If you’re planning to walk the Laugavegur and have been utilizing our Guide to Camping on the Laugavegur Trail you’re likely wondering what to pack for your own adventure.

Below you’ll find a detailed packing list that will provide you with great, trail-tested gear that won’t weigh down your backpack too much. This list reflects our personal packing list which will vary for each individual’s specific needs. However, this should serve as a great starting point for planning your own Laugavegur Trail adventure!

In This Post

• Laugavegur Packing Basics
• Camping-Specific Gear List
• Personal Gear List
• Miscellaneous Gear List
• Women’s Clothing List
• Men’s Clothing List

Laugavegur Packing Basics

There are many considerations to keep in mind when packing for a trek on Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail, but it’s best to start with a few essentials. Regardless of whether you’re camping or staying in the huts along the route, you’ll need to have a few basics that will make your trip to Iceland much more enjoyable.  These include:

1. Selecting the right footwear
2. Packing clothes that can be easily layered
3. Having the right gear for Iceland’s harsh weather

In the following sections, we’ll break down each of these and share our best advice.

1. Figure Out Your Footwear

As with any multi-day hike, selecting the correct footwear will have a direct impact on how enjoyable the trail is. The Laugavegur has a diverse set of underfoot conditions ranging from rocky slopes and snow covered sections to sandy stretches and of course several river crossings. Therefore, it is imperative that you are proactive about keeping your feet healthy and happy on your trek.

Traditional hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail runners will all work for the trail conditions on the Laugavegur Trail, but you need to make sure they will work for you too. This means that you should bring a pair of boots or shoes that you know from experience don’t cause problems for your feet. Ideally, you should put at least 30 miles on them in various terrain and weather conditions to reduce the chance of running into issues on the trail. That being said, you also don’t want your boots/shoes to be too broken in, as you need them to hold up faithfully for many miles of gnarly terrain.

You’ll also want to make sure you have some good socks. Socks are one of those rare things in life where you really do get what you pay for, and high quality socks can be a game-changer. Try to do some hiking in a few different types to figure out how what you like in terms of thickness, cushion, and height. We love merino wool for its quick-drying and anti-stink qualities.

If you’re blister prone, consider trying sock liners. Many hikers swear by them. Other tried-and-true blister prevention tactics include putting bodyglide on potential hotspots or wearing toe socks.

In addition to your main hiking boots/shoes you’ll also want to consider bringing shoes for the many river crossings on the Laugavegur Trail. We brought an old pair of lightweight running shoes that we didn’t mind ditching once the hike was over, but Chacos or other hiking sandals are a popular options as well.

Just be sure you aren’t planning on using flip-flops or other sandalls that don’t provide good traction and a secure fit. The rivers on the Laugavegur will easily rip thost right off your feet, which will create the dangerous situation of crossing a rocky and freezing river barefoot.

2. Layers are Key

If there is one thing that Iceland should be known for its almost certainly the unpredictable weather. On the Laugavegur you’re likely to encounter radiant sunshine, pouring rain, gale force winds, and even the occasional snow flurry. As such, you need your clothing to be adaptable to these ever changing conditions.

The best way to do that is by selecting hiking clothes that can easily be layered. For this, we really like base layers made from merino wool combined with lightweight down jackets and a good wind/rain proof outer layer. This will give you enough options to hike in short sleeves on those beautiful, sunny days while also being able to quickly layer up when that distant storm on the horizon is suddenly bearing down on you.

3. Be Prepared for Rain and Shine

Continuing on the theme of weather from the section above, we’re diving a bit deeper in our final section on Laugavegur packing essentials. Namely, that you must come prepared with great waterproof clothing. You may get lucky like we did and not experience any rain on your trek, but the odds heavily favor that you’ll see some type of precipitation on the Laugavegur. While this could end up being nothing more than a few sprinkles, odds are you’ll experience one of Iceland’s notorious downpours with driving wind accompanying the freezing rain.

To prepare for this, you’ll want to bring an excellent rain jacket, full rain pants, and a well-fitting pack over for backpack. While nothing makes hiking in the rain fun, at least you’ll have the knowledge that when you arrive at your hut or campsite your body and gear will be dry.

