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There’s nothing better than a trip to Iceland... so long as you’re properly packed.

I have been a BuzzFeed Shopping writer since 2017, with a focus on unique, practical products, up-to-date parenting finds, and up-and-coming home decor.

I lived in Iceland as a newlywed and continue to travel there regularly with my family. I'll recommend it for the rest of my days. Whether you plan on golfing under the midnight sun or traveling in the winter to see the aurora at its brightest, this country is going to be an utter delight. That is, if you pack right. The weather is in charge here, and the wind laughs in the face of bipedal people, so take it from someone who learned about these seasons the hard way. Grab some comfortable shoes, a big pair of wool socks, and enjoy.

This towel has been recommended by quite a few folks who visited Iceland. Their uses varied from wiping down hiking gear to keeping caravans clean, and it helped out plenty of folks while they enjoyed a hot springs holiday. I'd highly recommend packing this along, as it's required to shower before entering the hot springs in Iceland *and* if you're traveling to more remote locations, there won't be towels provided. Nothing is quite as cold as Icelandic wind after soaking in a hot spring, so pack this and stay dry!

Promising review: "This was perfect to have on hand during my trip to Iceland. I didn’t want to cart around a heavy, soggy towel on my Golden Circle tour and visit to the lagoon, and this did the trick. It wrings out well and dries very quickly. Even when it feels wet, it still continues to absorb. I bought one for my husband, too, but often a single towel was sufficient for both of us. It’s soft and keeps its texture and color after several washes and exposure to salt water. Highly recommended!" —Rachel D.

Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in six sizes and 16 colors).

With three times the electrolytes of a typical sports drink, these are great for packing on days you'll mostly spend outdoors *and* they're a solid option to refresh in the morning after a night of drinking Brennivín, because taking a shot of anything referred to as "Black Death" should probably include an a.m. care plan. 

Promising review: "No issues with the packaging. I love the lemon-lime taste. It dissolves in your water easily; I only used a straw to stir it up. It was not gritty, and after drinking a glass, I truly felt my headache vanish, which I felt coming on after a heavy workout! My husband uses them for hangover days when you just don't want to feel as if you are nearing death, LOL! Satisfied and definitely five stars. Great to have on hand." —Britt 

Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $23.46+ (available in different flavors and pack sizes).

I threw these in my shopping cart the minute after I'd finished researching them for this post. These irresistible mixed-terrain, low-top, lightweight hiking boots have incredible grip *and* they are waterproof! If you're trying to pack light, this could be the only pair you bring. You'll be totally comfortable wearing these while walking around cities and towns *and* hiking around waterfalls and ice caves. These boast an upgraded version of On's famous Missiongrip™ outsole, and they're filled with Plush Helion™ superfoam to keep your feet comfortable *and* prevent slipping on trails. While we're at it, should we all just take another gander at Zendaya's collab? Okay, yeah, let's please.

Get them from On for $200 (available in women's sizes 5–11, men's sizes 7–14, and in four colors — not all colors are available in all sizes).

If you plan on packing several sets of shoes, this is definitely worth the buy. Your shoes are going to get muddy, so pack them in this, and you can keep the rest of your clothes clean! These can hold at least three pairs of shoes, and they could certainly keep a useful pair of pool shoes tucked away and safe!

Promising review: "You can totally fit three pairs of shoes in this! (Size 6.5 female shoe, fit heels, wedges, and sandals.) I bought two and will absolutely be buying more for my husband. 10/10 would recommend! I travel frequently, and I always overpack. This helped cut down space and stress immensely!" —Taylor

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in nine colors). 

Keep your iPhone picture-taking hand ungloved and at the ready by storing this little hand warmer in your pocket! You've got volcanoes and glaciers and geysers to photograph — don't waste time taking your gloves on and off. But also, don't freeze your fingers. I've gotta hand it to this little warmer — reviewers are big fans!

