what footwear to wear in iceland in november

Finding the Universe contains affiliate links, significant if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a committee at no extra cost to yous.

And so you lot've decided to take a trip to Iceland in Wintertime! This is an excellent time to visit – fewer tourists, gorgeous winter landscapes and a chance to see the Northern Lights. Don't miss our seven day guide to visiting Republic of iceland in winter for inspiration, as well equally our guide to planning a trip to Iceland. In one case you've done those, you'll probably be wondering what should exist on your Republic of iceland packing list for winter.

Well, we're hither to help. Based on our experiences travelling in Iceland in wintertime, we've put together a comprehensive guide to what you should pack for your winter trip to Republic of iceland. We're going to cover everything from what clothes yous'll need to wearable in Republic of iceland in winter through to footwear, accessories, and suggested photography equipment.

Iceland is a country where the weather condition tin can alter very quickly no thing what time of year you visit, so packing layers is always a smart pick. The layer system is designed to allow you modify your article of clothing to come across a range of temperatures without needing to pack as well much, with warm air generated by your torso trapped between the layers to keep them warm.

It's worth remembering that yous don't accept to pack like you are going to Antarctica, as despite what many people retrieve, most winters are relatively mild in Republic of iceland, especially the southern part, thank you to the Gulf Stream.

Essentially, all you need to do is pack for Iceland as you would for whatever common cold atmospheric condition destination, factoring in whatever activities you lot may be doing that may require special items (e.one thousand., hiking, snowmobiling, diving, fishing, visiting hot springs).

We also highly recommend checking the weather forecast before yous get so you lot are prepared. Besides, we'd recommend packing and ownership all the master things you'll need in advance of your Iceland trip as ownership items (e.g., wintertime clothing, boots) in Iceland tin can be very expensive.

At present, permit's get started with our guide to what to pack for Iceland in Wintertime.

Iceland Packing List for Wintertime

1. Windproof Gloves

You'll notice a theme with the first few items in our packing list. The wind in Republic of iceland can be bitingly common cold – even if information technology'south not especially common cold outside, the windchill can make it feel like it is well below freezing. And then, you lot will desire a dainty pair of warm, windproof gloves.

Water resistance is also dainty to have, merely not essential unless you are planning to do snow-based activities in Iceland (e.g., skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowman building) or planning longer hikes where you might have prolonged exposure to pelting, sleet, or snow.

I accept a few pairs of gloves. To beginning with, I have a pair of Isotoner windproof gloves which do the chore but fine, plus they let me operate my smartphone without taking my gloves off. They have style options for both men and women.

I likewise have a dedicated pair of gloves for photography in winter. These are a flake more expensive, merely if you lot are looking for a adept pair of gloves that will let you operate your camera equipment, they are the best I've found. I utilize their Markhof gloves, just they have a wide range available.

ii. Windproof Chapeau

We think you are definitely going to want a hat for your winter adventure in Iceland. Ideally this will be windproof and warm, and will protect encompass your head and ears from the cold weather.

We have a drove of hats depending on our moods, and there are enough of warm hat options out there to go on your caput toasty warm – in all kinds of styles! Here is one I personally similar in a style that keeps my head and ears warm. If yous'd prefer i that doesn't have a trapper style, try this one.

Jess likes this 1, although there are plenty of neat options including this one.

Whichever lid you go for, just make certain it fits snugly, and isn't liable to blow off your caput in a gust!

3. Scarf

You may also desire a scarf to proceed your neck warm, nosotros both similar to employ a squeamish warm scarf to continue the drafts out, something similar this for me and something like this for Jess.

If you'd like something nicer, nosotros have and beloved these cashmere scarves (too available for men hither).

A scarf is easy to pack, and definitely helps to keep the heat in. We adopt wool scarves if possible. We have a guide to travel scarves here if you need some more inspiration!

four. Current of air and Waterproof Jacket

Continuing the theme of staying wrapped upwards warm against the weather, a windproof and waterproof jacket is going to be your all-time friend in Iceland in winter.

You accept a few options – you tin invest in a lighter "shell" jacket that keeps out the wind and water, and then layer up underneath that with warm fleece layers that don't trap moisture.

Or you can buy a heavier jacket that provides warmth as well as current of air and waterproofing.

Alternatively, you could also invest in a jacket similar this that does everything by coming in multiple layers, so you tin pick and cull. Information technology'due south really up to you lot!

