Iceland Travel Essentials
Fun Fam Travels
Iceland is an AMAZING place to visit but it’s not the place for a quick getaway without any planning. The terrain is rugged and the weather changes constantly, so you need to be prepared for anything that comes your way! This list was compiled from resident recommendations as well as travelers who have tested the products themselves! You’ll notice a theme – waterproof, waterproof, waterproof!
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Columbia Waterproof Hiking Boots – This is one item you don’t want to go cheap on – waterproof hiking boots! Hiking boots should be mandatory to enter the country, honestly. You will wear them every day and will thank us later for both their comfort and ability to keep your feet dry! Many colors too!
33,000ft Rain Jacket – This packable, lightweight, windproof, and WATERPROOF rain jacket is exactly what you need to keep you dry (it should also be mandatory!). It comes in a bunch of fun colors too! Don’t forget you may be wearing layers so size accordingly.
Waterproof Rain Pants – If you haven’t caught on to the theme yet…it’s waterproof everything! These pants are meant to be thrown over whatever you are wearing to keep you dry. Just trust us – you need them. (Ladies the Storm Surge pants are the most flattering – promise!)
Waterproof Gloves – You don’t need to spend $70 to get a solid pair of gloves for Iceland. These are waterproof, soft, and have touchscreen functionality which comes in handy for all the photos you’ll be taking!
Waterproof Backpack Cover (2 pack) – Not all backpacks are water resistant or waterPROOF so you will appreciate these super packable covers that you can toss over your bag when you are hiking in the mist or checking out one of the many waterfalls in the country. Bonus – they come in several colors and you’ll have one for your travel pal!
Smartwool Merino Wool Socks – Wool is the way to go whether it’s summer, winter or in-between. I know you may think wool is itchy and only for winter – think again! Merino wool feels great, prevents odor, helps regulate body temp, and keeps you dry and sweat-free! We even wore our socks more than one day!
Waterproof Socks – Plan to hike near any water, go whale watching on an inflatable boat, or go walking on the rocks to get near waterfalls? You may want to bring a pair of waterproof socks for the occasion. Just in case your feet go a little deeper in the water than you planned or you get splashed by waves, your feet will stay dry and comfortable.
![RANDY SUN Waterproof Breathable Socks, [SGS Certified] Unisex Novelty Skiing Trekking Hiking Wading Trail Socks](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41gDnGhVpRL._SL500_.jpg)
Waterproof Phone Case – This is our favorite waterproof case for all types of vacations, but if you plan to see waterfalls, swim in the warm blue lagoons, or be in the rain, etc – you will find use in these. They come in a pack of 2 and in different colors. We’ve never had a leak and you can take pics through the case too!
Maelstrom Hiking Backpack – I know what you are going to ask. Is it waterproof? YES! This lightweight backpack is perfect for traveling and day hikes to carry your essentials. It has lots of pockets, padded straps for comfort, reflective logos, and comes with an additional waterproof cover too!
Water-Resistant Leggings – This one is for you ladies! These leggings in assorted colors ranked high on comfort and cuteness. While this pair is not waterproof (that’s why you have the rain pants), this pair IS water-resistant. We tried these at one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland and our skin stayed perfectly dry!
Merino.tech Base Layers – Merino.tech is the close second to Smartwool in our review of merino wool products and base layers. Their products have a much more affordable price tag too. Benefits of a merino wool base layer under your vest or jacket include thermoregulation, moisture-wicking abilities, sun protection, breathability, and softness!
Columbia Powder Lite Vest – Get this warm omni-heat mid-layer vest to go over your base layer wool and under a fleece or rain jacket. Omni-heat technology keeps you warm and comfortable while omni-shield helps repel water and stains. These vests are a win in our book – we wore them every day!
GoPro HERO 13 – This rugged and waterproof GoPro camera bundle is worth the splurge! 5.3K professional video, fabulous photos (even underwater!), extended battery life, hand-grip and case all come in the package. You’ll have brag-worthy photos and action videos to share of your travels!
220V to 110V Voltage Converter & Adapter – This European (yes, Iceland is part of Europe) converter/adapter has a standard US plug, 2 USB ports, and 2 C ports. It has TWO prongs (don’t get the UK three-prong converters)! We used this for our phones, apple watches, laptops and hair tools and it worked perfect!
Ray-Ban Polarized Sunglasses – These shades are popular for a reason! Where there is sun and water, there is glare. These polarized sunglasses reduce glare, enhance visual clarity, and offer 100% UV protection. They come in a variety of frame and lens colors – and look pretty darn cool on your face!
Sleep Masks – These are a must in Iceland. When you travel to a place that can have up to 24 hours of daylight – you will need them! These ones are slightly curved so if you are like me and open your eyes, your eyelids and lashes won’t touch the inside. Lightweight and amazing. Trust me.
Travel Fan – Icelanders heat their homes and hotels mainly with renewable energy sources, like geothermal energy. It tends to get pretty warm in most places so you will read a lot of reviews telling you to bring a travel fan to sleep in the hotels. This one is rechargeable and packs flat – great for travel!
![Warmco 10000mAh Portable Travel Fan 7-inch, [10-24H Runtime] Ultra-thin Digital Display Small Desk Battery Operated Fan for Camping, Office, Bedroom, Cruise Essentials 2025](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41DE2ObUYdL._SL500_.jpg)
Selfie Stick – Don’t take arms-length selfies and miss out on the beautiful background behind you! You will see people using these at all the amazing sites in Iceland. Use it as a collapsible selfie stick, or set it up as a tripod with wireless remote. This was great for taking photos in the cold without having to take our gloves off!
Microfiber Towels – These Eccosophy towels pack flat and dry super fast making these a great choice if you plan to go in any of Iceland’s baths or lagoons. Some places charge for towels or, if it’s a real natural bath, don’t offer towels/facilities – so save yourself and at least bring one to share!
Portable Charger – You will be taking a LOT of photos and videos on your trip to Iceland so be sure to pack this portable power bank charger in your backpack. It comes with several attached cords so you can charge various types of devices – even at the same time!
CC Soft Ear-Warmer Headbands – Ladies here is another one for you. It’s not always full hat weather but these CC ear-warmer headbands will keep your ears warm and your hair out of your face in the wind. Super cute with a TON of colors and patterns!
Carmex Weather Guard Lip Balm Stick – I always say I am a walking advertisement for Carmex, and for good reason – this stuff works! It is water resistant, protects against Iceland’s fierce winds, and has SPF 30 to protect your lips. Carmex is the ONLY brand that doesn’t leave my lips feeling worse. Try it!
Camelbak Eddy+ Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Iceland’s water is pure and free. No need to purchase plastic one-use bottles of water in the stores. This one is perfect to put in your backpack mesh pockets and comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
Less Drowsy Dramamine – Plan to go whale watching or on any other boat tours? This will be your best friend! Less drowsy bonine gives you up to 24 hours of motion sickness relief. Coming from a person who gets sick on a swingset, it 100% worked on a very choppy day at sea. Another must for your backpack!
Mini First Aid Kit – This mini first aid kit has all the essentials you may need for those little cuts or blisters from hiking. Even if you don’t use it for yourself, you may end up coming to the rescue of a fellow traveler-in-need. Better to have than not!
We add items periodically so check back soon!
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