8 Essential Gear Items for Self-Drive Campervan Rentals in Iceland

Watching the rain lash sideways against your rental campervan’s windshield while the Icelandic wind rocks the chassis is a quick lesson in respect for the North Atlantic elements. Navigating the Ring Road successfully requires more than just a robust vehicle and a sense of adventure; it demands a highly curated gear list designed to keep you warm, dry, and powered up. Having the right equipment on hand transforms what could be a cold, damp endurance test into an unforgettable, comfortable road trip across volcanic landscapes.

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Preparing for Iceland’s Unpredictable Weather

Icelandic weather does not care about your carefully planned itinerary. A perfectly sunny morning at Seljalandsfoss can devolve into a near-freezing downpour with 40-knot winds by the time you reach Vik. For campervan travelers, this volatility means your clothing and gear must perform multiple duties, transitioning seamlessly from driving comfort to trail-ready protection.

The secret to staying comfortable is a strict three-layer system: a moisture-wicking merino wool base, an insulating mid-layer, and a fully windproof and waterproof outer shell. Never rely on cotton, which holds moisture and drains body heat when wet. Keep your waterproof layers packed near the van door, not buried under your luggage, because you will likely need to deploy them multiple times a day.

Sleeping Bag – Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20

While many rental campervans come with basic duvets or thin blankets, relying on them in Iceland is a gamble that leads to shivering, sleepless nights. A high-quality sleeping bag serves as your primary defense against nocturnal temperature drops, especially when the van’s auxiliary heater needs to be turned down to save battery power.

The Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 is the ideal candidate because it utilizes synthetic HL-ElixR Eco insulation. Unlike down, which clumps and loses its warming properties when exposed to the high humidity typical of a closed campervan, this synthetic fill retains loft and traps body heat even in damp conditions. Its 3D hood construction and roomy anatomical footbox provide sleeping comfort without making you feel claustrophobic after a long day of driving.

• Temp Rating: 20°F / -7°C (Comfort rated to 32°F / 0°C)
• Insulation Type: HL-ElixR Eco Synthetic
• Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz (Regular)
• Key Feature: Fold-down second zipper for easy access and ventilation

Before booking, verify your campervan’s bed dimensions, as the regular bag fits individuals up to six feet, while the long version is necessary for taller travelers. This bag is perfect for active travelers who prioritize damp-weather reliability and budget-friendly durability over ultra-light backpacking specs. It is less suited for those who require absolute minimal pack volume, as synthetic bags inevitably take up more storage space than down alternatives.

Power Bank – Anker 737 Power Bank PowerCore 24K

Cold Icelandic air drains lithium-ion batteries with alarming speed, and a dead phone means losing your offline maps, emergency communication, and camera. While campervans have 12V ports, they only charge your devices when the engine is running or when connected to shore power. A high-capacity power bank acts as your personal off-grid electrical substation.

The Anker 737 Power Bank PowerCore 24K stands out due to its massive output capacity and rapid recharging capability. It delivers up to 140W of power, meaning it can juice up a dead laptop, tablet, or smartphone simultaneously via its dual USB-C ports. The integrated digital smart display is incredibly helpful, showing you exactly how much charge remains and the real-time power draw of your connected devices.

• Battery Capacity: 24,000 mAh
• Maximum Power Output: 140W
• Weight: 22.4 oz (635g)
• Ports: Two USB-C, one USB-A

To get the most out of this charger, pair it with a high-wattage wall adapter (65W or higher) so you can fully replenish the power bank in under an hour while taking a shower or cooking at campsite facilities. This heavy-duty unit is ideal for tech-dependent travelers running cameras, phones, and tablets. It is overkill for those who only need a quick phone top-up and would prefer something lighter in their daypack.

Headlamp – Black Diamond Storm 500-R Headlamp

Whether you are stepping out of the van at midnight to check the sky for the Northern Lights or searching for the campsite bathroom in a howling wind, hands-free lighting is non-negotiable. Headlamps are infinitely superior to handheld flashlights, allowing you to carry gear, cook, or secure the van’s sliding doors safely.

The Black Diamond Storm 500-R Headlamp is the premier choice for Iceland’s harsh conditions thanks to its robust IP67 waterproof rating, meaning it easily survives heavy downpours or an accidental drop in a puddle. It pumps out 500 lumens of bright, adjustable light, and features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that eliminates the need to carry loose alkaline batteries. Crucially, the red, green, and blue night-vision modes let you operate inside the campervan without waking up your sleeping partner.

