Iceland Winter Packing List: 3 Perfect Days With A Carry-On

Key Takeaway

A 3-day winter trip to Iceland can be done with only under-seat hand luggage if you layer smart, choose multiple-use items and leave the “just in case” bits at home. Merino wool outer layers that can be re-worn and waterproofs are key, plus fleece-lined hat, gloves and snood. And wear your bulkiest items on the plane – you can always remove them once you’ve boarded.

What's Covered In This Post?

Thinking about a winter trip to Iceland but overwhelmed by the idea of packing light?

You’re not alone. Between sub-zero wind chills, snowy hikes, and geothermal spas, it can feel impossible to fit everything into a single carry-on. But here’s the truth: you can stay warm, dry, and stylish for 3 days in Iceland, even in the dead of winter, with a minimalist approach that actually works.

I’ve done it myself, and I felt toasty warm despite -15°C wind chills and icy hikes with only what I fit under the plane seat. Because I’d rather spend extortionate airline luggage fees on memorable travel experiences! With this Iceland winter packing list, I’ll share exactly what you need (and what you don’t) so you can make the most of your adventure without lugging a bulky suitcase around.

Woman wearing a traditional Icelandic wool sweater, hat, scarf, and hiking boots poses at a scenic overlook of Reykjavik with Hallgrímskirkja church in the background. Her layered look represents stylish yet functional pieces on an Iceland packing list. — A merino wool jumper and socks plus fleece-lined leggings under my jeans were my most-used items of clothing on my Iceland winter packing list

From chasing the Northern Lights to soaking in the Blue Lagoon, this Iceland packing list is built from personal experience of a winter trip – with smart layering, practical gear, and traveller-tested tips that won’t weigh you down.

Let’s break down what to pack so you’re warm, prepared, and carry-on ready. Plus, grab my handy PDF version too!

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Essential Clothing for Cold Weather

It might sound obvious, but winter in Iceland is seriously cold. We’re talking -15°C on a bad day, with wind chill that can actually burn your skin if you don’t wrap up well.

But when you step indoors, everywhere is toasty warm. So layering with the following is the secret sauce here:

Base Layers

Your base layer is what sits closest to your skin, and it needs to be warm, but breathable. You can get away with taking fewer bulkier layers by just changing your base layer each day. And this saves a lot of space in your bag too. There were my Iceland winter packing list base layer essentials:

Thermal top and bottoms – fleece-lined leggings were great for this!
Sweater – merino wool is ideal if you can stretch the budget. I actually knit my own before our trip, and it was so warm, but try Vinted and charity shops to find a pure wool one at a reasonable price.
Moisture-wicking socks – I packed 3 pairs. Wool or wool-blend is best, but I wore a cotton pair underneath as they can be a little on the scratchy side.
Light long sleeve tops – perfect for layering or wearing indoors.

Close-up selfie of a woman in a patterned Icelandic sweater and knit hat standing on a snowy, rocky coastline. The cozy, layered outfit highlights a key piece from any Iceland packing list during the colder months. — I took my coat and snood off only for a quick photo of the handknit merino wool jumper I made for my Iceland trip

Outer Layers

Your shield against wind, rain, and snow. It’s worth investing in these items for future use, you’re likely to get good use out of them if you live somewhere with cold winters, like the UK. I recommend the following:

Insulated waterproof jacket – mine had a removable fleece lining which was perfect. Just make sure it’s both waterproof AND windproof. And the longer the better to cover your legs. Trust me.
Waterproof trousers (or salopettes) – a game changer for icy winds, wet snow and spray from waterfalls. Again, you can often pick these up for a steal on second-hand sites like Vinted. Waterproof trousers go over your normal trousers, they’re thinner and so take less space in your bag, where as salopettes are padded and warmer. I took salopettes and just wore them on the plane.
Insulated gloves or mittens – padded, waterproof ones kept my hands warm during outdoor hikes and Northern Lights watching. I bought ones with touch-screen compatible fingertips so I could still use my phone and take photos with them on (don’t try it without, wind burn is horrendous!)

