Jeans are a versatile and comfortable choice for a trip to Iceland, as they are durable, easy to pack, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. However, jeans alone may not provide enough warmth and comfort for outdoor activities. For outdoor activities, layering with thermals is essential, as they are warm, comfortable, and preferably waterproof.
Jackets can be suitable for wearing in Iceland during the summer and shoulder seasons, but they should be worn with something underneath them. Long-sleeved tops like Helly Hanson W HH LIFA CREW, M and S Heatgen Thermal Long Sleeved Top, and Merino Wool Icebreaker Oasis Crew Thermal Top are recommended. Jeans are suitable for town walks only, not hiking or glacier hiking. Non-waterproof jackets and waterproof outer layers are essential for all seasons in Iceland.
When traveling in Reykjavik or a simple walk in the town, jeans are fine, but they may get chilly. Jeans are not ideal for city activities, as they retain moisture as your legs kick up snow. Cotton clothing is not suited for Icelandic winter, either. In Reykjavik, denim jeans, cotton sweaters, and sneakers are suitable. When going out in the evenings, consider wearing denim pants with insulated bib overalls like carharts or hoodies.
In the wilderness, no-no’s such as denim jeans or cotton sweaters become fair game, and sneakers are suitable when the streets aren’t icy. The outerwear should be waterproof and functional, and layers of clothing and a waterproof jacket are essential for staying warm and dry in Iceland.
📹 DON’T PACK FOR ICELAND BEFORE WATCHING THIS!
Planning a trip to Iceland? What you pack for your Iceland trip is incredibly important. You’ll spend most of your time outside and …
What not to bring to Iceland?
The Icelandic Revenue and Customs Administration has issued guidelines that prohibit the importation of specific items, including toxic substances, narcotics, chewing tobacco, uncooked meat products, certain foodstuffs (meat products can be imported if boiled or canned), weapons, and knives with blades exceeding 12 cm.
Can you wear jeans in the Arctic?
In the Arctic, our legs are exposed to wind, snow, rain, and water splashes, making it essential to wear water- and windproof pants. Snow pants and bibs are common options, but bibs are more comfortable for those with cold backs. Gore-tex waterproof pants are a more comfortable choice. The outer layer of clothing, the outer shell, comes in direct contact with elements like rain, snow, ice, and wind, and should have windproof protection.
It can be built-in insulation or a shell, and waterproof is optional but highly recommended for trips with boat rides or high rain chances. Adjustable cuffs and a hood are essential for keeping the head warm. Look for models with pockets for hands-free access.
Accessories, such as the base, middle, and outer layers, should be considered for the hands and feet. The brain considers these areas expendable compared to vital organs, and extreme cold can frostbite the toes, fingers, cheeks, and nose. Fingers and feet are the coldest parts of the body, and some accessories may be enough, while others require layers.
Can you wear denim in the snow?
The outer layer of clothing is crucial for keeping wind and snow off while skiing. It is essential to have waterproof items for both the top and bottom half. Leggings and track pants are ideal for the first layer, as they absorb water. Jeans are not suitable as they absorb water and become wet and heavy. Insulated snow pants are most functional for beginners. Winter jackets and pants are not entirely waterproof, as manufacturers balance water resistance and breathability.
Numbers like 10, 000mm or 10K indicate how much water can sit on a fabric before it leaks through. While not ideal for rain, these fabrics hold up well for a day of skiing. Renting these items can help keep costs down.
How to dress for Blue Lagoon Iceland?
Bathing suits are available for rental in all areas of the bathing lagoon, including the sauna. Such items may be procured from the reception area, either purchased or rented. Towels and bathrobes are available in sizes ranging from small to extra-large. The location is as follows: Norðurljósavegur 9240 Grindavík and Urriðaholtsstræti 2210 Garðabær. To remain informed, please join the BL Club and accept the privacy policy.
Is it okay to wear jeans in Iceland?
