Carry personally
- Waterproof shell, warm layer, hat, gloves, snacks, water, medication, phone, power bank.
- River shoes if crossings are part of the route.
- Dry bags for spare clothing and electronics.
Written byMagnus VikingUpdated June 2026
Owner, CEO, and lead guide at Norse Adventures. Magnus builds Iceland journeys around local knowledge, Highland safety, and the stories behind the landscape.
Packing for a multi-day hike in Iceland is less about looking technical and more about staying functional in wind, rain, cold, river crossings, huts, and sudden weather changes.
The best packing list depends on the trip format. A supported hut-to-hut trek such as Ancient Trails is different from an independent camping route, but the same principle holds: bring reliable layers, protect dry gear, and do not overload your pack.
Clothing system
Build around wind, rain, and cold, even in summer.
SafeTravel warns that the combination of wind, rain, and cold is often underestimated in Iceland. That is the packing rule: choose wool or synthetic layers, avoid cotton, and keep a real waterproof outer layer within reach.
For hut-to-hut hiking, think in systems rather than single items. A base layer manages moisture, an insulating layer keeps warmth, and a waterproof shell protects you when the weather changes.
- Base layer: thin wool or synthetic, no cotton.
- Mid layer: fleece, wool, synthetic insulation, or down protected from wet.
- Outer layer: windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers.
- Accessories: warm hat, gloves, spare socks, buff, and dry camp layer.
River and hut gear
River shoes and sleep systems are not afterthoughts.
Many Iceland hiking routes involve streams or rivers. SafeTravel recommends proper wading footwear rather than crossing barefoot, and also emphasizes loosening backpack straps before crossing.
For huts, check exactly what is included. Some trips require your own sleeping bag, liner, food, stove, and hut reservation. Supported Norse trips can include more logistics, but you still need personal essentials and comfortable dry clothing for the evening.
- River shoes: secure sandals, trainers, or wading shoes with grip.
- Sleep: confirm whether sleeping bag, liner, or pillow is required.
- Dry bags: protect spare clothing and electronics inside the pack.
Common mistakes
Most packing errors are either too casual or too heavy.
The casual mistake is assuming summer means mild weather. The heavy mistake is packing for every fear until the backpack ruins the walk. A good list is disciplined: enough layers, reliable rain protection, navigation backup, snacks, and medical essentials.
On guided supported treks, ask what is carried for the group and what you personally need. On independent treks, be more conservative because food, shelter, emergency gear, and navigation are on you.
- Do not bring jeans or cotton hiking layers.
- Do not rely only on phone navigation without offline maps and power.
- Do not forget blister care and personal medication.
Decision guide
How to choose
Confirm with operator
- Sleeping bag or liner requirements.
- Luggage transfer, food, hut bookings, and group safety gear.
- Expected daypack size and maximum luggage weight.
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need waterproof trousers for Iceland hiking?
Yes. A waterproof jacket alone is not enough when wind and rain combine, or when you are walking all day through exposed terrain.
What shoes should I bring for river crossings?
Use secure wading shoes, sandals, or trainers with grip. Do not cross barefoot, and do not use loose flip-flops that can disappear in current.
How big should my daypack be?
For a supported trek, a comfortable daypack is usually enough for layers, water, food, personal items, and safety essentials. Independent trips require much more capacity.
Sources
Official planning references
Pack for the real Iceland
