Planning to visit Iceland is so fun and exciting! If you are planning a visit in the fall, it’s one of the best times to catch a view of the Northern lights. The weather in Iceland is unpredictable, so you should make sure and pack properly so you are ready for anything the Icelandic weather may throw at you. There is a saying in Iceland : There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. You should pack so you are ready for a variety of weather. I put together a list of fall outfits I packed for my trip to Iceland. Although, I wanted to be somewhat stylish and cute, these are mostly functional outfits to keep you warm and comfortable. Going to Iceland most likely means you will be hiking and doing other outdoor activities so good hiking gear is essential!
What to Wear in Iceland Starts With a Good Base
Layering is the key to a comfortable outfit in Iceland or any unpredictable weather situation. Proper layering consists of a base layer (clothing that’s fitted closely to the skin), a mid-layer : pants and sweater or other top and the outer layer, such as a jacket or other coat.
Base Layers
There are a few types of materials to chose from when picking a base layer. I chose to bring merino wool, fleece and lighter synthetic materials for base layers. There are other materials you can chose such as silk, its one of the best but silk is expensive! For a 5 day trip I’m bringing 6 tops and 4 bottoms, I’ve seen some people just bring 1 or 2. I cannot imagine wearing the same leggings and top for 3 -5 days without washing. This also, may not be enough if for some reason you need to change into a new one. Although we are washing with this Scrubba bag , we will be moving everyday to a new location, so it may not have enough time to dry. This isn’t everyone’s mindset but I would rather have something and not wear it than be missing clothing to wear.
Wool, specifically merino wool is the top choice for a base layer. Merino wool regulates your body temperature so you aren’t too hot or too cold, the fibers wicks moisture from your skin and dries quickly. It’s also light weight and supposed to get less smelly when you’re sweating (Other popular base layer materials like silk and polyester can get smelly faster).
Smartwool Base Layers :
Women’s Intraknit™ Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom
Features : High rise, slim fit, fast drying, comfortable to move in.
Link : https://rstyle.me/+uy4-zcPNUg7qOMvD22C4kA
Notes: A bit see through – very fitted, comfortable not itchy at all but less wool than other styles 53% as opposed to 100% Would not recommend to wear alone as leggings.
Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom
Link : https://rstyle.me/+GaB0J3X8tLqSzlVU_i22Rw
Notes: can wear alone or under hiking pants, not see through 100% merino wool
Less expensive but still good:
Brands like Smartwool and Ice Breaker are well known and make good quality pieces, but If Smartwool is out of your price range , I found a good alternative on amazon for half the price. The brand is called Merino.Tech.
I haven’t actually used these on a hike yet, but they are 100% merino wool. These are less fitted than Smartwool so I had to size down (xs). If you want a side by side comparison on this brand vs. Smartwool let me know.
Fleece Lined Base Layers
Merino wool is a bit expensive (not as much as silk), it’s also a tiny bit itchy…. The Merino.trech brand is more itchy than Smartwool, as you wash wool it’s supposed to get less itchy… even so I’m not sure I could stand to wear even a slightly itchy clothing too many days. So, because my skin is so picky I only have a few pieces made of that material. Besides wool, fleece lined bases are also my choice especially if its getting colder. I packed 2 fleece lined tops and 1 fleece bottom.
Fleece Thermal Long Sleeve Running Shirt
I found a fleece lined v-neck top ( my preference for necklines) on amazon.
Notes: It is comfortable and the material looks pretty good, but the fit is a bit odd. Sometimes the collar near the shoulders sticks up. Not as breathable and may not dry as fast since it’s fleece.
Cuddl Duds® Fleecewear with Stretch Long Sleeve Crewneck Top
I love these Cuddl Duds brand tops and leggings, they are so soft and comfortable.
Notes: Extremely comfortable. The fleece bottom can be worn as leggings on their own. Not as breathable or temperature regulating as wool.
Active Wear & Other Synthetics as Baselayers
Just in case I case I want something lighter, I’m bringing these Athleta active wear tops. Athletic wear is designed to be moisture wicking but maybe not as warm.
Notes: fast drying and moisture wicking, may not be as warm
Notes: fast drying, breathable, comfortable. This camo style seems a bit thicker but still may not be as warm as fleece or merino wool.
Outer Layers for Fall in Iceland
Fleece or Sweater
Over the base layer wear a fleece or sweater as the midlayer. The best thing about layering is, if your hot, just remove a layer! You can simply wear the fleece or forget the fleece and wear a jacket or puffer over the base layer. I decided on 2 fleece hoodies for this trip. If you want to save space, leave 1 fleece and plan on buy an Icelandic wool sweater to wear, just be aware that they are pricey and I’ve read are pretty itchy at first.
Kuhl Ascendyr Hoody
Link : https://rstyle.me/+FuMouJj-603UzDdVza3Mpw
Hiking Pants
Some girls like to hike in leggings, I prefer hiking pants. Depending on the temperature, wear just hiking pants or wear something underneath. My go to for hiking pants is Kuhl. Their pants always fit well and last for years.
