What to Wear on a Glacier Hike in Iceland Guide

A glacier hike in Iceland is one of the most unforgettable adventures you can experience.

Walking across ancient ice fields surrounded by volcanic landscapes, deep crevasses, and dramatic mountain views feels like stepping into another world.

But Icelandic weather can change very quickly. Sunshine, wind, rain, and snow can all happen within the same day.

That is why knowing what to wear in Iceland for hiking is essential for staying warm, dry, safe, and comfortable.

The good news is you do not need to spend a fortune buying expensive outdoor gear for one trip.

Many travelers choose to rent outdoor clothing in Iceland instead of packing bulky items or buying gear they may never use again.

This article explains exactly;

• What to wear on a glacier hike in Iceland
• The best layering system
• Footwear
• Accessories, and common mistakes to avoid
• Seasonal tips
• Gear rentals
• What equipment is usually provided by tour operators
• And general questions

The Main Things to Know

• Use a three-layer system: base layer (thermal), mid-layer (fleece or wool), and outer layer (waterproof shell).
• Avoid cotton completely because it holds moisture and makes you cold.
• Wear thermal base layers made from merino wool or synthetic fabrics.
• Add an insulating mid-layer like fleece or down.
• Use a waterproof and windproof outer shell.
• Wear waterproof hiking boots with ankle support.
• Bring warm socks, gloves, a hat, and a neck gaiter.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential because sunlight reflects strongly off the ice.
• Crampons, helmets, and ice axes are usually provided by tour operators.
• Renting gear in Iceland is a practical and cost-effective option for travelers.

Why Clothing Matters on an Iceland Glacier Hike

In Iceland, weather conditions are famously unpredictable.

Locals often joke, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes, it will change.”

On a glacier, however, changing weather is more than an inconvenience. It can become a safety issue.

Glaciers are fully exposed environments. There is little protection from wind, rain, snow, or strong sunlight reflecting off the ice. 

If your clothing becomes wet from rain or sweat, your body temperature can drop quickly, especially when cold winds increase.

Wearing proper glacier hiking clothing helps you:

• Stay warm and dry
• Prevent hypothermia
• Move safely across uneven ice
• Avoid slips and falls
• Remain comfortable during long hikes

Because glacier hikes require crampons (metal spikes attached to boots), your clothing also needs to fit correctly. Loose trousers or unsuitable footwear can create tripping hazards on the ice.

The Best Layering System for a Glacier Hike

Professional Icelandic guides recommend dressing in layers instead of wearing one heavy coat. 

The “Three-Layer System” helps regulate body temperature and allows you to adapt quickly to changing weather conditions. 

1. The Base Layer: Moisture Management

The base layer sits directly against your skin and is responsible for managing sweat.

Its main purpose is to wick moisture away from your body so you stay dry and warm.

What to wear:

• Long-sleeved thermal tops 
• thermal leggings

Material: 

• Merino wool is the gold standard because it stays warm even when damp and doesn’t hold odors. 
• High-quality synthetic fabrics (polyester/nylon blends) also work well.

The Golden Rule: NEVER wear cotton. 

Cotton absorbs moisture and stays wet, which will pull heat away from your body.

2. The Mid-Layer: Insulation

The mid-layer’s job is to trap your body heat. 

It should be breathable enough to let moisture escape but thick enough to provide a buffer against the cold.

Materials to wear: 

• Fleece
• wool sweaters (like the traditional Icelandic Lopapeysa),
• lightweight “puffy” down jackets.

Pro Tip: A zip-up fleece is excellent because you can easily vent it if you get too warm during a steep climb.

For your legs: On your bottom half, a pair of hiking trousers with a light fleece lining or quick-dry trekking pants work best.

3. The Outer Layer: Protection

This is your “shell.” It must be 100% windproof and waterproof. 

In Iceland, “water-resistant” is usually not enough; you need gear that can handle a horizontal rainstorm.

What to wear:

• Jacket: A waterproof shell Jacket made from materials like Gore-Tex or similar membranes. A well-fitted hood is essential for wind and snow protection.
• Outdoor Pants: Waterproof shell over-pants are absolutely necessary. Hiking in only leggings or trekking pants is not enough, as they will quickly become soaked in wet conditions.

Proper outerwear is essential for comfort and safety on any glacier hike in Iceland.

What Shoes to Wear on a Glacier Hike in Iceland

Footwear is arguably the most important item on your Iceland glacier hike packing list.

Your tour operator will provide crampons (metal spikes for ice traction), but they need to be attached to the right kind of boot.

