A Complete Iceland Summer Packing List: Everything Your Need

You’ve bought your tickets and started to plan your trip to Iceland, now it’s time to start planning your Iceland packing list. But how do you know what to pack for Iceland? Below you can find a complete Iceland summer packing list with suggestions for the best clothes for Iceland to stand up to the wet and windy conditions.

The Iceland packing list below is focused on outdoor adventures.

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Quick Look at the Iceland Summer Packing List

Below is a quick packing list for everything you need for all the Iceland summer activities. You can click on the image on the right to get a printable pdf. You can also scroll down to get details on each of the items and suggestions on where you can get the right gear for your trip.

Generally, you should plan to pack layers and clothing that can keep you warm even when wet. Avoid packing cotton and don’t underestimate the cold temperatures.

Weather and Climate in Iceland

Below you can see a table with the weather in Iceland throughout the year. You can see the weather between June – Sept is fairly consistent, so what you pack for Iceland in the summer also works for some of the shoulder seasons and you may just want to bring an extra pair of long underwear.

What to Know About Packing for Iceland in the Summer

As mentioned above, since the temperature doesn’t change too much throughout the year in Iceland, what to wear in Iceland in July is very similar to what to pack for Iceland in September. If you are lucky, you will have some warm days with the sun out, but more likely you will have overcast days with some wind and the occasional shower.

Even when it doesn’t rain all day, you are still likely to get wet when you are visiting some of the waterfalls on the Golden Circle or the Ring Road. For these wet days, you will need a change of clothes for the afternoon after getting wet in the morning. Don’t let the weather ruin your trip if you don’t have the right clothes! This goes for shoes as well – if you are just bringing hiking boots, make sure they are fully waterproof. You can also bring a pair of sneakers to switch out your wet shoes as needed.

Details of a Complete Iceland Summer Packing List

How to Pack for Iceland in Summer: Backpack or Suitcase

Deciding what type of luggage to bring on your trip to Iceland depends on how you plan to travel while you are there. If you plan to stay in Reykjavik and day trip to the Golden Circle and Southern coast, a suitcase would work well. You may also want to consider a suitcase if you are renting a car to drive the ring road and will be staying in hotels along the way. This Samsonite luggage is high quality and comes in a range of sizes.

If you are planning to camp, travel by campervan, or have a family all in one car, you will want to consider bringing a backpack that will fit everything you will need to pack for iceland. A backpack tends to be smaller and since it’s soft it’s easier to fit into small spaces. Since we were traveling around Europe for a month when we visited Iceland, we each packed a backpack and a smaller daypack for hiking.

We really love Osprey Packs as they are high quality and come in a variety of different sizes. I often travel with a Deuter 45 L bag because I like that it compresses but also fits plenty of gear.

Daypack

No matter what luggage you use for your gear, you will also need a daypack. This pack is what you will bring hiking or exploring during the day. The daypack should be big enough to fit layers while you’re hiking. Here is a list of our top 9 daypacks, and my daughter recently got a Ffjallraven bag that she used on the trip.

You can also expect rainy conditions so having a cover for your daypack will help keep all your layers and gear dry. If your daypack doesn’t come with its own cover, you can find rain covers that work for a range of pack sizes.

What to Bring to Iceland: Footwear

Every summer Iceland packing list should have a good pair of waterproof hiking boots. As a result of the rain, many of the trails are wet and muddy. A waterproof pair of boots are essential to keep your feet dry. You can see some suggestions for the best hiking boots under $100, although you may want to consider investing in a better pair of boots that are completely waterproof. These Salomon boots are a good, reasonably priced option.

For days when your hiking boots get wet, or if you are planning to walk and don’t want heavy boots, you may want to consider a pair of sneakers. This way you can alternate your walking shoes with your hiking shoes to keep your feet dry.

You will also want to pack a pair of flip-flops or sandals. These are helpful to wear if you are camping, or want a casual pair of shoes for around a hotel. If you are planning to visit a hot spring, you will also want a good pair of sandals. I love my chacos and also use them for easy walks and hikes.

