Packing for Iceland

[sTitchNeeyore]

I tell ya, I was very concerned about the luggage weight, too. But it ended up okay!
I didn’t mean to be misleading regarding taking the spinners strictly as carry ons throughout our trip.

So this was what we ended up doing:

We flew Delta from our home base to Boston, and on the return.

Flew Icelandair from Boston to Keflavik, and the reverse on return. We chose to check all four of our suitcases (there was no additional fee.)
They did not weigh or measure the bac passkpacks we carried on. We did take a change of clothes and nightwear in our backpacks, just in case the checked luggage didn’t make it.

So we did check our spinners for Icelandair flights. There were four of us travelling and we had four checked bags.

This trip was great!
BTW, you may have Mike Torres as one of your guides—he was on our trip, too. He rocks!

This has been SO helpful. Logan is our "home" airport, and Icelandair is nonstop. We are on an 11:30 pm overnight to Keflavik. We are planning to use backpacks as carryons as well. One checked bag each and we should be good to go. My suitcase is currently empty so I plan to do a"sloppy" pack just to see what the weight is for what I plan to take. I tend to overthink. Trying to get over that! Also thanks to aggiedog for the underseat tip. So- one more question? Our boxes finally came. So much was made about the lanyard and badge, I expected something a bit sturdier? I was thinking of getting ours laminated just so they'd last through the trip. Thoughts? Our local Staples does it. I assume the blank space on the badge is for the names we are called (Deb as opposed to Deborah, for instance?) Thanks as always. I am so grateful for this group.

 

[Shadowfan]

As far as the lanyards go, on our trip it was completely optional to wear them. (People used them just the first day or two.) There were twenty-two guests and two guides, so not a big group, really.

With more folks in a bigger group (like 40 or more), the lanyards are helpful!

 

[sayhello]

As far as the lanyards go, on our trip it was completely optional to wear them. (People used them just the first day or two.) There were twenty-two guests and two guides, so not a big group, really.

With more folks in a bigger group (like 40 or more), the lanyards are helpful!

The only trip I'm aware of where the lanyards are required is the Southern CA/Disneyland trip, as they are used as your IDs for the backstage access areas.

I really do appreciate people wearing them, at least for the first couple of days, so that you can learn names. As you say, that can be hard with the really larger groups.

This has been SO helpful. Logan is our "home" airport, and Icelandair is nonstop. We are on an 11:30 pm overnight to Keflavik. We are planning to use backpacks as carryons as well. One checked bag each and we should be good to go. My suitcase is currently empty so I plan to do a"sloppy" pack just to see what the weight is for what I plan to take. I tend to overthink. Trying to get over that! Also thanks to aggiedog for the underseat tip. So- one more question? Our boxes finally came. So much was made about the lanyard and badge, I expected something a bit sturdier? I was thinking of getting ours laminated just so they'd last through the trip. Thoughts? Our local Staples does it. I assume the blank space on the badge is for the names we are called (Deb as opposed to Deborah, for instance?) Thanks as always. I am so grateful for this group.

I've never had an issue with the "badge" breaking, but I suppose it's definitely possible. Yes, the blank space is for the name you want to be called during the trip, so be sure and write it in before you laminate it! (Most people write their name on both sides, as it can get turned around while you wear it).

Sayhello

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

For rain jackets, if you have an outlet mall, check out Eddie Bauer, The North Face or Columbia. You will likely be able to get a quality jacket there for a decent price.

As for rain pants, you could find those pretty inexpensive places. We just bought new ones this year and love the style. They have full zippers down each leg. Which means when you are wearing hiking boots (or bulkier shoes) you could take the rain pants on and off without taking off your shoes. These are REI brand and around $100. I'd think you could get basic ones for half the price. We do alot of hiking so they will come in handy. Something to consider with the full zip leg if you have other uses for these pants.

