Greetings from Reykjavík! After weeks of planning (and tweaking right up until the last minute), I finally nailed down my Iceland packing list. Packing for Iceland in September can feel overwhelming with the outdoor excursions and unpredictable weather. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever planned for, so luckily, I had some help!
Paul has been here before, so he helped me get started, and from there I leaned on a few online capsule guides and advice from friends who had traveled to Iceland. After multiple REI runs (and way too many online orders and returns), I finally settled on my packing list, so I thought I’d share it with you. We’re only here for five days before moving on to Scotland and then London, but this capsule could easily work for a week or more since everything mixes and matches.
And since so many of you travel with your husbands, I thought it might be helpful to share Paul’s packing list too. Between the two of us, you’ll see a realistic his-and-hers Iceland fall packing list with what we brought (plus a few optional add-ons) for five days of sightseeing in Reykjavík, chasing waterfalls, and exploring black sand beaches. Hopefully it helps if Iceland is on your bucket list.
What We Actually Brought to Iceland
I already shared a lot of my thought process in my post about What I’m Packing for Iceland in September, so I won’t reinvent the wheel here. Instead, this post is meant to be more of a resource. I’ve broken everything down into simple, scannable lists, and I even created a printable checklist if you’re planning a similar trip. Let’s start with my capsule, and then I’ll share Paul’s below.
My Iceland Packing List (Fall Capsule)
Outer Layers
These are for extreme weather. I’ll carry them in my backpack most days and only pull them out when needed.
Mid Layers
These add insulation and can be worn under the outer layers or mixed and matched with base layers depending on the temperature.
Wearable Base Layers
These are thinner, fitted pieces that go closest to the body. They work on their own in milder weather or as the foundation for layering.
- Long-Sleeve Merino Crew – breathable warmth, can be worn solo or layered (Smartwool in Charcoal and Currant Heather)
- Lightweight Performance Tee – another layering option for more active days (pictured: Rab Force Hoodie; I brought my old Zella Liana in Light Grey Heather)
- Short-Sleeve Merino Tee – lightweight and versatile (Smartwool in Twilight Blue)
Thermal Underlayers
These go next to the skin and aren’t really meant to be seen. They provide extra warmth on the coldest or windiest days.
- Thermal Top – thermal insulation under any outfit (Buck Naked in Black)
- Thermal Leggings – perfect for layering under hiking pants (Buck Naked in Black)
- V-Neck Tank – an everyday under layer, great under sweaters (EBY in Taupe)
Bottoms
Practical pants for hiking and exploring, plus a versatile option that works for travel days or dinners.
I had high hopes for the Duluth pants as a versatile travel/hiking/dinner option, but the waist was just too tight, even when I sized up. Instead, I brought my Athleta Altitude Fleece Lined High Rise Pants (sadly discontinued). The Glacier High Rise Bootcut Pant is the closest alternative I found, if you’re looking for something similar.
City Wear
More polished pieces for dinners out or touring Reykjavík. I can also wear these in Scotland and London as we continue our trip.
Shoes
Footwear for travel days, hikes, city sightseeing, and evenings.
- Waterproof Hiking Sneakers – trail-ready with all-day comfort (Merrell Moab Speed 2 in Charcoal)
- Casual Sneakers – comfortable option for travel days and city sightseeing (VEJA Esplar in White/Black)
- Waterproof Booties – practical enough for city sightseeing, but polished enough for evenings out (Blondo Cammie in Black)
- Flip-Flops – for the pool and hot springs (FitFlops in Gold)
Accessories
The extras that make all the difference—warmth, comfort, and practicality for every kind of Iceland weather.
