Packing for Iceland is not about quantity. It is about a small number of items that genuinely change the trip — proper layers, waterproof boots, a sleep mask in summer — and about knowing which bulky things you can simply rent on arrival instead of carrying across Europe.
The three-layer rule
Icelandic weather does not have seasons so much as moods, and it changes several times a day. The system that works, in every month of the year, is three layers.
Base layer: merino wool or synthetic, never cotton. Cotton holds water and pulls heat out of you when it gets wet, which in Iceland it will. Mid layer: fleece or a light down jacket for insulation. Shell: a properly waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood — water-resistant is not enough. Waterproof trousers matter more here than in most countries because horizontal rain is normal.
This is the single most important thing to get right. Everything else on this list is optional by comparison.
Summer packing list (June–August)
| Item | Why it matters in Iceland |
|---|---|
| Sleep mask | In June it never gets properly dark — this is not optional if you value sleep |
| Waterproof jacket and trousers | Rain arrives sideways even in July |
| Fleece or light down mid-layer | Average July temperature is only 10–13°C |
| Waterproof walking boots | Wet grass, mud and river spray at every waterfall |
| Swimsuit and quick-dry towel | Every town has a geothermal pool; wild springs have no towel rental |
| Sunglasses | Low sun angle plus long days means glare for hours |
| Midge head net | Essential at Myvatn in late June and July |
| Refillable water bottle | Icelandic tap water is excellent and free everywhere |
| Power bank | Cold and constant photography drain phone batteries fast |
Shorts are optional and usually a mistake. Even in a warm July week, the wind at a waterfall or on the coast makes long trousers the sensible default.
Winter packing list (October–April)
| Item | Why it matters in Iceland |
|---|---|
| Thermal base layers, top and bottom | Wind chill regularly takes -2°C down to -10°C in feel |
| Insulated waterproof jacket | Wet snow is common near the coast, not just dry cold |
| Crampons or ice grips for boots | Car parks and paths at Gullfoss and Skogafoss ice over completely |
| Warm gloves plus a thin liner pair | Liners let you use a phone or camera without freezing |
| Hat and neck buff | Most heat is lost from the head and neck in wind |
| Head torch | Only 4–5 hours of daylight in December |
| Sunglasses | Low winter sun on snow is blinding on the drive |
| Thermos | Hot drink on a northern lights stop changes the whole night |
| Ice scraper and small brush | Usually in the car, but check at pickup |
Crampons are the item winter visitors most often skip and most often regret. They cost very little, weigh almost nothing, and turn an icy path from dangerous to routine.
What is already in the car
Every Aurora Car Rental Iceland vehicle includes free WiFi and free GPS, so you do not need a portable hotspot or a separate navigation device. Insurance is included in the rate, and airport transfer between Keflavik Airport and our base at Sudurbraut 890 in Keflavik is free in both directions, with flight monitoring so a delayed landing does not cost you the pickup.
Winter vehicles come on appropriate winter tyres. An ice scraper is standard. There is no deposit and payment is in cash on pickup, in ISK or EUR — so what you do need is a plan for cash or a card that works at self-service fuel pumps, which must have a PIN.
What to rent instead of packing
Camping and cooking equipment is heavy, bulky and expensive to fly with. All of it is available as a daily add-on, which for a one or two-week trip is almost always the better deal:
| Extra | Price per day | Worth renting when |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag | 4,000 ISK | Camping or camper van trips |
| Mattress 60x190 | 3,000 ISK | Sleeping in a van or roof tent |
| Pillow | 1,000 ISK | Any overnight in the vehicle |
| Cooler box | 3,000 ISK | Self-catering to cut restaurant costs |
| Burner (no gas) | 2,000 ISK | Cooking on the road; buy gas locally |
| Camping pot / frying pan / tableware | 1,000 ISK each | Full self-catering setup |
| Camping table and chairs | 2,000 / 1,000 ISK | Longer camping trips in summer |
| Water tank 5L | 1,000 ISK | Highland or remote camping |
| Power inverter | 3,000 ISK | Charging camera and laptop batteries on the move |
| Child seat, 0–3 or 4–12 years | 4,000 ISK each | Legally required for any child under 135 cm |
| Tyre insurance | 3,000 ISK | Any itinerary with significant gravel |
The full list is on our extras price list page, and everything can be added when you book on the booking page.
Documents and money
Bring your driving licence — a licence in Latin script from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand is valid in Iceland without an international permit. Bring your passport, travel insurance details and your booking confirmation.
Iceland is close to cashless, but two situations still need thought. Self-service fuel pumps require a card with a PIN, and Aurora rentals are paid in cash on pickup in ISK or EUR. Plan for both before you land rather than at the airport.
What not to bring
Leave the umbrella at home — Icelandic wind destroys them within minutes, and locals genuinely do not use them. Skip the roof box if you can: the wind penalty on fuel is real and wind damage is not covered by insurance. Heavy jeans are a poor choice as they stay wet for hours. And there is no need to pack bottled water; Icelandic tap water is among the best in the world.
Matching the car to the packing list
If you are packing light for a summer paved-road trip, a SsangYong Tivoli from 12,000 ISK per day is enough. Families and anyone carrying camping gear should look at the Kia Sportage, SsangYong Korando or the 9-seat bus. Travellers who want to sleep in the vehicle should consider a camper van or the Dacia with a roof tent, both of which pair naturally with the rentable bedding above. The full fleet is on our our cars page. All vehicles are unavailable from 10 to 15 August 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What should I definitely pack for Iceland?
Three layers — merino or synthetic base, fleece or light down mid-layer, and a genuinely waterproof and windproof shell — plus waterproof walking boots, a swimsuit and quick-dry towel, and a bank card with a PIN for fuel pumps.
Do I need special clothing in summer?
Yes. July averages only 10–13°C and rain arrives sideways, so a waterproof jacket and a fleece are needed even in high summer. Add a sleep mask for the midnight sun and a head net if you are visiting Myvatn in late June or July.
Are crampons necessary in winter?
They are one of the highest-value items you can pack for October to April. Car parks and paths at popular waterfalls ice over completely, and simple ice grips that slip over boots weigh almost nothing.
What is included with the rental car?
Insurance, free WiFi, free GPS, free Keflavik Airport transfer in both directions and flight monitoring. There is no deposit and payment is cash on pickup in ISK or EUR.
Should I bring camping gear or rent it?
Rent it. Sleeping bags at 4,000 ISK per day, mattresses at 3,000 ISK, cooler box at 3,000 ISK and a burner at 2,000 ISK are cheaper and far easier than flying with bulky equipment for a one or two-week trip.
Do I need an international driving permit for Iceland?
No, if your licence is in Latin script and issued in the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Bring the physical licence, your passport and your booking confirmation.
Pack light — rent the rest with your car
Camping gear, child seats and extras by the day. Insurance, WiFi, GPS and free airport transfer always included.
Aurora Car Rental Iceland — Suðurbraut 890, 262 Keflavík | WhatsApp: +48 729 854 633 | carrentalaurora@gmail.com