In Iceland, you bend to the will of the elements. Here is all of C-Ludik’s advice to pack your bags well for a trip to Iceland. You are planning to discover Iceland’s sublime nature and its inhospitable climate… Be ready to face all the weather conditions of this island country! The day may start with a cold, cloudy morning. At noon, the weather turns to rain with strong gusts of wind, while in the afternoon a radiant sun makes its appearance. And to end the day, snow falls in big flakes…
What to wear in Iceland?
It is wise to pack warm clothes and waterproof layers to visit Iceland. It can be cold, and it can even snow in summer, in the interior of the country. On top of that, the wind and the humidity considerably increase the feeling of cold. The lists of clothes to pack for Iceland are similar for summer and winter:
- Several layers of clothing: for warmth, to stop the wind, to protect you from the rain! With the weather changing all the time, it is almost impossible to check the forecast and plan what to wear. So you need several layers, to put on or take off to cope with the whims of the weather.
- Thermal underwear, gloves, a hat and a scarf. Yes, even in summer, the gloves, hat and scarf are very useful, especially when the wind starts to blow. And thermal underwear is essential for cold days and night-time activities. You will certainly appreciate it when you chase the northern lights or admire the light of the midnight sun.
- A waterproof jacket and rain overtrousers. The jacket and the overtrousers protect you from the humidity, and they also give you an effective barrier against the cold wind. In winter, you can opt for waterproof ski trousers. Forget the rain poncho or the umbrella right away: the wind will make short work of them!
- Waterproof hiking boots. A good pair of hiking boots will let you explore the great outdoors with peace of mind. Your feet will be ready for unstable, wet terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
- A swimsuit for the hot springs such as the Blue Lagoon. Also pack a quick-drying microfibre towel in your suitcase.
- A pair of crampons in winter, to add to your boots. Tourist sites, and the paths that lead to them, are often snowy or even icy in winter.
What other gear should you bring to Iceland?
Your camera, of course, even if a smartphone can nowadays largely do the job! The landscapes are so spectacular to photograph: wild, desert-like lands, active volcanoes living side by side with glaciers, sublime rivers and waterfalls, and a rugged coastline. Also remember to bring a waterproof protection for your camera, against the rain and the spray of the waterfalls. If you want to photograph the waterfalls in slow motion, or the northern lights in winter, a tripod is to be added to your luggage. Also pack a good pair of binoculars to watch the many birds or the marine mammals of Iceland.
If you plan to go hiking, a 15 to 30 litre backpack is generally more than enough. Do not forget the rain cover for your bag, to keep it nice and dry! Hiking poles also belong in your suitcase, as the ground is often crumbly and slippery in Iceland. In your luggage, add your sunglasses, and an eye mask if you are sensitive to daylight, so you can sleep soundly in summer. While a headlamp is of no use in the summer season, it will be essential in winter, especially on your northern lights hunts.
Dressing “made in Iceland”…
If you want total immersion in the country, go for a thick sweater in pure wool with magnificent jacquard patterns. This sweater will keep you dry in all weathers! The “Lopapeysa” (in Icelandic, lopi = unspun wool + peysa = sweater), or “Lopi” for short, is the traditional Icelandic sweater in virgin sheep’s wool. Warm and water-repellent, it is even almost windproof when knitted tightly. The outer fibres, called “tog”, are long, resistant and water-resistant. The inner fibres are short and soft. They say the “Lopi” can be worn without a jacket even in the rain, and that it has been adopted by everyone with an activity in the open air: fishermen, farmers and adventurers!
