What to Bring for Your Camping Trip in Iceland During Summer!
1. Breathable Outerwear
You’ll need decent breathable outdoor clothing like sturdy hiking boots and clothes that can withstand rain and wind. You never know when those black clouds decide to blow over you.
2. Cold-Weather Layers
The evenings can get cold, so be prepared for the Icelandic weather with clothes that keep you warm at all times, including when sleeping. One or two fleeces or a windproof jacket should suffice.
3. Dry Sleepwear
You’ll need dry clothes to sleep in. Moist clothes can give you the chills at night.
4. Insect Protection
Insect repellent is also very good to have with you. You might also want to consider one of those mosquito lamps for the summer evenings when you want to sit and enjoy the summer at your camping table. There are one or two places where mosquitoes or midges are plentiful and you really want to be prepared for that. Bring your favorite after-bite remedy and you might also want to bring a mosquito head net just in case. Better to be prepared than sorry!
5. Swimwear and Towel
Do not forget your swimwear and a towel and get a map of all the places where you can enjoy natural hot springs or enjoy a swim in a pool you will find in most villages in Iceland.
Read more: Camping in Iceland
6. Spices and Foraging Tips
To make your food more tasty without having to buy a bunch of spices, pack small zip-lock bags with your favorites. In Iceland, you can also pick Blueberries for your own consumption if you can find them (they are plentiful at the right time and place). Iceland also has its share of delicious mushrooms with Larch Bolete (Lat. Suillus grevillei), Birch Bolete (Lat. Leccinum scabrum) and Slippery Jack (Lat. Suillus luteus) being the most popular ones. We do recommend you read up on the subject so you know what you’re doing before picking and cooking with wild mushrooms.
7. First Aid Kit
There are plenty of travel packs to choose from. In case you cut yourself, scrape your knee or even get a sprain, it‘s good to be prepared, especially if you are far away from towns and villages.
8. Sleep Mask
During those bright summer nights, some visitors might experience difficulties falling asleep. Our campervans are equipped with curtains but they might not be enough, so consider bringing a sleep mask to make sure you can sleep if the light bothers you.
9. Hiking Gear
If you plan to hike during your trip, bring hiking gear like trekking poles, a GPS, reusable water bottles, and a durable backpack that can take a beating from rain and rocks.
10. Shorts and T-shirts
Yes, you might need them, especially in sheltered areas. Every now and then, it can get quite warm, and you’ll want to dress accordingly.
11. Personal Essentials
Electronics You Should Bring:
Sure, hiking boots and bug spray are important, but your trip will be even better with the right tech. Here’s what we recommend bringing along.
1. Smartphone
A mobile phone should be the very first item on your Iceland campervan packing list. Today’s smartphones come with a range of powerful features. Not only can they serve their primary purpose to make calls, but they also allow you to research, GPS navigate, communicate via the internet, and much more.
2. Laptop
Add your laptop to the campervan essentials. It will make it easier to communicate with properties and rental agencies, plan your itinerary, and share your adventures online.
3. DSLR Camera
Although you can get by with a smartphone camera, consider taking along a DSLR camera. When figuring out what to pack for Iceland, think about how you want to capture your memories. With this camera, you will snap higher-quality photos and have various editing settings.
4. GoPro
A GoPro is the most popular camera for snapping exciting on-the-go moments. Therefore, it should be among the things to pack for camping in a camper. This is probably the most convenient way to shoot high-quality video.
5. External Hard Drive
When considering what to bring to Iceland, many people forget to pack an external hard drive. However, it comes in handy when you need to securely store your newly shot footage and photographs.
6. Chargers
For every electronic device on your Icelandcampervanpackinglist, pack its corresponding charger. It would be a shame to forget it. Therefore make sure to double-check for each one before you go!
7. VPN and WiFi Access
In Iceland, you will likely access WiFi in at least a few public locations. Have a secure VPN connection to protect your privacy and sensitive data.
8. Pocket Router
Speaking of WiFi, if you find that your hotel’s connection is weak, use a mini pocket router to connect directly to the cable and improve its strength.
9. Power Bank
A power bank is a must-have. Bringing it can be your backup when you have a dying phone battery in a remote location.
10. Drone
For most people, the camera equipment mentioned above will be sufficient. However, including a drone can help capture spectacular birds-eye view images. Among all the things to bring to Iceland, a drone might be worth considering.
11. Headphones or Bluetooth Speaker
A pair of headphones or good-quality Bluetooth speakers could be valuable additions to your Iceland campervan packing list.
How to Prepare
We’ve explored how to pack for Iceland. Let’s look at how to prepare for your trip.
First off, start planning early! For instance, April visitors should look into what to bring to Iceland in the spring. Take note of clothing, shoes, and accessories you’ll need for your trip. Also, consider the activities you want to do or sights you wish to see. If you plan to dip into Iceland’s hot springs, for example, remember to pack away your swimsuit. You’ll also definitely need a swimsuit for the summer season.
Another crucial aspect of the trip is smart budgeting. Since Iceland became one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations, prices have been steadily increasing, partly due to the country’s growing economy. Figure out how much you can spend and look into how much your journey might cost.
Public transportation may limit you from seeing everything Iceland has to offer. Therefore, driving yourself around may make those exciting destinations more accessible. Even better, rent a camper from Rent.is! Fully enjoy the freedom and flexibility of comfortable living on four wheels while taking in your favorite sights.
When touring the country in your rental van, be sure to always keep your gas tank full. Make sure to also take out a prepaid card to pay for gas, as many gas stations around the country are unmanned and only accept local cards.
You also want to be mindful of the local laws – speed cameras are everywhere. Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers, as well. What’s more, driving off-road is strictly forbidden under all circumstances and punishable by hefty fines.
Another thing to consider is that you can’t do everything on your own. Activities like walking on top of glaciers, traveling to remote locations, or going out to sea usually require professional guides. That said, make sure you book your tours in advance before they sell out.
For more travel tips, check out our blog. Additional information is also available on theofficial tourist information website for Iceland.
Plan Your Perfect Iceland Adventure with Rent.is
Packing for Iceland can seem like a daunting task, but if you plan in advance you will be well prepared for your upcoming journey.
There’s no better way to explore the beautiful and unique landscape of this magical island than with an Iceland camper rental from Rent.is. We are totally committed to ensure you have the trip of your dreams. Get started and plan for a stress-free trip across Iceland by booking your rental today!
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