Here's what my coworker Elizabeth Lilly had to say about this hand warmer after her own trip to Iceland: "Once I got talked into an Iceland trip, I shopped my own stories for this little beaut. And I am SO glad that I did. I kept it in my coat pocket the entire trip (basically, we were only indoors to eat and sleep), and it gets very hot, very fast. The only time that I was able to use the highest heat setting (there are three total) for longer than a few minutes was when I stood in the middle of nowhere scanning the sky for the Northern Lights around midnight. It was COLD, cold out in the flat lands and far away from buildings and light pollution. But I was determined to see the Aurora dance. (Otherwise, I would've booked a summertime Iceland trip.) This small-but-mighty hand warmer kept my fingers operating so once I finally did see the lights, I could photograph them! And it also kept me outside longer instead of taking bus breaks. Whyyyy didn't I buy this earlier? Please learn from my mistake.

Psst — you can even use a power bank or your phone to charge it!"

Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in nine colors).

If you, like me, get motion sick just by watching boats in the ocean, you'll be very happy to have this on hand. Whale tours are super popular, and I'll always recommend folks visit Vestmannaeyjar if they can, but those boat rides can get CHOPPY. This can help. The band applies pressure on the P6 acupressure point that is said to help relieve nausea and vomiting. Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Promising review: "I wish I had tried this a long time ago. I used it on a 13-hour drive. Once at Disney World, I wore them for every ride, and it was the first time I did not get nauseous or sick. I was amazed. This is a must-have if you get car sick or can’t ride rides at an amusement park." —Mimi145

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.53+ (available in six colors). 

This comes complete with an ejectable battery, a crush-proof shell, and a spacious interior. If you plan on overpacking to your heart's content, this has gotta be your luggage. Camper van vacations are huge in Iceland for a good reason! Might as well bring *all* your favorite comforts from home to keep that van extra comfy. 

July is a Melbourne, Australia-based startup committed to making stylish and sustainable luggage. Their featherlight carry-on includes aluminum bumpers, a telescopic handle, an integrated TSA lock, and a hidden laundry bag.

Promising review: "Love the quality and thought that went into the design. I was able to pack for a week away without any issues — shout-out to the compression system for helping out here. I especially loved the laundry bag and, of course, the power bank. Can’t wait to purchase the larger sizes. Thanks, July!" —Liv

Get it from July for $295+ (available in 10 colors; with or without personalization).

This clever invention is a godsend gift to parents who travel with children. The 18-liter storage has enough room for several items of clothing, snacks, and essentials. The design can collapse into a suitcase and open up into a stroller *while* carrying everything else in the closed container. Not only that, it's ATA cabin-approved and suitable for toddlers up to 48 pounds! 

The stroller itself feels premium all on its own (it even has a five-point safety harness), easily navigating through airport security *and* the cobblestone walks around Reykjavík. It reclines from 99 degrees–126 degrees, and both the backrest and seat expand. As if that wasn't enough...the *sun canopy* is water repellent, detachable, and provides UPF 50 protection. I've talked too much already, but I own this, and I think every parent should. The end. 

Promising review: "This is the perfect stroller and carry-on for my kid. I've used it many times and have no complaints. It's easy to open and close, my kids' clothes fit just fine, and the best part? It fits in the overhead bin. Five stars." —Joe

Get it on sale from TernX for $649 (originally $699).

This boasts a healing combo of lanolin oil and vitamin E to moisturize and nourish that extra-thin skin. It's a great packing pick for keeping your skin feeling fresh in the harsh wind during your trip. And it's not just good for your face! It's also recommended for cuticles and cracked heels, making this pint-sized package a packing pro.

I've spent the last year trying to fall in love with a lip balm and tried *dozens* before (get this), nursing helped me find this brand. I saw a bunch of people recommend lanolin-rich nipple balm for their dry lips and, in turn, saw that Lanolips made some for your lips (which, let's be real, was preferable). I have several flavors now, and the glazed donut is my favorite. I also use this daily on my cuticles! I love, love this stuff. It smells great, looks pretty on my otherwise makeup-free face, and feels nourishing every time I put it on.