In Reykjavik, jeans are suitable for casual wear, but they may get chilly during hiking due to strong winds and wet jeans. Thermals are a good choice for warmth and comfort, while thermal leggings are soft and comfortable. If you’re traveling in Iceland, consider renting a car from Iceland Car Rental to explore at your own pace. Remember to pack appropriately for your trip and consider what to leave out of your suitcase.
What is the dress code in Iceland?
Iceland’s dress code is generally casual and functional, even in restaurants. Icelanders often wear hiking gear and backpacks to restaurants, but do not wear sweatpants or overly casual clothing. Shorts are not necessary in Iceland due to its cooler temperatures and unpredictable weather. Long pants offer better protection against the elements. The weather in Iceland is highly unpredictable, with snowfall in June or July, winters without snow, freezing temperatures in May, and 20°C in December. Some Icelanders wear shorts and t-shirts at 13°C, but the consistently cold weather makes shorts at home a necessity.
Can I wear sneakers to Iceland?
In Iceland, sneakers are suitable for summer activities like visiting Reykjavík and local bars and restaurants. However, sturdy walking shoes with good grip are recommended for rough terrain in the countryside, allowing for scenic walks to admire volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, and glaciers. Boots may be useful for day tours of the Golden Circle, as rough paths along waterfalls and in Þingvellir National Park can be slippery. Overall, sturdy walking shoes and boots are essential for a comfortable and safe journey in Iceland.
Are blue jeans good for cold weather?
Denim is not an optimal choice for cold, snowy, or winter weather due to its inadequate wind and moisture-resistant properties. Despite its status as a central component of the typical male wardrobe, denim is frequently donned irrespective of its environmental consequences, rendering it a prevalent selection among men.
What popular item was banned in Iceland?
Prohibition was a significant issue in Iceland, as it was the first European country to introduce it and remained in place for 75 years. However, beer was illegal until 1989, and other alcohols were mostly legal during this time. Iceland’s isolation due to its northern location made it difficult to trade with countries producing large quantities of alcohol. Alcohol was not regularly consumed before the 1900s, and prohibition was voted in via referendum in 1909 and implemented by around 1915.
The population of Iceland was small, with less than 100, 000 people at the time, and women and those under 25 were not eligible for voting. The history of alcohol in Icelandic culture is a fascinating one, with beer remaining illegal until 1989.
How do locals dress in Iceland?
Icelanders rely on cars for transportation and shopping, primarily at malls or supermarkets. They typically wear sturdy shoes, parkas, and fleece jackets or sweaters. Icelanders have their own fashion taste and culture, which changes with each generation. The clothing culture is inherited from Scandinavian roots, with Nordic wool knit patterns. Children and teenagers prioritize their looks over weather, leading to more fashion statements in this population. The larger clothing culture is influenced by Scandinavian roots.
What kind of pants do I need for Iceland?
To stay warm and dry in Iceland, pack waterproof pants, lightweight outdoor pants, and snow pants for the winter season. Avoid jeans for outdoor wear and prioritize comfort and readiness. Wear windproof gloves or mittens to protect against the cold windchill. A good hat is essential as we lose around 10 percent of our body heat through our heads, which is crucial in cold windy conditions. Remember to avoid wearing jeans for outdoor activities and to bring a good hat to ensure safety.
📹 10 Things to Know BEFORE You Visit ICELAND! | Ultimate Iceland Travel Tips 2024 🇮🇸
In this video, we’ll be giving you the 10 things you need to know before you visit Iceland! If you’re looking for advice on what to do …
To a native Icelander like me, this advice seemed a bit over the top to me – until I realized that if I wanted to visit, say, the Mojave Desert in summer, I would be equally clueless about what to pack, how to prepare! In fact, this is very sound advice to people that are clueless about how hellish a “nice Icelandic summer day” can be!
You forgot to mention a bathing suit. It’s a really great cultural experience to go to a public swimming pool in Iceland and many towns have pools. We went to Laugardalslaug in Reykjavik and loved the experience. My husband did his lap swimming and I did the hot tubs with locals. Very clean and well organized and multigenerational. It was nice to be off the beaten track from the regular tourist areas.