Socks

Footwear is important for your Iceland packing list, but a few good pair of socks is essential. Socks will help keep your feet warm even if they get wet and they can also keep your feet comfortable on hikes.

In general, you will likely want a pair of medium-weight or light-weight hiking socks. These will be comfortable and keep you warm enough for summer hiking in Iceland.

Rain Gear

Rain gear is essential for any visit to Iceland in the summer. Even if you are lucky enough to get sunny weather in Iceland, many of the waterfalls kick up so much spray and mist that you are likely to get wet from head to toe. You will want a fully waterproof jacket and a good pair of rain pants.

We’ve used many different brands of raingear over the years and prefer lightweight jackets and pants that dry quickly and are easy to pack.

This jacket from outdoor research comes in women’s sizes and there is also a men’s version and you can find a matching pair of rain pants.

Warm Top Layer

Hiking Pants

For the days that it doesn’t rain you will want a good pair of hiking pants. You can also wear these hiking pants under your rain pants or as a pair of pants to wear out to dinner. You can also hike in a pair of athletic leggings and my daughters both prefer to wear this over looser hiking pants.

Finley and Dave both wear a pair of hiking pants identical to these.

This pair of leggings is what Hadley prefers.

Shorts

This item may be optional during your visit to Iceland as it is unlikely that it will be warm enough to wear shorts hiking or exploring even in the middle of the summer. That said we each packed a pair of shorts and found them useful several times, even in the campground.

Short-Sleeved Shirt

A lightweight short-sleeved shirt or two will come very helpful. These can be worn on the rare sunny and warm day, layered under warm layers and worn in the evenings. Choose a non-cotton option that dries quickly. I love these merino t-shirts as they are comfortable and no matter how long you wear them they never seem to get stinky.

Long Sleeved Shirts

You should also plan to bring at least one long sleeved t-shirt for layering. We had several days where we hiked in a long sleeved shirt on the way up, and added layers on the way down. Depending on the warm top layer, you may decide to bring a heavier weight long sleeved shirt.

Hat and Gloves

Even if you aren’t planning to go on a glacier tour or hike in the interior, you should plan to bring a hat and gloves. Waterprrof gloves are a good choice and a good warm hat that can also dry quickly.

Since it’s not winter, you don’t need heavy duty mittens, but something to keep your fingers warm. You can find a pair here. We often like to travel with a buff as well. This can be used around your neck but also pulled up over your ears if you’re cold.

Bathing Suit and Towel

No matter what time of year you visit Iceland, make sure to bring your bathing suit. The geothermal pools and hot springs are the perfect place to relax and soak. Bring whatever bathing suit you normally wear.

We always travel with a packable, quick dry towel. Many of the public swimming areas will also rent you a towel, but if you plan to visit any of the natural springs you will need your own towel.

I love this towel and it comes in a variety of colors.

Water Bottle

Bring your own water bottle and enjoy the fresh and safe Icelandic water.

Sleeping Clothes

Bring something to sleep in. I often bring an extra t-shirt and shorts or leggings to sleep in, this way if I get desparate, I can also use them during the day.

Underwear and Toiletries

Bring you own favorites and basics.

Sleep Mask

This is an absolute must have on your summer packing list for Iceland. Since the sun is up all night, you will want a sleep mask in case your lodging doesn’t have blackout curtains or your trying to sleep in tent of campervan.

Camera gear, Electronics, and a European Charge

Make sure you have the right camera and electronic gear and everything you need to charge your devices. You will want to have a European charger or converter.

Basic First Aid Kit and Hiking Gear

We always travel with a basic travel first aid kit. At a minimum your kit should have bandaids and pain killer, but we’ve always carried a slightly bigger kit.

You can see a complete list of everything we take with us on a day hike.

Have you traveled to Iceland in the summer? I’m curious if I missed anything on this Iceland summer packing list. Leave a comment and let me know!