Promising review: "Lanolips lip balm is hands down my favorite lip balm ever. I've tried the coconut and strawberry, and both have a light scent that isn't cloyingly sweet or overwhelming. The opening is larger than usual (which is necessary due to the thickness of the product), but it's so big that I end up scraping off product I just applied, so I have to use my finger to spread it out. I guess an unintended benefit of applying it with my finger is that my cuticles look better this winter than they ever have because I've been rubbing the excess into my fingertips." —Three Needles

Get it from Amazon for $13.50 (available in 11 flavors).

This'll be another great, and *very* necessary, basic you'll actually wear on your trip. It'll stay on your head and keep your noggin' warm, without overheating, no matter what the weather brings your way. Aaand if you're trying to hide your day-four camper van hair? This has you covered. Literally.

Promising review: "Took this hat with me to Iceland this winter. It performed perfectly, protecting my head from icy winds and temperatures as low as -12 degrees C (the lowest temperature I experienced there). This was with over 90% humidity as well (high humidity makes cold air feel colder). The hat is thick without being bulky, isn’t at all scratchy, and has a quality feel to it." —Faucj

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 41 colors).

This is a great pair of socks to pack, no matter what season you're traveling to Iceland in. They'll help prevent blisters and keep your toes warm. Wins all around.

Promising review: "I love these socks! They are warm, cute, soft, and fuzzy. These are fantastic inside slippers or boots to keep your feet warm on a cold day. I am glad I bought 10 pairs! I hate cold feet!!! Nice socks for the price point." —Jennifluffernutter

Get a set of five from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in a variety of color combos and styles).

Packing liquid shampoo and conditioner can be such a hassle, which is why these bars are such a great solution! They are TSA-accepted, and you won't have to buy extra bottles to store small amounts of product in. Most importantly, they're formulated with ultra-nourishing ingredients that'll keep your hair feeling glossy and smooth. Iceland's water (whether you're soaking in a hot spring or showering at your hotel) is a natural geothermal resource, it's coming straight from the earth aaaand it is *hard* on your hair! So really, don't skimp out on nourishing hair care while you're there. 

P.S. The biggest mistake tourists make is getting their hair wet at The Blue Lagoon — seriously, bring a hair tie or get ready for some side-eye. 

Promising review: "I have thick, coarse, curly, dry hair. I need moisture, frizz and curl control, and a detangler. Normally, I have lots of hair in my shower after washing — not to mention the tangles. I wanted something to take on my vacation for two weeks. TSA has the liquid restrictions, and I was going to have to check a bag just to take enough conditioner/hair products for two weeks. This has been a blessing. No more tangles, my curls now behave, my hair is soft and smells great, but not overpowering." —PillHill

Get it from Amazon for $28.40 (available in seven styles and a sample pack).

I used Aveda products while living in Iceland with bleached blonde hair down to my waist. There's NO reason my hair should have looked as healthy as it did — I did not deserve such pretty hair after all the damage I inflicted on it. AND YET! Aveda kept my hair feeling and looking its very best. I continued using the brand after moving, and I recommend this leave-in to all of my friends who go there to visit. Having a leave-in when you can't dry your hair off in an instant is a great style solution while traveling. Having something this nourishing on top of that? You'll be a true packing pro.

Plus, this stuff smells SO DANG GOOD. Which is maybe the most important part.

Promising review: "I started using this product every other day consistently after I shampooed. I was having serious breakage on the sides, and my hair was becoming thinner because the sides would not grow in. I'm happy to say that after months of use, the sides have and continue to grow back in. There's a visible difference in my hair thickness and amount. I honestly thought it would not happen. I'm so pleased. Thank you, Aveda!" —Susan

Get it from Amazon and Aveda for $14+ (available in travel and standard sizes).