Requirements for Glacier Hiking Boots Iceland

You cannot wear fashion sneakers, running shoes, or lightweight trail runners on a glacier. 

You need glacier hiking boots that Iceland guides can trust.

• Ankle Support: Boots must be mid-to-high cut to protect your ankles on uneven terrain.
• Rigid Soles: The soles must be stiff enough to support the metal frame of the crampons.
• Waterproof: Your feet will be walking on ice and potentially through slushy areas.
• Warmth: Combine your boots with thick wool socks to keep your toes warm.

If you don’t own a pair of heavy-duty boots, don’t worry. 

You can rent hiking boots in Iceland rather than buying an expensive pair that you might never wear again.

Glacier Hike Iceland Clothing Checklist 

Use this checklist to ensure your what to pack for glacier hike Iceland list is complete: 

• Thermal base layer (top and leggings)
• Mid-layer fleece or wool sweater
• Waterproof jacket with hood
• Waterproof shell pants
• Hiking boots (waterproof, ankle support)
• Wool socks (bring an extra pair)
• Waterproof gloves
• Warm hat or beanie
• Neck warmer or buff
• Sunglasses
• Small daypack (15–25L)
• Sunscreen

What NOT to Wear on a Glacier Hike

Knowing what to wear on a glacier walk in Iceland also means knowing what to avoid.

Avoid these common tourist mistakes to stay safe and comfortable:

1. Jeans: Once denim gets wet, it stays wet, becomes heavy, and freezes. Jeans are the quickest way to end your hike early.
2. Cotton Hoodies: Just like jeans, they soak up moisture and provide zero insulation when damp.
3. Fashion Sneakers: They have no grip, no ankle support, and cannot hold crampons.
4. Thin Leggings Alone: While fine as a base layer, thin yoga pants offer no protection against the biting glacier wind.
5. Open Shoes/Sandals: Even in “hot” Icelandic summers, the glacier is a freezer.

What Gear is Usually Provided by the Tour Operator?

Many travelers worry that they need to pack technical climbing gear. 

Fortunately, you don’t! Most guided tours (like those at Sólheimajökull or Skaftafell) provide the “specialist” safety equipment, including:

• Crampons: Metal spikes that fit over your boots.
• Ice Axe: Used for balance and as a safety tool.
• Helmet: To protect against falling ice or accidental slips.
• Harness: Required for more advanced tours with rope work.

Note: They provide the tools, but you must provide the clothing. 

Your responsibility is simply to show up with the correct waterproof clothing Iceland and proper boots.

Summer vs. Winter: How Does the Outfit Change?

While the layering principle remains the same, your Iceland summer hiking clothes will differ slightly from winter.

Summer Glacier Hiking (June – August)

• Average Temp: 10°C to 15°C (50°F – 59°F), but colder on the ice.
• The Vibe: Long days and white/grey ice (due to volcanic ash).

Clothing Tip: You may begin the hike wearing only a base layer and waterproof shell, but you should always keep a warm mid-layer in your backpack because temperatures can drop quickly on the glacier. 

Winter Glacier Hiking (November – March)

• Average Temp: -10°C to 0°C (14°F – 32°F).
• The Vibe: Brilliant blue ice, ice caves, and short daylight hours.

Clothing Tip: Add extra insulation layers during winter. A heavier insulated jacket often works better than a lightweight shell alone. Thick waterproof gloves or ski gloves are strongly recommended for colder conditions. 

Capturing the Moment: Photography Tips on the Glacier

You are going to want to take a lot of photos. 

The combination of blue ice, black ash, and white snow is a photographer’s dream. 

However, the conditions that make for great photos also make it hard on your equipment.

Photography Gear and Tips:

• Keep Batteries Warm: Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly. Keep your phone or spare camera batteries in an inner pocket close to your body heat.
• Use a Neck Strap: Dropping your phone into a deep crevasse is a quick way to end the fun. Use a lanyard or a secure neck strap.
• Polarizing Filter: If you’re using a DSLR, a polarizing filter will help cut the glare from the ice and make the blues of the crevasses pop.
• Action Shots: Ask your guide to take a photo of you using your ice axe. They know all the best angles!

If you want to see what the experience actually looks like in action, this video gives a great visual overview of glacier hiking in Iceland:

Watching it will help you better understand how important proper clothing and movement really are on the ice.

The Experience: What It Feels Like to Walk on Ancient Ice

When you finally step onto the glacier, the first thing you’ll notice is the sound. 

