Packing List Winter Iceland: Packing List for a Two-Week Winter Trip to Iceland: What I Actually Bring
Most people bring too much clothes and the wrong kind of gear to Iceland in winter. I did too, on my first trip. After three winter visits and 42 days total on the ground, here’s the exact packing list I use now. No fluff. No “just in case” items. Everything here serves a purpose.
The Layering System That Keeps You Warm Without Looking Like a Michelin Man
Iceland in winter sits around -5°C to 2°C most days, but wind chill drops that to -15°C fast. The solution isn’t one thick parka. It’s three thin layers you can add or remove as conditions change.
Base layer: merino wool. I wear Icebreaker 260 Tech Top ($110) and Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Bottom ($90). Merino wicks sweat so you don’t freeze when you stop moving. Polyester gets stinky after day three. Merino doesn’t.
Mid layer: fleece or synthetic insulation. Patagonia R1 Fleece ($139) breathes well and packs flat. For colder days, Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Vest ($49.90) adds core warmth without arm bulk.
Outer layer: waterproof + windproof shell. Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket ($499) is expensive but worth it — 30D Gore-Tex fabric, fully taped seams, and a helmet-compatible hood that fits over a beanie. If that’s out of budget, Columbia Watertight II ($90) works at half the price. It’s not as breathable, but it keeps rain and wind out.
One mistake people make: wearing cotton as a base layer. Cotton+moisture+cold = hypothermia risk. Don’t do it.
Footwear: The Difference Between Enjoying Iceland and Hating It
Your feet will be wet and cold for 14 days straight. Accept that. Then buy boots that handle it.
I use Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof ($145) with a Vibram sole. They’re not the warmest boots on their own, so I add Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks ($25 per pair). These socks have a lifetime guarantee. I’ve put 500+ miles on one pair and they still look new.
For traction on ice, Kahtoola MICROspikes ($75) slip over any boot in 10 seconds. They’re mandatory at Seljalandsfoss waterfall and on the path to the plane wreck at Sólheimasandur. Don’t skip these. A slip on ice can end your trip.
Bring two pairs of boots? No. One pair that fits well and is fully broken in is better than two pairs that rub blisters. Wear them for 50km of walking before you leave.
What I Wear Inside the Car (And Why It Matters)
You’ll spend 4-6 hours driving most days. The car heater blasts. You’ll sweat in your jacket. Then you step outside into -10°C wind. That sweat freezes. You get cold fast.
Solution: Columbia Bugaboo Interchange Jacket ($210) has a zip-out inner fleece. I drive in just the fleece, zip the shell on when I stop. Takes 15 seconds.
Same idea for pants. REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants ($99) are softshell with DWR coating. Water resistant, stretchy, warm enough for most stops. For serious wind or snow, I layer Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants ($99) over thermal leggings.
Gloves matter more than you think. Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Gloves ($50) keep hands dry and let you use a phone screen. The touchscreen function actually works — I’ve used these at -12°C and could still text.
5 Items People Forget That Ruin Their Trip
These are small. They’re easy to skip. Don’t.
- Neck gaiter or buff. A scarf slips off. A Buff Merino Wool ($30) stays put. Pull it up over your nose and ears when wind hits. Takes 2 seconds.
- Hand warmers. HotHands ($1.50 per pair) last 10 hours. Tuck one in each glove and one in each boot. Cheap insurance against losing fingers.
- Sunglasses with polarization. Snow glare is brutal. Smith Lowdown 2 ($159) cut glare and won’t fog up.
- Lip balm with SPF. Wind+sun+dry air = cracked lips in 48 hours. Aquaphor Lip Repair ($4.50) works better than anything fancy.
- Swim trunks. Every hotel and guesthouse has a hot tub. You’ll regret forgetting these.
Budget Breakdown: What You’ll Spend on Gear
| Item | Cheap Option | Best Value | Premium Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base layer top | Uniqlo Heattech ($29.90) | Smartwool 250 ($100) | Icebreaker 260 ($110) |
| Mid layer | Uniqlo Down Vest ($49.90) | Patagonia R1 ($139) | Arc’teryx Atom LT ($269) |
| Outer shell | Columbia Watertight II ($90) | Marmot PreCip ($100) | Arc’teryx Beta LT ($499) |
| Boots | Columbia Newton Ridge ($100) | Merrell Moab 3 ($145) | Lowa Renegade ($260) |
| Socks (3 pairs) | Smartwool Hike ($60 total) | Darn Tough ($75 total) | Icebreaker Hike+ ($90 total) |
| Traction spikes | Yaktrax Walk ($25) | Kahtoola MICROspikes ($75) | Kahtoola EXOspikes ($130) |
| Gloves | Carhartt Waterproof ($30) | Sealskinz All Weather ($50) | Hestra Ergo Grip ($130) |
| Total | $385 | $584 | $1,488 |
The “best value” column is what I actually use. Cheap options work for a single trip but won’t last. Premium options are lighter and more breathable but cost 2-3x more for marginal gains.
When NOT to Buy Expensive Gear
If you’re only going to Iceland once and you live somewhere warm, rent instead of buying. Reykjavik Outfitters rents full winter kits (jacket, pants, boots, gloves) for about $150 for two weeks. That’s cheaper than buying a single good jacket.
If you already own a ski jacket and snow pants from a previous trip, use those. Iceland is not a fashion show. Nobody cares if your jacket is last season’s color. Function over form, every time.
If you’re on a tight budget, skip the expensive merino base layers. Uniqlo Heattech ($29.90) works at 70% of the warmth for 30% of the price. You’ll need to wash it more often, but it’s fine for two weeks.
One thing I never skimp on: socks and boots. Cheap boots = wet feet = miserable trip. Spend the $145 on Merrells. Your feet will thank you on day 12 when you’re still walking to waterfalls.