Camping Gear

If you plan on camping on the Laugavegur Trail you’ll need to be prepared for a heavier pack and a longer packing list. However, don’t let that dissuade you as camping is an incredible way to experience the trail!

Use the camping gear list below as a good starting place for your kit and be sure to combine with the personal and miscellaneous gear outlined in the following sections.

Item	Recommended	Notes
Tent	MSR Hubba Hubba Backpacking Tent	The MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is the best overall tent you can buy, and the freestanding feature is helpful when you’re trying to find a level pitch or squeeze into a tight spot.
Sleeping Bag	Marmot Trestle 15	If planning to camp at Hrafntinnusker plan on bringing a 0 degree Fahrenheit sleeping bag. Otherwise the Marmot 15 is a great all around bag.
Sleeping Pad	Nemo Astro Insulated Sleeping Pad	This is one of the most lightweight and comfortable sleeping pads out there. Plus, the genius pump sack makes inflating it so easy!
Pillow	Therm-a-Rest pillow	A camping pillow can be great when you’re spending multiple nights sleeping in a tent, but this is an optional item for those looking to save weight.
Stove	MSR Pocket Rocket Stove + MSR Windscreen	If you’re camping, you won’t be able to use the stoves in the huts along the Laugavegur. The MSR is a classic backpacking stove, but you’d be wise to bring a windscreen given the Icelantic weather.
Backpacking Pot	GSI Halulite
Utensils	Humangear Spork
Plate/Bowl/Mug	MSR 2-person mess kit	We find this bowl and mug combo to be light, durable, and perfect for camp dinners.

Most Valuable Camping Gear: Nemo Astro Insulated Sleeping Pad

This was by far our favorite piece of gear for camping on the Laugavegur. After a long day of hiking, there’s no better feeling than lying down in a cozy tent, especially when the wind is whipping outside. Our Nemo sleeping pads were reliable, comfortable, and easy to pack. Getting a good night’s sleep is so important on a multi-day trek, and a comfortable sleeping pad is a key ingredient when you’re camping.

Personal Gear

Whether you’re camping or staying indoors, these items are must-haves for your Laugavegur packing list. While we’ve included some toiletries that are absolutely essential for the hike, we’ve left it up to you to determine your personal list of additional self care items (comb, toothbrush, prescription medication, etc). Use this list in conjunction with the miscellaneous and clothing lists to build your perfect kit.

Item	Recommended	Notes
Multi-Tool	Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier	Perfect for making sandwiches, repairing gear, and a million other purposes!
First-Aid Kit	Adventure Medical Kits	A good backpacking first aid kit is essential. You hope to never have to use it, but will be glad you have it when you need it. Make sure to include some Compeed for blisters.
Hydration Bladder or Water Bottles	Platypus Big Zip EVO Reservoir – 3L	Far easier than a water bottle!
Water Filter	Sawyer Squeeze or Sawyer Mini	You don’t need to treat water from the huts, but it is always a good idea to carry a portable filter just in case.
Pack Cover	Sea to Summit Pack Cover	This is a truly essential piece of gear given how much it can rain on the Laugavegur! Sea to Summit makes a variety of sizes to fit a range of packs.
Men’s Backpack	Osprey Atmos 65L or Osprey Talon 36L	If you’re camping, a 65L pack is a good size for all of your gear. The 36L Talon pack should be plenty for those staying in huts. We believe that Osprey makes the most comfortable packs on the market.
Women’s Backpack	Osprey Aura 65L or Osprey Kyte 36L	If you’re camping, a 65L pack is a good size for all of your gear. The 36L Kyte pack should be plenty for those staying in huts. We believe that Osprey makes the most comfortable packs on the market.
Trekking Poles	Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles	Essential for long downhills!
Travel Towel	Sea to Summit Drylite Towel	Great to have for those freezing campsite showers!
Headlamp	Black Diamond Storm Headlamp	Great headlamp with long battery life and adjustable brightness.
Dry Bags	Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack	Keeps your clothes and other items dry in a downpour!
Hiking Gaiters	Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters	These will help keep your boots dry when walking on snow covered trails.
Sunscreen	Blue Lizard SPF 50	We recommend a waterproof sport version with SPF 30 or higher.
Toilet Paper	Coghlan’s Packable Camp Tissue	It’s always good to have a backup. Be sure to pack it out!
Hand Sanitizer	Dr. Bronner’s Spray	This can come in handy on the trail and while traveling.
Extra Batteries		It’s a good idea to have a few spare batteries for your headlamp or other essential electronics.

