Akureyri Packing List

Important:

  • The average temperature in Akureyri ranges from 20-60 degrees, with rain or snow approximately 50% of the days, but it can be colder than that at times. Particularly if it is windy. Layers are crucial, as is a good raincoat.

  • We will be doing most of our work indoors, though we will be walking outside occasionally to see Iceland’s countryside.

  • We will have the option to attend church in Iceland (if desired). Dress is a step up from everyday clothes and should be respectful but does not need to be formal dress attire.

  • We will be staying in apartments with showers and laundry.

  • A Compass staff member will reach out to your group and inform you of luggage size requirements, weight limits, and baggage allotments. Any traveler with overweight or oversize luggage will be responsible at the airport for paying any fees that are incurred.

    Look below to see our recommended packing list.

Clothing:

  • Tops:

    • 4-5 long-sleeve shirts or base layers

    • 2-3 t-shirts for layering

    • 1-2 sweaters or fleece jackets

  • Bottoms:

    • 2 pairs of jeans or durable pants

    • 2-3 pairs of thermal leggings or long underwear

    • 1 pair of waterproof or water resistant pants (optional but recommended)

  • Outerwear:

    • 1 warm jacket/coat (not cotton; preferably with a hood and water resistant; packable without much bulk)

    • 1 lightweight jacket (optional, good to have as a second layer if you get cold easily)

  • Footwear:

    • 1 pair of waterproof or water resistant boots/shoes good for walking in cold weather/slush

      • We recommend having a pair that covers your ankles but this is not a requirement.

    • 1 pair of comfortable everyday shoes

    • 1 pair of shower shoes (flip flops or crocs work great)

    • 5-8 pairs of everyday socks

    • 1-2 pairs warm socks (wool is recommended)

  • Accessories:

    • 1 warm hat (a beanie or something that covers the ears and is insulated is best)

    • 1 pair of gloves or mittens

    • 1 scarf or neck gaiter (optional, definitely recommended)

  • Underwear & Sleepwear:

    • 7-10 pairs of underwear

      • Count the total number of days you will be traveling. Bring this amount of undergarments + 1 extra.

    • 4-5 bras if applicable

    • 1 set of sleepwear

Toiletries:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Floss

  • Shampoo and conditioner (travel size or solid bars)

  • Body wash or soap (travel size)

  • Deodorant

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Hair ties and clips (if applicable)

  • Sunscreen (optional)

  • Nail clippers and files (optional)

  • Feminine supplies (recommended if applicable)

    • Recommended even if the trip falls outside of your regular cycle. Traveling can change your routine.

  • Skincare products (moisturizer, lip balm, lotion, etc.)

  • Anything else you need as part of your daily hygiene routine

Electronics:

  • Smartphone and charger

  • Travel Adapter

    • If you plan to use your electronic devices enough to require recharging, you’ll need an adaptor such as these. Compass has some, but they are reserved for program essential devices, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to use them.

Miscellaneous:

  • One sleeping bag (REQUIRED DEPENDING ON WHICH TRIP YOU ARE TAKING)

    • A Compass staff member will inform you if this is required. IF it is confirmed that you will need one, please know that it needs to be compact! This $27 sleeping bag on Amazon works great for the purposes of this trip.

  • Towel (quick-dry recommended but not required)

  • Washcloth

  • 1-2 Reusable water bottles

  • Backpack

    • This can be your personal item on the plane. You will also need a way to carry your belongings throughout the trip.

  • Headlamp or flashlight

  • Swimsuit (please know that there may not be an opportunity to actually use this; varies trip to trip)

  • Watch

  • Extra glasses; contact lens supplies (if applicable)

  • Journal (Compass will provide you with a journal but you can bring a personal one if you prefer)

  • Pens/Pencils

  • Prescription medicine (with the script or pharmacy labeled container)

  • Over-the-counter medicine (Compass has a few on hand but bring any you take regularly)

  • Pillow (travel size or camping pillows work well)

  • Bible (only for faith-based Compass trips)

    • If you are not participating in a faith-based trip, please disregard and proceed based on personal preference.

  • Passport

    • It may seem silly, but please make sure you check multiple times before leaving for the airport, on the way to the airport (don’t leave it in the car!), and going through the airport that you have this. Neck wallets like these are helpful if you are prone to misplacing items or would like to minimize your stress during travel.

    • No one imagines that they will be the one to lose their passport until it happens. Whatever method you use to keep track of your passport is up to you, but be proactive in keeping it safe!

Optional Items:

  • Portable power bank

  • 1 pair of sunglasses (for glare off snow/ice)

  • A vest

    • Good for layering under coats and sweatshirts to maintain a steady core temperature.

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Melatonin or similar over-the-counter sleeping aid

    • Helpful with an overnight flight or if you have difficulty sleeping in new places

  • Ear plugs and eye mask (if you are a light sleeper)

  • Camera and accessories (batteries, memory cards)

  • Binoculars/monocular (for bird watching or landscape viewing)

  • Snacks for the airport or the week

  • Reading material or e-reader

Packing Tips:

  • Layering: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Layering allows you to adjust your clothing based on the weather and activity level.

  • Waterproof Gear: Given the likelihood of rain or proximity to waterfalls, having waterproof outerwear and footwear is crucial.

  • Comfort: Focus on comfort and functionality over fashion. The emphasis should be on staying warm and dry.

  • Preparation: Alert your bank to your travel plans. Currency exchange is costly. Credit/debit cards are recommended over cash.

    • Discover cards are NOT accepted in Iceland.

  • TSA Regulations: If you plan to take liquids, gels, and aerosols to Iceland in your personal item, keep in mind that airlines have limitations on what you can take. Containers must be 3 ounces or less, and it is best to carry them in a separate plastic bag.