Complete Laugavegur Trail packing list: essential hiking & camping gear

26 April 2025

Last Updated on 14 May 2026

The Laugavegur Trail is one of the most spectacular multi-day hiking routes in the world, traversing Iceland’s southern Highlands through steaming geothermal valleys, black volcanic deserts, glaciated mountain passes, and lush moss-covered canyons. But beyond the wildly varied landscapes and beautiful views, the Laugavegur also exposes hikers to harsh and highly unpredictable conditions that demand careful packing.

Even in the middle of summer, this route can experience gale-force winds, freezing rain, dense fog, and even occasional snowfall. Add in several potentially hip-deep glacial river crossings, fully exposed campsites, and long sections without shelter, and having appropriate waterproof layers and dependable hiking gear becomes essential for comfort AND safety on the trail!

This post breaks down my complete Laugavegur packing list, including all the clothing, camping gear, and safety essentials I’d specifically recommend for hiking the Laugavegur Trail + the Fimmvörðuháls extension, easily adaptable for both hut-to-hut hikers and campers.

>>> Read my full Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls hiking guide! COMING SOON

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Laugavegur Trek packing list

Packing for the Laugavegur Trail is largely about preparing for Iceland’s notoriously unpredictable Highland weather. Although the route is only accessible during the short summer hiking season (typically late June to early September), conditions can still range WIDLY from sunny and pleasant to freezing rain, dense fog, and gale-force wind within the same day.

Most hikers can expect daytime temperatures around 5–15°C (41–59°F), but exposed sections of the trail often feel substantially colder due to wind and rain. In general, this is NOT the place to cut corners on rain gear, insulation, or camping equipment!

Importantly, there are two ways to complete the Laugavegur: staying in the huts operated by Ferðafélag Íslands (FÍ) or camping at the designated campsites beside each hut. This packing list works for both styles of hiking— campers should bring the full gear list, while hut-hikers can simply subtract a tent, sleeping pad, and camp stove.

🏔️ Check out my Laugavegur Trail Guide for a detailed route description, essential trek logistics & real-world tips on tackling Iceland’s best multi-day hike! COMING SOON

Trail essentials: backpack, boots & poles

Your core hiking gear will depend a lot on how you plan to approach the trail: campers carrying a full sleep system obviously need a larger and more supportive backpack than hut hikers, while those tackling side summits or hiking earlier in the season may also prioritise sturdier boots, extra traction, or trekking poles for snow travel and rougher terrain.

These are the specific backpacks, footwear, and trail essentials I’d recommend for staying comfortable and moving efficiently across the Highlands:

backpack (50-65L): Osprey Aura AG 50 (women’s) / Atmos AG 65 (men’s)

For those camping along the route, I’d recommend a sturdy backpack in the 50-65L range large enough to accommodate your tent, sleeping bag, camp cookware, and food— in addition to the warm, waterproof layers necessary for all Laugavegur hikers! My go-to for multi-day backpacking is the Osprey Aura, which comes in 50L or 65L, as well as an equivalent men’s range (Osprey Atmos).

If you’re staying in huts along the trek, you can carry a smaller 30-40L pack and I’d specifically recommend the Osprey Talon 33 (unisex) or Osprey Tempest Pro 30 (women’s) as comfortable, streamlined options!

👉🏼 Need more advice on choosing a backpack? Check out this post: How to choose the best hiking backpack for every outdoor adventure

raincover: REI Co-op Duck’s Back Pack Rain Cover

With such wildly unpredictable weather in the Icelandic Highlands, a rain cover is totally non-negotiable! Some packs come with one built-in, but if not, make sure to pack a lightweight rain cover that fits over your bag.

hiking boots

I wore my La Sportiva Trango Tech lightweight mountaineering boots on the Laugavegur (because it’s what I had with me at the time), but if I were to repeat the trail again tomorrow, I’d wear my current favourite trail boots, the adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX. These are super lightweight, comfortable, and still sufficiently supportive for on-trail hiking.

👉🏼 Need more advice on choosing the right boot? Read my outdoor footwear guide

Alta Via 1 2 4 Packing List- Italian Dolomites

trekking poles: Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles

I’m a huge proponent of trekking poles in general, and they can be particularly helpful on rocky descents or during river crossings.

