Iceland in the winter is beautiful and unpredictable in the same measure. Sunshine illuminates the vast snow-covered landscapes one day, and hail and strong winds throw a spanner into your plans the next.

How can you best prepare for Iceland’s merciless elements while enjoying all the epic, bucket-list winter activities feeling warm and comfy?

In this guide, we’ll run through some items you’ll absolutely need to put in your luggage for your Iceland winter trip. The best part? They’re nothing fancy and you can easily fit them in a carry-on.

Dressing for winter in Iceland is like dressing for a winter hike. You’ll not only need layers, but you’ll also need the right amount of them. Generally, your winter outfit would consist of a base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer. Let’s look at those in detail.

A base layer, typically thermal underwear, will keep your body warm and dry during your Iceland adventures. Whether you’re just strolling around on a cold day or heading out for a hike, a base layer is key for comfort. Pack at least one pair of thermal pants and one long-sleeved T-shirt.

For the mid-layer, I’d bring a fleece jacket and a sweater and then choose between depending on the activities for each day. I used my fleece a lot on this trip. It not only helps with wicking sweat but it keeps you warm as well. A sweater was great for walking around Reykjavik and the few occasions we ate in restaurants.

Whether short, mid-length or all the way down to your ankles, a nice warm puffer jacket will ensure you can enjoy all of Iceland’s epic scenery without freezing your butt off. If you pick one that fits well, it almost feels like a nice hug all day long. 

Just keep in mind that puffer jackets are not suitable for rainy and snowy days. Once they get wet, they lose their insulating property.

An alternative to a puffer jacket (or an extra item to bring) is a waterproof winter jacket, which is ideal for Iceland’s unpredictable weather. You’ll also make use of it near waterfalls. In Iceland, you can get pretty close to them — and as a result, you get sprayed with water pretty often.

Similarly, waterproof hiking pants will be handy for your outdoor adventures. I brought warm (non-waterproof) outdoor leggings and thought they were a great and comfortable alternative. Just know they don't work as well when it’s wet outside.

A pair of jeans is not necessary if you plan to focus solely on nature adventures. However, they are nice to have for spending a day or two in Reykjavik and visiting some nice breakfast places or restaurants. If those activities are on your list, bring a pair!

Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots will be your best friend on your Iceland winter road trip. A good pair will keep you warm and dry, regardless of whether you step into a drift of snow, a puddle of water, or mud.

They’re suitable for any type of activity, from glacier hiking to strolling around Iceland’s capital.

There are countless easy nature walks and hikes in Iceland in the winter. However, the trails can be extremely slippery, even around the main tourist attractions.

Strap-on crampons (or ice cleats) are the single item that can ultimately decide whether you’ll be able to take those extra steps to check out that nice viewpoint.

Iceland is renowned for hot springs and thermal baths. The best thing about these is that you can enjoy them even when it’s freezing outside. Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit and a pair of flip-flops, otherwise, you’ll be missing out on a lot of fun experiences.

The classic winter accessories such as a hat, gloves, and a scarf obviously cannot be forgotten.

Many people swear by windproof touchscreen gloves. But the most basic winter gloves will work fine as well, provided you don’t mind them off to take pictures and videos with your phone. Take one thinner and one thicker pair if you can. It’s good to have extras anyway, in case one pair gets wet.

A warm hat of any type will be your best friend on this trip. If you plan on doing activities that require wearing a helmet (i.e. glacier hiking or riding a snowmobile), it’s best to bring a toque hat or headband. Last but not least, a scarf will keep you warm and protect you from all the wind.

Even if it doesn’t rain during your trip, chances are you’ll get wet as soon as you step anywhere near Iceland’s impressive waterfalls. And with some of them, you can get very close to the falling water. 

A backpack with a rain cover can be a great tool to keep all your valuables dry, regardless of the conditions in which you’re adventuring.

Have I already mentioned that the weather in Iceland is highly unpredictable? 😉 Yes, that means that a super sunny, cloudless day can also happen. With the light reflecting off of white surfaces, you’ll want to protect your eyes.

While the more high-end/fancy thermal spas like Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon include the use of a towel in the ticket, the more remote pools and outdoor springs don’t necessarily offer this option. You don’t want to hop in a hot spring to find out you have nothing to dry yourself with in the cold.

If you’re anything like me, your skin gets pretty dry in the winter. Chapstick and a non-water-based greasy moisturizer (or vaseline) are two things I wouldn’t go on any winter trip without. 

Unless specified otherwise, tap water in Iceland is perfectly fine to drink. Having a water bottle with you to refill is a nice way to save money and treat the environment a bit better.

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With some preparation and the right clothing, adventuring in Iceland in the winter can be perfectly comfortable. On a one-week trip, you won’t need more than a carry-on and a backpack to fit all your items in.

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Have you visited Iceland in the winter? What other items would you add to this packing list? Share your experience in the comments!