Note that down jackets are unremarkably non waterproof despite being very warm. If you do choose a downwards jacket, we'd urge you to buy one from a visitor that adheres to the Responsible Down code.

Jess and I have gone for the showtime route for our waterproof clothing, and for the last couple of years we've been wearing jackets from Trespass. These are reasonably priced and well made, plus we like how colourful they are. If you lot choose this pick, make certain you buy a jacket that is a picayune loose, so yous have plenty of room to add layers underneath.

5. Waterproof Shoes or Boots

Even if you're not planning on doing much hiking in Iceland, I'g going to suggest y'all accept a expert pair of hiking boots or walking shoes that are waterproof – especially for wintertime travel in Republic of iceland.

You will often find yourself walking across snow or slushy ice, and the spray from waterfalls tends to blow everywhere! The worst affair is getting wet feet when it's cold, so investing in a decent pair of waterproof boots, be they hiking boots or snowfall boots is definitely a wise idea.

Personally, I have a pair of Scarpa boots which I love. My original pair lasted me fifteen years and thousands of miles of walks, and I've recently invested in a newer model which seem just equally awesome so far. Jess has a pair of Merrell hiking boots which she likes very much. Y'all might also consider a pair of snow boots.

When it comes to ownership boots, it'due south definitely worth trying them out earlier settling on a pair. If you do make up one's mind to social club online, make certain you practice so through a company that lets you return or exchange them. Here's a total listing of boots to go you started.

We besides have a guide to the best travel shoes for men and the best travel shoes for women for tips on picking a great pair.

6. Thermal Baselayers

Now, onto your base layers, which are the layers you clothing closest to your skin under your regular dress.

You'll desire a long-sleeved elevation and a fix of bottoms. You are going to want thermal baselayers that are breathable and volition wick the moisture away from your skin. And so you definitely don't want cotton.

We like merino wool baselayers, equally they are really warm and super comfy. For case, check out this superlative for men, and this tiptop for women. However, some folks discover wool can be itchy, in which case you could look at either synthetic or bamboo baselayers, both of which volition perform well. Jess finds wool to be itchy, then wears something like this.

If you are going to be traveling for more than a few days, you'll probably desire to invest in at least two pairs of tops and leggings for your trip, so you tin launder them as needed. Or get something that is quick dry out (not wool) so you can launder it and so let them dry overnight in your hotel room. Encounter our full guide to doing laundry while traveling for some tips.

7. Mid-layers

In between your base layer and your coat, y'all're going to want mid-layers. Our recommendations would be some fleece sweaters that you can layer up. Usually, yous would habiliment a thermal baselayer, a fleece midlayer and a wind and waterproof outer jacket.

If you take a thick outer jacket, then you won't want too thick a fleece midlayer. On the other hand, if you lot are but investing in a thinner beat outer layer, you will probably desire thicker midlayers, or even to article of clothing two – 1 thinner, one thicker.

We think that for your lower half, a adept pair of hiking pants will do. These will be comfortable and fast drying, which is the most important aspect.

If you endure from the cold, and then you might want some warmer pants, such equally this pair for men or this pair for women.

Of course, jeans are an choice if that's how y'all coil, but nosotros find that they dry actually slowly, and can be very uncomfortable if wet. You lot can always pack an extra pair of pants in your day handbag or car though that you can modify into as well.

8. Towel

We don't often travel with a towel any more than, as near guest houses and AirBnB'southward have them available. But you are probably going to want to bring a towel to Iceland. There are so many fantastic hot-leap fed thermal baths and public pond pools, and having your ain towel will relieve you having to hire 1 each time.

It'south worth noting that some thermal baths do include towel rental in their fees, such every bit the Blue Lagoon. However, some do not, including the much cheaper Reykjavik city baths, and some locations don't fifty-fifty take the option to rent either.

We forgot our towel, and bought 1 in Ikea in Iceland when we realised we didn't take 1. You can benefit from our mistake, and simply pack one in accelerate. Ideally a overnice big fluffy one, simply if you're economising on packing infinite, a travel towel will practice.

9. Swimming Clothes

Forth with a towel, yous're admittedly going to want to bring your swimming outfit to Iceland, even in the expressionless of winter. The naturally heated geothermal pools similar the Blueish Lagoon are open twelvemonth-round and wonderfully warm, and taking a dip in one of these is a must for any Republic of iceland trip. There are even snorkeling and diving opportunities year-round.

