Iceland Packing Guide for an Amazing Autumn Adventure

Iceland in autumn? Unbelievable! Think green and red foliage, cascading waterfalls, and northern lights across the sky (if you’re lucky enough to see them). But let’s be real—packing for Iceland in the fall isn’t a simple “throw some sweaters in a bag” kind of deal. With unpredictable weather, strong winds, and sudden rain showers, you’ll want to be prepared for anything. What you need is an Iceland packing guide.

Lucky for you, I learned a thing or two after road-tripping for eight amazing days around Iceland, and I’m here to make your packing process a little easier.

Below is my carefully curated packing guide for 8-9 days in Iceland during autumn, designed to keep you warm, dry, and adventure-ready!

Layer Up Like a Pro

Iceland’s weather is a mood—unpredictable and ever-changing. Snow, rain, and sunshine all in one day? Totally possible. Layering is the answer!

1. Base Layer: Moisture-wicking thermal shirts and leggings
2. Mid Layer: Sweater or Flannel for insulation
3. Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket
4. Bottoms: Waterproof pants for hikes near waterfalls

👉 Pro tip: Always opt for merino wool—it’s warm, breathable, and dries quickly!

Waterproof Everything

Rain happens. Wind happens. And wet, cold clothes are never fun.

• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Sturdy waterproof hiking boots (ankle support is a must!)
• Waterproof gloves (because freezing hands aren’t cute)

This was my first time purchasing waterproof pants, and I questioned whether I would really need them—I most definitely did!

I love the waterproof pants I bought! They were worth the extra money because I could put them on and take them off without removing my hiking boots. I wore thermal yoga pants underneath, and it was the perfect combo.

Cold-Weather Accessories

Stay warm and comfortable with:

• Hat (fleece or wool)
• Scarf (shields against the wind)
• Touchscreen-friendly gloves (so you can take photos without freezing!)

I love bobble hats, but if you’re going on excursions requiring helmets (like lava and ice caves), bring a beanie as well.

I made the mistake of not bringing touchscreen-friendly gloves and did the one-glove Michael Jackson look so I could use my phone. Never again!

Daypack Essentials

A lightweight, waterproof daypack is key for daily adventures:

• Snacks & a reusable water bottle
• Extra socks (trust me, you’ll thank me later)
• Rain cover for your bag
• Power bank (because capturing Iceland’s beauty drains your battery!)

I took plenty of snack bars and am so glad I did. We left our hotels early in the morning, often skipping breakfast, and there aren’t a ton of food stops in northern Iceland. If you get hangry like me, snacks are a must!

Swimwear for Hot Springs

Yes, even in the chilly autumn months! Pack:

• Swimsuit (for hot springs like the Blue Lagoon)
• Quick-dry towel

You don’t need a cover-up for the Blue Lagoon—you walk directly from the changing room into the lagoon, and there is no awkward shuffling around the outside like at a public pool.

I took flip-flops but never wore them.

Photo Gear

Iceland is ridiculously photogenic. To capture it all, bring:

• DSLR or smartphone with extra memory cards
• Sturdy tripod (for those steady northern lights shots!)
• Waterproof camera bag (essential for waterfalls and glacier hikes)
• Portable selfie light (doubles as a makeup mirror light!)

My iPhone memory gets full fast, so I invested in this flash drive that plugs directly into my phone. When my phone memory starts to get full, I can transfer photos and large video files to the drive and organize them into folders. I use this all the time now. I have the smallest (128GB and it’s more than enough).

👉 Pro tip: Cold drains batteries fast—bring extras!

Sunglasses & Sunscreen

Surprise! Even in Iceland, you need UV protection.

• Polarized sunglasses (for glare off glaciers and water)
• SPF sunscreen (yes, even in the fall!)

Travel Documents & Extras

• Passport & travel insurance
• Credit card (contactless is everywhere, even for some toilets!)
• Offline maps & Google Translate (rural areas have spotty WiFi)
• European plug adapter & double USB charger
• eSim

I regretted not having an eSim for Iceland. I thought my plan from the UK or my US plan would be sufficient, and I was really disappointed.

What I Took & What I Wish I Had

What I Packed:

• 2 hats (1 beanie and 1 bobble hat)
• 4 long-sleeve undershirts
• 3 flannel shirts
• 1 wool sweater
• 3 sports bras
• 1 regular bra
• 1 pair of leggings & t-shirt (pajamas)
• 1 pair of waterproof pants
• 1 pair of water-resistant hiking pants
• 1 pair of water-resistant yoga pants (with pockets!)
• 1 pair of jeans
• 5 pairs of socks (2 wool, 2 hiking, 1 cotton for sleeping)
• 1 pair of hiking shoes
• 1 pair of hiking boots (Ice cave tours require ankle-high boots!)
• 1 mini backpack
• 1 double USB European charger (my favorite European travel item)
• 1 USB stick for photos
• 1 small tripod with a handheld remote
• 2 pairs of gloves (neither waterproof nor touchscreen-friendly—huge mistake!)
• 2 pairs of sunglasses (always good to have a backup!)

What I Wish I Had Brought:

• A scarf (I survived without it, but it would have been nice!)
• Hand lotion (My hands have NEVER been as dry as they were in Iceland!)
• Touchscreen-friendly waterproof gloves
• More high-quality wool socks (Cheap ones didn’t cut it!)
• Waterproof phone case (For the Blue Lagoon & rainy days!)

Warm, Dry & Ready

Packing for Iceland in autumn is all about layers, waterproof gear, and smart accessories to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.

✨ Ready to embark on your Iceland adventure? Download my Iceland Packing Guide to ensure you’ve got everything you need for a smooth, stylish, and unforgettable trip!

Happy travels! ✈️🌍