Between the changeable weather and limited storage space in your campervan, packing for an Iceland campervan road trip can seem like a bit of a minefield.
- What if it's warmer than you expect it to be?
- What if the campervan doesn't come with cutlery?
- Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
These are just a few of the questions that will inevitably arise when stuffing socks into your shoes and rolling up your favourite jumpers.
Luckily, all these questions and more will be answered in this ?What to Pack for an Iceland Campervan Road Trip' article. Not only does it cover all of the personal packing essentials like hiking boots and toiletries, but it also provides you with info on stocking up on food, the supplies your campervan may include, and rentable extras for a more luxurious campervan experience. Now, if only there was someone to do the packing for you too!
Pack According to Icelandic Weather
So when we say "pack according to Icelandic weather", we mean pack with consideration for its unpredictability. This means stuffing both t-shirts and waterproof jackets, woolly hats and sunglasses, and thermals and vests. That way, you're prepared for whatever the weather and you can spend more time enjoying your experience rather than worrying about getting cold and wet.
If your luggage space is limited, it's better to pack lots of thin layers that you can pile on or peel off when the weather changes rather than one or two big woolly jumpers.
Packing Essentials for an Iceland Road Trip
A good all-weather jacket
Come winter or summer, you never know when it might rain or snow in Iceland, and so it's best to prepare for this with a good all-weather jacket. By having one of these at hand, you'll be better equipped to embrace the weather, no matter what it looks like, and enjoy Iceland to the max.
- Our recommendation: Marmot PreCip Eco raincoat from Fjallakofinn.is
Comfortable hiking shoes
Expect to be doing a lot of walking in Iceland on everything from pavements and gravel paths to snow and ice. With strong and comfortable hiking shoes, you'll spend less time distracted by your steps and more time admiring the scenery surrounding you, which is much more deserving of your attention.
- Our recommendation: Scarpa Khumbu Gore-Tex from Fjallakofinn.is
Thermals and thin layers
Temperatures in Iceland greatly fluctuate depending on location, time of day, and sun visibility. You could be basking in the warm sunshine one moment and shivering in the wind the next. By packing thermals and thin layers, you'll have a greater ability to control your comfort levels as the weather changes.
- Our recommendation: Odlo Active Warm Eco turtleneck from Fjallakofinn.is
Waterproofs
Thin waterproof jacket and trousers are always a handy addition to your Iceland packing list because sometimes you might need protection from the rain without the added warmth of a thick winter coat. Plus, they're small and light enough to carry in a backpack and whip out when the rain starts pattering down.
- Our recommendation: Marmot Mitre Peak Jacket & Marmot Mitre Peak Pants
Gloves
During the autumn and winter, gloves are essential for keeping your hands warm and dry, otherwise, they would be exposed to the sometimes harsh Icelandic elements. Even in summer, they can be a useful addition to your packing list because it can get nippy at night, especially in areas of higher elevation.
- Our recommendation: Dakine Element Wind Gloves
Toiletries
Toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and deodorant are unlikely to be supplied with your campervan or motorhome so it's best to bring some with you. Since there are often restrictions on travelling with toiletries by plane, it might be better to pick them up in a local Icelandic supermarket once you arrive. However, toiletries in Iceland can be expensive so it's better to bring them from home if you want to save money.
- Our recommendation: Summit hanging toiletry bag & Silicone Flight Bottle Set
A high-quality camera
Iceland is one of the world's most photogenic locations and it would be rude not to take advantage of that and capture your favourite sights with some high-quality photographs that you can treasure forever. While DSLRs are technically more advanced, a high-spec phone camera will do your shots justice too.
When you're travelling in a campervan across Iceland, you might not have your usual forms of entertainment to keep you occupied on those quiet evenings in nature like a TV or laptop. Instead, you get to spend more quality time with your travel companions or quiet time alone. If you have a bit of space left in your suitcase, packable entertainment like books, car games, and quizzes will help you be prepared for these moments of downtime between adventures.
Packing Food for an Iceland Road Trip
While you might occasionally park near towns and settlements where you can treat yourself to a delicious restaurant meal on your Iceland road trip, you'll often be parked in nature where you'd have to hunt for your food (not recommended). Therefore, it's best to stock up your campervan fridge with meals, drinks, and snacks before you escape into nature. Besides, cooking in your home on wheels is all part of the road trip experience.
Since you can get almost everything you need at Icelandic supermarkets, there is no need to pack food supplies in your luggage. But feel free to bring some of your favourite snacks from home if there's anything you'd rather not go without!
What Gear is Included in Most Campervans/ Motorhomes
Knowing what gear and amenities are usually included in most campervan or motorhome rentals will help you decipher what other essential and non-essential supplies you may wish to pack for the trip. To make it even easier, however, we have made a list of ?included gear' and ?suggested extras' that aren't included but may be useful to bring on your campervan road trip. Please note that different rental companies may provide different supplies and so it's best to check what your rental will come with just in case.
- A stovetop/ camping stove
- A full can of camping gas
- Pots, pans, and plates
- Kitchen utensils and cutlery
- Washing-up supplies
- Cleaning supplies
- A sat-nav or map
- A full water tank
- A cooler/ refrigerator
- Clean bedding
- A heater connected to the fuel tank
What your campervan/motorhome isn't likely to include:
- Toiletries (including toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste)
- Olive oil and seasoning for cooking
- Food supplies
- Extra blankets
As well as providing you with all of the essentials for living on the road like kitchen utensils and cooking equipment, your rental company may also give you the opportunity to rent extra equipment and accessories that will make your journey even more enjoyable. These can be added during your booking process or when you pick up your camper in Iceland, which is more highly recommended because many of the rentable extras are weather dependent. Here are some of the equipment and accessories you can potentially rent from your vehicle supplier:
- Camping chairs
- Camping table
- Picnic equipment
- Towels
- Water container
- Sleeping bag/ duvet
- Pillows
- Power inverter
- Wireless speaker
- LED outdoor light
- Gas bbq and extra gas
- Electric bike/ scooter
Pack as Light as Possible
Bear in mind when packing for your Iceland road trip the size of your campervan/ motorhome and the space it provides for luggage. Generally, the smaller the vehicle, the lighter you should pack. The style and shape of the luggage should also be taken into consideration. Softer and more malleable luggage is better to bring when travelling in a campervan because they are easier to stuff and store in the vehicle's cubby holes.
For example, small campervan rentals like the Go Campers Renault Trafic don't have space for a standard-size hard shell suitcase, but there is storage beneath the seating to fit small-medium backpacks. If you're unsure of how much space your camper will have, don't hesitate to reach out and ask your rental supplier because there's nothing worse than battling with your suitcase for space to sleep!
Enquire about your campervan rental with Northbound
If this packing checklist has helped you decide what kind of campervan rental you'd like to drive on your epic road trip, Iceland's most trusted rental provider Northbound can help you secure it.
Call us on +354 539 3022 or email us [email protected] to talk to a campervan rental expert. We are also happy to answer any questions and queries from our existing & future customers might have about their campervan or upcoming trip.
