8 Essential Campervan Rental Items for an Iceland Road Trip

Stepping off the plane at Keflavík Airport, the raw Icelandic wind instantly reminds travelers that this volcanic island plays by its own rules. Exploring the legendary Ring Road by campervan offers unparalleled freedom to chase the midnight sun or park beneath the northern lights, but it also demands smart preparation. Having the right gear tucked into the compact storage spaces of a rental vehicle transforms a potentially damp, cold struggle into a seamless, unforgettable expedition.

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Planning Your Self-Drive Adventure on the Ring Road

Iceland’s Route 1, commonly known as the Ring Road, spans roughly 828 miles of dramatic coastlines, sweeping lava fields, and towering waterfalls. While navigating this loop is relatively straightforward, the weather remains wildly unpredictable year-round, meaning a sunny morning can rapidly devolve into a blinding gale or torrential downpour. Travelers must monitor road conditions via road.is and weather alerts on vedur.is multiple times a day to avoid getting stranded by sudden road closures.

Planning an itinerary requires a balance of ambition and flexibility, especially for mature adventurers who prefer a relaxed pace over frantic driving. While summer offers 24 hours of daylight to stretch exploration hours, shoulder seasons (May and September) bring quieter campgrounds but shorter days and colder nights. Structuring the trip around dedicated campsite stops is legally required, as wild camping in a campervan is strictly prohibited across Iceland.

Why the Right Campervan Gear Makes or Breaks Your Trip

Most Icelandic campervan rental agencies provide a functional vehicle and rudimentary sleeping pads, but the baseline kit rarely suffices for true comfort in sub-arctic conditions. Condensation climbs inside a small van overnight, pulling heat from the body and turning standard cotton bedding damp and chilly. Supplementing a rental with carefully curated, high-performance gear ensures that everyday tasks like cooking, sleeping, and drying off do not become logistical nightmares.

This is not about packing heavy; it is about choosing multi-functional, reliable tools that maximize space and minimize setup time in high winds. When cooking a hot meal on a windswept gravel pull-off or navigating a dark campsite in a driving rainstorm, high-quality gear saves precious energy and patience. Investing in or packing these eight key items bridges the gap between enduring the elements and truly enjoying the dramatic Icelandic landscape.

Down Sleeping Bag – Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 Sleeping Bag

Campervan heaters are excellent, but they can fail, run out of fuel, or create an uncomfortably dry draft when run continuously through the night. A high-quality down sleeping bag acts as the primary defense against Iceland’s sudden overnight temperature drops, which can hover near freezing even in mid-summer. Relying solely on rental sheets or thin blankets is a recipe for shivering hours that ruin the next day’s energy levels.

The Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 Sleeping Bag stands out because it strikes an ideal balance between warmth, packability, and budget. It utilizes 800-fill power DriDown, which features a hydrophobic molecular coating to resist the damp condensation that naturally builds up inside a campervan cabin. The draft collar and zippered baffle lock in body heat, while the natural roominess of the trapezoidal footbox prevents the claustrophobic feel common in tighter technical bags.

Down feathers clump and lose insulating power if saturated, making it vital to air this bag out on the van’s dash during driving segments. The zipper can occasionally catch on the draft tube if pulled too quickly in the dark, requiring a patient, straight-line pull.

• Temperature Rating: 20°F / -7°C
• Insulation: 800-fill power DriDown (hydrophobic)
• Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz (Regular size)
• Shell Material: 20D Nylon taffeta

This bag is perfect for side sleepers and active travelers over 45 who want reliable warmth without paying premium expedition prices. It is less suited for those who strictly camp in warm, dry climates or travelers who demand an ultra-wide rectangular silhouette.

Portable Power Station – Jackery Explorer 300

Modern road trips rely heavily on cameras, phones, GPS units, and tablets, all of which quickly drain the campervan’s auxiliary battery if charged directly from the 12V port when the engine is off. A dedicated portable power station keeps sensitive electronics charged without the constant anxiety of draining the vehicle’s starter battery in remote fjords. It acts as a mobile power hub that can be used inside the van, at a picnic table, or inside a campsite common room.

The Jackery Explorer 300 is the optimal companion for an Icelandic road trip due to its compact footprint and reliable power delivery. Featuring a 293Wh lithium-ion battery capacity, it can charge a smartphone over 30 times or run a laptop for several hours. Its pure sine wave AC outlets ensure that expensive camera batteries and laptops charge safely without risk of power surges.

Recharge times vary significantly based on how the unit is powered; charging via the van’s 12V car port while driving takes about 4.5 hours, whereas an AC wall outlet at a campsite takes around 2 hours. Keep the unit insulated from extreme cold, as sub-freezing temperatures temporarily reduce lithium-ion battery efficiency.

• Capacity: 293Wh (20.4Ah, 14.4V)
• Output Ports: 2 AC Outlets (300W continuous, 500W surge), 1 USB-C PD, 2 USB-A, 1 Car Port
• Weight: 7.1 lbs
• Recharge Time: ~4.5 hours via car charger, ~2 hours via wall outlet plus USB-C PD input

This is a stellar choice for hobbyist photographers and travelers needing dependable CPAP machine support overnight. It is not designed for heavy-duty appliances like electric kettles or portable heaters, which require a much larger, heavier unit.