We are planning a July trip this year and been amazed at how many places are already booked out and how chilly it will be during the trip. Thank you for the suggestion of the buffs and rain pants. Will also pack an extra hat and set of gloves. Thank you for telling us to skip the flip flops. Would love to know where your cream loose top is from. Seems to be a perfect item for travel and going out at night.
Loved these so much!! We are heading there in a few months. I just purchased your toiletry bag, can’t wait to use it. I love the other packing cubes and backpack i have from you guys. Question…. Can I ask what brand name of hiking boots you both have? We are both in need of new ones and these look great!! Thanks
Icelandair has very small dimensions for personal item and carryon bag. Those backpacks are too wide. I paid for a checked bag as well due to that. My hiking boots I doubt I’d want to wear everywhere day and night. I need to bring another pair of shoes other than those small sneakers. I think I have to pack the daypack in my carry on to use there. It’s thicker than 5.6 inches thick/ deep I’m sure. The carry on size is 7.8 deep now.
This is great. Thank you so much for the tips!! The only thing I am really unsure about is whether I bring a long down jacket or a short one! I have a black water proof North Face- very foldable and packable (does not take up much space) But I think I should take another warmer jacket. I am always cold! Should I bring a long down jacket? I am going end of Sept/ Early Oct.
So glad this showed up in my feed! It is also a perfect packing list for a trip to Alaska in July and August, except… that Alaska can also be rather warm, so it can go either way. So the jeans and lighter shirts would work well. Alaska is home and we have a trip coming up that is going to combine fencing/dirty work with weather and going places, some nicer than others. So the spectrum is the issue, and I really like your packing list, it is going to help a ton! great article, like the vibe and the humor! (& haha, yes, getting on the plane to Alaska, folks are often kitted out in hiking gear or hoodies and sweats, very low key, so that made me smile a bit!) Have a good one, Lynne
Ok, I’m not a female, but for half of my week in Iceland back in June, I wore shorts, in the evening with a light fleece jacket. I would have worn shorts more, but only brought one pair. I brought a raincoat, and never took it out of my suitcase. The most waterproof things on your feet – are your feet. I hiked and did a lot of the tourist sites barefoot, beaches, hiking, and crossing streams and small rivers. Honestly, in the summer, it really isn’t very cold.
Swedish citizen here: Having rain and wind 70 % around the year here in westcoast island were i live im used to this everytime i travel🤣 My latest trip was to Canada where i packed most outdoor pants, shorts, hikingboots, rain poncho etc and most of the time there was alright except for Toronto that had no winds but extrem rain and high humidity similiar like Seattle has in summer🌧, im planing to take a 10 days trip in Iceland next year so i will be very prepared 😃💜🧊
It is a very great article for the people who are going to country like iceland first time. I expected that you will say something about your water bottle / flask. Warm water is required to be carried. How was that managed.? seconly how the phone and photograpy is managed when we have hiking poles in hand.
May I share an Old Testament Verse with you from Daniel 7:14 “And there was given him dominion, and glory, & a Kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should SERVE Him; his dominion is an Everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, & his kingdom shall not pass away, and His Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” God the Father loves you so much that He sent Holy Sinless Jesus (His Holy Son) to earth to be born of a virgin.Then, to grow up and die on a cross for our sins. He was in the tomb for 3 days, then Father God raised Holy and Sinless Jesus Christ (Y’shua) to Life! He appeared to people and went back to Heaven. We must receive Sinless Jesus sincerely to be God’s child(John 1:12).After we get saved by grace through faith in Christ, if we truly love the Lord Jesus Christ, then we will obey Jesus(John 14:15). Mark 1:15 “And saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Jesus said in John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. “There’s a real hell. It says in Revelation 21:8 “But for the cowardly, & unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, & immoral persons sorcerers & idolaters & all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire & brimstone…” Please sincerely receive Holy Jesus and put your true faith and trust in Him today and please repent. Will you have a Real encounter with Holy Lord Jesus (Y’shua is His Hebrew Name) and stay in a Genuine relationship with Him daily please?