Klash™ Pant
Link : https://rstyle.me/+iFMulRYaqmKihD70hAR1gA
Water-resistant and thicker fabric (warmer). Treated with DWR. Some stretch, fits so beautifully.
Freeflex™ Roll-Up Pant
Link : https://rstyle.me/+i8vc4SfFTTCMat7bzdc86g
Quick drying and comfortable, can roll them up if I want ankle pants.
Rain Jacket
This is pretty much just an outer shell to keep you dry, it doesn’t provide much warmth so make sure you layer it over your puffer or fleece. The one I have is from a company that no longer makes jackets called My Trail. But I linked a similar Columbia one.
Rain Pants
I think rain pants sometimes get overlooked. If you plan on doing any hiking, you will encounter waterfalls most likely. Also, it’s pretty rainy during this time, so I would bring rain pants for sure. Rain pants are just a waterproof nylon shell that goes over your regular pants/leggings. They can also act as a wind breaker and keep you warmer. Just note that they aren’t breathable at all.
They aren’t cute, they aren’t stylish but they will keep your pants dry and that means staying warmer. Rain pants also take up pretty much no space and are very light, so you should just throw them into your suitcase.
Some rain pants have what is called “pass-thru” pockets, which means you reach through the pants into the pocket of the pants underneath. Some people think it’s a defect with the rain pants but it’s a feature not a bug.
COLUMBIA WOMEN’S STORM SURGE PANT, BLACK, SMALL
Puffer, Hat & Gloves
To save space bring a packable puffer. My puffer is an 800 fill to keep you warmer, the higher the fill the more warmth. The great thing about these puffers is that they are very packable and turn into a small bundle easy to fit in your carry on or suitcase. Mine is from Montbell; I’ve had it for years and love how warm but light weight is.
Montbell 800 Fill Puffer
The North Face Etip Gloves | Nordstrom
I have this hat in grey and black, it soo soft and warm my absolute favorite
Casual Outfit
I decided to bring a casual pair of pants with 2 tops. It’s not too dressy but looks put together enough in my opinion. It’s good to have just in case we go walk around the city or to a restaurant and don’t want to wear hiking clothes the whole time,
1 bottom : wit & wisdom black plaid (sold out) I’ve had these plaid pants for a few years and I think they would work well for walking around Reykjavik. They are stretchy enough that I can wear a fitted base layer underneath. The exact ones I have are sold out, but I linked some similar ones below.
Plain black: https://rstyle.me/+TJoqAYQK3y8dAMONAE5mJQ
Similar plaid joggers: https://rstyle.me/+Q2GTVTRu8NyTkcbrvx1Vbg
Polka dot (I actually also have these, the fit is the same) : https://rstyle.me/+HlO_axTs2us276YV-c_aFw
2 tops: I decided on these 2 neutral tops to contrast with the blank pants, and also match a bit with the Sorel booties.
Mikah Printed Cuff Thermal Top
SCOOP NECK THERMAL COTTON TOP in oatmeal color
Shoes & Socks
Lastly, we obviously need some footwear. For fall in Iceland waterproof hiking boots should be enough with the right socks. If you’re expecting colder weather, or anticipate snow depending how late in the fall you go, then bring snow boots.
Hiking boots:
Ariat Terrain Waterproof Boot
My favorite hiking boots! So comfortable, I love these! I hike with these all the time and have had them for 5 years, still in excellent condition.
Casual boots (but still water proof): Sorel Lexie Wedge Ankle Bootie
Water shoes instead of flip flops :
Why did I chose water shoes? They pack flatter take even less space than flipflops, since its colder I rather keep my toes not exposed. Can double as a slipper when dry.
VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes Barefoot Quick-Dry Aqua Yoga Socks Slip-on for Men Women
Link : https://amzn.to/3BXHe5y
Merino wool socks:
Will keep your feet warm and dry. Less chance of blisters, so comfortable.
My favorite are Smartwool and Farm to Feet socks.
I’m very picky about the size of the inner loop threads inside the socks and texture, and these have always been perfect for me. I haven’t found a brand I like better:
Women’s Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks
Have Fun!
If you’re planning to go to Iceland I wish you a lot of fun! I did a lot of research before deciding what to bring and this is what I ended up with. Icelandic weather is unpredictable and can change quickly, that is what I gathered after hearing people’s travel stories. I hope that my post can help you feel more prepared. These aren’t the most fashionable outfits, but when going hiking, you want to be warm and comfortable. I did chose some fun colors such as fuchsia and lavender as my accent color so my outfits don’t feel too boring. Also, it’s a good idea to chose a brightly colored coat so you will stand out better in photos against the landscape in Iceland! I hope that this list can help you get an idea of what to pack. If you’re going in winter you will need snow boots, very warm heavy weight base layers (250g -320g) a higher filled (800 -1000FP) puffer coat or parka, water proof gloves and many people recommend crampons for the ice.
