8 Essential Travel Gear Picks for Exploring Iceland in a Campervan

Imagine waking up to the mist clearing over a black sand beach, with a pot of fresh coffee brewing on your campervan’s stove just steps from Iceland’s Ring Road. While renting a van offers unparalleled freedom to chase the northern lights or midnight sun, it also exposes travelers to some of the most volatile weather on the planet. Having the right interior and exterior gear is the difference between a cozy, seamless road trip and a damp, freezing ordeal in the middle of nowhere.

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Why Campervans Offer the Ultimate Iceland Experience

Iceland’s weather changes by the minute, often rendering rigid hotel itineraries useless. A campervan allows travelers to pivot their route based on real-time weather apps like SafeTravel and Vedur, driving toward clear skies instead of fighting headwind storms. It turns accommodation and transport into a single, highly adaptable unit, maximizing time spent at geothermal pools and dramatic waterfalls.

Furthermore, waking up directly inside Iceland’s scenic designated campsites saves hours of daily backtracking. Rather than rushing to check out of a hotel by 11:00 AM, the morning routine unfolds at a relaxed pace right in front of towering glaciers or volcanic cliffs. It is a liberating, self-contained way to travel that appeals deeply to self-reliant adventurers who prefer setting their own tempo.

How to Prepare for Iceland’s Unpredictable Weather

Iceland is notorious for horizontal rain, sudden gale-force winds, and rapid temperature drops, even during the peak of summer. The secret to staying comfortable is treating the campervan as a mobile basecamp where wet gear is strictly managed and dry layers are always within reach. Preparing for this environment means packing with a modular mindset—every item must serve a purpose, dry quickly, and layer seamlessly.

Wind is perhaps the most overlooked hazard on the island, capable of catching campervan doors and bending them backward. Travelers must learn to park facing into the wind and hold vehicle doors firmly with both hands when exiting. By expecting rapid transitions from sunshine to sideways sleet, packing becomes a strategic exercise in moisture management and wind defense.

Sleeping Bag – Therm-a-Rest Questar 20 Down Bag

Even with a built-in van heater, Icelandic nights get incredibly chilly, making a high-quality sleeping bag essential for a restorative night’s rest. The Therm-a-Rest Questar 20 Down Bag shines here because its 650-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down resists the inevitable condensation that builds up inside a campervan. Unlike standard down, this treated insulation retains its loft and warmth even when exposed to damp air, ensuring a cozy sleep after a long day of driving.

The bag features SynergyLink Connectors, which integrate the bag directly with a sleeping pad to prevent sliding around on the slick van mattress during the night. Its roomy W.A.R.M. fit allows for natural sleeping positions without sacrificing thermal efficiency, accommodating side sleepers comfortably.

• Temperature Rating: 20°F / -6°C (Comfort rating of 32°F / 0°C)
• Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz (Regular)
• Insulation: 650-Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down (RDS Certified)
• Shell Fabric: 20D Polyester w/ DWR

Keep in mind that while the Questar compresses beautifully to save precious cabin space, the shell material requires care around the sharp latches and corners common in campervan interiors. This bag is perfect for travelers who run cold and want reliable, packable warmth without the restrictive feel of a traditional mummy bag. It is not the right fit for those planning to travel strictly in high summer with robust van heating systems, where a simple, less expensive quilt might suffice.

Power Bank – Anker 737 Power Bank PowerCore 24K

Navigating remote Icelandic fjords requires a continuous charge on phones, GPS units, and camera gear, but relying solely on the van’s starter battery can drain the vehicle. The Anker 737 Power Bank PowerCore 24K acts as a reliable, high-capacity bridge that keeps devices humming without risking a dead car battery in the highlands. Its ultra-fast 140W two-way charging capability means it juices up rapidly while the van is running, ready to power a laptop or phone later in the evening.

Equipped with a smart digital display, this power bank shows the remaining battery percentage and real-time power output, taking the guesswork out of power management. The robust build handles the vibrations of bumpy gravel roads without skipping a beat.

• Capacity: 24,000 mAh
• Max Output: 140W
• Ports: 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A
• Screen: Smart Digital Display

This unit is heavier than standard pocket-sized chargers, weighing in at roughly 1.4 pounds, so it is best kept inside the van rather than carried on day hikes. It is an ideal purchase for photographers and digital nomads who need to charge high-draw devices like laptops and mirrorless cameras on the go. However, if only charging a basic smartphone once a day, a smaller, lighter, and more economical power bank will do the trick.

Pack Towel – PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel

Visiting Iceland means soaking in geothermal hot springs and municipal pools daily, which requires a quick-drying towel that will not smell musty inside a cramped vehicle. The PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel is the gold standard for this task, absorbing up to four times its weight in water while drying nearly 70% faster than cotton equivalents. It packs down to the size of a small book, freeing up valuable storage space on the van’s shelves.

