
Are you going on a trip to Iceland this winter? Figuring out what you’ll need for your trip can be immensely overwhelming… trust me, I know. But don’t fret, I have you covered with a comprehensive Iceland winter packing list!
I went to Iceland over New Years on the shortest days of the year and I stressed about what to bring for weeks before we left. Luckily, I sorted through all of the gear that I had and finally figured out a strategy for packing. Once we got there, I felt warm during our entire Iceland winter itinerary. 🤗
Now, I’ve written this blog to help you pack for your Iceland winter adventure, whether that’s a Ring Road Trip or a short trip to the Golden Circle. I’ve got you covered. You’ll find tips for packing for winter, as well as the best winter gear for your trip!
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Table of Contents
Iceland Winter Packing Tips

- The lighter the better! Carrying a bulky bag around the airport or Iceland is a hassle. I recommend packing your layers strategically and planning on rewearing items while you’re there.
- Dress in layers– Iceland winter temperatures are considered to be mild hovering around 32°F (0°C). However, it can quickly get windy, snowy or freezing. We experienced temperatures under 10°F (-12°C) when we were there!
- Try out your gear before you go!– I recommend putting on all of your layers and wearing your boots around before you go. That way, you know that your set and you avoid blisters.
- Leave fancy things behind– Iceland is not known for being a very fancy country. Most of the time, you’ll be fine wearing a sweater, snow pants, and your boots into establishments.
- Look at REI Garage sale or Facebook Marketplace– If you need new gear, it can add up. So, look at resale sites for better prices!
- Pack extra socks– Your feet will thank you when you have another pair to warm up in.
Iceland Winter Packing List
It’s important to think in layers when creating your Iceland winter packing list. You’ll want to have warm thermal base layers, comfortable mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers. I’ve broken down your packing list into each of these layers below!
Iceland Outerwear

Staying warm during Iceland winter is the key to having a good trip. I recommend getting items that are waterproof and made of quality materials. You outer layer should be able to protect you from the elements: wind 💨, rain, and snow. Most people opt for down jackets or snow pants.
I’m gonna start with your top layer or outer layer. So, you can make sure you can stave off the cold.
Jackets & Winter Coats
The best winter coats are those that you already have in your closet! But, if you need to get a new one for your trip, then I recommend something warm and large enough to fit layers underneath. Good winter jackets are insulated well and waterproof to protect from the snow.
Lots of people like bringing long jackets, but I liked having a shorter jacket so that my legs had more room to move around. I brought an old North Face ski jacket that I’ve had for years and it worked great!
Great Winter Jackets:
- Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket
- North Face Arctic Insulated Parka
- North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Jacket
- Magma 850 Down Jacket

Bottoms
I thought that choosing what to wear for pants was harder than jackets. In the end though, we brought the perfect items to Iceland. 👌🏻
I recommend snow pants or layering warm sweatpants with rain pants. This way your legs will stay dry and warm while you explore Iceland. Before you go, make sure to try your pants on with all your layers, so that you ensure you have room for movement!
Winter Pants:
- Powderbound Snow Pants
- North Face Insulated Snow Pants
- Rain Pants (to layer with sweats)

Hats
Although the old saying that you lose most of your body heat from your head is false, it’s still important to keep it covered! When choosing a hat I recommend picking something that is made of wool or has thermal materials.
Make sure your hats cover you ears, so that they don’t freeze! 🥶
Quality Winter Hats
Neck Gaiters
Now that most of your body is covered, you want to make sure that your neck and nose stay warm as well. Neck gaiters are the best way to protect from wind and cold. They are easy to put on and have plenty of options to choose from!
Neck Gaiters:

Gloves & Mittens
It’s so important to remember a pair of gloves or mittens 🧤 when you visit Iceland. My hands were usually the things that got the coldest quickest. Again, wearing waterproof gloves are the best option, so you don’t have to worry about the snow!
You can also wear a pair of liner gloves with warmer, waterproof gloves on top. That way, your hands will be nice and cozy.
I prefer gloves over mittens, because it’s easier to use my hands or take photos!
Warm Gloves & Mittens:
Base Layers

Base layers are the layers that you wear closest to your body. You’ll want something that is snug to your body so that it keeps you warm, has good wicking material so it doesn’t stay wet 💦, and is comfortable.
There are a variety of weights for base layers, but I recommend getting heavyweight ones for your trip to Iceland!
Base Layer Tops
There are plenty of great options for base layer tops. You’ll want something that is made of wool or a synthetic material, so that it dries quickly. I really love my Smartwool Merino Wool Base Layers and I wear them for most of my adventures.
Warm Base Layers:

Bottom Base Layers
Similar to your top, you’ll want snug base layers that keep you warm and dry. Because Iceland is pretty cold, I recommend heavyweight material for extra heat. I like to look for thermal leggings and there are tons of options to choose!
Base Layer Bottoms:

Socks
I don’t know about you, but my feet always get so dang cold! So, I had to think deeply about what socks 🧦 I was packing for Iceland and I even threw a couple feet warmers in my bag as well.
In order to keep your feet warm, you’ll want wool socks that are meant for colder temperatures. Do not wear cotton, because it gets wet easily and doesn’t retain heat as well. I gotta say my toes still got a little cold at times, but overall they felt good!
Socks for Winter:
Iceland Mid-Layers

Your middle layer is in charge of insulation. So, you’ll want something that retains the heat and keeps it in. While there are a variety of options and materials, generally, the thicker the layer the warmer you’ll be. 🥰
I usually only wear a middle layer on my top. Examples of middle layers include fleece jackets or insulated jackets.
Insulating Mid-Layers

Nicer Outfits
While most of your days are spent exploring, you may want something to wear to a nicer dinner. Iceland is still a fairly casual country, so you don’t need anything super fancy. I recommend packing a pair of jeans and a sweater or two for any meals out!
Best Shoes For Winter in Iceland

I agonized over what shoes to bring to Iceland for weeks! In my opinion, this was the hardest decision to make. But, after visiting I feel confident in the shoes that I brought, because they kept me warm and dry.
If you bring a good pair of boots, then you don’t need to bring any other shoes if you don’t want. Most people wear their boots around town and even into restaurants. I did bring my Blundstones just for comfort on the plane. But, you don’t need them.
Below I’ll discuss the debate between snow boots or hiking boots.

Snow Boots or Hiking Boots
Most people choose between two types of shoes for their Iceland winter packing list: hiking boots or snow boots. 🥾
Now, the most important thing is that you have shoes that are waterproof and insulated. So, if you have a good pair of snow boots that are walkable I would say bring those. They will be good enough for many of the excursions you do.
However, I wanted shoes that I could wear on longer hikes and were more versatile, so I got a pair of insulated hiking boots. For me, this was the best decision, because I know I’ll get a lot of use out of them. I absolutely loved them and they kept me extremely comfortable the whole trip!
Best Insulated Boots:
- Danner Insulated Boots (what I brought)
- Merrell Insulated Boots (my husband used these)
- Sorel Snow Boots
Other Gear & Necessities

Day Pack
It’s nice to have a day pack when you go on your excursions throughout Iceland. You’ll want one that is waterproof or has a rain cover, so your things stay dry throughout your stay!
Great Day Packs:

Camera & Tripod
If you are trying to capture the Northern Lights, you can use an iPhone, Android, or a real camera. If you want to have more control over your photos, then I recommend bringing a DSLR camera 📸. I had a lot of fun playing around with the settings.
However, if you bring a camera, then you will also need a good tripod. That way you can keep the camera steady for longer exposures of the lights.
Chargers & Adapters
If you are bringing any sort of electronics (phone, camera, laptop) it’s important you have all of the necessary chargers. You will also want an adaptor for Iceland if you are visiting from countries like the US. They use type C and F plugs, but I like having a universal adaptor so that I know I’m covered.

Crampons
Winters in Iceland are snowy and icy, so even if you are wearing snow boots or hiking boots you may slip and slide around. If you plan on doing any larger hikes during your time, I recommend bringing or renting a pair of crampons/microspikes for your trip.
You can learn more about renting microspikes here. Your Iceland winter tours may offer them too!
There are rental services in Iceland that you can look into so you don’t have to bring them on the plane. I know that some airlines don’t allow them in carry on bags. But, I loved having mine and used them a handful of times!
Miscellaneous Items:

Now, that you have all of the basics here are a few more things you should bring on your trip to Iceland:
- Cash– Although most places accept credit card, it’s good to have cash on hand. I like to exchange money in advance but you can also take out Krona when you arrive.
- Passport– Of course, you can’t travel abroad without bringing your passport!
- Bathing Suit– It’s important to bring a bathing suit if you plan on visiting any of the geothermal pools like the Blue Lagoon! That way you can luxuriate.
- Medications, toiletries and feminine Products– You might have regular medication that you need to take or it’s the time of the month. Also, I like to bring conditioner with me on every trip, just in case. Don’t forget the necessities!
Final Tips on Packing for Iceland Winter

Hopefully, you feel prepared for your trip after reading through this packing list. But, the best tips I can give you for your Iceland winter trip are to pack layers and test out your items before you leave.
Don’t forget to download the maps and pack cash, so that you’ll be covered in the case of emergencies. If you have everything here, you’ll be ready for the most fun adventure!
Let me know if you enjoyed this packing guide in the comments!
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