Packing for a colder climate with just a carry-on can be a bit of a challenge, but definitely possible! I went to Iceland at the end of September for a week, and it definitely was a lot more chilly than the Canadian climate I am used to. But it is possible to pack for Iceland in a carry-on – with room to spare!
These are the activities that I did and needed to pack for Iceland:
- Swimming three times (twice at the Blue Lagoon and once at the Secret Lagoon)
- Walked around Reykjavik every evening
- Took day trips to the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Reykjanes Peninsula.
- Went on a Northern Lights Tour
So how did I pack for Iceland in a carry-on do it, you ask?
Since the clothes you will need to bring are bulkier than spring or summer clothes, only bringing the bare minimum to save on space is essential.
What to Pack for 1 Week in Iceland in a Carry-on
For Swimming
- 2 bathing suits (we went to the Blue Lagoon – twice! – and also the Secret Lagoon, so having two bathing suits helped just in case it was still wet when I went swimming again).
- Robe (optional). At the Blue Lagoon, you can rent a robe, towel and flip flops. It costs more money, so it all depends if you have the space or not. I brought a robe, towel and flip flops with me.
- Towel (optional)
- sandals/flip flops (optional)
Clothing
- 3 long sleeved shirts (I re-wore a couple of outfits to save on space).
- 4 tank tops (to wear under the long-sleeved shirts)
- Pajamas
- 1 fleece sweater
- 2 pairs of pants
- 1 pair of fleece lined leggings
- 1 water resistant coat (I brought one from Walmart that was water resistant, and I layered my fleece jumper underneath. But since it’s cold in Iceland at the end of September I would recommend bringing a down coat and you will still be comfortable!)
- Boots – mine were fall boots that were able to resist water up to a certain point.
- Warm hat
- Pair of gloves
- Scarf
- Socks – ok, so who would have thought I would get so passionate about socks. For day trips and exploring Reykavik, a wool-blend pair of socks will be great. But for the Northern Lights tour at night, bring REAL WOOL SOCKS. Mine were hand-knitted and I wore these over my wool blend socks. My feet did not get cold at all, and we were standing in the cold at night for HOURS!
Toiletries
Since you only have a carry-on, everything you bring will need to meet the airplane’s requirements of a quart-sized bag of liquids, limited to 100ml (or 3.4oz) per item.
Before I started travelling with just a carry-on, this part of the packing scared me the most. I wear contacts too, which automatically makes me need to carry even MORE liquids – but have no fear, it can be done!
This is what a brought with me:
- 1 travel sized contact lens solution
- Eye drops (for the plane if my eyes got dry)
- Travel sized shampoo and conditioner
- Travel sized deodorant
- Make up
- Toothbrush, floss and toothpaste
Other essentials to pack for one week in Iceland
- Sunglasses
- A camera – I brought a waterproof camera which I used to take pictures at the Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. After I took the photos I wanted, I put it back in my locker. If you don’t have a waterproof phone or camera to take pictures, you can buy a waterproof cover before you go to protect it from the water!
- Sunscreen – protect your skin! Even in the cold, the sun can still pack a punch.
- Charger for your phone.
- Phone (I used my phone to take a lot of pictures as well)
- External Charger. My number #1 item that I always bring on trips with me! (well, apart from my passport of course…). You won’t have to worry about having any of your electronics die on you.
- Adapter – I brought a worldwide adapter which is handy for travelling anywhere.
Tips for Packing for 1 week in Iceland in a Carry-on
If you are going to the Blue Lagoon before or after the airport, pack what you will need for the Blue Lagoon in your backpack. This will save you from rooting through your bigger carry-on bag to try and find what you need! There is a place at the Blue Lagoon to store your luggage, so I left my carry-on suitcase there, and stored my backpack in the changing room lockers.
Don’t bother bringing an umbrella. It’s so windy there that it won’t help you out very much. Bring a poncho if the weather forecast is calling for a lot of rain.
Leave your hair dryer at home – The Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon have hair dryers, and check to see if your hotel or AirBnB has one in advance (most do).
Hopefully these tips help you on your adventure to Iceland! Have you been to Iceland before? What are some of your tips for carry-on packing?
