How far in advance should you start preparing?
If you are already fit and active, the main thing to sort out is your equipment. We recommend starting to look at gear about two to three months before your trip. That gives you enough time to replace anything that needs renewing. If you have not been moving regularly recently, even as a seasoned trekker, it is good to give your body at least a couple of months to get back to your former physical form.
What are the essentials to bring?
A good sleeping bag is really essential. You do not want to be cold at night. Good shoes are equally important and they should be broken in before you go. Most experienced hikers know that, but it is worth repeating. And make sure your rain gear is solid. Do not bring a twenty year old Gore-Tex jacket with all the seam seals already flapping.
Something to bring just for fun?
We recommend packing a good book or a card game for the late afternoons and evenings. It is also really nice to bring something from home. Something that means something to you. It makes for a lovely moment in the evenings when the group gathers to share stories.
Power and connectivity on the trail
We recommend bringing a couple of power banks. A good 10,000 mAh pack will charge your phone at least three times. With your phone on flight mode it will not use much battery, so charging every second day is usually enough. Most people on a trek like this mainly use their phone as a camera. Some choose to go offline entirely.
What are the trails like in Iceland?
Many of our Icelandic treks take you off the beaten path. Expect trodden paths, unmarked terrain, and sections where you will be walking on snow. It is nothing like the neatly prepared trails you find in US national parks or the European Alps. The going can be slower, but that is a big part of what makes it special.
A few more things worth knowing
Travel insurance: We ask all our clients to have travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency transportation, and recommend it covers costs from potential flight delays as well.
How to dress: Here’s our guide to clothing and layering for Iceland Click for the guide.
Your full gear list: Once you have booked, we send you a complete packing and equipment list with everything you need to know, including weight and volume guidelines for gear transport.
