Reykjavík Packing List

The average temperature in Reykjavik ranges from 20-60 degrees, with rain or snow 50% of the days, but it can be colder or warmer than that at times. We will be doing most of our work indoors, though we will be walking outside extensively on one day. Layers are crucial, and you will need a thick waterproof winter jacket (or a thick winter jacket that you can put a raincoat or poncho over). We recommend checking the weather forecast prior to the trip but keep in mind it can change on a dime.

Important Notes:

  • You will be able to shower.

  • A Compass staff member will reach out to your group and inform you whether or not laundry services will be available. Do not count on this unless your are specifically informed that this will be available to you.

  • If Compass has or will be purchasing your plane tickets, then a Compass staff member will also inform you of your groups’s specific luggage allotment and luggage sizing requirements prior to the trip.

  • To help save space on packing, plan to wear a travel outfit that consists of items on this list.   

FEET:

  • 1-2 pair everyday shoes (tennis shoes, sneakers, sport casual, athletic shoes, etc.)

  • 6-7 pairs everyday socks

  • 2-3 pairs warm socks (wool is recommended)

  • 1 pair winter (water proof/resistant) shoes good for walking outside in cold weather/slush (i.e. Duck boots or similar)

  • Ice grippers to put on your shoes (OPTIONAL: not recommended unless you already have them)

LOWER BODY:

  • 7-12 pairs underwear (count the number of days in your trip and bring this number of undergarments + 1 extra)

  • 1 pair warm, wool or synthetic fleece pants (no cotton or jeans)

  • 2-3 pair every day pants (jeans or otherwise)

  • 1-3 pairs long johns (OPTIONAL but helpful: also known as long underwear or thermal under layer. Recommended for those who get cold easily)

UPPER BODY:

  • 4–6 everyday shirts

  • 1-2 sweatshirts

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

  • 1 lightweight jacket/coat (OPTIONAL, but if you get cold easily it is nice to have as a layer)

  • 4-5 bras if applicable

  • 1 raincoat or rain suit (nylon or GORE-TEX)  

HANDS AND HEAD:

  • 1 cap that covers the ears

  • 1 pair light gloves or mittens

  • 1 scarf (optional)

BED, BATH AND BODY:

  • Bath towel and a small hand towel /washcloth

  • Set of pajamas/sleepwear

  • Pillow with pillowcase (OPTIONAL, travel size pillows can be a good option to save space)

  • Toiletries (trial sizes)

    • Toothbrush/paste, floss, lotion, chapstick, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hand sanitizer, hairbrush (and anything else you need for your daily routine)

  • Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)

    • Please bring some even if you are not scheduled to have a menstrual cycle during the trip. Traveling can often interrupt the body’s regular routine.

  • Extra glasses; contact lens supplies (if applicable)

  • 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)

  • Shower shoes (i.e. flip flops)

MISCELLANEOUS:

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

    • 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.

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Watch

  • Headlamp or flashlight

  • Swimsuit (optional)

    • Each trip is different and therefore an opportunity for swimming may arise but is definitely not guaranteed.

  • Camera/Cell phones

    • 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.

  • Spending money (optional, suggested amount: $60­-90, a debit/credit card is easiest— currency exchange is costly and hard to access, but you would need to alert your bank of your travel plans before leaving)

  • Backpack or tote bag

    • Backpacks, as long as they fit the airline dimensions, make good personal items to take with you on the plane. You will also need a bag of some kind to carry around your belongings during the trip.

  • Health Insurance Card (or equivalent document that proves you have insurance)

  • Laundry Bag for keeping dirty clothes separate (a regular trash bag is a good option if you don’t want to buy one)

  • Pens/pencils

  • 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.

  • A journal (OPTIONAL: Compass will provide you with a journal to use for our reflection times, but you can bring your own if you journal regularly and would prefer to use one you already have)

  • Melatonin or similar over-the-counter sleeping aid if you’re worried about the jetlag (Most Compass students beat the jetlag in the first day, especially during the winter when perpetual sunlight isn’t an issue.)

  • Ear plugs: OPTIONAL but these work great to block out most sound, including snoring (remember you will be sleeping in a room with others, unless you are told otherwise by a Compass staff member)

  • Eye mask to block light (optional but recommended if light disturbs you)

  • 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 or bus!), 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!

ADDITIONAL PACKING NOTES

If Compass has purchased your plane ticket(s), then a Compass staff member will inform you how many bags you are allowed to bring, what size dimensions your bag(s) cannot exceed, and what weight limits your bag(s) cannot exceed.

Failure to meet these requirements will incur a fee that must be paid by the participant at the airport.

Aside from your specific luggage allotment, packing for Iceland shouldn’t be much different than preparing to visit another region of the United States. Generally speaking, Icelandic culture is somewhat reflective of American culture and you can plan your clothing and packing accordingly.

Layers, Layers, Layers

It’s called Iceland for a reason. You’ll want to dress in layers. Raincoats are an absolute must. Comfortable jeans and hiking pants will work very well. We will be mostly indoors, but there will be several occasions where we will be outside walking.

Church Worship Services in Iceland

You will have the option to attend church worship services while in Iceland, so bring a nice outfit, something you would wear to church here in the States if you would like to go. Church is fairly casual in Iceland but we want to look respectful.

Travel-Size Containers

If you plan to take liquids, gels, and aerosols to Iceland in your personal item, keep in mind that airlines limit the size of liquids, gels, and aerosols in personal items. Containers must be 2.7 ounces or less, and it is best to carry them in a separate plastic bag (they leak occasionally)