Best products from r/VisitingIceland

Just a few random suggestions, some of which may be obvious:

• Rain pants. Good for both wind and rain, but chances are, you'll get both. Also, it can get pretty brisk even in summer, and it really helps to have that outer shell on your lower half as well as your upper half.
  
• A quick-drying towel. (Example here.) If you will be in a camper van, I would guess that you'll be showering along the way at campgrounds. You'll want to have a quick-drying option so you can move on and have the towel dry quickly just hanging up in the van.
  
• Coins for the coin-operated showers at some campgrounds.
  
• Enough car chargers for all your devices. I only brought one car charger, which was dumb in hindsight. I was constantly juggling charging my camera batteries, my phone, etc. Find out what kind and how many plugs your camper van has and use them all.
  
• Both camping clothes and street clothes. I brought mostly camping clothes—quick-drying pants and shirts and jackets, made from synthetic fabric or wool or fleece. But I wish I had brought better street clothes so I didn't stand out like such a tourist in Reykjavík. You'll probably already do that if you're going to London, but that was something I wished I had brought.
  
• Motion sickness medication if you intend to go whale-watching or on a similar boat ride.
  
• P-style, or some similar "feminine urination device." If you're camping sort of people, you know the drill. There aren't any trees in Iceland to speak of, so sometimes there isn't much to hide behind. There's others, all with similarly cute names ("Shewee", "GoGirl", etc.) but the P-style seems to be a popular one. Several female commenters to this subreddit have recommended them.
  
• Eye masks for sleeping, if you have trouble falling asleep when it's light outside.
  
• Wet wipes. Pick some up at a Bónus/Krónan/gas station. I find them very useful for both camping and car trips, and you're doing both.
  
• Extra camera battery or battery pack for phones. Probably goes without saying, but it's also what I found most useful. Take one more than you think you'll need, or one grade up in capacity.
  
• Collapsible bucket or heavy-duty ziplock bag to wash out some clothes by hand. I literally got a hotel in Akureyri halfway through my trip so I could wash out some clothes in the sink, and charge up devices. It was actually nice to break it up the camping, so I didn't regret it, but I wouldn't have needed it if I had a way to wash out some clothes. (The weather had been unseasonably warm for several days straight and I used all my lighter clothes.)
  
  It sounds like you guys have a great plan, I wish you the best on your trip!
  
  

The Osprey Atmos is a more popular backpack than that Volt. Fit is really the most important part of this - so if you have a chance to try either on - that would be ideal.

• https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Packs-Atmos-Backpack-Abyss/dp/B077H252N3
  
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  These poles are better than the ones you have listed:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mountain-Tech-Aluminum-Collapsible/dp/B01L2HYPNW
  
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  The North Face Venture jacket is more popular / recommended than the Resolve:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/North-Face-Mens-Venture-Jacket/dp/B01HQSBER6
  
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  Skip the solar charger. A USB battery pack is way more useful. Solar are just too bulky and low charge for the effort. Get 2 if you really need the power.
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Compact-High-Speed-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI
  
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  Tent is really small and not a popular/quality brand. How much time will you spend sleeping in this? Every night? Have you ever slept in a 1-person bivy style shelter before? Where will your backpack go at night? I would not recommend this. If you really need to go this cheap (under $100 is SUPER low for a quality ultralight backpacking tent) - then consider Nature Hike brand. They are a knockoff Chineese company that's somewhat good.
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Naturehike-Cloud-Up-Lightweight-Backpacking-Footprint/dp/B07HND44Z1
  
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  That sleeping bag is garbage. It's super bulky and not very warm. The 32F rating is a straight up lie.
  
  I recommend this bag instead:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Cosmic-Degree-Down-Sleeping/dp/B07MD224VW
  
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  You also need a sleeping pad. Not optional. Check this out:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Klymit-Insulated-Static-Lite-Sleeping/dp/B00UW7LEOW
  
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  100% skip that hammer multitool. WOW is that thing bad. If you need a knife - buy a knife. You do not need a hammer for backpacking.
  
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  The headlamp is great, good choice.
  
  The stove / pot / cook kit is okay. It's a popular budget option. If you could spend a bit more there are better choices. For example:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/TOAKS-TOA-POT-750-Titanium-750ml-Pot/dp/B009B98FGW
  
• https://www.amazon.com/MSR-PocketRocket-Ultralight-Backpacking-Camping/dp/B01N5O7551
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Optimus-8016166-Titanium-long-spoon/dp/B0045UA8G2
  
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  Don't forget TP/wipes (and a way to pack them out once used), good wool socks, dry bags / pack cover, food bag, water bottles, map, first aid, toiletries, lighter, duct tape, phone/camera, and other random items. Plus clothes of course - lots of layers!

I have visited Iceland twice with disabilities. I can tell you that most places would take a long time to get to due to the terrain and distances between populated areas. You should not count on immediate assistance at any cost.

I’ll tell you how I prepared and what I did while I was there to be as prepared as possible. Keep in mind that I’m not a doctor and don’t have the same medical conditions.

The first thing I did was get cleared by my doctors. I’ve had 2 big knee surgeries for patella dislocations so I check with my ortho. I got a knee brace (wrapped hinged neoprene) to help walking. Downhill is where I have problems. I asked for a list of restrictions so I’d know how far to push it. . Also went to PT and got a home strengthening program for the time leading up to the trip. Because the flight is a bit long and cramped he gave me a blood thinner to prevent DVT because of previous history of them.

Most important though, I didn’t physically exert myself and push myself to hike long distances if I wasn’t feeling well. We rented a camper van (Happy Campers, love em) the first time and traveled the ring road. When I needed a break and my partner wanted to explore more, I went to the van and was comfortable while he did his thing.

