How To: Packing for Iceland

We traveled in October so the average temperature was 6-8℃. take my list into consideration but of course you don't have to follow it exactly. I understand if you feel like it's hard to pack for a colder climate. You feel like you need many layers and heavier clothing. Yes this is true but to be honest, You can be good with 2 outfits...yes 2! maybe 3 if you want but seriously, wear an outfit there and pack 2 more. the only things you really need daily is underwear and socks (not even with the socks). I defiantly over packed and I didn't even pack much, plus we used carry-ons not even checked luggage!. So bam! If i can pack in a carry-on plus my personal, you can too.

note:

the brands and styles i will show you are ones that i personally like or actually have the products myself. I try to find similar products to link as well if my product of choice is not available anymore. we all have our favourite brands and also brands we don't like. so if you are offended by my brnad of choice, please don't take offence and read on past this section of the post.

| Jacket |

The jacket I packed was great but i'll admit I could of also packed a heavier one for the evenings. we weren't out much at night but even when the sun wasn't out, it was chilly. I layered a knit and if I was wanted also a long sleeve under my jacket. I had tones of room to move still. Definitely bring a jacket that's water proof as the weather can change quickly while you're there. Since I didn't have a water proof jacket that was light weight, I purchased this one from Lululemon⇢ 

Down & Around Jacket

opting for a heavier option or even just a jacket with down filling but not as heavy as a parka ⇣

Trillium Parka

I own the Trillium parka in Military Green and I adore it. WHy I wish I had brought this jacket was for leg coverage. My legs were one thing that got very cold.

Brookvale Hoodie

So I would actually say go with something like this one above ⇡ It's more flexible than a parka but thicker and warmer than the Lululemon jacket I had, although it did work layering underneath. Both of these jackets are by Canada Goose. Of course there are many other brands with their own jackets.

| tops |

okay...here's where you can't over pack. in continuation with the bottoms (remember I said bring 2 bottoms), pack 3-4 tops⇢1-2 long sleeves, 1-2 short sleeves, and 1 knit/hoodie. I know to some of you it can sound a tad grose not changing outfits everyday but honestly you don't need to. You're bundled up anyways. Again I over packed in this area. THe key is layering - short sleeve⇢long sleeve⇢ knit/hoodie⇢jacket 

Emerald long sleeve

My favourite long sleeve! of course it's from Lululemon. so lightweight which is perfect for layering yet it feels sturdy. feels good when you sweet. but it drys up not leaving any oder!

Cotton t-shirt

Honestly just grab any random favourite 'T' of yours. I like mine a bit baggy. I feel too confined in a form fitting t-shirt. Cheap t-shirts found at H&m. I usually go for a mens small-medium.

Aleza Sweater

definitely splurged on this bad boy. THis was the one new item I purchased for this trip and i'm so happy i did. quality and style is amazing. it kept me warm and didn't feel bulky under my jacket. Again it lasted the whole week without having an odour to it. bonus!

| bottoms |

I brought 4 bottoms - 2 leggings and 2 sweat pants. I used 1 legging and 1 sweat pant. If you can, I would try to find a pair of pants that are an in-between. My leggings were amazing but again when the days got colder, it was harder to keep warm. And the track pants I brought weren't the most comfortable to walk around in. The leggings I brought were awesome for during the day. Again from Lululemon, they are flexable and breathable. they didn't smell even after a week of wearing them. But they are a thin legging so when they got wet from the mists of the waterfalls, it was a tad chilly. 

Pushing the limits 7/8 tight *nulu

As i mentioned above, a heavier pant would of helped out at sometimes⇢

crosstrek fleece pant - patigonia

So idealy the ones above would of been perfect. Just a tad more wormth on the legs. So those and a nice pair of cozy track pants. boyfriend style so you can wear them over your leggings if you get cold while being out or to wear when you're back at home. 

boyrfriend pant

I wish I knew were my boyfriend pants were! I would of definitely brought them on my trip. They are fleecy inside and so baggy and comfy.

| Acessories |

scarf | Gloves | Hat | Backpack

Don't underestimate the weather in Iceland. You'll love yourself for bringing a hat. Covering your ears when it gets windy is a blessing. GLoves of course for the hands but also when you're taking video or pictures, again you'll thank yourself. I brought a scarf but you could also bring a buff. something to keep the draat from going down your neck, also to cover your face if walking in high winds or around the hot springs which smell like sulfer (yuk). ANd of course a backpack to going out and about. to make your essentials like this ones I just listed, your gear i.e. camera, chargers, etc., snakes, water bottle. It's also a safe and practical bag ladies rather than using a purse.

All items are what I actually have. the backpack is a similar one as they do not carry mine anymore - same brand and similar look and fabric.

of course you also need your socks and undies. undies are the only thing I packed one for each day. for socks i packed 3 heavy kodiak socks and a few thin ankle socks (which i didn't use). I ended up wearing the same 3 heavy socks all week.

 

| Foot Wear |

YOu'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing so comfort is key!. make sure your shoes have grip and are water proof/resistant. I personally packed 2 pairs of shoes - my Clarks and a pair of snow boots. My clarks were fine but I didn't really need them. My toes got cold in them easly but I also liked them because they were light weight. My snow boots were awesome! Even though we didn't encounter any snow on our trip, they still were a very sturdy boot, lots of tread and support, comfy, and warm. I had no worries walking around in these.