Thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and rare natural phenomena, Iceland has consistently been a dream destination for many thrill-seekers, nature-lovers, and road trippers. And the ability to road trip in this incredible country has recently been made more accessible and exciting thanks to the rise in popularity of campervan travel.
Renting a campervan on your own Icelandic adventure can be one of the best ways to see Iceland’s many landscapes whilst giving you flexibility and a sense of adventure when traveling.
However, even with the freedom to explore Iceland in a Motorhome Iceland campervan, the country’s summer weather is notoriously unpredictable, making it a bit difficult to pack for this trip because you will want to be as ready as possible. But fear not: in this ultimate packing list, we’ll cover everything you need to carry with you for your next adventure. So, let’s get packing!
Why Iceland’s Summer Weather Requires Special Packing
If you come to Iceland in summer (June to August) you’ll get to experience the Midnight Sun, where daylight is endless and temperatures are quite pleasant. Summer is still a relative term in Iceland; the temperatures are usually an average between 10°C and 15°C (50 to 59°F), but will occasionally dip below or potentially rise above that range. Combine a potential range from 48°F to 70°F that with the likelihood of rain, high winds and even snow at higher altitudes, although rare; and you’ll soon see why knowing what to pack for Iceland in summer can be such a hassle.
If you’re planning a campervan adventure, you really have to be organized with your packing. Comfort as well as practicality and space efficiency, should be your main concerns. So, here is what you should definitely pack if you plan on conquering the summer in Iceland from a campervan.
Essential Clothing for Iceland’s Summer
Expect the weather to be temperamental on your campervan trip, jumping from blue skies to mist or rain in a matter of minutes. Keeping this in mind, here’s what we recommend you pack:
Base layers: We recommend moisture-wicking thermal underwear or ultra-lightweight merino wool base layers. These versatile options will protect you from harsh rain and potential snow. Pack a couple tees or casual tops too. It can get warm, especially if you’re hiking a lot.
Mid layers: For this, wool sweaters or fleece jackets can be an ideal supplement for extra heat whenever the need arises. Perfect to slip on and off according to the temperature!
Top layer: Don’t forget a waterproof & windproof rain jacket! Make sure it has a hood to fend off popup rain showers.
Pants: 1 pair of waterproof hiking pants & 1 pair of jeans, leggings or travel pants. The first will be great for outdoor adventures, and then there is nothing wrong with adding a pair of jeans to your wardrobe in case you need to up your style a bit.
Shorts: While we may not always need them, they sure do come in handy on those over-70 hot days.
A Swimsuit: You’ll probably head out to hot springs and swimming pools. Iceland has quite a few geothermal pools, so do not pass up this one of a kind experience and bring your trusty swimsuit with you.
Socks & Underwear: Bring enough for the length of your stay, and try to make them as warm as possible. I’d bring a couple extra pairs of socks because of the potential for rain – you’ll want dry socks.
Just remember, when it comes to a campervan, storage is limited. Opt for pieces that are versatile and that can be mixed up to create multiple outfits. Plus, it will take up less space; giving you more freedom to enjoy the perks of being as close to nature as possible while still being comfy in your campervan.
Packing for a Campervan Adventure in Iceland
Camping in a campervan is the best way to explore Iceland, giving you the freedom of roaming around and enjoying your own mobile home. However, efficient packing becomes essential when considering the limited space they have available.
Beyond your clothing, here is a list of the best gear for your Iceland summer road trip that you might want to consider bringing with you:
Space-Saving Cookware: When the small kitchen space in your camper is all you have, collapsible pots, pans and kettles will help you squeeze more into less. These can be very useful in order to save some much-needed space! Check to see if your campervan rental comes with these or you can rent them additionally from there.
Compact Quick-Dry Towels: These are good for campsite showers and hot spring dips alike. These require much less space and also dry out a lot faster than full-sized towels.
Sleeping Bags: Summer temperature in Iceland is that of a well air-conditioned room, so please pick one with heat resistance. This is particularly important if you plan sleeping outside in nature at some point.
Car Chargers: Whenever you take a long drive, you’ll want to keep your gadgets charged. This is crucial, especially if you are using your phone as a navigation tool.
