Packing is considered one of my least favourite components about touring, however packing for a visit to a rustic as wildly various as Iceland had its specific challenges. We have been heading to Iceland in June, on the eve of the summer season solstice, after we may take pleasure in six “nights” of daylight and 5 days jam-packed with journey, and I used to be perplexed about what to put on in Iceland in the summertime and what to placed on my Iceland summer season packing checklist.
On our itinerary have been actions and excursions like a puffin boat tour, glacier mountain climbing, a zodiac boat tour via the glacier lagoon, a visit to the Blue Lagoon, and canine sledding on the glacier. Plus, we deliberate to spend days exploring waterfalls and black sand seashores, in addition to the streets of charming Reykjavik. One factor was clear from the start, this was NOT going to be a carry-on-only kind of journey.
Summer time temperatures in Iceland in July vary from highs within the mid-50s and lows within the mid-40s F. So, form of like March in New England the place one minute you can pull on a hat to fight a cold wind after which the solar comes out and you’re stripping off layers to chill down.
After studying loads of weblog posts that stated to purchase what you want if you get there, I made a decision I used to be going to be ready prematurely and store at outlet costs versus expensive retail retailers in Reykjavik (though I admit shopping for a hat and microfiber gloves at 66° North simply because I appreciated them.)
Being ready for every part on a visit to Iceland is essential. On our day in Reykjavik, we wearing lengthy sleeve shirts and fleeces or weather-proof shells, carrying alongside hats and skinny gloves “simply in case” we wanted them out on the water for our puffin cruise. Seems, it was a completely attractive day and we ended up taking off the jackets and wishing we wore quick sleeves.
But the following day on our drive via South Iceland, it was overcast and windy, inflicting us to modify from a thinner fleece to an insulated down jacket and hat later within the day. And thank goodness we have been suggested to carry full rain gear, or our journeys to the waterfalls wouldn’t have been practically as enjoyable if we had gotten completely soaked. We additionally lucked out with nice climate for our time canine sledding and glacier mountain climbing, however we have been ready simply in case the climate modified.
With all our overpacking and over-preparedness, I realized a number of classes about what to put on in Iceland in the summertime and what to pack to create these Iceland summer season packing checklist. When you do plan on visiting within the winter, you should definitely additionally take a look at my Iceland winter packing checklist based mostly on my journey again to Iceland in November. Whereas it doesn’t range so much, there are some necessary variations.
Iceland Summer time Packing Listing
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This Iceland clothes checklist consists of what to put on in Iceland in June, July, and August (though I used an identical checklist for my more moderen go to in very early September.) I’ve overlooked the fundamentals as a result of I believe you may determine should you want underwear, however these are issues that you could be or could not have thought of:
Waterproof Mountain climbing Boots
I’m placing waterproof mountain climbing boots on the checklist, however don’t trouble with packing them, simply put on them on the aircraft and save the house. They’re probably the one footwear you’ll really want, until you need to get a little bit extra dressed for dinners in Reykjavik (and even then you definately solely want a trend sneaker at most.)
Don’t skimp on the waterproofing as a result of you’ll probably must stroll via some streams, expertise some rain, and, after all, be topic to the mist of the waterfalls. I’d recommend a boot that helps your ankle as you stroll over uneven surfaces, versus the decrease mountain climbing shoe. This can even present extra waterproof protection for fording small streams on hikes or stroll as much as the top of a waterfall.
My favourite waterproof mountain climbing boots are from Merrell or La Sportiva.
Mountain climbing Socks
Search for wool or artificial blends as cotton traps the moisture and your ft will get chilly. I’d additionally recommend a midweight to heavy weight sock for colder days or should you plan on spending quite a lot of time open air (and it’s Iceland, after all you’ll spend quite a lot of time open air!)
My favourite mountain climbing socks are the made-in-Vermont Darn Robust socks.
Waterproof Rain Jacket with a Hood
should you plan on visiting the waterfalls, the spray from the falls will drench you head to toe. A superb waterproof (not water-resistant) jacket with a hood that matches snuggly round your face is crucial. You additionally have to be ready for rain at any specific time in Iceland.
I’d recommend that you just both get a warmly-lined rain coat, such because the L.L. Bean H2OFF rain jacket, or a thinner, packable raincoat which you could layer over prime of a fleece or a packable puffy jacket, such because the Columbia Omni-Tech Ampli-Dry raincoat.
Fast-dry Mountain climbing Pants
Fast-drying mountain climbing pants are excellent for out of doors actions in Iceland. You positively don’t need to solely pack denims as they’re heavy and can simply make you chilly in the event that they get moist. Possibly one pair to alter into or put on in Reykjavik is all you want.