Camping/hut gear

Even during peak summer, overnight temperatures along the Laugavegur commonly hover around 0–5°C (32–41°F) at higher camps like Hrafntinnusker, and strong wind or freezing rain can make conditions feel substantially colder. A good camping setup and/or warm sleep system may genuinely be the difference between a comfortable night’s rest and lying awake shivering while your tent collapses on top of you!

Campers will need a sturdy 3-season tent capable of handling strong wind, plus a full sleep system (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and camp pillow), while hut hikers will ONLY need a sleeping bag and pillow, since mattresses are provided inside all FÍ huts along the route.

I wrote two super-detailed guides to help you choose the best backcountry camping setup based on a decade of international, multi-day backpacking experience everywhere from Patagonia to the Peruvian Andes to the Australian coast:

>>> How to choose the best backpacking tent for your next adventure

>>> How to choose the best outdoor sleep system: sleeping bags, sleeping pads & camp pillows

backpacking tent: Nemo Dragonfly OSMO 3P (for 2 sharing)

A quality 3-season tent is absolutely sufficient for the Laugavegur, but not all lightweight backpacking tents are created equal (and certainly not all are capable of handling the strong wind frequently experienced in the Icelandic Highlands).

After testing many tents over the years in wild weather from Patagonia to Iceland to the Andes, I’ve found the most reliable lightweight options to be the Nemo Dragonfly OSMO or the MSR Hubba Hubba. These can both withstand heavy wind without snapping poles and survive all-night rainstorms without leaking, just make sure to pitch firmly with the foot of your tent into the wind!

sleeping bag: Feathered Friends Murre EX 0 (comfort rated: -18°C) or Sea to Summit Spark 0

I used a zero-degree winter sleeping bag and it was perfect for Highland summer temps that often dipped close to freezing overnight. Even hut-stayers need a proper sleeping bag— no bedding is provided, just a mattress!

sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad

A sleeping pad isn’t necessary for hut hikers (mattresses are provided in all FÍ huts), but it’s absolutely essential for campers. Choose something with a decent R rating to provide insulation from the cold ground temps.

I’m a massive fan of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, which offers the ultimate balance of weight and insulation while still being surprisingly comfortable!

camp pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium

A luxury I’ll never hike without! Lightweight, compact, and so worth the space for better sleep in the outdoors— great for campers AND hut hikers.

Huts operated by Ferðafélag Íslands, the Icelandic touring association

Camp kitchen, water storage & food

Another key packing difference between hut hikers and campers is the cooking setup. All FÍ huts along the route provide access to a communal kitchen with gas stoves and cookware, so hut hikers can leave behind a stove, fuel, pots, and even bowls/cutlery if they’re happy sharing communal equipment.

Campers should carry a complete lightweight camp kitchen setup, since the camping shelters only provide a table and basic wind protection. But you’ll still have access to clean drinking water at camp!

Regardless of whether you’re staying in huts or camping, the Laugavegur is still a fully self-supported trek and you’ll need to carry all of your own food from start to finish. Although a few huts sell limited snacks or freeze-dried meals, the stock is never guaranteed, so I’d strongly discourage you from relying on it for actual meals.

camp stove (+ fuel): Jetboil Zip

Essential for campers and optional for hut hikers who don’t want to wait for communal kitchen equipment to become available, I’d suggest packing a compact canister stove like the Jetboil. I’ve used this small stove on hiking trails and high-elevation peaks all over the world, and it’s incredibly light and fuel efficient even in windy conditions!

As far as fuel goes, a common rule of thumb is 1x 230g canister per 3 days per person, but I find this to be WAY more than I ever use with the Jetboil. One canister of fuel should be more than enough for 2 people for the entire trek!

mess kit + cutlery: Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible 4-Piece Dinnerware Set

Campers should pack a lightweight dinnerware set, and I personally love this collapsible style for convenient packing. Since bowls and cutlery are provided in the huts, this is not necessary for hut hikers, but it can sometimes be convenient just having your own set to avoid waiting for cutlery to become available.

water filter: Katadyn BeFree 1.oL Water Filter

Water is easy to find along the Laugavegur— every hut has clean drinking water available for hut hikers AND campers, and you’ll cross streams and rivers regularly on trail.

