Icelandic Road Trip Essentials – What to Pack
Planning an Iceland road trip is one of the most exciting adventures you can embark on — but arriving unprepared can quickly turn the experience sour. Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable, mobile coverage can disappear in remote areas, and some roads require specific equipment. This guide covers every Iceland road trip essential so you can travel with confidence.
1. Weather-appropriate clothing
Iceland's weather is notoriously unpredictable — you can experience sunshine, rain, wind and even snow all in the same day, even in summer. The golden rule is layers.
Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers. This is non-negotiable — Iceland's wind and rain will catch you out without one.
A fleece or down jacket for warmth. Even in July, evenings near glaciers can be very cold.
Thermal long-sleeve tops and leggings. Merino wool is ideal — it regulates temperature and doesn't smell.
Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support. Wellies are also useful for walking near waterfalls or on wet terrain.
- Warm hat, gloves and a buff/neck gaiter
- Woollen or thick hiking socks (bring more than you think you'll need)
- Sunglasses — the glare off snow and glaciers is intense
- Swimwear — for hot pots and swimming pools
Even in June and July, temperatures in the highlands can drop to near freezing. Don't pack light just because it's summer — the layers will still be needed.
2. Navigation tools
Iceland has good road signage on the main routes, but once you venture off the Ring Road or into the highlands, GPS signals can be unreliable and roads can be confusing.
- Download offline maps before you go — Google Maps and Maps.me both work offline
- Use the Vegagerðin road app (road.is) to check F-road conditions and closures in real time
- Carry a physical map as a backup — available at N1 petrol stations across Iceland
- Check safetravel.is before heading into remote areas — register your route so rescue teams know where to look if needed
Highlands F-roads are only open from approximately June to September and require a 4WD vehicle. Our Dacia Duster and Toyota RAV4 are both 4WD capable. Never drive an F-road in a standard 2WD car — it voids your insurance.
3. Emergency and safety kit
Iceland's remote landscapes are part of what makes it so magical — but being far from help means you need to be self-sufficient. Pack a solid emergency kit and make sure everyone travelling with you knows where it is.
- First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relief, and blister plasters
- Torch or headlamp with spare batteries
- Reflective vest — required by law if you need to stop on the roadside
- Portable phone charger / power bank
- Tow rope and jump leads
- Ice scraper and de-icer (autumn/winter/spring trips)
- Blanket — useful if you break down in cold weather
- Whistle and signal mirror for emergencies in remote areas
4. Food and water
Restaurants and convenience stores are easy to find in towns and along the Ring Road, but once you're in the more remote areas of the east, north, or highlands, they can be few and far between — and expensive when you do find them.
- Stock up on snacks at Bónus (Iceland's budget supermarket) or Krónan before heading out
- Bring a reusable water bottle — Iceland's tap water is among the cleanest in the world and totally safe to drink
- Pack a small cooler bag for dairy, meats and leftovers
- Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit and instant noodles are great road trip staples
- A small camping stove means you can make hot food and drinks anywhere
Petrol stations can be far apart in rural Iceland. Always fill up when you pass one — don't assume there'll be another one soon. The N1 app shows the nearest stations across Iceland.
5. Camping gear
Camping is one of the best ways to experience Iceland — flexible, affordable, and lets you wake up in the middle of incredible landscapes. If you're planning to camp, make sure your gear is up to Iceland's conditions.
- A four-season tent that can handle wind — Iceland's wind is no joke
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -5°C, even in summer
- Sleeping mat for insulation from cold ground
- Portable camping stove and lightweight cookware
- Headlamp — useful even in summer in the south when it does get dark
- Dry bags to keep gear dry if it rains
You must camp at designated campsites in Iceland. Wild camping is illegal and fines are strictly enforced. Check camping.is for a map of all official sites across Iceland.
Alternatively, our summer mattress car option lets you sleep in the car at designated campsites — no tent required and much warmer than a sleeping bag alone.
6. Camera and binoculars
Iceland is one of the most photogenic places on earth. Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights, waterfalls, glaciers or puffins, you'll want to be prepared.
- Camera or smartphone with plenty of storage
- Extra batteries or a charging case — cold weather drains batteries fast
- Waterproof camera bag or dry bag
- Binoculars for spotting puffins, seals, whales and eagles from a distance
- Tripod for long-exposure Northern Lights shots
- Lens cloth — waterfalls throw spray everywhere
7. Documents and essentials
Don't let paperwork be the thing that ruins your trip. Double-check you have everything before you leave home.
- Valid passport (for non-EU/EEA travellers)
- Full, clean driving licence — from your home country is fine for most nationalities
- Car rental agreement and insurance documents
- Travel insurance documents — make sure it covers adventure activities if you plan to hike or enter glaciers
- Emergency contact numbers saved offline on your phone
- Credit card and some cash — card is accepted almost everywhere but cash is useful in remote areas
Full Iceland road trip packing checklist
Use this as your final check before you head to the airport:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Fleece or down mid-layer
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Warm hat, gloves and neck gaiter
- Waterproof hiking boots + spare socks
- Swimwear and small towel
- Offline maps downloaded
- Physical map of Iceland
- First aid kit
- Torch and power bank
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks and non-perishable food
- Camping gear (if applicable)
- Camera and spare batteries
- Passport and driving licence
- Rental agreement and insurance docs
- Travel insurance documents
- Credit card and cash
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