• Brightness: 500 Lumens
• Battery Type: Integrated 2400 mAh Li-ion rechargeable (Micro-USB)
• Waterproof Rating: IP67 (Submersible up to 1 meter for 30 mins)
• Weight: 4.2 oz (120g)

Always activate the digital lock mode by holding down the button before packing the headlamp away to prevent it from turning on accidentally and draining in your bag. This headlamp is perfect for spring, autumn, and winter travelers who face genuine darkness and need dependable rain-proof lighting. It is largely unnecessary for peak-summer travelers (mid-June to July) who will experience near-constant daylight, though still useful as a reading light inside the van.

Packable Towel – Matador Ultralight Travel Towel

A dip in a geothermal hot spring like the Blue Lagoon, Guðrúnarlaug, or a local community pool is the ultimate way to wind down after a long drive. However, bringing a traditional cotton bath towel into a campervan is a recipe for disaster; they take forever to dry in a vehicle cabin, quickly leading to musty odors and condensation issues.

The Matador Ultralight Travel Towel solves this problem by using an advanced nanofiber material that absorbs more than twice its weight in water while drying in a fraction of the time of standard towels. Weighing less than three ounces, it packs down into a ventilated silicone travel case that can be clipped directly to the outside of your daypack or hung from the van’s grab handle to dry.

• Material: Nanofiber (highly absorbent, fast-drying)
• Size: 47 x 24 inches (Large)
• Weight: 2.9 oz (81g)
• Case: Ventilated silicone case with anodized aluminum carabiner

Because nanofiber relies on capillary action to lift moisture, users should pat themselves dry rather than rubbing vigorously as they would with a terrycloth towel. This towel is an absolute must-have for anyone planning to visit Iceland’s hot springs and campsite showers daily. Those who demand the plush, heavy feel of a home bath towel may find the ultra-thin profile underwhelming, but the space savings and quick-drying nature are worth the compromise.

How to Manage Condensation Inside Your Campervan

When two adults sleep inside a small, sealed campervan, they release up to a liter of moisture overnight through respiration. Without proper management, this moisture condenses on cold glass and metal surfaces, eventually dripping down onto your bedding and clothes, leaving you cold and damp by morning.

To combat this, you must crack open at least two windows slightly—even on cold nights—to create a cross-breeze that vents the warm, humid air. Utilize your vehicle’s auxiliary heater if it has one, as dry heat helps dry out the air, and never hang wet hiking clothes inside the main cabin overnight. Instead, hang them up at campsite drying facilities or store them in a sealed dry bag until you can access a commercial tumble dryer.

Insulated Jacket – Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody

When the wind begins to whistle through the volcanic valleys of Landmannalaugar, you need instant, reliable warmth. An insulated mid-layer is the workhorse of your Icelandic wardrobe, keeping you comfortable during roadside photo stops and chilly evening campsite chores alike.

The Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody is the gold standard for this role because of its lightweight, highly compressible design and synthetic 60g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco. Unlike down jackets, which fail completely when wet, the Nano Puff retains 98% of its warmth even if it gets damp from ambient mist or light rain. The windproof and water-resistant recycled polyester shell slides smoothly under a rain jacket without binding or restricting movement.

• Insulation: 60g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco
• Shell Fabric: 100% recycled polyester ripstop with DWR finish
• Weight: 12.8 oz (363g)
• Fit: Regular fit, layered easily over base layers

Note that while this hoody is windproof and highly water-resistant, it is not a fully waterproof rain jacket; wearing it in a downpour without a hard shell will eventually lead to saturation. This jacket is perfect for active travelers who appreciate versatile layering and high packability. It is not designed for deep winter travel below freezing, where a heavier, high-loft down parka would be required.

Rain Jacket – Arc’teryx Beta LT Waterproof Jacket

In Iceland, “waterproof” isn’t a marketing term—it’s a survival requirement. The combination of horizontal rain and gale-force winds will easily penetrate cheap, low-tier raincoats, leaving you wet, miserable, and at risk of hypothermia. A premium, high-performance hardshell is the single most important piece of clothing you will pack.

The Arc’teryx Beta LT Waterproof Jacket is engineered precisely for these abusive conditions using a robust, breathable 3-layer GORE-TEX membrane. This construction completely blocks the fiercest North Atlantic winds while allowing sweat vapor to escape while hiking up steep crater trails. It features massive underarm pit zips for rapid ventilation and a fully adjustable StormHood that seals tightly around your face without blocking your peripheral vision.

• Material: 3L GORE-TEX (highly breathable and fully waterproof)
• Zippers: WaterTight external zippers
• Weight: 13.9 oz (395g)
• Adjustability: Cohaesive hood and hem adjusters for custom fit

The Beta LT features a trim, athletic cut designed to sit comfortably over a fleece or light insulated jacket, so consider sizing up if you prefer a looser fit or plan to wear thick layers underneath. This jacket is the ultimate shield for travelers who refuse to let harsh weather keep them inside the van. It is a premium investment, meaning it may be excessive for casual tourists who only plan to view sights from the safety of paved parking lots.