- Beanie – cozy and quick-drying (lululemon)
- Run Cap/Ball Cap – shields your face from rain and fits under a hood (2XU)
- Etip Gloves – lightweight fleece warmth with touchscreen capability (The North Face)
- Neck Gaiter – blocks wind better than a scarf (Smartwool)
- Wool Socks – mix of padded hiking and everyday weights (Darn Tough & Smartwool)
- No-Show Socks – for wearing with my VEJA sneakers (Sheec Active)
- Sunglasses – glare protection for glaciers and waterfalls (DIFF)
- Swimsuit – a must for hot springs (LaBlanca)
- Day Pack – for daily excursions (lululemon Wanderlust)
- Crossbody Sling Bag – city-friendly (Lululemon)
- Foldable Duffle Bag – handy for dirty clothes or souvenirs, and can be checked on the way home (Paravel)
Travel Outfit: For the red-eye flight, I had planned to wear my J.Crew Patch Pocket Cardigan and Z Supply Elin with the Duluth Flexpedition Bootcut Pants and Blondo Cammie Chelsea Boots. But since the Duluth pants didn’t work out, I ended up wearing jeans instead. It wasn’t the most comfortable solution, but the flight wasn’t terribly long, and at least I felt put together when we landed in Reykjavík and headed out to start exploring.
Paul’s Iceland Packing List (Fall Capsule)
And here’s Paul’s packing list. He’s a much more minimalist packer than I am, but it covers all the essentials. Of course, you could bring more than one of a few of these pieces if you prefer having extra options.
Minimalist Packing Tip: Merino wool t-shirts are his secret weapon. You can wear the same one or two on repeat without them smelling, which really is amazing. And if needed, you can wash them in the sink and they’ll be dry by morning..
Outer Layers
- Waterproof Shell – rain and wind protection (REI Gore-Tex in Blue)
- Waterproof Pants – essential for hikes and waterfalls (REI Trailmade in Black)
Mid Layers
Wearable Base Layers
- Short-Sleeve Merino Crews – his everyday base layer, worn on their own or under other layers (Unbound Merino in black and charcoal)
- Long-Sleeve Merino Crew – breathable warmth (Smartwool in Olive)
Merino naturally regulates temperature, keeping you warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather, and it resists odor, even after multiple wears.
Thermal Underlayers
- Thermal Leggings – insulation under hiking pants (Smartwool)
- Thermal Top – classic long underwear (Thermajohn)
Bottoms
City Wear
- Wool Sweater – doubles as a nicer option for dinners (L.L. Bean Waterfowl in Olive)
- Flannel Button-Up – an easy layering piece over tees for sightseeing or casual dinners (Faherty)
- Dark Jeans – an alternative to the everyday pants for dinners or sightseeing (AG Graduate)
- Wool or Cashmere Scarf – warm and polished (Nordstrom Men’s Shop)
Shoes
- Hiking Sneakers – rugged and waterproof (Danner)
- Leather Sneakers – comfortable but polished for Reykjavík or evenings out (Cole Haan)
Accessories
- Beanie – warm and lightweight (Smartwool)
- Ball Cap – shields his face from rain and fits comfortably under a hood
- Neck Gaiter – blocks wind better than a scarf (Smartwool)
- Gloves – insulated and practical (OZERO)
- Wool Socks – multiple pairs for hiking and daily wear (Smartwool)
- Sunglasses – glare protection for glaciers and waterfalls
- Swimsuit – a must for hot springs
- Day Pack – for day trips and excursions (Coowoz)
- Camera Sling Bag – compact but designed to carry his camera gear safely (K&F Concept 2-in-1)
- Money Belt – slim and secure option for carrying essentials (option)
Iceland Packing Printable Checklist
I made a printable checklist for anyone who wants an easy reference. We’ll be updating it with a few last-minute additions (which are already in the post), but I wanted to get this out today, so consider this the first draft. You can jot in any extras, or check back next week for the updated version.
👉🏻 Click here to download the printable Iceland packing checklist! (TIP: In your printer settings, choose “Fit to Page” or “Fit to Printable Area” to make sure it fills the page.)
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If you’re planning any international trip, you might also like my post on Packing Essentials for International Travel. And if you’re in the market for new luggage, don’t miss my AWAY Luggage Review, where I share the suitcases, bags, and packing cubes I recommend.
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