What to pack for a summer road trip in Iceland (plus what I wish I would have packed)

So you’ve planned your summer road trip in Iceland - great! Now comes the fun part: packing. Personally, I think this is the worst part of any trip, so I’m here to make it easier for you. Here is everything I packed for my Icelandic summer road trip plus everything I wish I would have packed so you don’t miss the same things I did.

I packed everything into my Osprey travel pack and Dakine backpack using Bagail packing cubes. I recommend packing this way, especially if you are taking a road trip, as you will be on the go and will need to be able to transport all of your belongings efficiently.

Large packing cube #1

• 3 pairs leggings (be prepared to layer clothing - the weather changes constantly)

• 2 pairs hiking pants

• 1 pair REI rain pants

• 2 pairs sweatpants

• 1 pair sleep shorts

Large packing cube #2

• 3 long sleeve shirts

• 2 T-shirts

• 2 sleep shirts

• 1 crewneck sweatshirt

• 1 Patagonia fleece

Medium packing cube #1

• 1 warm winter hat

• 1 baseball cap

• 1 pair waterproof gloves

• 2 Buffs

• 1 swimsuit

• Undergarments

• Socks - mix of Smartwool socks and regular socks

Medium packing cube #2 (packed in my backpack for easy access):

• TSA approved liquid bag - shower items, lotion, sunscreen, toothpaste

• The Honey Pot everyday wipes (you will want these or something similar, especially when camping)

• Deodorant

• Hair & makeup products

• Medications

Additional items outside of cubes

• Colombia hiking boots

• Patagonia rain jacket

• Sunglasses

• Comfortable sneakers

• Water bottle

• Phone and/or camera chargers with universal plugs

• Earbuds

• Eye mask (for sleeping - I chose not to wear one, as light doesn’t bother me, but you will want this if you have any light sensitivity)

• Fanny pack (I used this to store my passport, wallet, and phone)

• Books and/or journal

Items I wish I would have packed

• Flip-flops or slides (for showers and quick nighttime bathroom runs)

• Wet bags (my friend brought one from Marley’s Monsters - it rains A LOT in Iceland, so you will be carrying around wet clothes)

• Binoculars

• Extra towel (we rented towels with our car, but should have rented more for the above stated reason of LOTS of rain which equals LOTS of condensation inside the car)