The Laugavegur packing list: what you really need

On the Laugavegur you’ll get sun, rain, wind, fog and possibly snow, sometimes in a single day. And there are no shops between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. Pack for winter, hope for summer.

Clothing: the layer system

Base layer: merino or synthetic top and leggings. No cotton: it stays wet and cold.
Mid layer: fleece or light wool sweater.
Insulation: light down or synthetic jacket for breaks and evenings.
Shell: a really waterproof jacket with a hood, and waterproof trousers. Both are essential. Wind at Hrafntinnusker can be brutal.
Hiking trousers (quick-drying) and possibly shorts for warm days in Þórsmörk.
Hat, buff and gloves. Bring spare gloves; wet gloves are miserable.
Socks: three to four pairs of hiking socks.
Dry set for the evening: a set of clothes that never leaves your pack, so you always have something dry to sleep in.

Footwear

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and a good grip on snow and loose rock. Make sure they’re worn in.
River shoes: sandals with a heel strap or light trail shoes, plus neoprene socks if you get cold easily. See river crossings.
Hut shoes or flip-flops. Boots stay in the entrance of every hut.
Optional: gaiters, against snow and the black sand of Mælifellssandur.

Sleeping

Sleeping bag (compulsory in the huts, which provide no bedding). A comfort rating around 0 °C is fine for huts; campers need more warmth.
Earplugs and an eye mask. Shared sleeping platforms, and it barely gets dark in early summer.
Campers: a storm-proof tent, a sleeping mat with a good R-value, and a stove with fuel. Campers can’t use the hut kitchens. Read camping on the Laugavegur.

Offline map or GPS track on your phone, plus a power bank. There is no power in the huts, and fog can hide the trail markers.
Headlamp for August and September.
First-aid kit with blister plasters.
Trekking poles: very handy on the steep descent to Álftavatn and in the rivers.
Emergency blanket and whistle.
Save 112 and download the Safetravel app.

Food and water

Food for every day of your trek, plus a spare day. Freeze-dried meals are light; the huts have stoves and pots.
Snacks that don’t freeze or melt: nuts, chocolate, dried fruit.
Water: you can usually refill at the huts and from clear streams. Avoid glacial (cloudy) water.
A thermos for hot drinks during the day.

Small things people forget

Cash and a card: card terminals in the highlands sometimes have no connection.
Swimsuit for the hot spring in Landmannalaugar.
Sunglasses and sunscreen: snowfields and long days.
Rubbish bags. You must pack out your rubbish from Hrafntinnusker and Emstrur.
Coins or a card for the (paid) showers.

Want to carry less?

On a self-supported trek your pack easily weighs 12–16 kg. Organised trips take a lot of planning off your hands, from hut bookings to transfers. The Iceland Trail is one operator that runs the Laugavegur with guided and self-guided options. Check what’s included before you decide how much you’ll be carrying.