Your choice of swimwear is of course entirely up to yous, at that place's no shortage of choice out there!

10. Hand / toe warmers

If you think y'all'll be outside for longer time periods, or you are particularly susceptible to the cold, you might consider getting yourself some mitt warmers and some toe warmers.

These are inexpensive items that actually generate oestrus, last for a number of hours, and will proceed your extremities warm. So, if you want to avoid common cold toes or fingers, these are definitely a practiced idea.

11. Electronic Gear

That's the bulk of the habiliment covered. Now let's have a wait at some electronic items yous might desire to take with you.

Smartphone

Obviously, yous're going to want your smartphone when you go to Iceland. Iceland has a pretty good cell network, and y'all tin buy SIM cards in Iceland if y'all have an unlocked phone – meet a list of Republic of iceland pre-paid SIM options here.

If you're thinking of upgrading your phone, I take a guide to the best smartphones for photography in this post, plus a full guide to getting online when yous're travelling hither.

External powerpack

Republic of iceland tin be cold in winter, and cold weather means that your smartphone battery isn't going to concluding every bit long as it would usually last. Nosotros recommend yous invest in an external powerpack that you can employ to recharge your smartphone on the become.

Yous tin likewise prolong your smartphone battery life by keeping it in a warm place, like an inside pocket shut to your torso, and not leaving it in the cold for prolonged periods of time.

Travel adaptor plugs

Iceland has European fashion two pivot plugs, and so if you're travelling from the UK, the U.s., or anywhere else with a dissimilar power socket, you lot'll need a travel adaptor like this.

Note that Europe uses a 220-240v arrangement rather than the U.s. 110v organization, and travel adaptor plugs don't convert voltage. You volition need to check your electronics to be sure they support the 220v system. In our experience, almost laptops, camera chargers and USB chargers back up everything from 110 – 240v, simply items like hair dryers and hair straighteners might not. The adaptor for the device will unremarkably have the supported voltage clearly labelled.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters.

Then if you're similar us and accept a lot of electronic gear, nosotros suggest you travel with a power strip like this, which you can plug into your adaptor. Many places we stay never seem to have enough sockets for all our chargers, so a power strip is commonly invaluable.

Headphones

Sometimes y'all simply want to chill out and listen to some music or sentinel a movie, and for that you'll need a pair of headphones. Laurence'due south accented favourite headphones that he travels with everywhere are these, and they're the only pair which have survived countless years of travel abuse without declining. Which is quite impressive.

12. Photography Gear

Camera

You're going to want to take a lot of pictures when you're in Iceland, and so some sort of camera is going to exist a must. Going into what camera you should take to Iceland would pretty much be a whole post in itself though!

If yous are looking for a new camera, I've already written a detailed guide to picking a travel photographic camera, which should assistance you lot decide, with options on everything from smartphones through to DSLR'south.

If you plan on doing whatsoever snorkelling or hiking, consider an action camera like this Akaso Dauntless seven LE, which is designed for more than farthermost environments.

Tripod

When you're visiting Iceland in winter, there's a proficient chance that y'all'll feel the beauty that is the Northern Lights.

To go photos of the Northern Lights, you're absolutely going to want a tripod, as night time photography unremarkably requires exposures that are too long for hand holding. See our total guide to northern lights photography for more information on getting great shots of the lights.

We also accept a full post on why you might demand a travel tripod and how to selection one here, which should give you some good options. Y'all will likely observe a tripod with spiked anxiety, as suggested by a reader in the comments, will exist more stable in some situations.

Memory cards

You lot're going to accept more pictures than you think, and so we suggest stocking up on memory cards for your camera before you go. Retention cards are pretty inexpensive these days, and then there'south no reason not to.

Spare batteries

As previously mentioned, batteries don't like the cold, so yous might observe your camera battery doesn't final as long equally normal. Nosotros'd advise picking up a spare battery for your camera before you go – there's naught worse than being half way through a day of gorgeous landscapes and having your camera bombardment die on you!

Other Photographic camera accessories

You will probable desire a lens cleaning cloth to keep your lens clean and to remove moisture that will likely get together when y'all photograph waterfalls. If you're more serious with your photography, a set of neutral density filters volition likely come in handy – read why you might want a neutral density filter hither.

thirteen. Luggage & Backpacks

In that location are so many incredible purse options out there. Jess and I use a number of handbag brands. For my camera / electronic gear, I utilise a Vanguard Alta Sky 49, which works well as both a carry-on and twenty-four hour period pack.