If you want to invest in the highest-quality outdoor gear for this trip, and want it to last a lifetime after, this piece is gonna be the one. On top of that? You're going to be the most fashion-savvy hiker in all the highlands. The funnel collar, the bandana-tie detailing, the hidden hood...it's too good! It's treated with a PFC-free, plant-based water-repellent finish (which I promise you'll appreciate while walking behind Seljalandsfoss). It's designed with two zippered pockets, and it cinches for a perfect fit. It even packs into its own pocket, which is great for storing if your hike gets too hot. It won't in Iceland, but you know, it could. Maybe. 

Promising review: "This is perfectly and expertly detailed. This jacket is so well-crafted and has such high quality, it feels like it should be $1k. Just, wow! I'm so excited for more from this brand." —Megan

Get it from Hikerkind for $188 (available in sizes XS–3XL and in three colors).

If you want some extra warmth in the summer or you're traveling this winter, this budget-friendly and beloved jacket is a top-notch pick. It's crafted with a wind-resistant exterior, extra-thick down, water-resistant fabric, six pockets, and a fleece-lined hood. It's been an Amazon top seller for nearly a decade now, and with good reason!

Here's what my coworker Heather Braga has to say about the coat: "I can confirm that *many* of us on the BuzzFeed Shopping team own and love this coat! This includes lil' ol' me! I wore it for the first time this winter and was almost TOO warm. It's perfectly heavy, and the lined hood is the coziest thing ever — I felt like I was lounging on a built-in pillow when wearing it in the car."

Promising review: "SO WARM. So stylish! I am so in love with this coat. It seems very well put together and heavy and sturdy. I am usually a size L/XL in everything, and the large fits perfectly with the zippers up on the sides. It gets a bit narrow around the hips, but it's adjustable, so it's fine! Absolutely love this coat!! ❤️" —Lauren

Get it from Amazon for $104.99+ (available in sizes 2XS–5X and 15 styles).

This ridiculously luxurious duffel is a diaper bag in disguise — complete with waterproof pockets and a wipeable surface. Plus, there's so much space inside, you're sure to know you've got everything you need in one (chic) spot. I got this diaper bag without having a kid as an excuse to buy a diaper bag. That's how badly I wanted it. The last time my husband and I were in Iceland, we spent two weeks road tripping across the Ring Road. I took this bag with me (and ONLY this bag!), and I was able to fit *everything* I needed for the entire trip. I'm telling you, it's made with some sort of Mary Poppins magic.

Promising review: "This is the bag of my dreams! It is so beautiful, and the quality is great. It is so spacious inside and fits all of my baby's and my needs. The front pouch is secure and easy to get items in and out. Love the material of both the inside and outside, easy to clean! Really, you NEED this bag! Don't hesitate to buy this or any Luli Bebé bag. You won't regret it!" —Hannah E.

Get it on sale from Luli Bebé for $229 (available in six colors).

Pack this, and you can be confident your hair is going to stay dry on boat tours, rainy days, and humid hikes. Reviewers even recommend this when it snows! The best feature is the satin lining, preventing any frizz after you take it off. GOOD.

Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business that has been creating fashionable hats that protect hair from all kinds of weather since 2016. 

Promising review: "I traveled to London last month with a raincoat that did not have a hood, and I wanted something that would protect my head/hair/blowout without lugging an umbrella. This definitely did the trick. Two of the three days were rainy (some quite heavy), and my hair stayed totally dry. It stows nicely, too. I'm still learning how to adjust it while it's on my head (easier to adjust first and then put it on). Also, when I do have it tightened/pulled to the right place, the loop/slack from where I adjusted it sort of sticks out and gets in my peripheral vision. I wish the adjustment/clasp were less prominent. But, all in all, this is perfect for anyone who wants to keep their blowout fresh in the rain." —Miss Information

Get it from Amazon for $39+ (available in 11 colors).

Pack this, and you can keep yourself from feeling de-feet-ed when trying and enjoy a hike with the family. Sure, they may complain about how they wish they were playing video games, but at least there won't be a blister in sight!

