What to Pack for an Iceland Campervan Trip

Planning a campervan adventure in Iceland? You're in for an incredible journey through one of the world's most stunning landscapes. From cascading waterfalls to black sand beaches, geothermal hot springs to massive glaciers, Iceland has it all. But packing for a campervan trip in this unique country requires some careful planning.

Whether you're planning a summer road trip or a winter expedition, this complete packing list will help you prepare for your Icelandic campervan adventure.

Understanding Iceland's Unique Challenges

Before we dive into the packing list, you need to know what makes Iceland different. The weather can shift from sunny to stormy in 20 minutes. You might experience all four seasons in one day. Summer temperatures range from 40-60°F (5-15°C), while winter brings freezing conditions and limited daylight.

Your campervan will be your home, kitchen, and sometimes your refuge from harsh weather. Space is limited, so you can't bring everything. The key is bringing items that serve multiple purposes and truly protect you from Iceland's elements.

Essential Clothing: Layer Like Your Trip Depends On It

The golden rule for Iceland is layering. Forget bulky single-layer clothing and embrace the base-mid-outer layer system that will serve you in all conditions.

Base Layers

Pack at least two sets of thermal underwear made from merino wool or synthetic materials. These will be your best friends on cold mornings and during glacier hikes. 

Merino wool is particularly excellent because it's naturally odor-resistant, meaning you can wear it multiple days without washing. Bring three to four pairs of wool or synthetic socks, as your feet need to stay warm and dry.

Mid Layers 

Two fleece jackets or wool sweaters are ideal. One lighter option for mild days and one heavier for cold evenings at the campsite. Avoid cotton entirely as it retains moisture and will leave you cold and miserable when wet.

Outer Layers

This is where you shouldn't compromise. A high-quality waterproof and windproof jacket is absolutely essential. It should have a hood that can fit over a hat and sealed seams to keep out Iceland's horizontal rain. 

Waterproof pants are equally important and often overlooked by first-time visitors. You'll need them for waterfall visits, hiking, and simply walking around on rainy days.

Also read, 5 Day Iceland Campervan Itinerary

Additional Clothing Essentials:

• A warm beanie or wool hat (wind will steal your body heat through your head)
• A buff or neck warmer for windy coastal areas
• Waterproof gloves, not just regular winter gloves
• Two pairs of comfortable pants suitable for hiking
• Casual clothes for evenings at the campsite (sweatpants, comfortable tops)
• Underwear for each day plus two extra pairs
• A lightweight down jacket for layering on particularly cold days

What to Skip: Heavy jeans (they're bulky, slow to dry, and uncomfortable when wet), cotton t-shirts as your main clothing, formal wear unless you're planning upscale dining in Reykjavik, and excessive outfit changes. You're living in a campervan, not attending fashion week.

Footwear: Your Foundation for Adventure

Bring: Waterproof hiking boots are non-negotiable. They should be broken in before your trip to avoid blisters. Look for boots with good ankle support and aggressive tread for Iceland's varied terrain, from lava fields to muddy trails. 

Pack a pair of comfortable slip-on shoes or sandals for wearing around the campsite and inside the campervan. If you're visiting between November and March, consider bringing crampons or traction cleats for icy conditions.

Skip: Regular sneakers as your primary footwear, high heels, multiple pairs of shoes, and brand-new boots that haven't been tested.

Camping and Sleeping Gear

Most campervan rentals include bedding, but it's worth confirming with your rental company exactly what's provided.

Bring: A sleeping bag liner adds warmth and keeps rental bedding cleaner. A small camping pillow is useful if you're picky about pillow firmness. Pack a headlamp with extra batteries for late-night bathroom trips and for use in winter months when daylight is limited. A portable power bank is essential for keeping devices charged during long drives.

Skip: Your own bulky sleeping bag if the campervan provides adequate bedding, a full-size pillow from home, and camping chairs (many campsites have seating, and space is limited).

Kitchen and Food Supplies

Your campervan will typically include basic cooking equipment, but the quality and completeness vary.

Bring: A sharp knife in a protective sheath (rental knives are often dull), a cutting board that fits your space, reusable shopping bags (Iceland charges for plastic bags), a few basic spices in small containers (salt, pepper, garlic powder), coffee or tea bags, a water bottle for each person, resealable plastic bags for storing opened food, dish soap, a sponge, and dish towels (rentals often provide minimal cleaning supplies).

Also consider bringing quick and easy meal staples from home if you have space: oatmeal packets, granola bars, dried soups, pasta, and other non-perishables. Iceland's grocery stores are well-stocked but expensive, so bringing some basics can save money.

Skip: Large quantities of food from home (it's heavy and takes up space), bulky cooking equipment, glass containers, and excessive kitchen gadgets. Keep it minimal and functional.

Toiletries and Personal Care

Bring: All your regular toiletries in travel sizes, biodegradable soap for showering at natural hot springs, a quick-dry towel (rental towels are often small or limited in number), sunscreen (the sun is surprisingly strong, especially with reflection off snow and ice), lip balm with SPF, moisturizer (the air is very dry), and any prescription medications with extra days' supply.

Skip: Full-size bottles of everything, hair styling tools that require significant power (campervan electrical systems are limited), and extensive beauty products. Embrace the natural, windswept look.

Adventure and Activity Gear

• Backpack (20-30 liter daypack)
• Walking poles/trekking poles
• Crampons or ice grips (for winter travel)
• Dry bags for electronics
• Binoculars for wildlife watching
• Reusable food containers

Many visitors join guided glacier hiking tours or ice climbing experiences, where all specialized equipment like crampons, ice axes, and harnesses is provided by professional guides. These tours are especially popular when exploring areas like Vatnajökull glacier or Sólheimajökull.

Documents and Money

• Passport
• Driver's license (international driving permit if required)
• Travel insurance documents
• Campervan rental confirmation
• Camping card (if camping at official sites)
• Credit and debit cards (Iceland is mostly cashless)
• Small amount of Icelandic króna cash
• Copies of important documents (keep digital copies too)

Health and Safety

Bring: A comprehensive first aid kit including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antihistamines, motion sickness medication, blister prevention supplies, tweezers, and any personal prescription medications. Iceland's weather and terrain can cause minor injuries, and you'll often be far from pharmacies. Include hand sanitizer and face masks as well.

Skip: Excessive medical supplies for unlikely scenarios. Iceland has excellent healthcare facilities if needed.

What the Campervan Usually Provides

Before you pack, confirm what your specific rental includes. Typically, campervans come with bedding and pillows, basic kitchen equipment (pots, pans, dishes, utensils), a cooler or refrigerator, a gas stove, a table and seating, basic cleaning supplies, and sometimes outdoor chairs and a portable grill.

However, the quality and completeness vary significantly between rental companies and vehicle types. Always ask for a detailed equipment list when booking.

Final Thoughts: Less Is More

Packing for an Iceland campervan adventure doesn't have to be overwhelming. Focus on layers, waterproof gear, and essentials that will keep you comfortable in changing weather. Remember that Iceland is a developed country with shops along the main routes, so you can buy forgotten items if needed.

The key is being prepared for any weather while keeping your campervan organized and comfortable. With this packing list, you'll be ready to explore Iceland's incredible landscapes, from thundering waterfalls to steaming geysers, peaceful fjords to dramatic volcanic landscapes.

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