Jess loves her Hawkeye Creek numberless, and has both a carry-on sized backpack and a larger wheeled backpack that nosotros check-in. I accept an Osprey Sojourn 60, which has been travelling with me since 2013 through multiple countries, and is yet to let me downwards.

We're happy to recommend all of those brands if you lot're in the market for a new bag.

14. Reusable Water Bottle

We highly recommend bringing a reusable bottle for water with you so you can make full information technology in sinks and water fountains and non need to pay for drinks or purchase bottled water. Tap water across Iceland is safe to drink, so in that location'due south no demand to spend money on water.

If you lot need to get a water bottle for your trip, nosotros personally similar this one and this 1. You'll be saving money and creating less plastic waste.

15. Guide Books

Whilst nosotros promise to have provided you with a wealth of Republic of iceland content to aid in your trip planning, nosotros capeesh that having a guidebook can be really helpful when yous're on the road. With this in heed, we tin can recommend two guidebooks to consider, the Rick Steves Iceland guidebook, and the Insight Guides Republic of iceland.

16. Miscellaneous

Well, of class you're going to desire a few other things. Warm socks, USB cables and all the chargers your electronics need for example.

We'd also recommend some sort of face moisturiser, Chapstick and sunscreen, every bit the cold winter air in Iceland tin can be quite harsh.

For serious hikers and climbers, nosotros'd also pack waterproof pants, a travel first aid kit, and waterproof covers for your packs and gear – we find big Ziploc freezer bags work actually well for keeping electronics dry out.

If yous're visiting any of the thermal springs or pools, y'all'll besides likely want a pair of sandals or shower shoes, and a waterproof case or purse for your phone and/or valuables.

If you are planning to exercise a specific activeness (e.k., skiing, diving, hiking), and then you may want to bring forth some additional things like prescription goggles or a waterproof hiking pack.

Finally, if you are staying in hostels or other shared accommodation, particularly if this is your first time doing so, you might want to bring items similar Pajamas, ear plugs, and an eye mask so you tin can get a skilful night'due south sleep.

What to Pack for Iceland – A Checklist

To help you out, hither'southward all the above in listing form, plus we've included all the regular stuff you lot'll desire to pack like underwear and toothpaste! We've also got a downloadable Republic of iceland Winter Packing Checklist hither for yous to print out and keep.

You can also see the bulk of the products we recommend in a complete list on Amazon here for reference.

Outer Layers of Habiliment
- Current of air and waterproof jacket
- Warm winter glaze
Mid Layers
- Fleeces, sweaters, hoodies
- Pants
Base Layers
- Tops
- Bottoms
Waterproof Shoes or Boots
Reusable water canteen
Other Clothing & Winter gear
- Wool socks
- Underwear
- Windproof warm gloves
- Windproof warm lid
- Scarf
Swimming Gear
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sandals/Shower shoes
- Waterproof bag
Electronic Gear
- Smartphone
- External powerpack
- Travel adaptor plugs
- Headphones
- Chargers
- Cables
- Tablet/laptop/e-Reader
- Other ______________
Photography Gear
- Photographic camera
- Tripod
- Memory cards
- Spare batteries
- Photographic camera Accessories (lenses, case, strap, chargers, etc.)
Baggage & Backpacks
- Suitcase(s)
- Day bag
Toiletries
- Moisturizer
- Chapstick
- Dominicus protection
- Deodorant/Fragrance
- Toothpaste/Toothbrush
- Cosmetics / Haircare
- Hygiene Products
- Medications
- Other ______________
Other items
- Guide books
- Jewelery / Watch
- Travel Journal
- Reading materials
- Cards/games
- Heart-marking / ear-plugs
- Other ______________
Hikers
- Mean solar day pack
- Snacks
- Waterproof cover for bag
- Medical first assist kit
- Safety gear
Skiiers/Winter Activities
- Waterproof pants
- Waterproof gloves
- Ski goggles
- Ski boots
SCUBA divers
- Goggles
- Waterproof camera

If you're driving, you should as well cheque out our guide to driving in Republic of iceland in Wintertime which has a few other essentials you might want to consider packing for your Iceland trip.