Backpacking Stove – MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove

While most rental vans include a bulky single-burner butane stove, these units are notorious for failing in the strong winds that sweep across Iceland’s volcanic plains. Having a backup backpacking stove that boils water in minutes ensures access to hot coffee, dehydrated meals, or soup even when conditions make outdoor cooking a chore. It serves as a reliable, wind-resistant heat source that packs down to the size of a lime.

The MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove is a legendary piece of gear that earns its spot in any van cabinet. It weighs a mere 2.6 ounces and features a robust WindClip wind clip on the burner head, which maintains a strong, focused flame even in stiff breezes. The folding pot supports accommodate a wide variety of camping pots securely, preventing spills on uneven surfaces.

This stove requires standard isobutane-propane canister fuel, which is easily purchased at gas stations like N1 or Olís throughout Iceland. Because it lacks an integrated piezo igniter, matches or a reliable striker must be packed alongside it to light the burner.

• Weight: 2.6 oz
• Boil Time: 1 liter of water in 3.5 minutes
• Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane canister
• Packed Dimensions: 2.0 x 2.0 x 3.5 inches

This stove is ideal for minimalist cooks who want a bulletproof backup option that occupies zero cargo space. It is not the right choice for cooking large, elaborate multi-course meals that require precise simmer control across wide pans.

GPS Navigator – Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS Navigator

Cell phone coverage is remarkably good in Iceland, but deep fjords and mountainous passes can still drop cellular signals, rendering phone-based maps useless. A dedicated GPS navigator provides continuous, satellite-based guidance without consuming valuable cellular data or draining phone batteries. It serves as a reliable navigation anchor, particularly when looking for specific gravel road turnoffs or rural campsites.

The Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS Navigator features a bright, high-resolution 6.95-inch edge-to-edge display that is easy to read at a glance while navigating narrow, winding roads. Its voice-activated navigation allows drivers to keep both hands on the wheel in unpredictable weather, while real-time traffic and road hazard alerts provide an extra layer of safety.

Before leaving for Iceland, it is essential to connect the device to Wi-Fi and download the latest European and Icelandic map updates to ensure all gravel road designations are accurate. The mounting bracket needs a clean, dry section of the windshield to stick securely, especially when vibrating over corrugated dirt roads.

• Display Size: 6.95 inches diagonal
• Resolution: 1024 x 600 pixels
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
• Maps Included: North America or Europe (ensure European map is loaded before travel)

This GPS is perfect for drivers who prefer a clear, dedicated screen rather than squinting at a small smartphone mounted to a vent. It is unnecessary for travelers who have pre-downloaded offline Google Maps and feel completely comfortable relying solely on a phone.

LED Headlamp – Black Diamond Storm 500-R Headlamp

Even during the shoulder seasons when the sun dips below the horizon for a few hours, campsite setups and late-night bathroom runs require hands-free lighting. A reliable headlamp is crucial for inspecting vehicle tires in the dark, locating gear in deep van cubbies, or safely walking along uneven gravel paths. Handheld flashlights simply do not offer the convenience needed when managing campervan chores in the cold.

The Black Diamond Storm 500-R Headlamp offers an impressive 500 lumens of maximum output housed in a fully dustproof and waterproof body. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery eliminates the need to pack spare alkaline batteries, charging easily via micro-USB from the van’s outlets. Its PowerTap technology allows for instant transitioning between full power and dimmed mode with a simple finger tap.

The lock mode must be engaged before packing the headlamp away to prevent it from turning on accidentally inside a backpack and draining the battery. The headband is highly adjustable but can stretch over time if stored wet, so always dry it thoroughly before storage.

• Brightness: Up to 500 lumens
• Weight: 3.5 oz
• Waterproof Rating: IP67 (submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
• Modes: Full power, dimming, strobe, red, green, and blue night-vision

This headlamp is ideal for active outdoor enthusiasts who want a durable, waterproof light source that handles wet Icelandic rain. It is overkill for those who only camp in mid-summer when the midnight sun provides constant, natural daylight.

Quick-Dry Towel – PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel

Visiting Iceland’s thermal pools, natural hot springs, and campsite showers is a highlight of any road trip, but thick cotton towels are a liability in a campervan. Cotton takes days to dry in a cold, humid vehicle cabin, leading to a sour, musty smell that quickly permeates the entire living space. A high-performance quick-dry towel is essential for keeping clean and dry without turning the van into a damp laundry room.

The PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel is the gold standard for travel towels because it can absorb four times its weight in water and wring out almost completely dry. The fabric is treated with Polygiene odor control, which prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria even when packed away damp for a few hours. It feels remarkably soft against the skin, avoiding the scratchy, synthetic feel of cheaper microfiber alternatives.

