Packing is certainly one of my least favourite elements about touring, however packing for a visit to a rustic as wildly numerous as Iceland had its specific challenges. We had been heading to Iceland in June, on the eve of the summer time solstice, after we might take pleasure in six “nights” of daylight and 5 days jam-packed with journey, and I used to be perplexed about what to put on in Iceland in the summertime and what to placed on my Iceland summer time packing record.
On our itinerary had been actions and excursions like a puffin boat tour, glacier mountain climbing, a zodiac boat tour via the glacier lagoon, a visit to the Blue Lagoon, and canine sledding on the glacier. Plus, we deliberate to spend days exploring waterfalls and black sand seashores, in addition to the streets of charming Reykjavik. One factor was clear from the start, this was NOT going to be a carry-on-only kind of journey.
Summer season temperatures in Iceland in July vary from highs within the mid-50s and lows within the mid-40s F. So, form of like March in New England the place one minute you could possibly pull on a hat to fight a cold wind after which the solar comes out and you’re stripping off layers to chill down.
After studying loads of weblog posts that mentioned to purchase what you want if you get there, I made a decision I used to be going to be ready upfront and store at outlet costs versus dear retail outlets in Reykjavik (though I admit shopping for a hat and microfiber gloves at 66° North simply because I favored them.)
Being ready for the whole lot on a visit to Iceland is important. On our day in Reykjavik, we wearing lengthy sleeve shirts and fleeces or weather-proof shells, carrying alongside hats and skinny gloves “simply in case” we would have liked them out on the water for our puffin cruise. Seems, it was a fully beautiful day and we ended up taking off the jackets and wishing we wore quick sleeves.
But the following day on our drive via South Iceland, it was overcast and windy, inflicting us to change from a thinner fleece to an insulated down jacket and hat later within the day. And thank goodness we had been suggested to carry full rain gear, or our journeys to the waterfalls wouldn’t have been almost as enjoyable if we had gotten completely soaked. We additionally lucked out with nice climate for our time canine sledding and glacier mountain climbing, however we had been ready simply in case the climate modified.
With all our overpacking and over-preparedness, I realized a couple of classes about what to put on in Iceland in the summertime and what to pack to create these Iceland summer time packing record. For those who do plan on visiting within the winter, be sure you additionally take a look at my Iceland winter packing record based mostly on my journey again to Iceland in November. Whereas it doesn’t fluctuate lots, there are some vital variations.
Iceland Summer season Packing Record
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This Iceland clothes record contains what to put on in Iceland in June, July, and August (though I used an analogous record for my newer go to in very early September.) I’ve unnoticed the fundamentals as a result of I feel you may work out when you want underwear, however these are issues that you could be or could not have thought of:
Waterproof Climbing Boots
I’m placing waterproof mountain climbing boots on the record, however don’t trouble with packing them, simply put on them on the airplane and save the house. They’re seemingly the one sneakers you’ll really want, except you need to get a bit extra dressed for dinners in Reykjavik (and even then you definitely solely want a trend sneaker at most.)
Don’t skimp on the waterproofing as a result of you’ll seemingly have to stroll via some streams, expertise some rain, and, after all, be topic to the mist of the waterfalls. I’d counsel a boot that helps your ankle as you stroll over uneven surfaces, versus the decrease mountain climbing shoe. This can even present extra waterproof protection for fording small streams on hikes or stroll as much as the top of a waterfall.
My favourite waterproof mountain climbing boots are from Merrell or La Sportiva.
Climbing Socks
Search for wool or artificial blends as cotton traps the moisture and your ft will get chilly. I’d additionally counsel a midweight to heavy weight sock for colder days or when you plan on spending quite a lot of time outside (and it’s Iceland, after all you’ll spend quite a lot of time outside!)
My favourite mountain climbing socks are the made-in-Vermont Darn Robust socks.
Waterproof Rain Jacket with a Hood
when you plan on visiting the waterfalls, the spray from the falls will drench you head to toe. waterproof (not water-resistant) jacket with a hood that matches snuggly round your face is important. You additionally must be ready for rain at any specific time in Iceland.
I’d counsel that you simply both get a warmly-lined rain coat, such because the L.L. Bean H2OFF rain jacket, or a thinner, packable raincoat that you may layer over prime of a fleece or a packable puffy jacket, such because the Columbia Omni-Tech Ampli-Dry raincoat.
Fast-dry Climbing Pants
Fast-drying mountain climbing pants are good for out of doors actions in Iceland. You undoubtedly don’t need to solely pack denims as they’re heavy and can simply make you chilly in the event that they get moist. Perhaps one pair to vary into or put on in Reykjavik is all you want.