While hut water is potable, I carried a lightweight water filter for peace of mind, especially when filling up from smaller streams.

2x water bottles: Nalgene Wide Mouth

I personally don’t like bladders on overnight trips since they can be especially challenging to fill (and the consequences of leakage can be catastrophic if it soaks your sleeping bag), so instead I like to pack 1-2 standard Nalgene bottles. This is a matter of personal preference, but make sure you have a reliable way to carry 1-2L of water depending on your own consumption.

electrolytes: Liquid IV

On any multi-day hiking route where you’re moving for hours every day, it’s important to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat and sustained physical exertion! I’d recommend packing electrolytes you can mix into your drink bottle at least once per day on the Laugavegur, and possibly twice on long days like the Fimmvörðuháls.

freeze-dried meals + snacks

Although some huts occasionally sell limited extras like candy bars, beer, instant noodles, or freeze-dried meals, stock is inconsistent and should absolutely be treated as a bonus rather than a reliable resupply option.

Both campers and hut hikers need to be fully self-sufficient with food, so plan meals carefully and carry enough calories to comfortably support several long days of hiking in cold, exposed conditions.

>>> Check out this post for a detailed breakdown of how I pack backcountry food to maximise calories & minimise weight/bulk

Safety & navigation

The Laugavegur is a very straightforward and well-marked trail, but the Icelandic Highlands are still a serious mountain environment where conditions can change FAST. For this reason, I’d strongly recommend carrying at least basic navigation and emergency gear, including offline GPS mapping and a satellite communicator if you’re hiking solo or planning to tackle any off-trail side summits.

Waterproof hiking layers are another essential safety component, but I’ll get into those in the following section!

PLB/SOS: Garmin InReach Mini 2

A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is your lifeline in the outdoors and I NEVER go hiking without my Garmin InReach Mini, which allows me to send messages, get weather updates, track location, and place an SOS call in an emergency, even without phone service.

It does require a subscription (starting at $12/month), but it’s worth every cent and has literally saved both of my parents’ lives in the backcountry!

>>> Garmin has just released a new version of the inReach Mini 3 with a touchscreen

GPS: CalTopo app on mobile

The absolute best GPS resource is the smartphone you already own, paired with a reliable, low-cost GPS mapping app that allows you to access detailed offline Topo maps and navigate via GPS satellites, even without mobile service.

My go-to is CalTopo, which costs just $20/year and is by far the most feature-rich, affordable, and accurate mapping tool out there.

🗺️ I built a custom Laugavegur GPS map with daily tracks based on my custom adventure itinerary, hundreds of waypoints, and other essential navigational information to help you stay on track. For solo trips, this is essential! COMING SOON

First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Backpacker

All the usual essentials:
• a mix of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
• a small selection of stomach meds (like Imodium or Pepto tabs)
• a roll of KT tape (insanely versatile for everything from blisters to rolled ankles)
• alcohol wipes, antiseptic, a few large gauze pads, and blister plasters like Compeed

headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400-R

You might not need a headlamp during midnight sun, but it still be useful for going to the bathroom in the middle of the night!

powerbank: VRURC Portable Charger with Built-in Cables, 10000mAh

I used my phone constantly for navigation and photos, plus needed power for my inReach and camera. I carried a 10,000mAh powerbank and it was plenty for the entire trek!

Top + bottom layers

Iceland’s Highlands throw everything at you, and sometimes that means blazing sun, gale-force winds, freezing rain, sleet all in a single day. Your clothing needs to be capable of adapting quickly to changing conditions, particularly wet and cold ones!

Prioritise moisture-wicking hiking layers, dependable waterproof shells, and enough insulation to stay warm during breaks, at camp, and under prolonged cold rain or wind exposure. Especially on exposed sections like Hrafntinnusker and Fimmvörðuháls, reliable layers are a matter of safety.

>>> Need help building a layering system that actually works? Read my outdoor layering guide for tips on choosing base layers, insulation, and outer shells.

sports bra + underwear

I usually wear an assortment of very small, lightweight Lululemon crop tops on hiking trips, and amazingly it was warm enough on my Laugavegur hike to get down to this layer on a few occasions!