 

[hmsTigger]

we did this for our trip 2 years ago, good hiking boots also helpful, some days were warm others were cold. Very interesting country

what hiking boots would you recommend to stay dry yet comfortable? Thx

 

[sayhello]

what hiking boots would you recommend to stay dry yet comfortable? Thx

I have a pair of these Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking boots. They come in both Women's & Men's. Best, most comfortable hiking boots EVER!

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-...3=false&prefn4=itemStyle&prefv4=Boots&start=1

(ETA, I'm having some issues clicking on the above link. If you have problems, I found right-clicking and saying "open link in a new tab" *does* work. Hopefully just a glitch).



I *highly* recommend them! Extremely comfortable, very stable, great traction, and very light weight.

Sayhello

 

[aggiedog]

I have a pair of Keen boots that I love. I have very wide feet and I have no problems with them. I just did a 45 mile thru hike across the Icelandic highlands in them.

When I hike, I wear a thin liner sock and a thicker wool sock (no matter the time of year) so my hiking boots are a half size larger than my regular shoes. When I fly, I usually wear the boots and only wear one pair of sock then, but the extra space in the shoe is not an issue when we're just walking around airports. Having that extra space is critical when hiking so your toes don't bang up against the end of the shoe. Good way to lose a toenail if you do a lot of incline/declines.

 

[hardcorestitch]

We are a family of four traveling on the end of June ABD. We live in northern Ohio, so we have some cold weather clothing. However, the packing list, along with the luggage restrictions is a bit overwhelming!
[Incidentally, I have investigated the option to rent outerwear in Iceland, specifically long, hooded insulated rain coats & outdoor pants. The cost would run about $575 for four people for 7 days’ use. Does this seem reasonable or excessive?]
Please let me know how you generally packed for this trip

How was Iceland? Did you enjoy your visit?

 

[jimmymc]

I use similar Merrill boots as Sayhello, they've served me on a lot of big hikes and travel days.

 

[Shadowfan]

How was Iceland? Did you enjoy your visit?

Iceland was really cool. I enjoyed our visit!

 

[hmsTigger]

Planning on Iceland/Norway in 2026 Any packing advice is welcome!
Will definitely be purchasing these Merrell hiking boots. and wear on the plane like aggiedog

 

[elderfam]

Good Morning. We are on the September 13-20 Iceland Adventure. This thread has been thought provoking, to say the least. We live in New Hampshire and have a fair assortment of cold weather clothing, but have differing ideas about what to bring! Shadowfan, in particular, it looks as if you and your family just came back. Any advice on packing from anyone out there would be welcome, and thanks - Deb

We are on the same trip! Its just my husband and I. We are retired and this is our second ABD trip.

 

[tikisunset77]

Just wanted to add my ideas for packing for the weather in Iceland/ Norway for whoever wants or needs them. We have done both countries and you will be blown away at how beautiful and fun they are. We live Alaska for reference so we expected about the same weather for when we went in late May/June/July. I grew up in the Texas and Florida and had to learn how to dress for this kind of weather through the years by trial and error.
I must say we had more sunny weather than we expected but you absolutely will need rain pants and a water repellant not just resistant jacket for the waterfalls as well as good hiking waterproof shoes. These can be found so cheaply from Columbia I can't imagine spending as much as the original poster was quoted to be outfitted on their trip. Here is what I always wear or have with me when going out in the elements or on a boat, hiking etc but you might not need them (especially if you bring them!! ) . I wear a thin tank top, short sleeve tshirt (sometimes wool-like smartwool), quarter zip or henley (wool blend), thinnish cashmere crewneck sweater or a light down hood less jacket and then a raincoat. For the bottoms I wear thermal underwear (wool blend), regular pants like jeans or tech pull ons, and rainpants. Hat and mittens (although you can find these all over both countries and they make for great souvenirs) if you are on the water or if it's windy at the summit. As for hiking shoes yes you can wear big hiking boots but I find unless you are actually hiking uphill in backcountry you will be fine with waterproof low tops and more comfortable walking around the towns- I found some from LLBean that worked great. The great thing about these layers is they are each thin/not bulky and you don't need multiples of them. I know some people get really cold if its 50 degrees and windy-if that is you- then pack a packable down coat with hood- you can find them on amazon- and you can wear this amongst your layers. Also Rick Steve's has a great forum with tips on all this. I love using that for my trips. Hope this helps someone. Half the fun of travel is the planning!!

