Packing for a trip to a new, unfamiliar destination is always challenging, at least for me. What will the weather be like? How many pieces of clothes will I need? How to fit it all into luggage (I usually want to bring more than can fit in my suitcase). In his blog post, I will share some of the best packing tips for preparing for your trip to Iceland, including a packing list and what you can leave behind.
Packing tips
You need to keep a few things in mind before starting to pack for the trip:
1. What is the luggage space in the vehicle you booked?
Depending on the vehicle you booked, luggage space may vary significantly. Also, check the layout of the camper. However, campervans generally do not offer much extra space as a motor home, so try to travel light and bring only what you need.
2. Suitcases vs. backpacks
Sometimes we get asked for recommendations on whether to pack things in suitcases or backpacks. Again, it all comes down to the space in a campervan. However, from my experience, while suitcases are great for air travel, when in the car, you can’t fold them and put them out of your way. That can be pretty annoying.
If you decide to bring a suitcase, my tip would be to invest in travel cubes to keep your stuff organized. Ask your rental if they can store your empty suitcases while on the trip (here at Cheap Campervans, we offer this service for our customers, other companies may refer to a luggage storage service). This way, you can keep your belongings somewhat organized without moving suitcases and large bags all the time.
3. Be ready for any weather
The weather is no joke in Iceland, and no matter what time of the year you are traveling in, you can experience all seasons in a span of a few days… or even minutes. The weather can change suddenly, so it is crucial to dress appropriately. The key is to layer up your clothes so you can remove and add layers easily.
Packing Clothes
Here is the list of some essential clothing items you should bring along for your trip to Iceland:
- Waterproof jacket
- Fleece sweater
- Rain pants
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece-lined leggings
- Packable jacket
- Parka in winter
- Swimsuit
- Wool socks
- Wool sweater
- T-shirts
- Hiking boots (best waterproof)
- Flip-flops
- Walking boots
- Beanie
- Warm scarf or gaiter
- Gloves
Packing Accessories
- Quick-dry towel
- Hiking poles
- Sleep mask (in summer)
- Outlet adapters
- Inverter to charge your devices in the van
- Thermos
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Crampons (in winter)
- Headlight
- Powerbank
Renting vs. buying
Renting is a great way to save luggage space and avoid spending money on stuff you may never use again. Check out all of the extras you can rent from us.
You can also check the websites Iceland Cover, Camp Iceland and Rent-a-tent, and Iceland Camping Equipment for a wider selection of items from clothes to camping gear.
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