| Tips on what to pack for a trip to Iceland, posted by real travelers and Iceland locals. Map |
 | Iceland Packing Lists | Tips 1 - 10 of 73 |  |
 fabulous Iceland waterfall by sue_stone
* Wet weather gear - or at least a water resistant jacket - it will keep the spray of waterfalls off you!
* Comfy shoes for all that walking you will do.
* I tried to buy some Cold & Flu tablets in Reykjavik....apparently they don't exist there, so stock up before you go (never know what you might catch on the plane).
* You will take many more photos than you predict - don't skimp on the films/flash cards/batteries.
* In summer the sun doesn't really set, so you may need your eye-mask for sleeping.
* Iceland is an expensive country - make sure there is plenty of room on your credit card - you can use it everywhere! Leave a Comment
|
Visiting Iceland?
Read reviews about Iceland Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
remember Iceland can be cold, rainy and windy also during summer. Weather can vary more times in a day, temperature also
no particular problems
if you use an analogic camera, bring a lot of film, it's very expensive in Iceland and there are many things to shoot. Bring also a wideangle lens or a panoramic camera, you'll use it!
don't forget your swimsuit, lakes and the sea are cold but there are many swimming pools and thermal water pools
bring some bottles of wine or spirits, taxes on spirits in Iceland are the highest in Europe Leave a Comment
|
Your bags need to be waterproof. A poncho might not be enough. If you cycle there is only one choice: Ortlieb-bags or similar ones made from the waterproof truck-cover fabric (usually in red, green, blue or black). Make sure you bring the one with the rolling closure mechanism - this means, these bags can even dive. And this means they can pass every river and go through every crossing without being taken off the bike.
Backpacks should be supercomfi and you need a poncho. Maybe store you clothing inside in waterproof bags. Thick garbage bags might do, but real equippment might be better.
Solid hiking boots and trecking sandals are all you should need. There are not too many places to get fancy and dressed up on iceland.
If you cycle and have to cross numerous icy cold rivers: bring some neoprene surfing shoes. Put water inside, soak you feet in them and pass larger rivers in the surfing shoes - this will prevent your toes from freezing off and then thawing up again - very painful.
The ususal stuff, but dont forget mosquito repellant, sun screen, a very good first aid kit, stuff against cold and flu.
Iceland is a paradise for photographers. Light changes and atmospheres are incredible. Bring 100, 200 and also 400 film (mostly it will be cloudy) and some black and white film might be nice for people portraits or on very clear days...
Tents should be stormproof, sleeping bags warm enough (freezing through a night is just hell), shoes worn in and most of the clothes should be synthetic. Thermo underwear, Gore Tex jacket and pants, warm wool socks, warm hat, gloves etc etc.
Some extras I found good to have:
lots of chocolate, a very thick book, journal, swim suit (a must ), head-light, a book on Iceland's roadside geology, waterproof matches, surf shoes, lot of bike repair stuff, a METAL low rider (this thing you put on your front wheel to put bags on it. They also exist in a cheaper and lighter ALUMINUM version. These tend to BREAK in Iceland. Leave a Comment
|
 | |  |
 Geared up in Fjallabak by bpwillet
Good walking shoes. No matter where you go in Iceland you will encounter rough terrain of all different types. You will be glad to have sturdy shoes with you. The 4 seasons can visit Iceland at anytime, anywhere, for any reason. It is best to have clothes that are easily layered and are good for all conditions.
Bring what you will need for your trip. There are plenty of areas you can get more. From experience-you will want some sort of anti-inflammatory if you are doing any strenuous activities. Your body will thank you.
Make sure you have enough batteries for your cameras. If you are in the interior there will be very few places to purchase batteries or recharge your batteries if you are taking lots of pictures.
Definitely 3 season camping gear is the best. Definitely bring a swimsuit for the geothermal beaches, or the Blue Lagoon (even though you can rent them there).
Iceland can change at anytime. Be prepared for anything. If you are planning to do any clubbing in Reykjavik you will want "smart" looking clothes that are nice. You can't get in with jeans and tennis shoes. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Linnea getting soaked by the
falls by dharmabum222
Hiking boots with Gore-tex or some waterproof potential
Bring COLD MEDICINE! I got sick and it took me 5 days to find a nasal spray! I ate cough drops and sucked on the last of my advil until I finally got some the day I left....but there were no cold tablets, even in the pharmacy that I finally found. The sell NO medication, even over the counter stuff in anything less than a full fledged pharmacy!
Lots and lots of memory or film...I took over 400 pictures
Rain/water repellent or proof outer layers are really important if you will be leaving the city, the waterfalls will get you soaked every time!
EYE DARKENERS! You have heard it before and I have to say it too....you will not sleep without them and even with them it is not easy.
SUNGLASSES- You will need them to sheild the sun off of the glaciers at noon as well as midnight in summer.
SWIM SUIT/ BATHING SUIT/ SWIMMING COSTUME- Unless you want to rent one, bring one along and keep it in your daypack...you never know when the urge to soak in a geothermal pool will strike you! Leave a Comment
|
| | |
Visiting Iceland?