It’s the “crunch” of your crampons biting into the surface. It’s a satisfying, secure feeling that quickly builds your confidence.

As you move deeper onto the ice, the world of the parking lot disappears. 

You are surrounded by a landscape that is thousands of years old. You might hear the distant groan of the ice shifting or the musical “plink” of meltwater falling into a moulin.

Dressing correctly allows you to be fully present in this moment. 

Instead of worrying about your cold hands or your wet pants, you can appreciate the intricate patterns in the ice and the silence of the high Arctic.

Can You Rent Clothes for a Glacier Hike in Iceland?

The short answer is: Yes.

This is the most common question for travelers. Technical outdoor gear, like Gore-Tex jackets, insulated pants, and heavy-duty hiking boots, is expensive and takes up a massive amount of space in your suitcase. 

If you only plan to hike a glacier once, it doesn’t make sense to buy a $400 jacket.

Renting is the smartest option for most tourists. This is where IcelandCover comes in. They offer a smart, sustainable solution for travelers. You can:

• Travel Light: Save your luggage space for souvenirs instead of bulky winter coats.
• Get Professional Grade Gear: Rent the same high-end brands (like 66°North) that locals use to survive the elements.
• Stay Guaranteed Dry: Rental gear is maintained and re-waterproofed regularly, ensuring it actually performs when the rain starts.
• Save Money: Renting a full outfit for a few days costs a fraction of buying new gear.

You can pick up your gear in Reykjavik or have it delivered, making it incredibly convenient for your South Coast road trip.

Final Tips Before Your Glacier Hike

1. Check the Forecast: Always check Vedur.is and Safetravel.is before heading out.
2. Stay Hydrated: You might not feel thirsty because it’s cold, but hiking on ice is a workout.
3. Listen to Your Guide: They are certified experts. If they tell you to tighten your crampons or stay away from an edge, there is a very good reason for it.
4. Don’t Forget Your Camera: Glaciers are some of the most photogenic places on Earth. Just make sure your camera is in a waterproof bag!
5. Book in Advance: Glacier tours, especially the South Coast & Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike, fill up fast.

Ready to explore the ice? Don’t let the lack of gear stop you. 

Rent everything you need from IcelandCover and ensure you stay warm, dry, and safe while you witness the majestic beauty of Iceland’s glaciers.

FAQs on What to Wear Glacier Hiking Iceland

1. Can I wear trail running shoes?

No. They are too flexible for crampons and do not provide the necessary ankle support or water resistance.

2. Do I need to bring my own ice axe?

No, tour operators provide all technical safety gear like axes, helmets, and crampons.

3. Will I be too hot in three layers?

The beauty of layering is that you can take them off. If you get hot during a climb, unzip your jacket or store your fleece in your backpack.

4. Are “water-resistant” leggings okay?

Generally, no. If it rains, water-resistant fabric eventually saturates. True “waterproof” shell pants are much safer.

5. What should I wear on a Sólheimajökull glacier hike?

Follow the three-layer system: thermal base, fleece mid-layer, and waterproof shell. This is the recommended standard Sólheimajökull glacier hike.

6. Do I need a professional climbing jacket?

You need a jacket that is waterproof and windproof. If you don’t own one, consider Iceland outdoor clothing rental.

7. Can I rent clothes at the glacier location?

Most glacier tour bases only rent boots. For full clothing sets (jackets, pants, gloves), it is best to rent from a specialist like IcelandCover in Reykjavik or online beforehand.

8. Is glacier hiking safe?

When done with a certified guide and the correct clothing, it is very safe. Never attempt to walk on a glacier without a guide.

9. Is it always cold on the glacier?

Yes. Even on a warm summer day, the ice acts as a natural air conditioner. Expect the temperature to be at least 5-10 degrees colder than the surrounding land.

10. Can children go glacier hiking?

Yes, most tours have a minimum age (usually 8 or 10 years old). Make sure they are dressed in the same three-layer system as adults!

Final Thoughts

Preparing for your Icelandic glacier adventure doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. By focusing on the right layers, avoiding cotton, and ensuring you have sturdy, waterproof boots, you’ll be ready to face the elements with confidence.

Need warm, waterproof clothing for your Iceland adventure? Rent outdoor clothing in Iceland from IcelandCover and travel light while staying warm and dry.

Don’t let the lack of gear stop you from experiencing the magic of the ice. Pack smart, rent what you need, and get ready for the hike of a lifetime!

Explore our Summer and Winter clothing packages today and get ready for the hike of a lifetime!