Most Valuable Personal Gear: Platypus Big Zip EVO – 3 Liter

We loved being able to fill up these bladders at the huts along the Laugavegur in the morning and not have to think about water for the entire day. They sit comfortably against your back, making it easy to carry the extra weight. Plus, you can sip from the hose while walking instead of having to stop every time you need a drink.

Miscellaneous Gear

These odds and ends are the unsung heroes of the Laugavegur Trail packing list. From getting your stinky shirt clean to keeping your phone charged, these items help your trek run smoothly. Make sure to use this list in addition to the other categories to complete your POB kit.

Item	Recommended	Notes
Guidebook	The Laugavegur Trail Hiking Companion	A great resource for planning your walk. It also includes a wealth of information about the geology of the area.
Earplugs	Mack’s Earplugs	Essential for sleeping in dormitories or crowded campsites.
Sleeping Mask	Alaska Bear Sleeping Mask	This is a must-have for summer in Iceland where the sun barely dips below the horizon.
Travel Adapter	All-in-One Travel Adapter	Great for all of your travels.
Digital Watch	Casio digital watch	We recommend a simple digital watch to keep track of hiking times. Unlike smart watches, you don’t need to worry about charging this.
Camera	Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera	Optional item for the photography lovers. Consider using your phone to save weight.
Battery Backup	Anker PowerCore 10000	Great for charging electronics when you don’t have access to an outlet.
Biodegradable Soap	Sierra Dawn Campsuds Outdoor Soap	This is a great all-purpose cleaner for your body, your clothing, your gear, and everything else.
Plastic Bags- quart, gallon, and garbage bags.		We used these constantly for everything from storing trail mix to keeping our sleeping bags dry. A must-have for backpacking.

Most Valuable Personal Gear: Alaska Bear Sleeping Mask

This simple sleeping mask will do wonders for ensuring you wake up rested and ready for a big day on the trail. If you’ve never experienced a midnight sun like you’ll encounter in Iceland, you’re in for a spectacular experience. However, when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep before a long day, a quality sleep mask to block out all that light is just what the doctor ordered!

Women’s Clothing

When you’re trekking in the same clothes for days on end, it is imperative that those clothes are comfortable and high quality.  Although your individual preferences may look a little different, this list is an excellent starting point to ensure you’ve got all the essentials. 

Item	Recommended	Notes
Underwear (2-3 pairs)	ExOfficio Women’s Underwear	Very packable, comfortable, and easy to wash on the go!
Socks (2-3 pairs)	Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks	In our opinion, these are the best hiking socks available. Your feet will thank you!
Sports Bra	Brooks Women’s Rebound Racer Sports Bra	Provides excellent support, cushion, and breathability.
Standard Bra (1)		After a long day of hiking in a sweaty sports bra this can be a welcome relief to change into.
Long sleeve base layer (1)	Smartwool Women’s NTS Mid 250 Crew	A great merino wool base layer for chilly evenings.
Short Sleeve Hiking Shirt (1)	Smartwool Women’s Merino Short Sleeve	Merino wool is perfect for backpacking. Lightweight, quick drying, and odor resistant.
Leggings or Hiking Pants (1)	Prana – Women’s Halle Pant	These pants are stylish, lightweight, and great to hike in.
Shorts	Lululemon Run Speed Shorts	We prefer running shorts to hiking shorts, as they are more breathable and comfortable under a backpack.
Puffy Jacket	Marmot Featherless Hoody	Lightweight, super warm, and packs down small. This jacket was perfect for this kind of trip!
Rain Jacket	Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket	A high-quality all-weather jacket that packs up small.
Rain pants	Columbia Storm Surge pants	For those heavy downpours!
Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes	Altra Lone Peak Trail Shoes or Keen Targhee II Mid Hiking Boot	Depending on your preferences, these are our favorites for a traditional hiking boot and a minimal trail runner.
Sunglasses	Suncloud Loveseat Polarized Sunglasses	Good quality sunglasses are essential when you’re in the mountains all day. And these are stylish too!
Hat	Columbia Bora Bora Booney	This wide-brimmed and breathable hat keeps you cool and protected from the sun.
Sandals	Chaco Z1	These are a must-have for the several river crossings along the route.
Bandana/Buff	Buff CoolNet UV+	These are great for wiping away sweat, keeping hair out of your face, or protecting your neck from the sun.
Gloves	Seirus Waterproof Gloves	Essential for the cold, wet weather on the Laugavegur.

