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Packing for vacation is always challenging, especially when you don’t know what to expect!  Since we were traveling along the Ring Road off season & the weather was fairly unpredictable I’ll share with you some of the essentials for packing, and what my usual outfit (layering) was for each day!

Obviously you need to still remember to pack your normal toiletries, socks, underwear etc. (check out my packing list page for more general things to bring)

This post contains some Amazon Affiliate links, however each of the products listed below I purchased myself, all opinions are my own.

Things you will need!

• Swimming suit

  • Yes it is cold outside, but you will want your swimming suit to go to the geothermal spas, or local pools!
  • The photo below is a link to the swimsuit I bought specifically for this trip. I’ve been wanting a 1 piece for awhile now, and was looking for something with an interesting design…. you have to see the back of the suit!  I got so many compliments on this (I bought it in black), and it is surprisingly comfortable & well made.
  • I wasn’t sure what to expect ordering a swimming suit on-line, but I LOVED this one!

I did a lot of last minute shopping on amazon for items for our trip (good thing for Prime shipping!)

• Hiking pants

  • I loved these pants so much…. I literally bought 2 identical pairs.  SO comfortable, and perfect to wear over a thermal base layer without feeling too bulky. (photo is a link to the product)

• Moisture wicking – Quick drying shirts

  • I stocked up on a couple long sleeved quick drying athletic shirts.  With hiking, unpredictable rain, and mist from waterfalls, it is important to have clothing that is breathable and dries easily.
  • These shirts were so comfortable, and stylish, I’ve worn them a lot at home since the trip too! (photo is a link to the product)

I also ordered this long sleeved shirt

• Underwater camera

  • Fun to take along to the Blue Lagoon or other geothermal spas, as well as if you go snorkeling or SCUBA at the silfra fissure!
  • I bought a new camera for this trip, a couple of the cameras I had my eye on were sold out, and I needed one fast so I picked the one pictured below & was very pleasantly surprised with the quality for the price.
  • Don’t forget extra memory cards,  and  one of these!
  • (photo is a link to the product)

• A travel map

  • Even though we were able to use our phones for *almost* all of our adventures along the Ring Road, it is a good idea to have a hard copy of a map just in case!
  • This is also a fun little souvenir to look back on later with our journey
  • We had this map

• A travel guide

  • This book was handy as a quick reference! (photo is a link to the product)

I also purchased several base layers on steepandcheap.com

My “go to” outfit:

Our trip was in early May, and temperatures were brisk.  I dressed in layers:

Bottoms:  Base layer – wool (medium or light weight),  Hiking pants, wool socks, hiking shoes

Tops:  Base layer top – Long Sleeve Shirt,  zippered fleece or wool sweater (I wore a yak wool sweater from steepandcheap), plush down vest, lightweight down jacket or rain jacket (switched between these depending on the weather)

Other:  Wool knit hat, alpaca wool mittens, and wool cowl.  Sunglasses

A few of my favorite things:

Other travel things I love so much that I make them for my Etsy store:

Eye masks – these are awesome since daylight lasts late into the night during spring/summer in Iceland – very helpful to sleep!

Luggage tags – Set your bag apart & find it quickly at the airport!

Passport covers – bring some style to your documents, or help tell them apart easily when traveling in a group

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