Traveler bundled in a blue parka, wool hat, and scarf stands at the rim of the Kerid crater with ice visible below. This outfit showcases essentials for an Iceland winter packing list, designed for windy outdoor conditions. — Salopettes were useful for the Golden Circle tour, for staying both warm and dry

Accessories

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference. And that’s definitely the case here. If your hands or ears are cold, you’ll really feel it. My must-have Iceland winter packing list purchases were:

Woolly hat that covers your ears – Iceland winds do not mess around, so make sure it’s one that’s thick and insulated. I found my hat wasn’t enough, so I added a pair of ear muffs on top to keep my ears toasty.
Neck gaiter or snood – these are better than a scarf for keeping the wind off your face, and take up less space. I used a fleece-lined one with a toggle pull cord to keep it snug.
Heat-activated hand and feet warmers – these were great for keeping in my pockets and warming my hands as needed! You can get rechargeable ones too, which are more environmentally-friendly.
Sunglasses – the snow glare can be intense, even on cloudy days. They also help protect your eyes from the wind.

Bundled-up traveler in a white beanie and thick scarf takes a selfie in front of Gullfoss waterfall, surrounded by snow and ice. Her cold-weather gear reflects essential items from an Iceland winter packing list. — I look slightly ridiculous, but these warm accessories were all vital!

Go prepared! 👉CHECK OUT MY RECOMMENDED ICELAND WINTER PACKING LIST ESSENTIALS HERE and have everything you need for your next trip

Special Gear for Iceland’s Terrain

Walking on ice, hiking in snow and dealing with short daylight hours means a few small extras make a huge difference to your safety, comfort and enjoyment.

Footwear Needs

Keeping your feet warm and dry is important, and having cold feet can be so miserable. But a few key items are all you need:

Thermal-lined walking boots – get waterproof ones that are fleece-lined and have a good grip. I lived in mine the whole trip. Leave your trainers at home for this trip, you won’t need them and they’ll only take up valuable luggage space.
Extra insoles – these made my boots even comfier and warmer. I got fleecey ones. You can buy heat-activated feet warmers too, which I’d recommend in the coldest months.

Safety Equipment

If you’re visiting in the cold, icy months, then these items are a big help for navigating your way around on foot safely:

Head torch – essential when exploring in the dark (which can creep in early!).
Crampons/Grips – these are spikes or metal spirals on a stretchy rubber that attach around your boots and honestly, these were a lifesaver on icy pavements. I made sure the ones I bought are allowed in hand luggage. And remember to take them off before you step indoors so you don’t damage the flooring.

Photography Gear

Capturing photos of powerful waterfalls, scenery at low light and the Northern Lights can be tricky. But it’s easier if you have a few accessories to help:

Tripod – for Northern Lights or waterfall shots (a must if you’re hoping to capture them). Get one that folds up small and will fit in the side water bottle pocket of your cabin bag, and use a carabiner or velcro strap to weigh it down using your bag, so it’s more stable and windproof.
Bluetooth button – to take shots remotely, without knocking your device/tripod and blurring the shot.
Waterproof phone pouch – Icelandic weather is unpredictable, plus these are great if you want to take photos in the lagoons.
Spare batteries & memory cards – cold temps = fast battery drain. Take a large capacity power bank or two to keep charged.

Smiling woman in a winter coat with arms raised beneath a vivid Northern Lights display in Iceland. Her outerwear and boots illustrate how to dress warmly for nighttime outings per an Iceland winter packing list. — A tripod and a bluetooth button was essential for getting these Northern Lights photos

Go prepared! 👉CHECK OUT MY RECOMMENDED ICELAND WINTER PACKING LIST ESSENTIALS HERE and have everything you need for your next trip

Travel Essentials and Comfort Items

This is the stuff that made my trip smoother, comfier, and just generally more enjoyable. These should definitely be on your Iceland winter packing list if you have space.