We just returned from a first week of June trip. Forget the leggings please. You can get away with water repellent hiking pants such the ones from Eddie Bauer. You can wear them several days in a row as you won’t be able to do laundry. If you go for a 6 days, three pairs should suffice. They pack small as well. Bring 4-5 non cotton, antimicrobial base layers and a two Patagonia or similar zip up thermal tops. Lightweight packable jacket (Columbia has the perfect one) Shoes: low and mid hikers and you’re good to go. Bring enough undies to have one for each day, hats and fleece gloves. Done.
My free tips: #1 after landing, whether you but a ticket to the Blue Lagoon spa or not, drive over to the Blue Lagoon and park at the Silica Hotel which is a part of the hotel group. There is a flat hiking trail, facing out of the front door, on the left. The trail winds around to the Blue Lagoon. You will see beautiful milky blue water. I saw a couple getting married in the lava rock! The trail is free. No one said anything about us parking there. #2 Save $ eating the hotdogs from kiosks or gas stations. They are the best I have ever had. Ask for loaded! #3 The Barn Hostel in Vik was one of the nicest hostels I have ever seen. You can walk to the Black Sands. Great view of the ocean. USD $35 a night.
You totally nailed it in this article. We did Iceland Summer 2021, and despite the high cost of things it ended up being a reasonable vacation because most of the attractions were in nature. Renting a car and hitting the supermarket often kept the costs down. We did AirBnBs all over the island, and driving was easier than most places in the US. For foks in the Western US, check out Iceland Air direct from Denver or Seattle. Cheers!
I’m very fortunate to have Icelandair as a big presence in my airport on the East Coast. They always run sales so I can travel without going broke. It’s an insane cheat code to do the stopover in this gorgeous country, hop to another country in Europe, and then get back home at no extra cost. It is cheaper for me to fly to Europe than to fly to the West Coast of the USA.
I’ve seen on YouTube so many different countries and cultures and it’s amazing how Iceland stands out with it’s beautiful volcanic environments and coastal views, not to mention the countries culture and laws make it truly fun to view and understand. I myself honestly don’t like cold weather or snow anymore since being a child but I’m gonna be honest to say I might be able to handle living there primarily because of the people and their composure and attitude to new people. What many places on this earth could do better with is how cultures accept other races to it’s country I know there’s no utopia but Iceland is a model country thanks for this great article.
Thank you your the only website that talked about cards and transaction fees. I was wondering about that and the other websites didn’t specify!! I assumed all cards had foreign transaction fees gotta figure out which one of mines has that feature!! Is therr a way to go without having a card that has no foreign transaction fees
Keep in mind (because to many tourist don’t) that in Iceland the roads are not always very good and it is not wise to drive faster than 90 (max speed in Iceland). Also DO NOT stop in the middle of the road to take pictures (many tourist accidents happens that way) and it’s an absolute MUST to respect WARNING signs. They are there BECAUSE accidents and death has happened (0:25)!!!
We are already planning our trip for summer of next year cause experiencing Iceland for 2 winters we are not doing anymore!! lol. we love the fact that the plane ticket prices were cheap but that weather was ruthless. On the flip side getting to see the Northern lights was worth it. We are renting a campervan and heading north this time. Being that it doesnt get dark in the summer thats the perfect time to try to get spots to ourselves. Great article once again!!