You may additionally need to embody a pair of fleece-lined leggings or base layer/lengthy underwear in case you are doing an exercise like a glacier hike. I depend on mountain climbing pants from Columbia, Prana, and Northface.
Waterproof Rain Pants
I actually debated if wanted to purchase rain pants for the entire household, however I’m so glad we determined to put money into pairs for every of us. Belief me, you’ll need these on the waterfalls except you need to get soaked to the pores and skin. It’s a good suggestion to carry them alongside on glacier walks too, simply in case it begins to rain while you’re out on the glacier.
We had a tough time discovering these for the entire household however Columbia rain pants got here via, as they did for our insulated jackets, raincoats, and mountain climbing pants.
Lengthy-sleeve and Brief-sleeve Shirts
In Iceland in the summertime, the temperatures are going to fluctuate, as will the climate. It’s best to be ready with a number of long-sleeve and one or two short-sleeve shirts. In Iceland, it’s all about layering. Carry alongside a base layer, a couple of lively tees that supply sweat-wicking, and at the very least one sweater and/or flannel shirt as a prime layer.
Mid-weight Fleece
In Iceland, it’s all about layering and choices. You’ll be able to both layer up with a fleece and a climate/wind-resistant shell on prime or have a fleece for the hotter days and a hotter puffer jacket for the chilly days.
Columbia has a wide-range of fleece choices which might be good for layering.
Down Jacket
We solely wanted our down jackets a few occasions on this journey and doubtless might have gotten away with layering a fleece and a rain jacket on the windier summer time days however it was good to have one thing that insulated and lower the wind.
For those who don’t go for a water-proof/windproof three-in-one jacket or properly insulated rain and wind jacket, then it is best to carry alongside a packable puffer jacket.
Swimsuit
when you plan on profiting from any scorching springs, public geothermally-heated swimming pools, or scorching tubs, don’t neglect your swimsuit! Until you’re springing for the Premium bundle on the Blue Lagoon, you might also need to carry alongside a gown or coverup.
Flip-Flops
Once more, in case you are visiting any scorching springs or swimming pools, a pair of flip-flops will turn out to be useful.
Hat/beanie
For windy days, particularly out on the glacier or out by/on the water, you’ll most likely need to have a wool or thermally-lined knit or fleece beanie. Simply don’t carry one with a pom pom on prime when you plan on doing any journey actions that require a helmet.
You may additionally need to carry alongside a buff, scarf, or neck gaiter for windy days.
Skinny Gloves
Similar to the hat, when it’s windy you may want a pair of skinny microfiber or fleece gloves. I’d counsel getting gloves which have fingertips that work on touchscreens so that you don’t have to take your gloves off to take photographs.
Backpack
With all of the actions you may be doing, you’ll want a spot to stash your layers, rain gear, digital camera gear, and many others. Be certain to carry alongside a weather-proof backpack (or a backpack with a rain cowl.)
Polarized Sun shades
It could typically be gray and wet in Iceland, however when the solar shines, it’s shiny, particularly when you find yourself out on the glacier. pair of sun shades, ideally with a neck strap in order that they don’t get misplaced, are a necessity.
Digital camera Gear
I’d advocate investing in a very good digital camera to seize pictures of the beautiful Iceland surroundings. Some gear to incorporate could be:
- A mirrorless or DSLR digital camera with a wide-angle lens for waterfalls and a zoom lens for wildlife
- Additional batteries and SD playing cards
- A digital camera bag with a rain cowl
- A tripod (the Peak Design journey tripod is my favourite!)
- A neutral-density filter to seize silky easy pictures of waterfalls
- Smartphone with waterproof case
- A selfie stick for these waterfall photographs and particular moments. I additionally use this selfie-stick / tripod combo with a Bluetooth distant.
- GoPro or Insta 360 waterproof digital camera with additional batteries and case choices
Extras
- European energy adapter
- Fast dry towel – in case you need to cease at a pure scorching springs
- Automobile charger – you’ll most likely be utilizing your cellphone for GPS and with lengthy drives and many photos, you’ll need to have your automotive charger alongside
- Energy packs – carry alongside backup energy sources for cellphone charging as a result of chilly and the digital camera app actually drains the battery shortly
- Sleep masks – that is very vital for summer time visits when the solar doesn’t set and never each room has black out shades
- Refillable water bottle – the water in Iceland is clear and it can save you cash through the use of a refillable water bottle. Generally the water may need a slight sulfur order from the geothermal heating however it’s nonetheless secure to drink
- Telephone case with a strap for simple entry to your digital camera app and so that you simply don’t by accident drop your cellphone off a cliff. I like my Bandolier cellphone case and strap.
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Moisturizer
- Additional conditioner because the water could be a bit harsh on the hair, particularly on the Blue Lagoon
Obtain your Iceland summer time packing record PDF right here!
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