Packing Tips for Snorri and Snorri Plus

​If you’re accepted to one of our programs, you’ll receive a detailed packing list a month or two before departure. But if you’re the type who likes to plan ahead, here are a few general packing tips to help you get started, plus some insights from former participants.

Pack light...

Our itinerary involves relocating several times (every day or two on the adventure tour!),  so that means a lot of unpacking and repacking. Regardless of airline baggage rules, we strongly encourage you to limit yourself to one checked suitcase and one carry-on. Also, remember to leave some extra space in your luggage if you plan to buy souvenirs for yourself or your family and friends.

... but pack smart!

​Packing for a summer trip to Iceland is not like packing for a summer trip to California, Paris, or Rome. The local conditions may be quite different than what you’re used to. Make sure you carefully read all the information we provide, and feel free to do your own research as well. 

Packing smart means...

1. Being prepared for Iceland’s summer weather
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Icelanders often say that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing, and in Iceland, that’s just as true in summer as it is in winter. Don’t underestimate how cold (and wet) Icelandic summers can get!

• Bring a good-quality jacket to keep you warm and dry. We highly recommend waterproof and windproof. If you opt for a thin waterproof shell, make sure you have a warm jacket to layer underneath it!
• Comfortable shoes are a must, and we highly recommend you bring at least one pair that is waterproof. We’ll do a lot of walking in the city as well as some hiking. Hiking boots are not strictly necessary; a good pair of heavy-duty waterproof or water-resistant walking shoes with good traction should suffice.
• Dress in layers. There’s a joke Icelanders love to tell tourists: “If you don’t like the weather in Iceland, just wait five minutes!” As with any cliché, there’s a kernel of truth to it. Summer weather in Iceland can be extremely variable, ranging from sunshine and a light breeze to driving rain and heavy winds. Heating is quite inexpensive in Iceland, so most buildings will be toasty warm even if it’s chilly outside. Depending on where you’re from in North America, it may be good to think about how you might dress in the fall or spring, when the weather is in flux.
• Pack the right materials. There’s nothing wrong with bringing jeans for our time in the city, but we highly recommend bringing at least one or two outfits made of performance fabrics that are breathable, moisture-wicking and quick-drying (NOT cotton). These will come in handy for outdoor activities like river rafting and are also easier to hand wash and hang dry when you’re in a pinch and can’t do laundry yet.
• Gloves or mittens and a warm hat/toque are a must. You may also want to bring a scarf and/or a headband.
• Many participants have brought waterproof pants and say they recommend them, especially for hiking or sightseeing near waterfalls. These are generally elastic-waist pants that are easy to pull on over your regular clothing.

2. Packing for the itinerary

• We’ll be on the go a LOT, so that means you’ll want a good-quality backpack or cross-body bag and some comfy walking shoes (don’t buy a new pair the day before you leave or you might be hobbling around with blisters the first week!)
  
• ​Don’t forget your swimsuit. Swimming is as Icelandic as baseball is American or hockey is Canadian. Even tiny villages in the middle of nowhere have their own public swimming pools. Our itineraries always include some amount of swimming, whether in local public pools, natural hot springs, and/or the famous Blue Lagoon.

3. Being ready for that Arctic sun

• Go ahead and pack your sunglasses and sunscreen - when the sun shines in Iceland, it’s strong and bright, and you can easily get sunburned even if the air temperature is cool.
• ​The midnight sun is a magical thing… except when it’s streaming through your window keeping you awake at 2 am. Unless you’re one of those lucky people who can sleep under any conditions, you’ll probably want to pack a sleep mask. Remember, there will be 24-hour daylight most of June and July. Most hotels and guesthouses have good dark curtains, but they may not fully block out the light, so bring a mask if you think it will bother you.

Here are a few extra tips to help you fit in with the locals:

• Bring a refillable water bottle. Iceland is expensive, but one thing you never need to spend money on is water. Tap water is just as pure and fresh as that overpriced bottled water every store will try to sell you. Downtown Reykjavík even has several taps where you can refill your water bottle for free!
• Leave your umbrella at home. In Iceland, rain tends to be more horizontal than vertical, so umbrellas are generally of little use. Instead, make sure you have a high-quality waterproof jacket with a hood you can cinch tight.
• Pack one dressy outfit. Icelanders like to dress to the nines when they attend parties or go out on the town. There’s no need to go overboard, but you should bring one nicer outfit for special occasions, like visiting the President.

Tips from former participants:

“Bring a nice raincoat! It can rain a lot in Iceland, so it’s always good to have a decent raincoat that is waterproof. Another thing I was really glad I brought were some fleece-lined leggings. They were easy to wear under my jeans, which made things much warmer and cozy.”  
​—Amber, Snorri 2018 

“I had to buy mittens and a neck warmer at one of our stops because I hadn’t packed any!”
—Jeannie, Snorri Plus 2017

“Bring warm socks for sure (like the wool ones) and hiking boots. Lots of layers!”
—Sophie, Snorri 2017

“The weather was so up and down when I was there, so I’m glad I brought more than one coat (one for warmth, one for rain), but I wish I had brought more than one pair of shoes because by the time I got home, my shoes were more or less garbage.”
—Matt, Snorri 2014

“Pack like you were travelling for March or October in North America, when anything goes. You could have sunshine and light sweater weather, or downpours and near-freezing temperatures. You just never know!”
--Alyssa, Snorri 2016

“Personally I packed way too much stuff and wish I had brought a better jacket with me for the wind!”
—Alexandra, Snorri 2012