Made from a soft polyester/nylon blend, it feels comfortable against the skin, avoiding the harsh, scratchy feel of cheaper microfiber alternatives. The built-in Polygiene odor control treatment is a lifesaver, keeping the towel fresh even when stored damp between campsites.

• Material: 85% Polyester, 15% Nylon microfiber
• Drying Time: Up to 70% faster than standard cotton
• Sizes: Face, Hand, Body, Beach
• Features: Hang loop, zippered storage pouch, Polygiene odor control

While highly absorbent, microfiber towels require specific care; washing them with fabric softener will clog the fibers and ruin their absorption capabilities. This towel is perfect for active travelers who plan on hopping from the Blue Lagoon to remote canyon rivers daily. It is not ideal for those who demand the plush, heavy feel of a luxury bath towel and are willing to deal with the inevitable damp smell of slow-drying cotton in a van.

Headlamp – Black Diamond Storm 500-R Headlamp

Outside of the midnight sun season, Icelandic nights are incredibly dark, requiring a reliable light source for navigating campsites, setting up hookups, or finding remote hot springs. The Black Diamond Storm 500-R Headlamp offers the intense brightness and weatherproofing needed to withstand rain-slicked volcanic terrain. With an IP67 waterproof rating, it can be submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes, ensuring it operates flawlessly during a sudden downpour.

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery can be topped off via micro-USB right from the van’s dashboard, eliminating the need to pack and dispose of alkaline batteries. It features red, green, and blue night-vision modes, which are excellent for adjusting settings without blinding campsite neighbors.

• Max Output: 500 lumens
• Power Source: Integrated 2400 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery
• Waterproof Rating: IP67 (Dustproof and waterproof)
• Weight: 4.2 oz (with battery)

The touch-sensitive housing allows for quick brightness adjustments but can be slightly tricky to operate while wearing thick winter gloves. This headlamp is a must-have for shoulder-season and winter travelers who need strong, dependable hands-free light in harsh weather. If visiting strictly in June or July during peak midnight sun, a simpler, lower-lumen backup light is more than sufficient.

Coffee Maker – AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

Cafe stops in rural Iceland are few and far between, and buying daily lattes quickly drains a travel budget. The AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press delivers rich, espresso-style coffee directly inside the van with minimal cleanup and zero fuss. Its ingenious design packs the press, scoop, stirrer, and filter holder directly into an integrated drinking mug, creating a self-contained brewing station that takes up almost no space in the van galley.

Unlike French presses that require significant water to rinse out grinds, the AeroPress ejects a neat, dry “puck” of compressed coffee directly into the trash, conserving precious fresh water. The rapid brewing process minimizes bitterness, yielding a smooth cup of coffee in under two minutes.

• Capacity: 8 oz (237 ml) of coffee or espresso-style concentrate
• Weight: 11.5 oz (including travel mug and lid)
• Materials: Phthalate-free, BPA-free plastic
• Includes: Mug, lid, 350 micro-filters, filter holder, stirrer, scoop

Users must pack paper filters or invest in a reusable metal filter, and storing the damp paper filters requires a small, dry baggie. This coffee maker is the ultimate tool for coffee purists who refuse to drink instant crystals and want cafe-quality brews in remote campsites. It is not suitable for large groups traveling together, as it brews only one cup at a time, requiring repetitive cycles to serve multiple people.

USB Car Charger – Anker PowerDrive 2 Alloy Charger

Campervan living requires keeping phones, cameras, and navigation tools topped off while driving, but cheap plastic car chargers often slip out of the 12V socket or overheat. The Anker PowerDrive 2 Alloy Charger provides a heavy-duty, ultra-compact solution that sits flush against the dashboard. Its all-metal aluminum alloy scratch-resistant body dissipates heat far better than plastic, ensuring safe, continuous high-speed charging over hours of bumpy roads.

This charger delivers a combined 24W of power across two ports, allowing both driver and passenger to charge their smartphones at full speed simultaneously. Its subtle blue LED ring indicator makes it easy to locate ports in the dark without creating a distracting glare while driving.

• Output: 24W total (12W per port)
• Ports: 2 x USB-A
• Material: Aluminum alloy body
• Safety Features: MultiProtect surge protection, temperature control

Note that this model features USB-A ports, meaning modern USB-C to USB-C cables will require an adapter or a different cable to connect. It is ideal for budget-conscious travelers looking for a durable, flush-fit charger that stays securely anchored in older or worn 12V vehicle sockets. It is not the right choice for those needing to charge power-hungry USB-C laptops directly, which require a much higher wattage Power Delivery (PD) charger.