Reusable Water Bottles: Reusable and great for reducing single-use plastic waste. In Iceland, they have some of the cleanest tap water in the world, so make sure to take advantage of it!
Headlamps and/or Flashlights: These are perfect for late night set-ups when you’ve parked after a long day of exploring. Although you’ll be able to experience the Midnight Sun in some areas, you never know when a bit of extra light might come in handy – even inside your campervan.
Space-Saving Containers: Another great tip is to bring collapsible containers for food or clothing storage. This will help you save space in your camper and keep your items organized. These may also be provided by your rental company – contact them to find out.
Trash Bags: Always be prepared to leave no trace! Bring along some sturdy trash bags to dispose of any waste properly.
Entertainment: While the natural beauty of Iceland is enough to keep anyone entertained, it’s always good to have a backup plan for having fun on long drives, super rainy days or in the evenings. Consider bringing books, cards, games, or downloading movies onto your laptop or tablet.
With these campervan essentials packed up, you’re ready to maximize your mobile home experience! Note that one of the main advantages of campervan travel is its self-sufficiency, so make sure to pack everything you think you’ll personally need on your journey. That way your campervan will be your home, kitchen and basecamp all in one – the perfect way to discover the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland.
A Perfect Mix of Flexibility and Adventure
The beauty of traveling in a campervan is the freedom to pack as much or as little as you want; and also the possibility of changing your itinerary on the go. In fact, one of the main advantages of this form of travel is that you can carry many more items with you in comparison to other lodging options, like hotels.
Before you set out on your campervan adventure, you’ll want to pack all the essentials you might need according to your travel itinerary. If, for you, that means carrying warmer bedding and basic household utensils from home, so-be-it! With itemized packing lists to match your destination and itinerary, you can rest assured that even when on-the-go, you’ll feel right at home!
Not to mention, campervans provide so much more freedom than any other mode of transport. You might feel spontaneous and divert from your original schedule, spending more time at a beautiful spot or continuing on when the weather starts to turn! There will be no need to adhere to strict schedules or travel itineraries… Just play it by ear and enjoy every second of your Icelandic road trip experience!
Footwear for Iceland’s Rugged Terrain
For campervan adventures, having the right footwear in Iceland is crucial. Your adventure will likely take you on a mix of terrain, from city streets to rocky hiking trails. Here’s what you should bring:
Hiking boots: These are by far the best option for exploring Iceland’s unique landscapes. When hiking over rocky terrains, you want solid ankle and sole support boots.
Walking shoes: Perfect for exploring the main cities and trekking on easier terrains and are an option to be trendier.
Sandals: These are perfect for visiting hot springs, pools and showers. They’re also pretty good for just letting your feet rest after a long day of hiking.
And remember, most of your days will probably involve a combination of driving, hiking and exploring if you are renting a campervan. Be sure to break in your shoes before going on long hikes, so as to not get blisters.
Outdoor Gear for Iceland Adventures
You can truly dive deep and explore Iceland’s unique beauty once you are equipped properly and have your trusty campervan with you. No matter whether you are hiking to waterfalls, whale watching, or glacier walking, your adventure will be even better if you bring the following items:
Daypack: Great for carrying gear when hiking or taking a day trip. Select one that has durable straps and gives you tons of storage room.
Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Even though you’ll have a lot of overcast days, because the sun doesn’t set that much in the summer, so your eyes won’t get much of a break. Proper-fitting sunglasses and LOTS of sunscreen will be your friend during your Iceland campervan adventure.
Binoculars: These are ideal for observing wildlife and distant vistas. Specifically designed for bird and whale watching, these are very useful if you’re a nature lover.
You really are going to be one happy camper in Iceland, especially when exploring off-the-beaten-path trails and destinations. So, don’t forget your outdoor gear to be able to try all those awesome activities on your bucket list!
Packing for Reykjavik: Exploring the Capital
Iceland mainly stands out due to its otherworldly natural wonders, but the charm of its capital, Reykjavik, should not be underestimated. Here’s what to pack if you decide to explore it in depth:
Smart Casual Outfit: Although Iceland is very casual, it does help to have at least one “nicer” outfit for city explorations or if you go out in the evening.
A Pair of Comfortable Walking Shoes: The city is super walkable, and you’ll likely spend your days wandering the color-filled streets and top attractions on foot.
