What to Pack for an Iceland Adventure

The following packing list contains general recommendations for an Iceland adventure. If you are currently booked on Iceland: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice, please consult your pre-departure materials for the most up-to-date packing list for your trip. You will receive these pre-departure materials 60–90 days before your departure.

Items indicated in color below are typically available in the Nat Hab Gear Store. Please note that due to global supply chain issues beyond our control, we cannot guarantee that every item will always be in stock. 

Adventure Guidelines

• It is important to note that rain is a possibility throughout the year. Waterproof rain gear is essential should the area be experiencing inclement weather. 
• It is possible that we may experience cold temperatures during the adventure, so we ask that you be properly prepared with weather-appropriate clothing that can be layered.
• Loose, comfortable layers are far better than single, bulky garments, as each layer you add traps warm air close to your body. We recommend wearing a base layer (wool, polypropylene, etc.) closest to the skin, a second layer (warm sweater or fleece), and an outer layer that is water and windproof. This will keep you toasty if outside temperatures are cold, and you can always shed layers if you grow too warm.
• Keep in mind that it is often cooler on the water than on land, and rain and wind are always possible.
• Should it be cold, remember that body heat is most likely to be lost from the hands, feet and head; it is important to keep them warm and dry. If the rest of your body is covered, as much as 90 percent of the heat you lose can come from your head, so be sure to bring a warm hat.
  
  

Clothing

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
• Warm jacket (insulated)
•  Lightweight, breathable, WATERPROOF rain gear
  —You will need BOTH a rain jacket with a hood and rain pants. It is extremely important that your rain gear be fully waterproof, not just water-repellent! Gore-Tex-type shells that can be layered over a fleece or down jacket should temperatures be chilly are ideal. Flimsy, plastic rain gear is easily torn, so we recommend that you avoid these items when possible. Your rain gear may be your most useful pieces of clothing!
• Waterproof hiking boots
  —Make sure your boots have sturdy ankle support and are broken in to prevent blisters
• Warm hat 
• Warm gloves 
  —Iceland can be rainy in the summer months. Waterproof outer gloves are not required, but may be helpful should we experience soggy conditions.
  
• Warm fleece 
• Socks
  —Bring several pairs made of wool or synthetic material.
• 2–3 pairs of long pants (or nylon, zip-off pants)
• 1 pair of shorts (you may not need shorts if you are bringing zip-off pants)
• 2–3 long-sleeved shirts 
• 2–3 short-sleeved T-shirts 
• Long underwear (top and bottom)
  —Marino wool or synthetic base layers can help to keep you comfortable should we experience colder temperatures.
• Undergarments
• Sleepwear
• Extra pair of comfortable shoes (tennis shoes are fine)
  —To wear in the evenings or in our accommodations after excursions. Tennis shoes are fine.
• Swimsuit (optional)
  —If you are extending your trip and including a visit to a hot spring, or if you would like to use the hot tub at our accommodation in Hveragerdi.
• Sun hat with brim (and strap so it won’t blow away) 
  
  

Additional Items

•  Cash
  —For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation).
  —For personal spending (souvenirs, food and beverages not included in your trip fee, etc.).
• Water-resistant daypack 
  —To carry camera gear and other equipment during outings.
• Binoculars 
  —Binoculars are essential for this adventure! A good quality pair will definitely enhance your wildlife-viewing experience, and you will get the most out of them if you practice using them at home and make a habit of having them with you regularly on the adventure. Waterproof binoculars work well but are not required.
• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
• Outlet adapter and/or power converter 
• Hairdryer (optional)
  —Hairdryers are available at some, but not all accommodations on our itinerary.
• Sunglasses (with U.V. filter)
• Headlamp or small flashlight
  —If you are sharing a room with another traveler.
• Earplugs
• Shampoo, conditioner & soap
  —Provided free of charge at some, but not all accommodations on our itinerary.
• Toiletry bag
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen & lip balm (at least SPF15)
• Prescription medications & favorite remedies
  —For headaches, colds, upset stomach, skin irritations, etc.
  —If you are prone to motion sickness you may want to bring your favorite remedy for boat activities.
• Eye mask
  —Remember, it does not get completely dark at night!
• Wash cloth
  —Optional – not typically provided at hotels in Iceland.
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Battery-operated alarm clock/wristwatch
• Reusable waterproof bags 
  —Bring several sizes. These are great for wet or dirty clothing and for protecting camera equipment.
• Hiking poles (optional) 
  —If you are bringing hiking poles, they must be able to fit in your checked luggage, as you generally will not be allowed to carry them on the plane.