Practical Items

These are items I took that I found really useful, especially for saving on cost:

Travel adaptor – Iceland uses the European Type F plug. I always take a multi-plug that has a 3-pin face as well as USB B and C ports.
Reusable water bottle – tap water is super clean and cold, and many cafes are happy to top up for you if you don’t see a refill point.
Hot drinks flask – we filled one each morning with coffee or tea at our accommodation, and the flask kept it hot all day. This was ideal for warming up, and saving money.
Snacks – high-energy snacks are great for busy days, and as food can be expensive in Iceland it saved us a small fortune.

Woman in a light blue winter coat, knit hat, gloves, and snow pants walking along a paved path in a snowy, mountainous Icelandic landscape. Her layered outfit reflects a practical example from an Iceland winter packing list. — Carrying my trusty hot drinks flask – being able to have a hot cup of tea when it was this cold was so good!

Comfort and Health

Some items you may not have considered when compiling your Iceland winter packing list, and which may surprise you:

Lip balm & hand cream – your skin will thank you.
Sun block with a high SPF – it might be cold, but the sun can be harsh so make sure to protect your face from the rays
Mini first aid kit – I always pack blister plasters and paracetamol as an absolute minimum. Compeed pads will be your best friend if your boots aren’t fully worn in before your trip.
Any personal meds – don’t forget your medication, plus a few extra and copy of your prescription as proof it’s prescribed to you.

Documents and Money

The obvious stuff you need for every trip, but just in case you’re forgotten:

Passport – and a digital copy.
ISK cash + cards – card is accepted almost everywhere and you might not need cash, but it’s always handy to take a little.
Travel insurance info & GHIC card – ideally printed and saved on your phone.
Waterproof pouch – to keep your passport and any other important documents dry

Miscellanous/Other

Random items I almost forgot to add to my Iceland packing list, or didn’t think about until last minute. My Sky Lagoon visit would have been ruined without these!

Swimming costume/trunks – for bathing in the lagoons or hot springs. I wore a long-sleeved costume so I could hold my drink without my arms being as cold.
Shower or swim cap – to protect your hair from the harsh minerals if you’re visiting the Blue Lagoon. Trust me, you don’t want to get your hair wet in there as it will feel dry and damaged.
Travel towel – if you’re planning on stopping by any natural hot springs, otherwise the lagoons do provide towels
Waterproof backpack cover – if you’re going near waterfalls, this is essential for keeping your personal belongings dry. They don’t take up much room so keep one with you.

Woman relaxing in a geothermal infinity pool with a knit head wrap and black swimsuit, steam rising around her under a clear sky. Though minimal, this swimwear is part of a complete Iceland winter packing list for visiting hot springs. — I wore a long-sleeved swimming costume at Sky Lagoon, so I wouldn’t be cold with my arms out of the water

Go prepared! 👉CHECK OUT MY RECOMMENDED ICELAND WINTER PACKING LIST ESSENTIALS HERE and have everything you need for your next trip

Tips for Packing Smart

Here’s how I made 3 days in Iceland work with just a carry-on:

Pack layers not bulk – they insulate better and take up less space.
Use compression packing cubes – these are a game-changer for fitting in bulky items.
Wear your bulkiest gear – I travelled in my salopettes, merino wool jumper, coat and boots to save space! I just took them off once seated. You’ll need them handy when you step outside the airport, believe me!
Rent big stuff – some tours provide crampons, waterproofs and warm outer layers, especially at night, so it’s worth checking ahead beforehand
Prep for the predicted temperatures – Iceland in winter isn’t just chilly, it’s bitter. Check weather apps before you fly. If it’s predicted to be mild, ditch a couple of extra layers.

Packing for Iceland in winter with only a carry-on is definitely doable. Just prioritise the right items and focus on warmth, waterproofing and practical items over fashion. Bring the right layers, protect your tech and most importantly of all, don’t overthink it.