I like to think I’ve gotten pretty good at packing over the years since I started traveling more frequently. I’ve learned to cut the excess and focus on what I’ll actually use, and while there were still a few things I didn’t end up wearing in Iceland, overall, I was really happy with what I brought. A handful of items, in particular, made the trip noticeably smoother and more comfortable.
THE PACKING LIST ESSENTIALS
ONE. A BATHING SUIT (OR TWO).
If you have any intention of visiting a hot spring, geothermal pool, or even the local public pool in whatever city, town or village you end up in – and you should! – a bathing suit is a necessity. I took two because there’s nothing I hate more than putting on a wet bathing suit, and I have a nifty little waterproof bag for stowing them, too.
TWO. LOTS OF LAYERS.
The weather in Iceland can change rapidly, and, according to legend, there’s no bad weather, only bad gear. Most days I wore a base layer top, a fleece pullover, and either my Patagonia Nano Puff or my windproof rain jacket, along with either a pair of fleece-lined leggings or a pair of hiking pants. The hiking pants I took are water-resistant, which was fine for light rain or waterfall mist, but I do wish I’d taken along a pair of waterproof pants for the few times the rain was extra ferocious.
THREE. A BRIMMED HAT.
I don’t adventure without my KÜHL hat. It’s been everywhere with me, from Tajikistan to Nicaragua, to Death Valley to Denali to Acadia, and countless places in between. A beanie was great when it wasn’t raining, but a brimmed hat worked best for keeping the wind and rain out of my face, and it helped to keep the hood of my rain jacket in place, too.
FOUR. A SLEEP MASK.
The days are long in Iceland, even in the spring, and a sleep mask helped block out some of the light that slipped through the curtains of my camper van. It also helped me sleep on the plane on the red eye I took to Iceland.
FIVE. A CURIOUS PALATE.
I was surprised and delighted by how much I enjoyed he food in Iceland. Not long ago, I didn’t eat any seafood—but that’s changed over the past year, and this trip gave me plenty of opportunities to be a more adventurous eater. I tried things I’d never had before, like scallops and fish and chips, and I’m so glad I did. If you’re headed to Iceland, I recommend keeping an open mind: grab a traditional Icelandic hot dog, treat yourself to a cinnamon roll from one of Reykjavík’s incredible bakeries, get the fish and chips from a seaside shack, and yes—try the hákarl.
SIX. A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE.
The water in Iceland is some of the cleanest in the world. Icelanders will tell you that buying bottled water there is a complete and total scam – don’t fall for it.
SEVEN. TWO PAIRS OF GLOVES.
Bringing gloves to Iceland is a no-brainer, but one of the best tips I came across was to pack two pairs. Between rain, snow, and waterfall spray, one pair is almost guaranteed to get soaked.
WHAT I FORGOT
ONE. BINOCULARS.
I’m notoriously bad at remembering to pack binoculars and this trip was no exception. I spent a lot of time squinting at the horizon or up at cliffside birds, wondering if I was missing a whale breaching or a puffin sighting.
TWO. A FLEECE HEADBAND.
Sometimes a girl just wants her ears to be cozy.
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