I also have POTS (a kind of tachycardia) so went to my cardio and got the ok. I had to rest often but didn’t have any bad episodes. Keep in mind that you won’t have any benches to rest on for the most part. I’ve seen lightweight collapsible chairs that might be an option for you. I had an app to check my pulse when I felt it was high. Compression hose and tights/leggings were a must, especially on planes.


Best Health Cane Stool Golf Walking Seats Retractable Lightweight Walking Stick with LED Light for Elderly Outdoor Travel Rest Stool Folding Chair Replacement Large Weight Capacity (Brown Cane seat) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D17S7ZV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q4x3Db8777XAY

I brought nutrition bars and drinks and electrolyte powder for water. If you aren’t close to an area with food you’ll need a snack. Stay hydrated!!! It’s easy to forget and makes a huge difference in how you feel. Pack all the meds you need and ones you might like Imodium, eye drops, whatever. I’d rather bring too many meds than be without it if I need it.

I know I sound over the top but being prepared is the best way to prevent accidents. I had a lot of anxiety before I went because my health stuff is unpredictable and this assured me that I’d have what I need just in case. Prepare a little kit for excursions with what you might need. Rest when you need to. Don’t hike in remote places. Get nonslip waterproof boots, the wet rocks are slippery. Hire a guide to explore glaciers. There are so many places to go that don’t involve intense physical activity.

The second time we went, we took into account any difficulties I’d had in the first trip and planned accordingly. No camper van that time, we stayed in a hotel in Reykjavik and did day trips for the first few days. After that rented a comfy 4WD and found AirBNB’s close to where we were. Don’t forget to get a data card for your phone so you’ll have internet access on the road.

The Secret Lagoon in Fludir was my favorite but any of them are great after a day of activity! Well, this was a novel lol. If you have any ?’s feel free to DM me. I hope this helped; I couldn’t really find any info on being there with disabilities before we went.

Have fun! You’ll love it.

Thanks for the posting and for the helpful analysis! At least one volcanologist from the Met Office is saying there's nothing to worry about right now, but I'm sure there are many contradicting opinions.

I really hope it doesn't blow. I brought about five N95 3M dustmasks (they pack flat and weigh nothing) and some Bolle safety goggles as well as some old swimming goggles.

I figure better to err on the side of caution as you just never know what might happen! Is there anything else you would recommend travelers bring to be a bit prepared for a big eruption?

It really depends on how you are traveling the Ring Road, but most of this will be useful.

• Lip Balm
  
• Hand moisturizer
  
• Suntan lotion
  
• Good sleeping bag
  
• Good wind/rain jacket
  
• Gloves
  
• Scarf
  
• I always travel with at least 3 meters of rope/paracord and I always find a use for it
  
• Muli-tool / Swiss Army Knife
  
• Thick socks (especially for sleeping)
  
• Sandals / Flip-Flops
  
• Garbage & Grocery bags - Big and small - for dirty clothes and garbage
  
• [Mole Skin] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007W9MGLI/ref=s9_acsd_top_hd_bw_bFrLR_c_x_1_w?) - Don't let blisters slow you down
  
• Small bottle of hand sanitizer
  
• Biodegradable wipes
  
• Extra map

I struggled with this one! I finally found Arctix Insulated Show Pants on Amazon. They were super comfy. I could wear jeans under or just wear tights under. Either way, I love them! I'm 5'2 170lbs (short & stubby!) & I got XL petite. They fit perfectly!

(https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00V9XN2ES/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

-- If you email them they can answer your questions about the inverter, and that might be a good idea because it can vary from what's pictured, but the pic looks like it has one USB port and one plug port for European plugs. I brought my own inverter, this one which has 4 USB ports and 3 US outlets. The red version has better USB ports (4x 2.1a instead of 2x 2.1 and 2x 1a). With this I never needed to look for an outlet to charge any of my gear.

-- The stoves are usually butane fuel and come with one bottle. On my trip fuel was readily available at gas stations and some campgrounds. They may have supplies from previous renters you can pick through as well.

-- I bought all my food there (my van had a fridge) so I'm no help on this one.


Enjoy your trip!

Ah yeah I'm sure she'll be great there then! It may be a little noisy there still as the street to the right, Austurstræti, is a popular strip of bars & restaurants. And it's a popular way to walk over to the Laugavegur scene. We were there on a weeknight & heard some noise at 2 or 3 am, but I think it was fine once we closed the windows. You can probably request to be on the other side of the hotel/quiet room. This is also a great travel white noise machine.

This is good to hear. I was going to get cheap waterproof pants to wear over jeans, but I will be hiking. Is something like the following a better option?

https://smile.amazon.com/TSLA-Rip-Stop-Windproof-Insulated-Water-Repel/dp/B07Q5VTW32/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

I borrowed a friend's DC car inverter, which has two AC outlets and two USB ports. Worked great. Looks something like this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EY6RJKA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1467592138&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=car+inverter+power+outlet&dpPl=1&dpID=41l9Yi7L6kL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MDXS0U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

btw you can't carry these on planes, has to be in a checked bag

If you are sure the van will have USB chargers than you could go without... but yeah make sure

Sure, this is the one we used:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EY6RJKA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you get license plate DYB15 that was ours!

Since I read all the horror stories about broken equipment and getting charged for preexisting dents and scratches I also made a list of all the things to check out once we picked the van up: all supplies were provided, heater worked, extras like GPS and Wifi were included, video/photo all existing scratches, etc. The guy who checked us in was very thorough and showed us how to work everything. They were great overall and I never felt like they were scamming us for extra charges.

Just don't get stuck in a deep gravel parking lot like we did and pay $350 for a tow truck! That was embarrassing. We called the rental company and they sent someone out to help within an hour. Other than that we had no problems with the van. Would definitely rent from campervaniceland again.