Promising review: "I can not say enough good things about this product. Let me tell you, this little purple bottle is a lifesaver. I have a couple of pairs of shoes that I haven’t been able to wear because they cause blisters. But with one swipe of this, no more blisters. I can now wear my cute shoes again!" —Jennifer Gomez

This can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time. Seriously, skip packing a hoard of cords. This folds up small enough to fit in your pocket. To use, lift the raised stations and insert each item. This flashes an alert if an item is not properly docked, and it has a soft blue LED light that'll turn on once it's fully charged, so you'll know you're g2g take 100 more photos of tiny Icelandic horses.

Promising review: "This is the best charger ever!! I absolutely love it! I went on vacation and forgot my bag of chargers. I have one for my iPhone 15, one for my Apple Watch, and one for my iPods. I bought this because it had all three of the chargers I needed. It is so easy to set up, charges great, and folds for easy travel. I would highly recommend!!" —Laura G.

Get it from Amazon for $17.98+ (available in four colors).

LSS, the plugs are different. Make them the same. This gadget works in 150 countries, and it can charge up to six devices at once. So, if you really feel like it, pack those heat tools and style your hair — you don't have to worry about them short-circuiting on you! This also includes a 4-foot extension cord and five adapters.

Sokoo is a small business creating voltage converters, travel adapters, cooling fans, and more.

Promising review: "I travel frequently both for work and pleasure and always find myself laughing around a bag full of power cords and converters, depending on the country I am visiting. This useful tool has saved me at least 5 pounds worth of excess luggage (a multitude of extension cords, power connectors, and external plugs) by consolidating my connection needs into one tool. This power bank comes with two plugs (you can choose a configuration based on the country-specific outlets) and four USB plugs. The travel bag makes it convenient and keeps it organized. This is a great investment and value for the price." —LocalistGal

You'll be extra glad to have this on hand when you're driving through the middle of nowhere and realize you're not in The States anymore...they don't sell OTC painkillers at the gas station. BOY OH BOY, was that a hard thing for me to realize on the fly. This little pack has that Tylenol you'll be hoping for plus, a bunch of other little details that'll make you feel refreshed and secure after your flight or while out adventuring. The kit includes a hair tie, lip balm, two floss picks, a sewing kit, bandages, an emery board, two safety pins, two earring backs, a makeup wipe, two bobby pins, two mints, a deodorant wipe, a Shout wipe, a tampon, hand sanitizer, and Tylenol.

Anne Cate is a woman-owned small business based in Cleveland, Ohio, that hand-makes useful travel packs.

BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Danielle Healy says: "I, your resident forgetful person, bought the NYC skyline version of this at the start of COVID-19 to keep in my work tote. Unfortunately, I haven't touched my work tote in months because...*gestures at the world around*...but it's a really handy kit I know will save me a ton whenever I regularly leave the house again. Everything from Anne Cate is super high-quality. The wallet on its own is adorable and could be used for a million different things."

Get it from Anne Cate for $25 (available in different skylines).

This splurge-worthy "daily routine" kit includes four medium and three small capsules that have magnetic, interchangeable labels for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer, cleanser, a pill icon, and a blank tile. If you travel a lot and refuse to be without your specific beauty routine, this is the travel set to invest in! Don't lose a drop of your product and be confident that nothing will spill or leak during your flight. The brand has skincare, bodycare, haircare, and pill case sets, and you can add extenders that increase the size of the capsule! 

Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon with the goal of eliminating single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. 

Promising review: "These containers are perfectly sized for all my travel needs, whether it’s skincare products, vitamins, or even small jewelry pieces. They fit neatly into my carry-on, saving space and keeping everything organized. No more messy toiletry bags or digging around for tiny items — everything has its place with Cadence. The quality of the materials is top-notch. The containers snap together securely, making it easy to keep them organized and prevent any spills. It’s such a clever and practical feature that adds a touch of luxury to the whole experience. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to hear the little click when they snap into place!

