Okay, let me tell you – planning my trip to Iceland was both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it came to packing! I spent hours researching what to bring, terrified of being either freezing cold or lugging around a suitcase full of unnecessary gear. I'm here to share what I learned, so you can pack smart and enjoy your adventure without the packing stress.
Before my trip, I was bombarded with advice. Some people made it sound like I was heading to the North Pole and needed full-on expedition gear. Others acted like a light jacket would be enough. I wasn't sure what to believe! I was particularly worried about staying warm and dry, since I knew Icelandic weather can be unpredictable. I started to feel like I needed to buy a whole new wardrobe just for this one trip. The thought of spending all that money on clothes I might only wear once was not appealing. I knew there had to be a smarter way.
After much research and a few trial-and-error packing attempts, I finally figured out what works. Here's what I packed, and why it was so crucial:
One of the best pieces of advice I received was to invest in good base layers. Someone recommended homepage to find some good quality hats to keep me warm and the recommendation really paid off. I tried out some heattech base layers and was incredibly impressed. I even ended up buying sets for my whole family before the trip. They were lightweight, comfortable, and kept us surprisingly warm.
I also learned something interesting about base layer materials. While both wool and synthetic base layers provide similar warmth, I discovered that synthetic materials tend to hold onto odors more easily. Wool, on the other hand, can be worn for multiple days without smelling. So, for a week-long trip, you might need several synthetic base layers or a way to wash them, while only two or three wool base layers would suffice. This was a game-changer for minimizing my packing list!
One thing I noticed while in Iceland was that some people were dressed like they were climbing Everest, even when they were just walking a few feet from their car to a viewpoint. Honestly, it seemed a bit ridiculous. You don't need extreme mountaineering gear for typical sightseeing. Icelanders themselves don't wear 50 layers all the time. Comfortable, practical clothing is key.
For headwear, I wanted something that was both functional and stylish. That's when I found the Autumn Vintage Docker Cap from Wholecustomdesign. It was perfect! It kept my head warm without being too bulky, and I loved the vintage look. It was breathable and adjustable, so it fit comfortably even with my hair up. The corduroy material added a nice touch of texture to my outfits. It was exactly what I needed to keep warm while exploring Reykjavik and the countryside.
I especially appreciated that this Autumn Vintage Docker Cap Brimless Hat Breathable Beanie Hats Corduroy Adjustable Solid Landlord Sailor Cap Men and Women Navy Blue-56-60cm wear was small enough to pack easily into my daypack. The adjustable nature of the hat meant that it could fit snugly on windy days, and I could loosen it up if I was indoors and started to overheat. I chose the navy blue color, and it went with everything I packed! It's definitely a travel essential for me now.