Hiking Daypack – Osprey Talon 22 Backpack

Whether you are embarking on a two-hour hike to Svartifoss or a full-day trek through the geothermal fields of Hveragerði, you need a comfortable daypack to carry your layers, food, and emergency gear. Leaving your van without a pack means risking exposure if the weather turns while you are miles from the parking lot.

The Osprey Talon 22 is the premier daypack for trail exploration due to its incredibly comfortable AirScape backpanel that distributes weight evenly across your hips and torso. Its continuous-wrap harness and hipbelt move with your body, preventing chafing and stability issues on uneven volcanic rock. It features dedicated external hydration sleeve access, side stretch-mesh pockets for water bottles, and quick-access hipbelt pockets for trail snacks and phone storage.

• Volume: 22 Liters
• Suspension: AirScape injection-molded, die-cut foam backpanel
• Weight: 2.0 lbs (0.9 kg)
• Key Feature: Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment

Crucially, this pack does not include a built-in raincover, so you must purchase a separate waterproof cover or line the interior with a heavy-duty trash bag to keep your contents dry in a downpour. The Talon 22 (and its women-specific sister pack, the Tempest 20) is perfect for active walkers and hikers who value ergonomic fit and load stability. It is less suitable for travelers who only require a simple tote bag for transporting souvenirs or city walks in Reykjavik.

Camp Stove – Jetboil Flash Cooking System

Iceland is notoriously expensive, and dining out for every meal will quickly drain your travel budget. A compact, ultra-efficient camp stove allows you to brew hot coffee on a freezing morning and prepare warm, nourishing meals right at your van’s rear door or inside campsite communal shelters.

The Jetboil Flash Cooking System is unmatched in its ability to boil water with blistering speed—taking just 100 seconds to bring a half-liter of water to a rolling boil. Its proprietary FluxRing technology maximizes heat transfer, which is incredibly important in Iceland’s cold, windy conditions where standard stoves struggle and waste precious fuel. The entire system, including a standard 100g fuel canister (which must be purchased locally upon arrival, as you cannot fly with compressed gas), packs neatly inside the insulated cooking cup.

• Boil Time: 100 seconds per 16 oz (0.5L)
• Volume: 1 Liter
• Weight: 13.1 oz (371g)
• Ignition: Reliable push-button piezo igniter

Be aware that the Jetboil Flash is designed strictly for boiling liquids quickly; it does not have a simmer control, making it poor for cooking complex, multi-ingredient meals that require low heat. This stove is ideal for minimalist travelers who rely on freeze-dried meals, oatmeal, ramen, and hot beverages to fuel their journey. It is not the right choice for gourmet camp chefs who want to sauté fresh ingredients or simmer delicate sauces.

Maximizing the Limited Storage Space in Your Van

Campervans are masterclasses in tight spacing. Once the bed is set up and your rental bedding is laid out, there is very little room left for bulky, hard-sided suitcases. To avoid living in a chaotic pile of nylon and zippers, pack your gear in soft-sided duffel bags that can be easily squished into under-seat storage compartments or awkward corners.

Organize your clothing using color-coded packing cubes to keep clean items separate from dirty ones, and designate a specific “wet zone” using waterproof dry bags for damp towels or rain gear. Every item in your van should have a designated home, and taking ten minutes each morning to repack and secure your gear will prevent items from flying around the cabin when navigating gravel roads.

Crucial Safety Rules for Icelandic Campsites

Wild camping in a campervan is strictly illegal in Iceland. You must spend the night at designated, registered campsites, which are well-equipped with toilets, showers, and cooking facilities. While these locations are highly secure, the extreme weather introduces unique safety concerns that every driver must take seriously.

Always park your van facing into the wind to prevent the gale-force gusts from catching the doors and ripping them off their hinges when you exit—a common and expensive rental insurance claim. Additionally, never leave your van’s heater running if the ventilation ports are blocked by heavy snow or mud, and always consult the official SafeTravel.is website every morning for updated wind alerts and road closure warnings before starting your drive.

Preparing for a self-drive adventure across Iceland’s dramatic landscape is all about embracing the unpredictable with the right tools at your disposal. By investing in highly resilient, moisture-managing gear and committing to basic safety protocols, you ensure that every detour, hike, and windy night becomes a highlight of the journey. Pack smart, respect the elements, and let the Ring Road unfold before you.