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Iceland in Winter Packing List

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If you are heading to the land of ice and fire over the winter, this list will cover all the things you should bring. I have been blessed to have visited the country a couple of times over the winter season, in fact I got married there in the Novembe...
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Toiletries

The hot springs and harsh winds can dry out your skin and hair, so I would advise taking some good skincare products with you. 

 
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If you plan on going whale watching (you definitely should) add these to your list. I usually suffer from sea sickness and I wore there out in the rough winter seas and was fine. Whether it is is the placebo affect or not, these did the trick and I d...
Travel Sickness Bands for sea sickness
 
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These air activated pouches are great to use when you are feeling the cold. They are quick to activate and last a good number of hours. I always make sure to have one spare in my bag to use. They will take the cold edge off your hands.
Air Activated Hand Warmers (6 Pairs)
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I found the water and the thermal pools quite drying on my skin so a great moisturiser is important to bring along. I have linked this ultra strength hand salve from Kiehls as its super thick and works quickly on dry hands.
Ultimate Strength Hand Salve For Dry Hands | Hand Care | Kiehl's UK
 
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This facial balm stick is very useful to use on the go. Set the scene, your walking along the coastline, the wind is intense and you feel your skin is taking a hit. This balm is lightweight and can be used OVER makeup which makes it even better. It i...
Ultra Facial Barrier Balm | Face Moisturiser | Kiehl’s UK
 
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This Vitamin E cream cleanser is gentle and great for sensitive skin. I like that is comes in a handy travel size.
Vitamin E Cream Cleanser - 60ml
 
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I find this avon spray to be a bit of a cult product and for good reason. I use this at the end of the day and into the evening, especially after a day in the sun. The spray also works to deter bugs.
Avon Skin So Soft Dry Oil Spray 150ml
 
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Fair warning to you, the Blue lagoon will mess with your hair. Just throw it up in a messy bun but if the sulpuhr waters do get on your hair, use this Banana hair mask afterwards to add moisture back into your hair.
Banana Truly Nourishing Hair Mask
 
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In winter we have very short day light hours (especially in the far north) I always use a vitamin d spray daily to keep up my levels.
Amazon.com: Vitamin D Spray

Clothing

The key for clothing here is layers. Iceland may be cold outside, but because of their geo thermal heating indoors can become warm so you need to have lots of layers with you. 

 
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This khaki colour casual knit is a soft knit zip-through track top. It is a blend of polyester and wool and is machine washable.
Loom Khaki Knit Track Top
 
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This light weight puffer tech jacket keeps you warm and protects from wind. I would size up if you want some winter layering underneath. 
The 'PUFFERTECH' padding, made with the latest fiber technology. Hollow fibers trap warm air to keep you warm.
Womens PUFFERTECH Parka | UNIQLO UK
 
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I have multiples of these heattech tops. This crew neck top can be worn underneath things and won't be seen. The Ultra Stretch fabric conforms to the body for a perfect fit and it washes well.
Womens HEATTECH Crew Neck T-Shirt (Long Sleeve) | UNIQLO UK
 
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This heattech top is extra warm and a bit more luxurious feeling. The wine colour is beautiful and you can wear these underneath layers or on their own. The yarn has 9% cashmere so naturally keeps you warm.
Womens HEATTECH Extra Warm Cashmere Blend Scoop Neck T-Shirt | UNIQLO UK
 
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These heattech black leggings are stretchy and comfortable. You can wear them underneath your trousers or on their own if you are looking for cosy lounge wear. I would say they are true to size.
Womens HEATTECH Leggings | UNIQLO UK
 
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I usually wear these tights underneath trousers, I find the thin fabric comfortable to wear. The heat tech fabric keeps you warm and they are high rise and keep your tummy warm too. I think they have them in a grey colour too.
Womens HEATTECH Tights (Leg Shaper, 60 Denier) | UNIQLO UK
 
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I love this rusty orange colour, it will definitley contrast agains the Icelandic landscape. This had has heattech technology and is light weight to wear. I also like that is machine washable.
Unisex HEATTECH Beanie (Ribbed) |
 
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These danish wool socks are perfect for hiking in colder climates or for an early start on a cold morning. The material is warm, cosy and comfortable and they are washing machine friendly.
The Nordic Sock Company Danish Hygge Socks
 