An Umbrella or Rain Jacket: Expect the unexpected while in town, but pack an umbrella or rain jacket to keep you dry.
Day bag: The same one you’re using for your hiking adventures will suffice.
Even if your main priority is a campervan road trip, it’s still worth spending at least one or two nights in Reykjavik to experience the culture and cuisine of the island’s capital.
Must-Have Travel Accessories for Iceland
Beyond what we’ve already covered, there are some essentials you should not forget if your adventure takes you across Iceland in your campervan.
Travel Adapter: Iceland uses Type C and F plugs. An adapter is essential so that you can charge all the devices that you’ll need on your campervan trip.
A Camera and Additional Batteries: If you’re using a DSLR or camera to take lots of pictures, don’t forget extra batteries in case you don’t have an opportunity to charge your battery during your adventure-filled days. What’s the point of going on such an incredible adventure if you can’t brag about it to your friends and family?
A Reusable Shopping bag: This is really useful if you are buying and cooking for yourself, especially when traveling by campervan.
What to Bring Based on Your Personal Profile
Depending on the type of trip you’re planning, you might need to pack slightly different items for your Iceland adventure. Here are some more personalized tips that might or might not apply to you depending on your profile.
Families
If you’re traveling with the whole family, you’ll have to make sure that there’s enough room for the kid’s stuff, such as toys, books and clothing. We would also recommend packing folding or collapsing storage bins or bags, so you can flip up and stash it all away when not in use. Also, make sure everyone is able to comfortably sleep—whether this means you need a bigger van, more sleeping bags or better quality family camping gear, you won’t regret investing in the right stuff.
Budget travelers
If you are traveling on a budget, space will be your biggest expense! If possible, bring multi-use products (like a jacket that can be used for casual and not so casual situations, or a reusable water bottle, to keep trash build-up down). `If you’re able to reduce the size of your luggage, you’ll be able to rent a smaller campervan, which will be way cheaper. You can also save money by getting groceries in a local store and cooking in your campervan instead of eating out. Also, you can research free or low-cost attractions and activities to do in Iceland so you can enjoy the trip without breaking the bank.
Additional Tips for A Summer Trip to Iceland
Although the length of your stay might vary, we’ve found that most travelers spend 8 days driving around the country in their campervan and soaking in the incredible environment. To top everything off, here are some extra tips to make your journey even better.
Bring clothes you can layer and wear over and under. This is really crucial – particularly in a campervan, where space isn’t always abundant.
Pack a few plastic bags for any damp or dirty clothes. This is one of the things that we find absolutely crucial, particularly when having an adventure in a tiny space.
Bring all your personal medications, and a basic first-aid kit. Even though there are pharmacies in bigger cities, you should take extra caution if you travel to remote locations.
If you are a light sleeper, earplugs and an eye mask might be perfect for your campervan trip!
Follow these packing rules and approach your upcoming Icelandic adventure with an open mindset to make sure you have a wonderful time. Now book your campervan rental in Iceland and pay us a visit!
Download Your Free Iceland Summer Packing Checklist!
Make sure you’re fully prepared for your campervan adventure with our printable Iceland Summer Packing Checklist. Get your copy here and start packing smartly for an unforgettable trip!
FAQs About Packing for Iceland in Summer
Should I bring cash? Although credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, it’s good to have a bit of cash (Icelandic Króna) for small purchases or emergencies. This is especially helpful for campervanners, as you’ll very likely be visiting small rural villages and remote locations.
Should I buy camping gear in Iceland? Find out what is provided with your camper rental before buying anything. Most campervan rental places have the basic camping gear you’ll need on your trip.
Are hiking poles worth bringing? Walking sticks are handy, particularly if you plan serious walking. When you are not using them, they can simply be tucked away inside your campervan.
Following this packing list will have you completely equipped to tackle whatever your summer Icelandic adventure throws at you. And remember, it’s important to have an open mind and be willing to adapt your itinerary when traveling through Iceland, as the weather can change on a dime.
In any case, hiring a campervan provides an unbeatable way to see the best of Iceland intimately, whilst also giving you control over when and where you go depending on weather conditions or whim.
Ready to explore Iceland on your terms? Rent a camper from Motorhome Iceland and pack your essentials for the perfect road trip adventure!
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