You might also need to embrace a pair of fleece-lined leggings or base layer/lengthy underwear if you’re doing an exercise like a glacier hike. I depend on mountain climbing pants from Columbia, Prana, and Northface.
Waterproof Rain Pants
I actually debated if wanted to purchase rain pants for the entire household, however I’m so glad we determined to put money into pairs for every of us. Belief me, you’ll need these on the waterfalls until you need to get soaked to the pores and skin. It’s a good suggestion to carry them alongside on glacier walks too, simply in case it begins to rain when you are out on the glacier.
We had a tough time discovering these for the entire household however Columbia rain pants got here via, as they did for our insulated jackets, raincoats, and mountain climbing pants.
Lengthy-sleeve and Brief-sleeve Shirts
In Iceland in the summertime, the temperatures are going to range, as will the climate. It’s best to be ready with a collection of long-sleeve and one or two short-sleeve shirts. In Iceland, it’s all about layering. Convey alongside a base layer, a number of lively tees that provide sweat-wicking, and a minimum of one sweater and/or flannel shirt as a prime layer.
Mid-weight Fleece
In Iceland, it’s all about layering and choices. You’ll be able to both layer up with a fleece and a climate/wind-resistant shell on prime or have a fleece for the hotter days and a hotter puffer jacket for the chilly days.
Columbia has a wide-range of fleece choices which can be excellent for layering.
Down Jacket
We solely wanted our down jackets a few instances on this journey and possibly may have gotten away with layering a fleece and a rain jacket on the windier summer season days but it surely was good to have one thing that insulated and reduce the wind.
When you don’t go for a water-proof/windproof three-in-one jacket or properly insulated rain and wind jacket, then you need to carry alongside a packable puffer jacket.
Swimsuit
should you plan on profiting from any scorching springs, public geothermally-heated swimming pools, or scorching tubs, don’t overlook your swimsuit! Except you’re springing for the Premium package deal on the Blue Lagoon, you might also need to carry alongside a gown or coverup.
Flip-Flops
Once more, if you’re visiting any scorching springs or swimming pools, a pair of flip-flops will come in useful.
Hat/beanie
For windy days, particularly out on the glacier or out by/on the water, you’ll most likely need to have a wool or thermally-lined knit or fleece beanie. Simply don’t carry one with a pom pom on prime should you plan on doing any journey actions that require a helmet.
You might also need to carry alongside a buff, scarf, or neck gaiter for windy days.
Skinny Gloves
Similar to the hat, when it’s windy you may want a pair of skinny microfiber or fleece gloves. I’d recommend getting gloves which have fingertips that work on touchscreens so that you don’t must take your gloves off to take pictures.
Backpack
With all of the actions you may be doing, you will want a spot to stash your layers, rain gear, digital camera gear, and many others. Be certain that to carry alongside a weather-proof backpack (or a backpack with a rain cowl.)
Polarized Sun shades
It could typically be gray and wet in Iceland, however when the solar shines, it’s shiny, particularly if you end up out on the glacier. A superb pair of sun shades, ideally with a neck strap so that they don’t get misplaced, are a necessity.
Digicam Gear
I’d suggest investing in a superb digital camera to seize photographs of the attractive Iceland surroundings. Some gear to incorporate could be:
- A mirrorless or DSLR digital camera with a wide-angle lens for waterfalls and a zoom lens for wildlife
- Additional batteries and SD playing cards
- A digital camera bag with a rain cowl
- A tripod (the Peak Design journey tripod is my favourite!)
- A neutral-density filter to seize silky clean photographs of waterfalls
- Smartphone with waterproof case
- A selfie stick for these waterfall pictures and particular moments. I additionally use this selfie-stick / tripod combo with a Bluetooth distant.
- GoPro or Insta 360 waterproof digital camera with further batteries and case choices
Extras
- European energy adapter
- Fast dry towel – in case you need to cease at a pure scorching springs
- Automobile charger – you’ll most likely be utilizing your telephone for GPS and with lengthy drives and many footage, you’ll need to have your automobile charger alongside
- Energy packs – carry alongside backup energy sources for telephone charging as a result of chilly and the digital camera app actually drains the battery rapidly
- Sleep masks – that is very vital for summer season visits when the solar doesn’t set and never each room has black out shades
- Refillable water bottle – the water in Iceland is clear and it can save you cash through the use of a refillable water bottle. Generally the water might need a slight sulfur order from the geothermal heating however it’s nonetheless secure to drink
- Telephone case with a strap for simple entry to your digital camera app and so that you just don’t by chance drop your telephone off a cliff. I like my Bandolier telephone case and strap.
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Moisturizer
- Additional conditioner because the water is usually a bit harsh on the hair, particularly on the Blue Lagoon
Obtain your Iceland summer season packing checklist PDF right here!
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