Hang the towel from the van’s grab handles or a headrest while driving to allow maximum airflow for quick drying. Machine wash it without fabric softener prior to the first use to maximize its absorbency and prevent color bleeding.

• Material: 85% Polyester, 15% Nylon
• Absorbency: Absorbs 4x its weight in water
• Dry Time: Up to 70% faster than cotton
• Sizes Available: Face, Hand, Body, Beach

This towel is a must-have for regular hot-spring hoppers who value fast drying times and compact packing. It is less suited for travelers who demand the thick, plush feel of a traditional heavy cotton bath towel.

Travel Coffee Maker – AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Maker

Coffee in Iceland can be expensive, and finding a cafe open in the remote Westfjords or East Fjord region early in the morning is highly unlikely. Preparing a rich, barista-quality cup of coffee right from the side of the campervan saves money and starts the morning on a warm note. A travel-specific brewer avoids the mess and fragile nature of glass French presses.

The AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Maker is specifically engineered to pack down into its own drinking mug, making it incredibly compact and secure in a moving vehicle. It uses a rapid, total-immersion brewing process to deliver smooth, low-acidity espresso-style coffee in about two minutes. Cleanup is exceptionally clean; it compresses the used coffee grounds into a dry, easily discardable puck that goes straight into the trash.

This brewer requires paper filters, which must be kept dry inside a zip-top bag to prevent them from sticking together in damp weather. Ensure the silicone seal is clean of grit before pressing, as any sand from black sand beaches can cause air leaks.

• Capacity: 8 oz (237 ml) of coffee
• Weight: 11.5 oz (including cup and lid)
• Materials: Phthalate-free and BPA-free plastic
• Includes: Mug with lid, 350 filters, filter holder, stirrer, scoop

This is the perfect companion for coffee lovers who refuse to compromise on brew quality while traveling. It is not ideal for larger groups, as it only brews one cup at a time and requires repeating the process for multiple servings.

Soft Cooler – YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler

Food in Iceland is notoriously expensive, and stocking up at budget grocery stores like Bónus or Krónan is key to keeping trip costs reasonable. While some high-end campervans feature small electric refrigerators, many entry-level models only offer a basic plastic bin. A high-quality soft-sided cooler keeps perishable items like skyr (Icelandic yogurt), cheeses, and fresh meats cold and fresh for days.

The YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler features ColdCell insulation, a closed-cell rubber foam that offers superior cold-holding capabilities compared to ordinary soft coolers. Its Hydrolok zipper is 100% leakproof, ensuring that melted ice or condensation does not seep out onto the van’s wood floor or bedding. The high-density DryHide shell resists punctures and abrasions, standing up to being shoved into tight van spaces or onto rocky ground.

Ice can be difficult to buy in bulk in rural Iceland; instead, look for bags of frozen peas or reusable gel ice packs at larger supermarkets to keep the cooler cold. To maximize ice retention, pre-chill the cooler’s interior with cold water or a sacrifice bag of ice before packing it with food.

• Capacity: 12 cans (using a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio)
• Exterior Dimensions: 14.3 x 10.0 x 12.0 inches
• Empty Weight: 3.1 lbs
• Material: High-density DryHide shell

This cooler is perfect for self-catering couples who want reliable food preservation over a multi-week trip. It is unnecessary for those planning to eat at local restaurants and gas stations for most of their meals.

How to Safely Manage Power and Heating in a Campervan

Managing a campervan’s electrical system requires a basic understanding of how the vehicle generates and stores energy. Most rental vans utilize a dual-battery system: a starter battery to crank the engine, and a separate deep-cycle auxiliary battery to run the cabin lights, USB ports, and diesel heater. The crucial rule is to only charge high-draw devices, like laptops or power stations, when the engine is running and the alternator is actively generating power.

Campervan heaters typically burn diesel or gasoline directly from the main fuel tank but require electrical power from the auxiliary battery to run the fan and ignition. Setting the thermostat to a moderate, comfortable temperature rather than blasting it on high prevents the battery from draining overnight. Keeping a vent or window cracked open by a quarter-inch is essential to prevent dangerous condensation buildup and ensure adequate oxygen flow while sleeping.

Essential Campground Etiquette and Rules Across Iceland

Iceland has implemented strict environmental protection laws that make wild camping or overnight parking on roadsides, beaches, and private land illegal. Travelers must spend the night at designated, registered campgrounds, which are plentiful along the Ring Road and usually require no advanced reservations. These sites offer essential amenities like toilets, hot showers, fresh water, and waste disposal stations to keep the delicate sub-arctic ecosystem clean.

Respecting fellow travelers in close quarters is paramount, especially when campervans are parked close together in gravel lots. Keep noise levels to an absolute minimum between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, and avoid shining bright headlights or headlamps directly into neighboring van windows. Always clean up cooking spaces in communal kitchens immediately after use, leaving the area pristine for the next guest.

Embarking on an Icelandic road trip is a masterclass in adapting to the natural world. Armed with these eight essential gear choices, travelers can face unpredictable weather and remote roads with complete confidence. Prepare wisely, respect the land, and let the Ring Road reveal its wonders.