Before packing my one single piece of luggage – a Swiss Gear backpack – I did my homework. I checked out a lot of blog posts and articles about minimalist packing for Europe. I knew my packing list would be tweaked a bit – not many talking about Iceland – so I would need a variety of waterproof and water resistant items.
What you won’t see on my list are my undergarments, toiletries and tech/equipment. I don’t feel the need to share pictures of my underwear and bras – for the record, I packed 7-8 pairs of black underwear, 2 sports bras, a black bikini and a black bra. I also packed some high-quality socks. I ditched most of my toiletries, deciding to pick up some travel sized stuff in Reykjavik. This includes makeup – I don’t wear much, only black eye liner and mascara. (I did pack a crazy amount of tampons. Sorry if thats an overshare.).
Call me cautious, but I also decided not to post specifics about my technical gear. I don’t need anyone to know what potentially expensive equipment I’m toting around. I have enough resources for my blog/freelancing, and if you’d like to know what I’m bringing, feel free to email me.
So that being said, here’s my packing list for Iceland, Europe & Beyond:
Moosejaw Women’s Penny Lane V-Neck Tee, Target Mossimo V-Neck Tees
I restricted myself to tees that were a solid color, hence, could be worn with anything. I also opted to get cheap tops, in case I have to replace them during the trip. Black, white, and grey were my color selections. I probably could have gotten an even cheaper top, but I love Moosejaw, and Mike got this Moosejaw V-Neck for me when he placed his last order.
Target Mossimo Straight Leg Jeans, Kardashian Kollection Faux Leather Leggings
Packing pants was a cinch. Only one pair of jeans was necessary. I selected my favorite cheap pair of dark wash jeans from Target. I also packed a pair of faux leather leggings – don’t hate me – they’re Kardashian Kollection. I usually don’t buy anything Kardashian, but one night, after a few glasses of vino, decided I wanted something feisty and made an impulse purchase on sears.com. They’re really cute, pack down easily, and can be worn with all of my tees.
Target Mossimo Reversible Skirt, Nameless Little Black Dress, Nameless Cotton Dress
When it came to packing dresses, things got real. I’m the proud owner of endless sundresses, cocktail dresses, and coverups, and having to choose just one or two was a challenge. I tearfully said farewell to my favorite frocks, and put them into storage – aka, my friend Elizabeth’s closet. I stuck to my goal to be practical, and brought along a wrinkle-resistant black dress (that can also become a skirt) and my favorite cotton dress, (that can also be used as a shirt, nightgown or a coverup). During a visit to Target, I also stumbled upon a clearance reversible blue skirt I decided to tote along.
Black Classic Canvas TOMS, Dark Shadow Merrell Pace Glove Sneakers, Black Target Mossimo Flip Flops
I’ll be honest : all of my footwear is brand new. All three pairs of TOMS I own have long since worn out. I have one pair of running shoes – stylish, yet bulky Nike sneakers. I have a ton of heels. I don’t usually wear flip flops, as my preference is a beloved pair of Blowfish Gladiator sandals (too summery).
So after reading some travel blogs, I decided I would need a black pair of shoes to wear with anything (The Black Classic Canvas TOMS) and cheap flip flops for hostel showers, the beach, on the go (Black Target Flip Flops). The Merrells were a last minute splurge. I was set to bring the Nikes, until Mike suggested a try on a pair of Merrell Pace Glove Sneakers. He loves his, and although I was hesitant based on their appearance, they turned out to be super comfortable and light. Perfect for running and everyday wear.
The North Face Waterproof Venture Jacket, The North Face Water Resistant Apex Jacket
My outerwear – unofficially sponsored by The North Face. As soon as I started planning my Iceland trip, I started looking for a high-quality waterproof jacket. Although it was June when I began shopping, it wasn’t too much of a challenge. I reached out to Moosejaw and The North Face via Twitter, and the expert over at TNF recommended either the Venture or a cheaper jacket, the Resolve. I settled on a Venture, and got a great price from backcountry.com.
In lieu of a sweatshirt, Mike and I determined that the Apex jacket I already had from TNF would do.Both jackets are really functional, and yet stylish.
Favorite Necklace (Mike Made It), Alex and Ani Quill Bangle, Target Brand Sunglasses, Tommy Hilfiger Reading Glasses
I went really basic with the accessories. I’m not a huge fan of jewelry, but I’m extremely sentimental, so I brought along two of my favorites. One is a pennant (yes, that’s actually a quarter) that Mike made me. It goes with everything and is one of a kind. The other is an Alex & Ani Quill Bangle my sisters bought me for my past birthday. At the time, I thought it was a feather (I have a special feather tattoo on my foot), but after looking it up, I realized it was a quill. Funny – I asked Mike a few weeks ago what cutiemark I would have if I were a My Little Pony and he said a quill – for love of writing and love of feathery things.
As for eyewear, I brought a cheap pair of sunglasses from Target and my Tommy Hilfiger reading glasses. Both have a stylish tortoise shell frame that again, goes with everything.
Moosejaw and TOMS flags, Iceland Travel Book from Eyewitness Travel, up & up Flushable Wipes, Eagle Creek Medium Travel Towel, REI French Poppy Stuff Sack, 15 L.
Some optional backpacking extras I brought – of course, no blogger would be complete without Moosejaw and TOMS flags. I brought along my favorite Iceland Travel Guide – I’ve had it for years – and up & up Flushable wipes (multifunctional, obviously). Instead of a towel, Mike and I decided to grab these Eagle Creek Travel Towels (Medium sized) from The North Face store in Raleigh. They’re incredibly absorbent and lightweight.
For my sleeping bag, I also nabbed a REI 15 L Stuff Sack in French Poppy. Chief Big Hands was able to literally stuff it into this teeny tote.
World Market Patterned Notebook
Every writer needs a backup. I decided to bring along this composition book to take notes, keep a travel log, doodle, etc., but also, because it was a gift from my dear friend Elizabeth. She gave this to me with a personal inscription in the back (it’s private) that I know will bring me some comfort if I miss home.
If you’re hopping over to Iceland or another cold weather place in Europe/Scandanavia, check out our additional backpacking and cold weather gear. You could probably bring these things anyway, but when you’re traveling, you only want must have items.
If I wasn’t going on my Iceland excursions, I probably would not need a lot of these items (this time of year, at least). I packed as light as I could, only bring absolute essentials to keep me warm.
Under Armour Black Turtleneck, Columbia Black Waterproof Pants
A friend of a friend who lives in Iceland advised us to bring at least one pair of waterproof pants. The island tends to see a lot of rain. I found these Columbia Waterproof Pants (black) at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Bless my small frame – I got a child’s large for just $25. I also opted to bring my Under Armour Black Turtleneck that I wear on cold weather runs. I can layer it under pretty much anything.
Aeropostale Brand Grey/White Striped Scarf, Xhilaration Brand Mesh Beige Top, Burton Amber Miko Beanie, Mike’s Spare Gloves
If I wasn’t going to Iceland, I probably wouldn’t need these things for just Europe. My various excursions with Arctic Adventures and Icelandic Excursions require me to stay really warm, hence, layering musts. I brought my favorite scarf, a grey and white striped cotton one from Aeropostale. If I need to, I could probably also wear it as a head wrap, use it as a towel, or even in place of a pillow. The Xhilaration brand mesh top is already a staple in my wardrobe – perfect for layering over tanks and tees. Mike lent me a pair of extra gloves he had laying around, and I ordered a Burton Mike Beanie from Moosejaw. The hat is black and white, and reversible.
What’s your favorite thing to bring abroad?