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In my opinion this is the best outdoor jacket for travel to Scotland. The wax jacket will last a lifetime, great warm lined pockets and extremely weatherproof. I would size up in Barbour sizes.
Barbour Women's Classic Beadnell Wax Jacket
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This summer light jacket is easy to pack away for travel. The jacket is waterproof and has a cool vibrant print.
Regatta Women's Orla Waterproof Jacket, 10
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This Edinburgh Based company offers cosy blanket scarfs with a range of designs, I love their tartan range. Lambswool is very warm and perfect for wearing exploring the cities.
Lambswool Blanket Scarf in Buchanan Antique Tartan
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A soft lambswool funnel neck knitted in Scotland. The funnel neck cut and raglan sleeves make this an instant winter classic. This sweater comes in five different colours.
Lambswool Funnel Neck Jumper
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These sturdy boots are not just for horse riding but can be worn throughout the colder months. Made from waxed and grain leather, these tall boots feature a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry.
Royal Scot Women's Armadale Riding Boots | GO Outdoors
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Jumpers, sweaters and cardigans made in Scotland. Their most popular is their Fair Isle designs are made using Shetland character or British wools. They will fit the bill when you're looking for something special and cosy.
Women's Knits Handcrafted In Scotland - The Croft House
 
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Surf inspired cosy  colourful fleeces. 
Each fleece is sewn with great care in the north of Scotland. They have a variety of colour combos, and their half zip fleeces are popular. I love the teal and yellow design. They also have a gift card option if you can't decide for a gift.
Surf Coo: Cosy handmade fleeces

Food

You can drink the tapwater in Iceland, so no need to buy over priced bottled water. I will say food in Iceland is expensive so I always bring some snack bars for the road. 

 
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Scotland has the world's best tap water. No need to buy bottled water. Get yourself a cool re useable water bottle. This floral one from etsy caught my eye.
Wildflower Water Bottle, Floral Print, Botanical Design, BPA-Free, Eco-Friendly, Outdoor Essential
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I love these biscuits bakes because they are pre packaged and great for on the go.
Belvita Soft Bakes Chocolate Hazelnut Flavour Cereal Snack Bars ...
 
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Perfect snack bars to take on the go. I like these oat bars for morning time.
Stoats Blueberry And Honey Porridge Oat Bar 42g - Morrisons
 
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I always bring a few of these sachets, its warm and comforting and all you need it hot water. Perfect after a long outdoors.
Galaxy Instant Hot Chocolate Stick - Morrisons

Packing

A few practical items that will organise your trip better.

 
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I have included a classic black colour but this brand has many designs to choose from. I highly rate this bag as a day back and for travel days. The Scandinavian design classic dating back to 1978 was built to bear the blows of mountains. Finished wi...
Fjallraven Kanken Backpack
 
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I love these colourful and quirky packing cubes. Some people are anti packing cubes but I love to be organised whilst travelling and these are different from the usual black or grey colours you see.
BAGGU Poppy Mix Packing Cube Set
 
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If you are visiting Iceland independly and by car, I find this mini first aid very handy to take around. Preparation is important, especially in the remote areas of Iceland. This kit also includes an folding foil blanket for cold weather emergencies.
Mini first aid kit
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 These waterproof pouches come in very handy! If you are heading to the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon they will come in hand to store your phone. Combined with water-resistant zips and nylon gear loop.
Waterproof zip pouch/EDC pouch - tool organiser - washbag

Electronics

A mix of photography equipment and useful items. 

 
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Have a throwback moment with this disposable camera and you will find lots to take pictures of in Iceland! 
The camera is disposable 35mm film camera from Kodak. Simple point-and-shoot style with a built-in flash and 39 exposures.
Kodak FunSaver Flash Disposable Film Camera
 
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Worldwide Travel Adapter with Dual Protection: Certified by CE and UKCA, this travel plug adapter worldwide with 2 USB C and 2 USB A ports provides surge protectin, overload protection, short-circuit protection for your equiments. The USB travel adap...
Universal Travel Adapter with 2 USB-C & 2 USB-A Ports
 
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Helpful wee travel case for all of your memory cards.
SD Card Holder Case, 22 Slot Memory Wallet
 
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A small but mighty head torch is needed when camping. Travel friendly too.
Energizer Vision HD+ 260 Lumen Head Torch
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This is the camera I used for my Iceland trip and I cannot fault it. It is easy to use, fairly lightweight and creates crystal clear photos.
Canon EOS 250D Camera Body, Black

Travel Guide

I have included a few of my own articles here for travelling in Iceland. 

 
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Starting and ending in Reykjavik this route will take you through the best natural views that Iceland has to offer.
5 Day South Iceland Road Trip Itinerary 2024 — travelkattours