allow it, so smart packing was required.
So I put together a list that would cover all eventualities (or at least all the ones I could think of) without requiring a forklift to haul it all around.

If, like me, you’ve ever thought, “Can I really do Iceland in winter at 55+?”: yes, you can. But a little preparation and smart packing can make the adventure feel less like a risk and more like the experience of a lifetime. In this post you can read more about how to plan a trip that suits you.
Further Iceland posts, such as how to stay upright throughout the journey, how fit you need to be for Iceland in winter and how to choose the best tour for you, on the Iceland page. Today, let’s start with what to bring!

Clothes to bring: dress in layers like a travel pro.

Icelandic weather is wonderfully unpredictable: one minute crisp and clear, the next a swirling snowstorm or rain coming from all directions but above. That means your wardrobe needs to be more versatile than a Swiss Army knife. As always, the answer is layers. Don’t grab your full Himalayan survival kit just yet: Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, but thanks to the Gulf Stream, it doesn’t drop anywhere near the minus-35 temperatures you may expect. A good waterproof winter coat and pants will usually do the trick. Do expect rain, snow, sleet, sun, wind, even more wind and everything in between. As the locals say: if you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes.

Key pieces to pack:

• Merino wool or thermal base layers — they’re lightweight, breathable, and warmer than you may think.
• A mid–layer like a fleece or down vest.
• A waterproof, windproof outer jacket with a hood – because Icelandic wind will find you.
• Waterproof pants. Trust me.
• Warm wool socks, snug gloves, and a hat. Bring more socks than you think you’ll need.
• Consider a snood: a hybrid between a scarf and a hood. It’s basically a neck warmer that can also double as an emergency face mask when the wind attacks. Which it will.
• Something not too warm to sleep in. Hotel rooms can be warm.

What to avoid: cotton or anything made of it (that includes jeans) as an outer layer. Once it’s wet it will stick to you like an octopus and you’ll be miserable for the rest of the day. Also, might as well leave your umbrella at home. It’ll probably be gone at the first gust of wind. Like my hat at Reynisfjara.

The goal isn’t to dress like an arctic explorer, it’s to be warm, dry, and comfortable enough to stop for photos without complaining.

Footwear: your most important travel gear

On summer trips you might fuss about sneakers or sandals. In Iceland in winter, your boots are your best friend. Think:

• Waterproof ankle-supporting boots
• Good tread or ice grips to keep you upright on snowy paths. Personally, I bought myself microspikes that slipped over my boots easily. Lifesaver on more than one occasion.
• Comfortable soles because sightseeing often means more walking than expected.

Nothing will kill the joy of Iceland quite like sore feet, especially when there’s a black-sand beach or glacier lagoon calling your name. Well – one thing will kill the joy even more: ending up in a hospital with a broken bone.

And honestly? Skip the fancy fashion footwear for evenings. You don’t want to come clomping in with your microspikes still on, so bring sneakers or slippers, but the Louboutins can definitely stay at home.

Practical comfort items to bring

Packing for comfort pays off: you’ll feel much better if your skin isn’t itchy and your hands aren’t freezing.

• A good moisturizer & lip balm because winter wind dries you out fast.
• Hand warmers: tiny rectangles of happiness on chilly mornings.
• Medication: essentials plus a few extras. Better bring a bit more than hunt for a pharmacy in the snow.
• A reusable water bottle. Iceland’s tap water is some of the freshest you’ll ever drink.
• If you’re an avid (iPhone-) photographer like me, bring touchscreen gloves.
• Don’t forget sunglasses. There may not be much sun, but if it’s out, it’s going to be low in the sky.

Get fit – within reason

You don’t have to be an extreme survival specialist to love Iceland. That said, winter conditions mean more standing, more adjusting to cold, and sometimes more waiting. Especially if you’re going out to chase the Northern Lights, and why on earth would you skip that?
A bit of prep can help:

• Practice walking in your boots at home.
• Do a few balance or ankle-strength moves (very gentle. This isn’t boot camp).
• Plan your days with breaks – amazing views come with hot chocolate stops between them.

This isn’t about being fit for an expedition. It’s about being fit for joy: feeling good at the end of the day, not exhausted.

The day-to-day essentials: bring a day pack

Bring a daypack. It will be your survival kit for Icelandic unpredictability. Keep it light: water, extra layers, handwarmers, snacks, phone/camera, and medication and perhaps a small first aid kit. If you’re on a tour your guide will probably take care of the first aid kit, but the rest is up to you. Optional but wise: a rain/snow cover, because soggy gear is nobody’s idea of fun.

And a quick reminder: most tour companies don’t allow you to haul a 35 kg suitcase around Iceland on the minibus. Check your luggage allowance before you go. If your bag is too hefty, don’t panic. Most tours will happily store it in their office for a small fee. Or leave it at your hotel and just bring the necessities on tours.

Pack a sense of wonder (and a backup plan)

At 55+ we start to realize travel isn’t just about checking the boxes. It’s about the moments in between. The eerie light over a lavafield, the warmth of a geothermal pool after a day in gale-force wind, the taste of fermented shark – well maybe not that. Do not recommend. Iceland in winter rewards patience and presence, not rush.

So pack well, do some physical preparation (within reason), and most importantly — go with curiosity.

Packing list

Want a printable checkable packing list? You can download it below.

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