Lantern: It might not be obvious, but you don’t need to bring an outside light source to Iceland. If you’re there during the summer, it will be light 24/7. If you’re there during the winter months, you won’t be relaxing outside and can simply use the light sources inside your tent or van (i.e. headlamp or reading light).
Umbrella: The umbrella business is not doing very well in Iceland. There is one simple explanation: WIND! It is very windy in Iceland, so you might as well leave the umbrella at home. This also applies to tarps and other rain-protective gear.
Fire gear: As we’ll touch on in the camping culture section, don’t expect to be making campfires in Iceland. It is simply not a part of the camping culture here. Leave that fire starter and axe at home.
Hammock: This is an almost unheard of piece of luxury gear in Iceland. The weather definitely plays a big part but another more likely reason: there are no trees! Most campsites are field-campsites with no place to hang up a hammock so don’t even think about bringing it.
Sunscreen: It is highly unlikely you will need any sunscreen in Iceland. The most likely scenario where you’ll need it is if you plan on doing long hikes on glaciers or other snowy locations. So unless that’s your plan, leave it at home.
Bug spray: We do have bugs, but don’t have mosquitos. We also don’t have any poisonous or dangerous bugs. Until recently, we didn’t even have any bugs that bite. Over the past couple of years, however, we’ve had a sudden appearance of noseeums, or biting midges here in Iceland. We haven’t heard any of our customers complain about these pests, however, so bringing the bug spray is unlikely to pay off.
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