Women's Health November 6, 2026 0 Comments

How I Mastered Iceland’s Brutal Cold with This Surprisingly Minimal Capsule Wardrobe—And You Can Too

Packing for Iceland isn’t exactly your everyday suitcase shuffle, is it? After returning from seven whirlwind days in this otherworldly land of waterfalls, rainbows, rugged canyons, and the lively buzz of Reykjavík, I quickly learned that Iceland demands a whole new level of packing savvy. Temperatures that hover somewhere between brisk and downright frosty, coupled with weather mood swings that could rival the most dramatic reality show—rain, sleet, snow, and wind all making surprise cameos—meant I needed gear that wasn’t just functional but could keep up with every twist and turn. But here’s the kicker: you don’t have to sacrifice your style for survival. Yeah, even in the middle of October’s cold snap, there’s room for that perfect gorpy-meets-girly vibe. Fancy learning how to pack smartly, stay comfy, and still look ace while soaking in Iceland’s magic? LEARN MORE

6 min read

I recently got back from a bucket-list trip: seven adventurous days in Iceland, chasing waterfalls, spotting rainbows, hiking remote canyons, and exploring the buzzy streets of Reykjavík. And while I may have perfected my travel capsule wardrobe, I’ll admit packing for Iceland was unlike any other destination.

I visited in late October, when temperatures hovered between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, though the wind often made it feel even colder. Iceland’s weather can change dramatically throughout the day, so packing warm base layers and waterproof outerwear is essential. Between hiking to waterfalls, exploring the city’s shops and restaurants, and long days in the car stopping at all the cool sights along the way, I needed clothes that could fend off wind, rain, sleet, and snow while regulating my body temp during everything from cool to freezing temps. But that didn’t mean sacrificing the gorpy-meets-girly outfits I wanted to wear (I am a style writer, after all).

Our first full day was a road trip from Reykjavík to Vík, which featured a beautiful string of waterfalls (or fosses, as they’re called in Icelandic). It was a magical day, but also an incredibly wet one—so I was glad I’d packed plenty of waterproof gear. I walked behind the cascading water at Seljalandsfoss, took in the sheer scale and misty air of Skógafoss (which you might recognize from Game of Thrones), and fell particularly hard for Kvernufoss, a quieter waterfall tucked into a canyon that ended up being my personal favorite.

I ended up checking a large suitcase to make room for all my options—which is something I seldom do. (Not my smartest move, considering Icelandair charges a pretty penny for checked luggage!) In hindsight, I could have gotten away with much less if I’d been more strategic. So, I urge you to learn from my overpacking.

Ahead, I’m sharing the cold-weather capsule wardrobe I’d pack again for Iceland, including the waterproof essentials, versatile layers, and comfortable footwear that earned their place in my suitcase.

Person standing by a river and waterfall in a grassy landscape with hills under a cloudy sky.

Shannen Zitz

Shannen Zitz wearing the Moerdeng Waterproof Rain Jacket, Columbia Coreshot Pants, and Merrell Moab 3 WP Boots

Waterproof jackets

Weather can shift from bright and sunny to rainy and windy multiple times per day—and then you have the waterfalls to contend with, which will certainly have you soaked. So, a lightweight waterproof jacket is essential. Because I am extra, I packed three, but one or two is probably the magic number. The three coats below are the ones I actually wore: the water beaded right off all of these coats, and they were also super cute paired with my waterproof pants.

Waterproof pants

To go with your waterproof jacket, you’ll want at least one solid pair of waterproof, lightly insulated pants. You’ll have a base layer on underneath, so the pants don’t need to be too warm, but I think a plain shell pant might leave you feeling a bit chilly in the colder, rainier seasons. I brought three pairs of pants with me, but the two pairs below are the ones I would wholeheartedly pack again.

Waterproof hiking shoes or snow boots

Initially, I thought a snowboot would be my most-worn shoe, but the conditions this time of year in southern Iceland made a waterproof hiking shoe more appropriate. If you visit in true winter or head further north, a snowboot might be your best bet. I recommend looking at the typical weather patterns for the region and time of year you’re visiting, and keeping an eye on the forecast in the weeks and days leading up to your departure.