"I’ll be honest — the price did give me pause at first. These containers are definitely an investment, but I can confidently say they’re worth it. The peace of mind they provide, knowing my products are safe and secure during travel, is priceless. Plus, the high-quality build means they’ll last for many trips to come, making them a smart long-term investment." —Randy G.

Get the daily routine set from Amazon for $138 (available in five colors and other sets).

That midnight sun really does stay up until midnight, folks! If you're traveling to Iceland in the summer and can't fall asleep without a pitch-black room, it's best to invest in an eye mask! This particular pick is a favorite of mine because the 3D design is comfortable on your eyes, and it can keep your makeup from smudging if you plan on sleeping during the majority of your international flight. 

BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Jasmin Sandal says: "I'll be the first to admit it, I'm a little high maintenance when it comes to my sleep. I need complete darkness and complete quiet. So when I know I'm going anywhere that doesn't believe in blackout blinds, or just regular ol' blinds for that matter, I always pack an eye mask. The only problem is, I've struggled to find one that A) doesn't move around when I sleep and B) doesn't let the bleeding light shine through. So as you can imagine, I was just *thrilled* when the Ostrichpillow 100% Blackout Eye Mask was put on my radar — I jumped at the chance to test it out. And, people, it does exactly what it says on the tin. It's super reliable with blocking 1-0-0 percent of the light, and it has an amazing ergonomic design that carves out space for your eyes so your eyelashes don't get all squished — plus, there's even enough room for you to blink, if you wanted to! It's certainly thicker than your average eye mask, and sleeping on your side with it on takes some getting used to. But hey, if it stops lamp light, sunlight...whatever kinda light from disturbing my sleep, it's totally worth it."

Get it from Amazon for $45 (available in two colors).

This white noise machine is gonna be another super useful sleeping tool, especially if you're traveling with kids. Help keep their sleep sounds consistent and bring this along so they can hear something they recognize each night. I live in the city and I *have* to bring a sound machine on trips where I know the nights will be quiet. The Westfjords are one of the most gorgeous, peaceful places on earth. And nights there? They're quiet, guys! If you need sound to sleep, snag this sound machine!

Promising review: "I was skeptical at first about how well this little noise machine would work in my hotel room (I am a frequent business traveler). However, skepticism gave way to satisfaction. This little sound machine blocked out hotel noises very well and helped me sleep through the night. For a little machine, it provides very good volume and different noise options. I highly recommend this product!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two styles).

This includes a travel pump, so you can zip up your clothes and suck out all the excess air, letting you pack your suitcase to the brim *and* pack it back up on your way home. I totally recommend getting this, because (if you shop right) you'll be coming home with so many hand-knit sweaters and accessories you're going to want that extra space!

Promising review: "These Spacesaver vacuum bags are awesome! With having a lot of luggage to take with me on international flights, every inch of space counts, and seeing your clothing and other materials reduced by 80% makes these bags a wonderful and necessary purchase. Two thumbs up, I highly recommend this product!" —Thomas G Wintringham

Get a six-pack from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in four sizes as well as other multipacks).

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* Versatile Travel Pieces That Are Perfect For When You’ve Committed To Packing Light

* Travel Essentials That'll Make Your Economy Seat Feel Like First Class

* Must-Have Items For Your Next Universal Studios Trip

* Pairs Of Shoes That’ll Help You Say Goodbye To Super Achy Feet At The End Of A Day Of Sightseeing

* Things Here To Prove That, Yes, You Can Pack Light For Your Next Trip

* Bathing Suits For Anyone Who Doesn’t Wanna Wear A Bikini On Their Next Vacation

* Things You Definitely Don’t Want To Forget The Next Time You Take A Trip

Plus, compression socks, pet carriers, travel wallets, portable chargers, things to pack if you're headed to Hawaii, and finds from Amazon and Walmart.

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.