Siglufjörður Packing List

The average temperature in Siglufjörður 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 outdoors, though we will have backup indoor activities depending on the weather. Layers are crucial. 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.

  • You will have the option to do laundry (no additional fee).

  • Prioritize clothing that you are comfortable doing physical labor in. Do not bring your favorite clothes. Prioritize comfort and workability over fashion.

  • If Compass has or will be purchasing your plane tickets, then a Compass staff member will 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.

  • 1 pair of waterproof shoes that are good for walking and working outside in cold weather/slush

    • Prioritize a pair of shoes that covers your ankles if possible (i.e. duck boots or waterproof hiking boots or similar).

  • 4-6 pairs everyday socks

  • 3-4 pairs warm socks (wool is recommended)

  • Ice grippers to put on your shoes

    • OPTIONAL and only recommended if you already have them.

LOWER BODY:

  • 7-10 pairs underwear

  • 1-3 pair warm, synthetic fleece pants (no cotton or jeans)

    • You MUST have at least one pair that is waterproof.

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

  • 3-4 pairs thermal leggings or underwear

    • Also known as long johns. The wind in Iceland can cut through clothes easily and make otherwise normal temperatures feel freezing. Thermal layers (for the upper and lower body) will be critical to staying warm while working outside.

UPPER BODY:

  • 4–6 everyday shirts

  • 1-2 sweatshirts

  • 3-4 thermal undershirts

  • 1 fleece jacket/coat (water-resistant or waterproof preferred)

    • Also preferable to have a hood attached. You can wear this on the plane to save space in your luggage if need be.

  • 1 lightweight jacket/coat for layering

  • 1 vest (optional)

    • Vests are great for layering under coats and sweatshirts to keep a warm core temperature.

  • 4-5 bras if applicable

  • 1 raincoat or rain suit or rain poncho

    • A necessity if your other top layers are not waterproof.

HANDS AND HEAD:

  • 1 cap that covers the ears

  • 1 pair of warm work gloves

    • Mittens NOT recommended as a substitute.

  • 1-2 scarves

    • Neck gaiters or insulated face masks can also work to keep your neck and lower face warm.

BED, BATH AND BODY:

  • Bath towel and a small hand towel or washcloth

  • Set of warm pajamas/sleepwear

  • Pillow with pillowcase (OPTIONAL)

    • Travel size pillows can be a good option to save space.

  • Toiletries (trial sizes):

    • Toothbrush/toothpaste, floss, lotion, chapstick, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hand sanitizer, hair brush (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)

    • As much as possible, do NOT bring medication to Iceland that you have not taken previously. New medication can often have unexpected side effects. Make sure to test your medication before the trip so that you are not taken by surprise with any effects it may have.

  • 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 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.

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Sunglasses (optional)

  • Watch

  • Headlamp or flashlight

  • Swimsuit

    • Optional but recommended. Each trip is different and therefore an opportunity for swimming may arise but is 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 will need to alert your bank of your travel plans before leaving.

  • Backpack

    • 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 backpack of some kind to carry around your belongings during the trip.

  • Laundry Bag for keeping dirty clothes separate

    • A trash bag is a great alternative if you don’t want to buy one.

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

  • Pens/pencils

  • 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 (OPTIONAL)

    • Helpful if you are worried about jetlag, though most Compass participants beat jetlag in the first day, especially during the winter when perpetual sunlight isn’t an issue.

    • Do NOT take melatonin for the first time during the trip in Iceland.

  • Ear plugs (OPTIONAL)

    • 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)

  • Snacks for the trip (optional)

    • All food will be provided. If you would like to bring snacks, do not bring items that include peanuts or tree nuts.

  • 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 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.

Layers, Layers, Layers

It’s called Iceland for a reason. You’ll want to dress in layers to keep warm. Waterproof working clothes and waterproof shoes are an absolute must.

Church Worship Services in Iceland

You may have the option to attend church worship services while in Iceland depending on your itinerary, so bring a nice outfit if you would like to go (equivalent to what you would wear in the US). Church is fairly casual in Iceland.

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).