 

[rlk]

Just wanted to add my ideas for packing for the weather in Iceland/ Norway for whoever wants or needs them. We have done both countries and you will be blown away at how beautiful and fun they are. We live Alaska for reference so we expected about the same weather for when we went in late May/June/July. I grew up in the Texas and Florida and had to learn how to dress for this kind of weather through the years by trial and error.
I must say we had more sunny weather than we expected but you absolutely will need rain pants and a water repellant not just resistant jacket for the waterfalls as well as good hiking waterproof shoes. These can be found so cheaply from Columbia I can't imagine spending as much as the original poster was quoted to be outfitted on their trip. Here is what I always wear or have with me when going out in the elements or on a boat, hiking etc but you might not need them (especially if you bring them!! ) . I wear a thin tank top, short sleeve tshirt (sometimes wool-like smartwool), quarter zip or henley (wool blend), thinnish cashmere crewneck sweater or a light down hood less jacket and then a raincoat. For the bottoms I wear thermal underwear (wool blend), regular pants like jeans or tech pull ons, and rainpants. Hat and mittens (although you can find these all over both countries and they make for great souvenirs) if you are on the water or if it's windy at the summit. As for hiking shoes yes you can wear big hiking boots but I find unless you are actually hiking uphill in backcountry you will be fine with waterproof low tops and more comfortable walking around the towns- I found some from LLBean that worked great. The great thing about these layers is they are each thin/not bulky and you don't need multiples of them. I know some people get really cold if its 50 degrees and windy-if that is you- then pack a packable down coat with hood- you can find them on amazon- and you can wear this amongst your layers. Also Rick Steve's has a great forum with tips on all this. I love using that for my trips. Hope this helps someone. Half the fun of travel is the planning!!

I agree with everything you wrote. My husband and I just got home last night from our 11-night trip to Iceland, and the layering you described worked beautifully for us. We had an incredible time in this amazing country, and were never cold, even while on the water.

 

[hmsTigger]

Just wanted to add my ideas for packing for the weather in Iceland/ Norway for whoever wants or needs them. We have done both countries and you will be blown away at how beautiful and fun they are. We live Alaska for reference so we expected about the same weather for when we went in late May/June/July. I grew up in the Texas and Florida and had to learn how to dress for this kind of weather through the years by trial and error.
I must say we had more sunny weather than we expected but you absolutely will need rain pants and a water repellant not just resistant jacket for the waterfalls as well as good hiking waterproof shoes. These can be found so cheaply from Columbia I can't imagine spending as much as the original poster was quoted to be outfitted on their trip. Here is what I always wear or have with me when going out in the elements or on a boat, hiking etc but you might not need them (especially if you bring them!! ) . I wear a thin tank top, short sleeve tshirt (sometimes wool-like smartwool), quarter zip or henley (wool blend), thinnish cashmere crewneck sweater or a light down hood less jacket and then a raincoat. For the bottoms I wear thermal underwear (wool blend), regular pants like jeans or tech pull ons, and rainpants. Hat and mittens (although you can find these all over both countries and they make for great souvenirs) if you are on the water or if it's windy at the summit. As for hiking shoes yes you can wear big hiking boots but I find unless you are actually hiking uphill in backcountry you will be fine with waterproof low tops and more comfortable walking around the towns- I found some from LLBean that worked great. The great thing about these layers is they are each thin/not bulky and you don't need multiples of them. I know some people get really cold if its 50 degrees and windy-if that is you- then pack a packable down coat with hood- you can find them on amazon- and you can wear this amongst your layers. Also Rick Steve's has a great forum with tips on all this. I love using that for my trips. Hope this helps someone. Half the fun of travel is the planning!!

