You’ll need some essential items when planning a camping trip to Iceland. Regardless of season, the first item you should pack is a good quality down-filled jacket.
The jacket should be warm but lightweight, following the layering philosophy that works well in Iceland. It should also be comfortable to wear and keep you warm when wet.
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Waterproof Jacket
A good waterproof jacket is essential for an Iceland campervan adventure, whether you’re getting wet while visiting waterfalls or hiking coastal trails. It will protect you from the spray of mighty waterfalls and the muddy mess you may encounter while trekking to natural hot springs.
Avoid cotton as a base layer; it soaks up and holds moisture, dries very slowly, and is cold when wet. The best base layers are merino wool and fleece.
An excellent insulating layer is also necessary to keep you warm, even when wet.
Raincoat
The weather in Iceland can change quickly – sunny, warm days often turn into rain and wind. A raincoat is an essential item to bring along on any adventure in the country.
The lightest rain shells make excellent outer layers and follow the dressing-in-layers philosophy – they pack up small and are easy to put on when the sun starts shining.
A few extra items to consider packing are flip-flops for showering at campsites, a travel towel that dries quickly, and a sleep mask (especially during the summer when the Midnight Sun can mess with your sleep schedule).
Hat and Gloves
A hat and gloves should be at the top of your Iceland campervan packing list if you’re traveling during winter. They are essential for mitigating the cold and rain, whether hiking a glacier or visiting a hot spring.
A thin waterproof jacket or trousers are handy items to pack in your suitcase when temperatures fluctuate.
An insulating layer, such as fleece or natural materials like wool, helps keep the heat inside your body. A large scarf or shawl also does the trick, as it can keep the wind off and be used as a towel in case you get soaked while exploring a waterfall.
Waterproof Pants
The next layer of your Iceland clothing must be an insulating material that will trap the body heat you have stored and prevent rapid cooling through moisture evaporation. Wool is an excellent option for this, but synthetic materials also work.
The final layer of your Iceland clothing will be the waterproof shell that will keep water, slush, and wind away from the insulated layers underneath. This layer is crucial to protect you from the weather conditions typical in Iceland.
A compact tripod is a must-have for stunning photos of waterfalls, the Northern Lights, and other incredible natural features. It will help you get steady shots that appear smooth.
Woolen Socks
No matter the season, it’s essential to pack comfortable, warm clothing and gear that will protect you from Iceland’s wind and sometimes frigid temperatures. Waterproof clothing is also necessary when exploring Iceland’s many waterfalls and enjoying the spray and mud from the natural hot springs.
A packable down jacket is a great choice, no matter the season. It’s lightweight and fits well in your backpack while still warm enough to keep you toasty on chilly hiking days.
Base Layers
You’ll need layers to stay warm in Iceland. A high-quality layering system will prevent rapid cooling through evaporation and trap body heat close to the skin. Avoid clothing that says “water and wind-resistant” – those fabrics do not provide sufficient protection in the face of Iceland’s extreme weather conditions.
The base layer should be made of natural materials like merino wool. This helps to move moisture away from the body and keeps it toasty warm.
A large scarf or shawl is also helpful as it can be worn to keep the wind off, as an extra blanket on chilly nights, and even used as a pillow in case of a rough sleep in the van. A travel towel is another essential item to bring along.
Sunscreen
Quality sunscreen is essential for an Iceland trip. The sun is powerful and can cause burns easily.
An emergency first aid kit is also essential to have. This is especially true if you do any hiking on your trip.
You should bring a daypack backpack to carry extra snacks, water, a change of clothes, and a towel for any hot spring pools you find along the way.
A pair of flip-flops is handy if camping at a campsite. You’ll also want a microfiber towel that dries quickly, as Iceland has many public showers that can be pretty dirty.
Travel Towel
You may be able to rent towels at some of the bigger hot pools and swimming pools in Iceland, but it’s better to bring your microfibre travel towel. This will be quicker to dry than a bath towel and is small enough to pack in your luggage.
A daypack backpack is also suitable for half-day hikes around the island. This is great for storing snacks, changing clothes, and even a towel if you find some natural hot springs during your trip.
Toiletries
Regarding toiletries, there are a few essential items to include in your campervan packing list. These will keep you clean and comfortable while on the road.
Additionally, a flip-flop is excellent for getting out of wet shoes after a hike or when entering the hot springs.
Lastly, it’s worth packing a waterproof camera for capturing the most exciting on-the-go moments.
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