My trusted Merrell Moab 3 Mid waterproof boot ended up being perfect for our daily explorations, whether that involved misty waterfalls or moderate hiking. I also packed the Moonboot Icon Low as a snow boot option, and while they were undeniably stylish (and super warm), they weren’t the most useful for my particular visit. (They will certainly be my warm winter boot of choice this year, though!)

A person in winter clothing standing on a metal platform with a scenic view of mountains and a river at sunset.

Shannen Zitz

Shannen Zitz wearing the Halfdays Genevieve Gore-Tex 2L Insulated Pants, The North Face Quest Jacket, and the Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP Boot

Wool socks

Warm wool socks are essential to wear under your hiking boots, not only for keeping your feet warm but also to help wick away moisture when things get sweaty. I wouldn’t skimp on socks—I brought six pairs (one for each active day of the trip).

Warm base layers

When it comes to layering for winter or any cold-weather destination, base layers are key. These thermal tops and leggings help manage moisture to keep you warm and dry. I brought three sets, switching them out every two days, but if you’re keen to save more space, you could make do with two sets.

Wool sweaters

Iceland is not the place to rely on one chunky sweater to keep you warm. I found that having a few midweight wool sweaters and layers gave me much more flexibility, especially when temperatures and wind conditions changed throughout the day. Merino wool is particularly useful because it’s warm and moisture-wicking without feeling overly bulky, making it easier to layer under a jacket.

I also brought a packable down jacket and a fleece to wear underneath my waterproof shell on especially cold days (or as an outer layer on warmer, drier days). Think of these as the middle layers in your outfit: You want enough warmth to stay comfortable, but enough flexibility to add or remove pieces as the weather changes.

Person in a pink coat joyfully walking on a reflective surface with mountains in the background during sunset.

Shannen Zitz

Shannenv Zitz wearing the Halfdays Claude Jacket, Calzedonia Thermal Leggings, Pistil Beanie, and Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP Boot

A parka or longer winter coat

I’d prioritize a warm, weather-resistant parka or winter coat for Iceland. If you opt for a fully waterproof parka (like the Finissterre Syke Waterproof Parka I brought with me), this can be your primary everyday coat. I personally preferred a lightweight shell jacket over my mid-layer for my daily adventures, though. But I liked having a longer jacket that provided extra coverage and warmth when I wasn’t actively hiking—like while standing outside scanning the sky for Northern Lights or wandering downtown Reykjavik at night.

Look for something with a hood, a water-resistant or waterproof exterior, and enough room to accommodate a sweater or fleece underneath. Bonus points for something stylish enough to wear around the city without feeling like you’re headed on an expedition.

Cold-weather accessories

A warm beanie, insulated gloves, and a neck warmer or scarf might not feel as important as your sweaters and jackets, but you’ll be grateful to have them when you’re standing outside in the wind. I was particularly glad to have waterproof gloves and a warm hat on waterfall days and during our boat tour on the ice lagoon, when the combination of cold temperatures and misty spray made everything feel even chillier. I packed a few different options to go with my different outfits, but you could stick with one solid hat, scarf, or balaclava, and a pair of gloves to save space (though I was glad to have my chic leather gloves in Reykjavik!).

A swimsuit and flip-flops

If you have one of the country’s famous geothermal pools, hot springs, or lagoons on your itinerary, make room for a swimsuit and flip-flops. I visited Sky Lagoon, and though you can rent a swimsuit at most of the popular spots, having my own swimsuit along with a pair of easy slip-on shoes made the whole experience much more comfortable. These also take up practically no room in your suitcase, so this is one category where I wouldn’t bother trying to cut back.

One pair of jeans or casual pants

While most of my Iceland wardrobe revolved around technical layers and waterproof gear, I was glad to have one pair of regular pants for exploring Reykjavík. The city has a much more laid-back, everyday feel than some of the more rugged stops on the itinerary, and I didn’t want to wear hiking pants to dinner or while popping into shops and cafés. A pair of jeans or casual travel pants is an easy way to feel a little more like yourself when you’re off the trails. Just make sure they’re comfortable enough for plenty of walking.

Shop More of Our Favorite Cold Weather Gear

Shannen Zitz is the Associate Style & Reviews Editor at Women’s Health, where she covers all-things sneakers and activewear. Previously, she was an assistant editor at Prevention. Shannen graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor’s degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.

Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.