I’m not going to tell you exactly what undergarments to pack, but just consider you’ll have 4-5 days on the trail and it’s very nice to have clean underwear every day!

hiking shirt: Arc’teryx Taema Crew Shirt (women’s) / Cormac Crew Shirt (men’s)

I’d suggest bringing just one t-shirt for the 4-5 day hike, since you’ll be wearing long-sleeve layers most of the time. Prioritise quick-dry material that will wick sweat away from your body.

wool base layer: Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layer Top (women’s) / (men’s)

I wore this as a daily hiking shirt throughout the trail— most of the time, a long sleeve layer was absolutely perfect for the chilly conditions in Iceland!

fleece mid-layer: Arc’teryx Kyanite Zip Neck Top (women’s) / Rho Heavyweight Zip Neck Top (men’s)

Pack a comfortable fleece that can layer over your long-sleeve wool shirt and under your insulated jacket(s) for added warmth. I’m a huge fan of this Polartec fleece zip from Arc’teryx— it’s breathable, stretchy, and I use it mostly as a sleep layer, but it would have worked equally well as an extra hiking layer!

synthetic insulation: Arc’teryx Atom Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)

An Atom is the perfect warm hiking layer when a long-sleeve alone won’t cut it— which was about 75% of the time! This jacket packs down light and tight, but offers serious warmth and performs well even in damp conditions, so it’s perfect for the kaleidoscope of weather you’ll face on this trail. Notice I’m wearing my bright orange one in nearly every photo!

down jacket: Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)

At camp, you’ll be so happy to have a down jacket that offers warmth throughout set-up and dinner! This jacket is warm and extremely lightweight, my go-to for chilly backpacking trips (but down doesn’t perform well when wet, so it’s best NOT to wear this on the trail).

shell jacket: Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket (women’s) / (men’s)

You’ll use a gore-tex jacket as much for wind protection as for actual rain— a shell puts in long hours on the Laugavegur, thanks to the wild fluctuations in weather! Absolutely non-negotiable, and if your current rain jacket is a little light, this would be the perfect time to upgrade. Rain gear = safety gear on this trail!

hiking shorts: Lululemon Align shorts

I’d recommend 1 pair of short and 1 pair of pants for the trip, since conditions can fluctuate wildly between sunny summer days and intense Highland weather. I actually wore shorts for half the trip, but it’s possible you’ll go all 5 days without ever pulling them on, so prioritise something lightweight and small (or consider skipping entirely).

fleece mid-layer bottoms: Arc’teryx Kyanite Base Layer Bottoms (women’s) / (men’s)

The perfect lightweight yet super warm sleep tights— great for hanging out around camp and staying cozy in your sleeping bag!

soft shell pants: Arc’teryx Gamma Pants (women’s) / (men’s)

I’d highly recommend 1 pair of wind-resistant, water-repellent, breathable, and stretchy hiking pants for cooler hiking days. From the summit of Aconcagua to winter hiking in Lofoten right here on the Laugavegur, my Gamma pants have withstood harsh conditions around the world and they’re an excellent investment for this hike.

rain pants: Arc’teryx Beta Pants (women’s) / (men’s)

Many hikers pack fully waterproof pants in addition to their hiking pants, but I’ll be honest: I’m not a huge fan of rain pants and I personally avoid using them in all but the most torrential of conditions. With the water resistant Gamma pants recommended above, you can reasonably get away without rain pants in about 80% of weather conditions— but the other 20% could be potentially quite miserable, so this comes down to personal risk tolerance!

Head, hands & feet

Between relentless wind, freezing rain, cold river crossings, and long stretches of fully exposed trail, it’s very easy for your hands and feet to become cold, wet, and miserable without the right gear.