Rain Jacket – Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

Icelandic rain rarely falls straight down; it is driven by powerful winds that can soak a standard jacket in minutes. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket uses a 3-layer H2No Performance Standard waterproof technology to block moisture while remaining highly breathable. Unlike cheap 2-layer jackets that quickly feel clammy against the skin, this three-layer build features a slick inner liner that glides easily over fleece mid-layers, preventing sweat buildup during steep hikes up volcanic craters.

It is built with a fully adjustable hood with a laminated visor to keep rain off the face, alongside zippered pit vents to dump heat during strenuous climbs. The entire jacket stuffs into its own handwarmer pocket, making it easy to store in the glove compartment or door pocket of the van.

• Fabric: 3-layer, 3.3-oz 50-denier Econyl 100% recycled nylon ripstop
• Waterproofness: H2No Performance Standard membrane
• Features: Pit zips, microfleece-lined neck, two-way adjustable hood
• Weight: 14.1 oz

The fabric is notably stiff and can make a crinkling sound when moving, which is a trade-off for its exceptional durability and windproofing. This jacket is perfect for anyone seeking rugged, long-lasting storm protection that can handle wind-driven rain near powerful waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss. It is not the best choice for travelers looking for an ultra-soft, silent lifestyle jacket, or those who plan to stay inside the vehicle whenever the weather turns bad.

Camp Slippers – Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip-Ons

Tracking mud, volcanic ash, and damp gravel into the campervan ruins the living space and makes sleeping conditions miserable. A pair of slip-on shoes like the Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip-Ons allows travelers to step out of heavy hiking boots at the van door and slide into instant comfort. Featuring a quilted, water-resistant ripstop upper, they keep feet warm and dry during quick late-night runs to campsite bathrooms or early-morning tea brewing.

Unlike flimsy indoor-only slippers, these have a rugged, high-traction rubber outsole that handles wet gravel and damp grass with ease. The plush, brushed-lining interior mimics the cozy feel of a sleeping bag, while the collapsible heel allows them to be worn as easy-on slides.

• Upper: 100% recycled adventure-ready ripstop with TevaRAPID RESIST protective coating
• Outsole: Durabrasion Rubber for traction
• Footbed: ULTRA-LUSH easy-on foam pod
• Heel: Collapsible webbed heel

The water-resistant coating protects against light drizzle and dew, but these slippers are not waterproof and will soak through if stepped into deep puddles. They are an absolute game-changer for campervan travelers who want to keep their living quarters clean and cozy without constantly tying and untying hiking boots. They are not suited for long-distance trail hiking or highly technical terrain, where supportive, deep-lug boots are mandatory.

How to Manage Condensation and Moisture in the Van

Two adults sleeping in a closed campervan generate a surprising amount of moisture through breathing, turning the interior into a humid greenhouse by morning. If left unmanaged, this condensation drips from the ceiling, dampens sleeping bags, and fogs windows, making mornings cold and miserable. The most effective defense is cracked ventilation, keeping at least one window or the roof vent open by a finger’s width to allow humid air to escape, even on cold nights.

Running the van’s diesel heater is another powerful tool, as it acts as a dehumidifier by circulating warm, dry air throughout the cabin. Travelers should hang damp towels and rain gear in the front cab seats or designated drying areas immediately, rather than leaving them balled up near the bedding. A quick wipe-down of the windshield with a microfiber cloth each morning prevents pools of water from collecting on the dashboard and damaging vehicle electronics.

Navigating Iceland’s Campervan Campsite Regulations

Wild camping is strictly illegal in Iceland, meaning campervans cannot park on the side of the road, in parking lots, or on private land overnight. Every campervan must park at a designated campsite, which protects the fragile sub-arctic vegetation and respects local communities. Fortunately, Iceland boasts an incredible network of campsites along the Ring Road, most of which require no advance reservations and offer hot showers, electricity, and kitchens.

When arriving at a campsite, look for the payment kiosk or wait for the warden, who typically visits in the morning or evening to collect fees. Having a credit card is essential, as almost all Icelandic campsites accept contactless payment, while cash is rarely used. Respecting the quiet hours, utilizing greywater disposal stations, and sorting trash correctly ensures these pristine sites remain open and welcoming to future generations of road trippers.

Exploring Iceland in a campervan is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country’s raw, natural beauty on your own terms. Equipped with the right gear, from a weather-resistant rain jacket to high-capacity power banks and cozy camp slippers, navigating the elements becomes an enjoyable part of the adventure. Pack smart, respect the local environment, and let the open roads of the Ring Road guide you to unforgettable horizons.