Summer Discipleship Program

Packing List

The average temperature in Reykjavik in July ranges from 40-65 degrees with rain 50% of the days. We will be doing most of our work indoors though we will be walking outside extensively on one day in particular, touring the countryside on another, and will spend some time walking during the week. Layers are crucial as is a good raincoat.

We will be together for 12 days. We will be in Iceland for eight full days with two travel days and two days in the United States on either side.

We will be attending church both Sundays in Iceland. Dress is a step up from everyday clothes but does not need to be formal dress attire. Ensure you have at least one respectful outfit you feel comfortable wearing for a church service.

Do not plan on doing laundry while in Iceland, though you will be able to shower. 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.)

  • 9-11 pairs everyday socks

  • 1-2 pairs warm socks

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

LOWER BODY:

  • 11-13 pairs underwear

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

  • 3-5 pair every day pants (jeans or otherwise)

UPPER BODY:

  • 5–7 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)

  • 5-7 bras (if applicable)

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

HANDS AND HEAD:

  • 1 cap that covers the ears (optional but recommended)

  • 1 pair light gloves or mittens (optional—good if you get cold easily)

  • 1 scarf (optional—good if you get cold easily)

BED, BATH AND BODY:

  • Bath towel and a small hand towel /washcloth

  • One sleeping bag (needs to be compact! Remember you’re just bringing a carry-on This $27 sleeping bag on Amazon works great for the purposes of this trip.)

  • One sleeping bag liner (optional, but recommended if you get cold easily)

  • Set of pajamas/sleepwear

  • Pillow with pillowcase (travel size or compact hiking pillows work great if you want to save space)

  • Toiletry kit (we recommended trial sizes): toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hand sanitizer, feminine supplies as needed, anything you need in your regular daily routine

  • Extra glasses; contact lens supplies (if applicable)

  • Prescription medicine (in the original prescription bottle)

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

  • Shower shoes (i.e. flip flops)

MISCELLANEOUS:

  • 1-2 reusable water bottles

  • Camera and/or Cell phones for travel days and tourism days (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. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted almost everywhere. Discover credit cards not recommended.)

  • Watch (highly recommended)

  • Personal item-sized backpack

  • Bible (small and durable)

  • Snacks (optional—please do not pack snacks with nuts)

  • Laundry Bag (or trash bag—optional)

  • Vaccine Card (optional but recommended if you have one)

  • Sleeping Mask & Ear Plugs (optional but recommended if you are noise sensitive or light sensitive because the sun only sets for an hour or two this time of year)

  • Pens/pencils

  • Your Compass journal notebook (will be provided—feel free to bring a personal journal too if you like)

  • 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)

  • Passport

    • It may seem silly, but please make sure you check multiple times that you have this before leaving for Gordon College. 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 or forget 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!

  • All packed in a checked bag (<44 lbs)

ADDITIONAL PACKING NOTES

Each person is allotted one personal item (22lbs) they can take on the plane with them and one checked bag (44lbs) that will go under the plane.

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 and the weather is temperamental.

Church Worship Services in Iceland

We will attend church worship services while in Iceland, so bring a nice outfit, something you would wear to church here in the States. 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 carry-on bag, keep in mind that airlines limit the size of liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags. Containers must be 3 ounces or less, and it is best to carry them in a separate plastic bag.