Most Valuable Women’s Clothing: Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks

The Laugavegur can be pretty tough on your feet, so it’s important to be proactive in keeping them feeling good and blister-free. Darn Tough makes high-quality socks that are comfortable, durable, and moisture-wicking. Although they’re a little pricey, the lifetime warranty makes them a good value.

Men’s Clothing

When you’re trekking in the same clothes for days on end, it is imperative that those clothes are comfortable and high quality.  Although your individual preferences may look a little different, this list is an excellent starting point to ensure you’ve got all the essentials. 

Item	Recommended	Notes
Underwear (1-2 pairs)	ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Brief	Highly recommended! 1-2 pairs is all you need as they are super easy to wash out and dry.
Socks (2-3 pairs)	Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks	In our opinion, these are the best hiking socks available. Your feet will thank you!
Long Sleeve Base Layer	Smartwool Men’s NTS Mid 250 Crew	Very versatile mid-weight base layer
Short Sleeve Hiking Shirt	SmartSmartwool Men’s Merino Short Sleeve Shirt	Merino wool is perfect for backpacking. Lightweight, quick drying, and odor resistant.
Sun Hoodie	Columbia Sun Hoodie	This is a new favorite item of ours. Cool enough to hike in even on hot days, you’ll appreciate not having to constantly reapply sunscreen.
Hiking Pants (1)	Prana Brion Pants	These are great for hiking and also look good around town!
Hiking Shorts (1)	Prana Brion Hiking Shorts	Awesome shorts that are great for hiking.
Down Jacket	Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody	Super warm, and super packable.
Rain Jacket	Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket	A good rain jacket is a must! This one packs up small and light
Rain Pants	Marmot Precip Pants
Hat	Columbia Bora Bora Booney	This wide-brimmed and breathable hat keeps you cool and protected from the sun.
Sandals	Chaco Z1 sandals	These are a must-have for the several river crossings along the route.
Hiking Boots	Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot	Super comfortable and super waterproof! These held up well to the gnarly trail conditions on the Laugavegur. There is a trail running version for those who prefer something a bit lighter.
Sunglasses	Suncloud Mayor Polarized Sunglasses	Good quality sunglasses are essential when you’re in the mountains all day. And these are stylish too!
Buff/Bandana	Buff CoolNet UV+	These are great for wiping away sweat, keeping hair out of your face, or protecting your neck from the sun.
Gloves	Smartwool Merino 150 gloves	Trust us, you’re going to want gloves on cold morning around camp.

Most Valuable Men’s Clothing: Smartwool Men’s Merino Short Sleeve Shirt

When it comes to hiking shirts, we much prefer merino wool over synthetic materials. This shirt stayed smelling fresh after multiple days of trekking, and it dried super quickly once we finally washed it out. The fabric is soft, comfortable, and very breathable.

What’s Next?

Be sure to read our entire series on the Laugavegur Trail to learn everything you’ll need to know to prepare for your trip!

• Guide to Camping on the Laugavegur Trail
• Laugavegur Trail Logistics: Don’t overlook the little details! 
• Laugavegur Trail Photo Gallery: Get inspired!
• Laugavegur Trip Report- Know what to expect on the trail!
• How Much it Cost Us to Hike the Laugavegur Trail – Make it work for your budget!
• The Laugavegur Trail | Map, Routes, and Itineraries-Plan and customize your trip!
• How to Train for the Laugavegur Trail: Get in shape for your trek!