Thanks for sharing. I just came back from Iceland and had a wonderful time. The weather was amazing. It was sunny and slightly warm the whole trip. I visited Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Reykjavik. Reykjavik was my favorite because I tend to like bigger cities. That said, Akureyri and Isafjordur were BEAUTIFUL. The Blue Lagoon was nice and not overly crowded — at least at the time (midmorning) we went. I was only in Iceland for four day, but I WILL return. The next visit
Well, paying for those parking tickets pays for keeping up minimum safety infrastructure around the places. So if you get your ass hurt in one of those places and need an ambulance to get you to a hospital(for free), just keep thinking about the 10 bucks you saved in parking fees and you will feel a lot better 🙃🤣
Just earned a Subscriber with this one!!! Thanks for sharing!!! I definitely want to Solo travel here and bring my Drone (Mini 3 Pro…maybe the Mini 4 Pro if I decide to upgrade)… I’ve known about “Play” airlines for a while now, I’m going to assume they allow drones on their flights? (I have Lipo bags for my Action cam & Drone batteries) ..Or did you take a different airline with your drone?
I like how like minded we are when it comes to traveling and not just throwing our hard earned money out the window lol. We’re going back to Iceland in June for 12 days, and are excited to see the Westfjords and northern half this time. We’ll be traveling mostly during the midnight sun hours, so hopefully that cuts down on bumping into other tourists. We had Skógafoss and Jökulsárlón to ourselves this past July since we went at 3am. Amazing, and your article has me already starting my packing checklist lol. 🤜🤛
Hey thanks again for ur tips & shared experiences on Iceland, was super helpful for our recent trip last week! Wanted to follow up on a question I had posted a couple months ago that you had replied to about seats on PLAY Air: We went ahead and booked the cheapest seats, but my question was about whether they would have enough leg room for me (6’2″). The good news is that the direct redeye was at only half capacity, so my wife and I had the 3-seat section + back 3 seats to ourselves. Sitting and facing forward, my legs actually could only fit hitting the outer edges of the seat in front of me. Had it been during high tourist season, I would’ve been in trouble stuck and probably lean heavily on my wife in order to not be in the 3rd person’s space. Even for my 5’4″ wife, she felt kinda claustrophobic. I decided to move to the row behind her and stretch out a bit to sleep. As it turned out, despite a predicted Aurora KP index of ZERO for that night, the pilot announced a sighting to the left of the plane! and I had the foresight to book seats deliberately on the left/facing north for the redeye hoping for the opportunity. It was beyond belief as a 1st-timer seeing the aurora in person, a truly “spiritual” experience. Anyway, we decided to splurge for the extra room seats on the return trip. I had noticed on the redeye flight that the extra leg room seats truly had EXTRA LEG ROOM, significantly more so than United’s Economy Plus seats (as a point of ref). For the future, we’ll splurge on those seats on PLAY Air or maybe try out Icelandair, since the cost will be similar then.
I don’t understand why you need to watch these clips, many moons ago you went on holiday and explored. I first went to Iceland 30 years ago no internet then I go back all the time, and through talking to friends and people they go and have the thrill of going and finding things out for themselves. That’s what a holiday or break is all about.
Hey chew, thanks for the article. My girlfriend and I are traveling to iceland this september and are trying to debate whether or not to rent a car. Where did you rent your car from for that price and how far in advance did you book to make it that affordable? Ill be going from sept 19-24th and we really want to take advantage of seeing as much as possible. Hopefully you get a chance to read this, thanks for the article again!
Women beware: before traveling know this law that could trap you abroad. This happens all the time yet I’ve never met a mother who knew what the Hague law was before it destroyed her life. We are told if our partner is abusive then leave him. Nobody thinks that means you will lose custody of your children who will be given to your abuser possibly without even an assessment of the best interest of the children. youtu.be/xuf9w9exgNk?feature=shared
Very helpful hints. My only constructive criticism is that this beautiful island depends on tourism for its economy and so I feel that, as a tourist, we should support this island country by not skimping on parking and asking to use tickets paid for by other responsible tourists, despite the “pay it forward” concept. But I thank you and enjoyed your articles.
Nice article. Just one correction. Your sweetheart said the water in Iceland comes from the glaciers. Actually, the drinking water comes from the wells and boreholes Glacier water is dirty and nobody wants to drink that but water that is from bore holes through the lava which acts like a filter. They get much better water. Very nice photography and drone filming