Read reviews about Iceland Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
Pack light and small as many rural hotels do not have elevators
Good rain gear - jacket and pants
Pair of shorts and short sleeve shirt in case of heatwave
Day hikers with really good soles that can handle slippery surfaces - GoreTex lining a plus
Strong hiking boots if you plan on back packing - GoreTex lining a plus
Extra socks as they tend not to dry over night and stretched-out and/or damp socks can lead to blisters
Hard to find stuff outside the cities so take it with you if you might need it
Basics are available at most petrol statitons
Bug spray is useful in some areas
As much as you can carry or something flexible - there is a picture around every corner
If possible, practice taking pictures under overcast conditions as these are prevalent in Iceland, and it can be hard to capture the gorgeous colors
Bring some type of waterproof protection for your camera equipment
hiking pole might be useful for some as trails in less developed areas are loose rock
bring clothes that are synthetics that can be washed out and will actually dry overnight. It is pretty damp and cold at night so many fabrics will not dry quickly Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Map by zweiblumen
I don't think I need to tell you this .. but I will anyway. Tough walking boots are essential because volcanic rock is sharp and can do a lot of damage to your footwear. Gaiters are a good idea too, they help keep that volcanic sand from entering your boots. Warm clothing and waterproofs will help protect you from Iceland's fickle weather and make sure that if you are going trekking that you have packed a spare set of warm clothing in your rucksack (yes take one of those too) to change into should you fall into a river and get wet :-)
Take toilet paper! Oh and anti bacterial handwash the sort that doesn't need water. Insect repellent is a good idea, if it's not windy there is a good chance you will be bothered by midges/mosquitoes.
Whatever suits you best, I took my Canon EOS 300D digital SLR with an 18-55mm zoom and a 55-200mm zoom lens. I also took a spare set of batteries because I take so many photos that I use my batteries up very quickly. There was no point taking a charger because we were camping in the wilds. A back up memory card is useful too just in case you fill one and really would rather not have to delete anything.
If you are planning to go on a trek even if it is a guided trek you would be well advised to take one of these along. A map is useful for identifying land features (helps when you want to label your photos) as well as being able to follow the route you are taking.
Walking maps of Iceland are hard to come by in the UK and expensive too. In fact they are probably the only things you can buy cheaper in Iceland! A good website for ordering your map(s) is listed below, even with postage taken into account they are still cheaper than buying in the UK. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Justin near Gullfoss by Nexus7
two pairs of shoes, rain slick, and warm jacket. you may never need it, but it's better to have it than not in the spring time. I'm sporting my layered jacket made of gortex near the spray of Gullfoss
Bring polarizer for all the water reflection stuff. Most important.
Bring a bottle of liquor from home to pre drink before you go out. It's cheaper that way for drinking is expensive here as anything you consume. Leave a Comment
|
 My face was in PAIN after five
mins of this! by M0B1US
You HAVE to pack for the cold! On most days I wore full length thermal underwear, insulated ski trousers, a wool and thermal top, a fleece and windproof/waterproof jacket combo, a thick beanie and a layered glove system (also waterproof). Thermal walking socks and goretex hiking boots.
And no that wasn't overkill! The important thing is LAYERS! Together these are far warmer and more effective than conventional clothing and easier to adapt to the prevailing weather conditions.
Also make sure you have something windproof as the winds can be fierce!
Now there are TONS of outdoor shops in Iceland including 66 North etc however they are E-X-P-E-N-S-I-V-E! So unless you fancy some pricey souvenir clothing, I suggest you bring your own!
Everything is appreciably more expensive in Iceland, so if you can avoid it don't buy stuff there that you could have packed with you... Leave a Comment
|
| | |
I saw people suggesting that you take an eye mask to use at night and thought that they were mad, but having been there I concede that it is good advice. Our room had windows all down one side but a curtain was missing and there is something really disorientating about waking at 3am to find the sun streaming into your bedroom. I found it very difficult to get back to sleep. Leave a Comment
|
|
| Best Iceland Travel Deals |
Lodging Hotel
Up to 50% off Hotels at Expedia. No Expedia change or cancel fees! Holiday Iceland
New York To Reykjavik This Fall? Book Your Cheap Flights Online Now! Local Hotel Review
Read Reviews & Listings for Local New York Hotels at Switchboard. Newark NJ Hotel
Minutes from Manhattan. Save 75% Over NYC Hotels in Downtown Newark! Reykjavik Hotels
Up to 70% Off Iceland Hotels. Find Discount Rates on Top Hotels! Sponsored Links
More Iceland Travel Deals 75% Off Hotels
Compare All Hotel Booking Sites Pay up to 75% less for Hotels Rooms & Suites Discounts
Hot Deals on Hotel Rooms & Suites. Travelocity Guarantees Low Prices. Iceland Hotels
Compare Fare Prices, Find Deals & More. Make Decisions w/Bing™ Travel Sponsored Links
|
