What is the most important thing to pack for Iceland?

A waterproof, windproof jacket with a proper hood. If the outer layer of your jacket, pants, and shoes is waterproof, you'll be comfortable in almost any weather Iceland throws at you.

Do I need waterproof pants for Iceland?

Yes. Horizontal rain is common and will soak regular pants within minutes. A waterproof outer layer on your legs makes a huge difference.

Should I bring a swimsuit to Iceland?

Absolutely. Public swimming pools and hot pots are a big part of daily life. You'll want to visit at least one.

Iceland Packing Checklist: Tick Off What You Need

Iceland Packing Checklist

Tick off what you have. See what you're missing.

Planning an Iceland trip and don't know where to start?

Six questions, in the order they matter: when, how long, who with, budget, car or tours, where to sleep. We point you to the answer for each one.

I only need one thing right now

0 of 37 items packed

Tip: click Print to save a one-page PDF you can take with you.

🧥Weather Protection

The outer layer of everything must be waterproof

Waterproof, windproof jacket with a hood that stays on in wind(Whole year)Waterproof outer pants (horizontal rain is real)(Whole year)Waterproof shoes or boots. Many paths are wet, icy, and uneven(Whole year)A second comfortable pair of shoes for towns, restaurants, and rest days(Whole year)Light rain shell you can stuff in your day bag(Apr to Sep)

🧅Layers

Dress like an onion, add and remove throughout the day

Light layers that dry fast (avoid cotton)(Apr to Sep)Shorts or light hiking pants for warm days(Apr to Sep)Light fleece for cool evenings (it can still be 8 to 12°C)(Apr to Sep)

🧴Health & Skin

The wind and dry air are relentless. Protect yourself.

Lip balm (bring more than one, wind dries your lips fast)(Whole year)Moisturizer for hands and face(Whole year)Sunscreen. Sun reflects off water and snow, even in winter(Whole year)Pain relief: paracetamol / acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or Treo. Pharmacies close early and can be far from where you are staying, even in Reykjavík. Come with your own(Whole year)Small medical supplies: bandaids, painkillers, cold meds, stomach meds. Not sold in grocery stores, pharmacies close at night(Whole year)Contact lens solution. Bring extra. It's behind the pharmacy counter here, often out of stock, and pharmacies close early(Whole year)Spare glasses if you wear contacts. A genuine backup if solution runs out(Whole year)

📋Travel & Documents

The practical stuff you don't want to forget

Valid passport(Whole year)Travel insurance details (printed or screenshot)(Whole year)Credit/debit cards. You don't need cash, cards work everywhere(Whole year)Phone charger and adapter (Iceland uses Type C/F plugs)(Whole year)Dry bag or plastic bag for wet clothes in your suitcase(Whole year)

Travelling with Children?

A few extras parents tend to wish they had packed

Iceland weather changes quickly, and kids often get wet before adults do. These are the small things that keep a family day from unravelling.

Victoria's Tip

If you only remember one rule: the outer layer of everything, jacket, pants, shoes, must be waterproof. Get that right, and you'll be comfortable in almost any weather Iceland throws at you.

P.S. Pack money too 💸

While we're busy ticking off your packing list, we hope you also packed enough money for the trip. Iceland is beautiful, and expensive. A reader said it best, so we're passing it on.

Try the Cost Reality Check → see what your trip might actually cost in ISK.

Want to know why each of these matters?

Read the full packing guide →

You might also need

Packing Guide

Why each item matters and how to layer

Arrival Checklist

Your first 24 hours in Iceland

Iceland by Month

What to expect during your travel month

Weather & Conditions

What to prepare for