Kinds of socks to wear with hiking boots to keep feet warm and comfortable? Thank you

 

[gmi3804]

Iceland

We are a family of four traveling on the end of June ABD. We live in northern Ohio, so we have some cold weather clothing. However, the packing list, along with the luggage restrictions is a bit overwhelming!
[Incidentally, I have investigated the option to rent outerwear in Iceland, specifically long, hooded insulated rain coats & outdoor pants. The cost would run about $575 for four people for 7 days’ use. Does this seem reasonable or excessive?]
Please let me know how you generally packed for this trip

What time of year are you going? We went in July, and when it was sunny and not raining it actually got pretty warm. I'd say pack the same way you'd pack for Alaska. Even when it's overcast/raining, it's not that cold; layers and a good rain jacket will do the trick. Again, this is for July.

 

[greeneyedchick]

That sounds excessive. My daughter went camping in Iceland for a week with only a carry-on. She wore her heavy snow boots and jacket on the plane, so that it didn't take up room in her suitcase. She bought plastic pants and a like a poncho/ rain coat covering from Amazon for a cheap price to further water-proof herself. She had high-end waterproof boots and said that they were absolutely necessary. Otherwise, she wore thermal underwear underneath layers. The thermal underwear was from Burlington. i think she paid around $7 and it doesn't take up much room at all. Bring thick gloves and put them in the pockets of your jacket. She needed a hat and scarf.

 

[aggiedog]

For hiking I wear a thin liner sock (knee high compression), and a mid-weight wool sock, year round, any location. Keeps my feet warm, not sweaty, and prevents blisters.

I would highly recommend against a poncho for rain, as the wind can be wicked and the poncho will not provide any sort of good coverage. Honestly, cost is not important, but more expensive can mean more features so it's really what your priorities are. My rain pants were fairly cheap, $40 I think? I love them, particularly as they zip all the way up the sides so I can put them on over my boots. They are also light weight, and I can roll them up and fit them in a quart size ziplock bag in my backpack. My jacket (gortex rain shell) was $250, but worth every penny. The cuffs tightened around my wrists, the hood had 2 different ways to adjust it to keep it tight against my head, the sides had zippers for venting, and all the zippers were seamed to keep rain out. We spent a LOT of time in the elements (we did a 40 mile, 5 day, hut to hut hike along with several separate long day hikes) in the rain and I stayed warm and dry. If you don't need that level of protection, cheaper would be fine.

It is possible to do Iceland carry on only, but you'll likely need to keep your bulky items on you, and if flying IcelandAir, you'll need to abide by their stricter rules.

 

[Shadowfan]

We went on the end of June ABD.
We wore layers—clothing we had already plus items from Old Navy, REI, Amazon & Columbia.
A few pairs of lightweight wool socks (some regular socks, too) and hiking boots rounded out the majority of the packing.

 

[hmsTigger]

For hiking I wear a thin liner sock (knee high compression), and a mid-weight wool sock, year round, any location. Keeps my feet warm, not sweaty, and prevents blisters.

I would highly recommend against a poncho for rain, as the wind can be wicked and the poncho will not provide any sort of good coverage. Honestly, cost is not important, but more expensive can mean more features so it's really what your priorities are. My rain pants were fairly cheap, $40 I think? I love them, particularly as they zip all the way up the sides so I can put them on over my boots. They are also light weight, and I can roll them up and fit them in a quart size ziplock bag in my backpack. My jacket (gortex rain shell) was $250, but worth every penny. The cuffs tightened around my wrists, the hood had 2 different ways to adjust it to keep it tight against my head, the sides had zippers for venting, and all the zippers were seamed to keep rain out. We spent a LOT of time in the elements (we did a 40 mile, 5 day, hut to hut hike along with several separate long day hikes) in the rain and I stayed warm and dry. If you don't need that level of protection, cheaper would be fine.

It is possible to do Iceland carry on only, but you'll likely need to keep your bulky items on you, and if flying IcelandAir, you'll need to abide by their stricter rules.

Can you mention where you purchased liner sockssand mid weight wool socks

Thanks!