Iceland is a land of stark beauty and adventure. But with its winters come with unique challenges – limited light, chilly temperatures, and stormy weather can make it a difficult place to travel.
But by preparing properly, you can diminish these worries, allowing you to enjoy everything the country has to offer.
Packing the right gear is half the battle. So below, we’ve pulled together a list of essentials that will keep you comfortable, warm, and safe. Let’s jump right into it.
1) Warm Socks
If you have wet feet, you’ll be miserable all day – and that’s not what travel is all about. Iceland’s temperature is around freezing all during the fall and winter, so a good pair of warm socks is an absolute must.
Specifically, we recommend packing some sport bamboo socks, as this material wicks moisture and is naturally anti-bacterial. With this effective one-two punch, your feet will stay dry and be much less stinky!
2) A Comfortable Jacket
Iceland sees every kind of winter weather you can think of. Because of this, a top-tier winter jacket is a must.
But it doesn’t have to be a thick and bulky coat – Helly Hansen, Arc’teryx, and Patagonia all make parkas that have breathable membranes. As such, they are perfect for Iceland’s variable climate.
Be sure to check out OutdoorCrunch’s Arc’teryx jackets guide to discover the most suitable jacket to keep you warm and protected in Iceland’s challenging and ever-changing weather conditions.
3) Scarves and Mitts
Iceland is a windy place year-round. However, winter is particularly bad – not only is the wind at its strongest, but windchills take the “feel like” temperature well below freezing.
For this reason, you’ll want to pack a good scarf. By wrapping it around your neck and face, it’ll serve as a windbreak, keeping you warm.
Also, be sure to take some good mitts with you. Try to avoid gloves, as even the best-insulated ones separate your fingers. In time, they’ll get cold, and that’s no fun. By using mitts, your fingers will be together, making it easier to keep your digits happy.
4) A headlamp
In winter, daylight can be hard to come by in Iceland. For example, on the winter solstice, the sun doesn’t rise until after 11 am, and it sets at around 3:30 pm. So, a headlamp will be indispensable for dark mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
When choosing a headlamp, we recommend opting for a LED model with at least 300 lumens. At this output, you’ll have enough light to find your way on dimly-lit trails and in dorms.
5) A Camera that Works Well in Night Mode
Iceland is a photographer’s Nirvana, as its waterfalls, glaciers, and dramatic seacoast offer endless photo ops. And in winter, long hours of darkness offer the chance to capture the fabled Aurora Borealis, AKA the Northern Lights.
However, Icelandic winters can be challenging given their limited sunlight hours. As such, ensure that the camera you bring works well in “night mode.” If you have the budget, the Sony A7SII, Nikon Z6, and the Canon 6D MKII all do well after dark.
It Pays to be Prepared
Iceland is a breathtaking place any time of year. However, its unpredictable winter weather requires proper preparation. By packing gear suited to Nordic winters, you can ensure your Iceland trip is a complete success.
