Iceland What to Pack

  Made 19th Sep. 2007. at Krafla / Viti...
by kissmagdi
 
  • Made 19th Sep. 2007. at Krafla  / Viti Crater
      Made 19th Sep. 2007. at Krafla / Viti...
    by kissmagdi
  • Okay, so that's Greenland, but it's cold here too!
      Okay, so that's Greenland, but it's cold...
    by acemj
  • Should've packed a fisrt aid kit...
      Should've packed a fisrt aid kit...
    by Ericasmurf99
  •   What to Pack
    by NYC2TLV
  • Need more film!!!
      Need more film!!!
    by Saagar
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

For Cyclers and Hikers

by claudia1975

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...

Clothing!

by stfan

Whatever you want! Depends on when you will be here:For winter:Bring along some warm clothes. Remember that you want to wear layers of clothes. When you walk into a restaurant or a museum it will be hot so you want to be able to take some of them off but not end up wearing only your underwear. Bring some thick wool socks as they are the warmest.For summer:Bring something light. But dont forget to bring some warm clothes to. Usually when it rains it gets very cold and in the evenings the temperature drops to around 10°degrees C. So bring along some sweaters.Also remember that Icelandic people dress very nicely and according to the latest fashion so bring along some nice clothes as they are very expensive in Iceland. XXL white t-shirts over acid washed jeans along with white tennis shoes are frowned upon and should be avoied! ;) You can buy everything you need in Iceland so if you forget...

Pack Warm

by caslu

Pack light and move easy. It's Iceland but not really as cold as you might think - so, pack warm but don't overdo it. It ranged from the 30s to the 50s when we were there. Be sure to pack good hiking shoes and rain weather gear. A good camera is always a must and the sights are well worth the pictures. Hiking shoes. Don't forget your swimsuit - Yes, it's Iceland but swimming is a national pastime. Indoors and out, in summer and winter.

Tip Photo
... and don't forget two bottles of wine

by andy-g

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

pack for extremes when going in the summer

by Jozzzef

I thought I was well prepared but i wasn't. If you go to iceland in the summer you need to pack for extremes. We wish we had brought the following:- gloves: yes, even in the summer you may very well need them when your hiking in the mountains. Even if the weather reports talks about 15 degrees celcius.- Sunscreen! yes, even though the weather reports talks about 15 degrees. The sun shined on our faces for days. I think I already peeled off three entire layers of skin of my face. - Labello: see sunscreen. My girlfriend couldn't even smile for the pictures because her lips hurted too much.

Waterproof clothes are necessary

by aramat

Waterproof and warm clothes, also in summer. The weather changes very quickly, so even if you start in a nice morning, you should carry at least a waterproof jacket (umbrellas may be useless in strong wind). LOTS of film, Iceland is awesome!

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Wear Layers and bring lenses

by hat53

Make sure your bags are waterproof. Weather is unpredictable so be prepared. Wear layers so you can adjust your clothes to your warmth needs (putting on of off an extra layer.Hiking shoes with a good profile and hiking poles are mandatory if you go for a long hike outside Reykjavíc.Don't forget to bring water repellent and wind blocking clothes. You will need them for sure.And last but not least, bring your bathing suite. Bathing is socializing in Iceland. Every town has a pool with at least two hot tubs. If you don't want to run out of film during your stay bring a lot. I was 13 days in Iceland and use 9 films of 36 and I took about 250 digital photos. If you wear glasses and you also have contact lenses, consider bringing them. Rain can be fine and the wind will blow it under hat on your glasses.On the snow scooters and during my glacier hike I also got condense on my glasses which...

Clothing in Layers

by bpwillet

If you are backpacking a good pack is essential. If you are staying only in hotels then you should bring a bag that is comfortable for you but will easily fit into the small rooms or cars you may travel in. 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...

Tip Photo
Don't leave home without it...

by TH0342

Pack for the worst: with all those glaciers the weather can change three times a day: from snow in the morning, sun in the afternoon and rain in the evening. So, bring warm, water-resistant/proof clothing and sturdy walking boots. Planning on visiting Myvatn? Bring mosquito repellent. On warm, windless days a form of mosquito comes from the lake and likes everything that radiates heat: particularly humans it seemed. Do not leave home without a photo camera! Iceland is so beautiful and a photo opportunity can present itself around each and every corner in this country. The picture shown here was taken of the road and I noticed the spot after we turned another corner. Bring plenty of conventional film or batteries (if you're shooting digitally). Bring a thermos if you like long hikes, gators are useful if you walk in the northern section. Bring Goretex-lined clothing because it does...

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hahaha futile packers

by gbjr78

enough to accomodate your dressing habits if you want to do it all u need boots 2 pairs if you want to be comfortable. also need shoes for the night life. Yes Icelands night life is very hot. bring something to cover up the foul smelling hot water. sulfur smells like rotten eggs. yes lots of film and or digital media

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Reviews and photos of Iceland attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Iceland sightseeing.

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Two Questions: We'll be in Iceland driving in late March/mid-April. We are staying on main roads. 1) SADcars has good prices... 

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A: I love Subarus (the Forester especially), but you'll notice from the SADcars website that the Legacy is the largest vehicle that is not for highlands or F-roads. The... 

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