Even in summer, I’d strongly recommend packing warm accessories like gloves and a beanie, alongside practical sun protection for the surprisingly intense UV exposure you can experience on clear days at higher elevation. These are the pieces of gear that kept me comfortable through constantly changing conditions on the Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls.

sunglasses: Julbo Vermont

From glacier travel to casual afternoons on the Laugavegur, these are my favourite outdoor sunglasses and I wear them for every adventure!

neck gaiter: Buff Original

Lightweight and versatile, a Buff is essential for protecting against daily sun, sweat, dust, and wind. Whatever conditions you encounter on the trail, a Buff will keep you warmer, dryer, and generally more protected.

beanie: Arc’teryx Mallow Toque

A small beanie is an easy add to your camp outfit to stay warm as nighttime temps approach freezing.

lightweight hiking gloves: Outdoor Research Trail Mix Gloves (women’s) / (men’s)

A lightweight pair of gloves is essential for daily use in the Icelandic Highlands, either when conditions get windy on the trail or for chilly nights at camp.

waterproof shell mittens: Black Diamond Waterproof Overmitts

There’s always a chance of rain or snow in Iceland, so bring a lightweight pair of waterproof shell mittens to layer directly over your fleece gloves for extra warmth and full weather protection.

3x liner socks: Injinji Liner Crew + REI Co-op Silk Liner Crew Socks

I never go hiking without my favourite toe-sock liners under my boot socks to reduce friction and prevent blisters. They look a little funny, but I swear: once you go toe-sock, you’ll never go back!

3x boot socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks (women’s) / (men’s)

My go-to socks for backpacking— durable, padded, and still comfy after multiple days of trail grime. I’d recommend 2-3 pairs of socks for the Laugavegur, allowing for a few changes in case you get soaked one day.

camp shoes: Teva Original

Easy to slip on after hiking boots, great as hut shoes, camp shoes, AND water shoes for the many river crossings on this trek! Classic Tevas are super lightweight, low profile, and incredibly versatile so you don’t need to pack multiple pairs of shoes on the trail.

Personal items

Between constant wind exposure, cold rain, muddy campsites, and long hiking days, a few small personal items can make a surprisingly big difference on a multi-day hike through the Icelandic Highlands!

swimsuit: Skatie

Be sure to pack a swimsuit if you want to enjoy a dip in the natural hot springs at Landmannalaugar before starting the hike!

travel towel: REI Multi Towel Deluxe

Several of the FÍ huts along the route offer paid shower facilities, so if you fancy a mid-trail rinse, I’d recommend packing a small, lightweight travel towel.

toiletries + bathroom bits

Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, medications, contact solution… whatever you need to stay clean and comfortable for multiple days on the trail!

For the wilderness bathroom (in between toilet facilities at the hut), bring toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and a ziplock bag to pack out used items.

Kula Cloth (for women)

This reusable antimicrobial pee cloth is designed specifically for backcountry female hygiene— it’s absorbent on one side, waterproof on the other, and treated with silver ions to resist bacteria growth and odour.

Kula Cloth is easy to wash, dries fast, snaps shut for discretion, and clips onto the outside of your pack so it’s always accessible. Not only is it WAY more hygienic than carrying used toilet paper in a ziplock, it also seriously reduces your trail waste, making it a no-brainer for sustainable hiking and women’s health on the go!

sun safety

Sun exposure builds quickly when you’re spending hours outside every day, even in cold, cloudy weather. Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and whatever else you need to stay sun-safe on the trail!

camera: Fujifilm x100vi

For a complete run-down of ALL the camera gear we are currently using & loving, check out this post: Camera gear for travel photography: what we use as full-time travellers

There’s nothing quite like hiking through the Icelandic Highlands— steaming vents, rainbow ridges, volcanic deserts, and glacier views all in one trail. I hope this packing list helps you feel ready for every element Iceland throws your way.

>>> Still planning your hike? Don’t miss my Laugavegur Trail Guide for a detailed daily route description, trip logistics & real-world tips on tackling Iceland’s best multi-day hike. And if you have any questions about gear, drop them in the comments, I’m always happy to help!

brooke beyond

Hey, I'm Brooke and I'm obsessed with exploring unique destinations, remote landscapes, and high-elevation summits around the world! I left Australia 6 years ago after finishing a PhD in Biomechanics & have been travelling the world full-time ever since, now joined by my husband/climbing partner, James. Whether it’s road-tripping through Mexico, climbing alpine peaks in the Andes, scuba diving in the Red Sea, or tackling epic via ferrata in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb