What to Pack for a National Geographic-Lindblad Expedition to Iceland and Greenland

By:  Mary Alys Foutz, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent

When we booked our National Geographic-Lindblad Expedition to Iceland and Greenland, we quickly realized this wasn't a typical cruise or vacation. Between Zodiac landings, glacier-filled fjords, unpredictable Arctic weather, and active excursions, packing required a completely different strategy.

As Central Florida residents, preparing for an Arctic expedition was completely outside our comfort zone. Packing for this adventure required much more planning than our usual trips, and I spent plenty of time figuring out what was actually necessary. Hopefully, this realistic packing guide will make the process a little easier for you than it was for me!

Understanding the Weather in Iceland and Greenland

The weather in Iceland and Greenland can be unpredictable and change on the dime. Summers in the Arctic can be sunny and mild, drizzly and cloudy, or windy and cold. It’s not always going to be cold, but it’s not necessarily going to be dry and warm either.

During our National Geographic-Lindblad Expedition, we experienced a wide variety of weather ranging from windy, cloudy, and chilly to calm, sunny, and mild. Thankfully, we only had a few periods of gray skies and drizzle. We truly lucked out on the second day in Greenland. The weather was absolute perfection-- and even though it was only 32 degrees out, we felt warm in the sun without wind.

Because the weather can change from day to day, and even hour to hour, layering was far more important than just packing heavy winter clothing.

Layering Is the Key to Packing for an Arctic Expedition

To best prepare for all types of weather, I packed multiple layers of clothing that could be interchangeable. This allowed me to pack less items even though I needed to dress in multiple layers.

Pro Tip: Pack flannel shirts! My family found a flannel shirt to be one of our favorite items that we packed and wished we had packed more. The flannel shirts were great to throw on over a t-shirt or thermal, had the warmth we needed, but could also be shed and carried easily.

Of course, you’ll also want to have winter essentials packed just in case you encounter a cold, windy, and/or rainy day. Having jackets with hoods, beanies, gloves, and balaclavas on hand was important for the times when the weather wasn’t fair.

Dressing to go out in Iceland and Greenland is as much about staying dry and it is warm. Rain, drizzle, waterfalls, and zodiac trips can contribute to you getting wet. It’s important to have water resistant and water proof attire as much as possible. This will keep you dry and as a result keep you warmer.

One special thing to note about your National Geographic-Lindblad Expedition to Iceland and Greenland-- you will have a complimentary parka provided. All you have to do is measure yourself with their size guide before your trip, submit your preferred size, and you’ll have a coat waiting on your bed for you when you arrive. The jackets are such a nice touch and they add a level of comradery while you’re out exploring. Plus, it’s one less thing to pack in your luggage!

Footwear: What You'll Actually Wear

If you’re like me, you love to pack shoes to match every outfit. Well when traveling to Iceland and Greenland, you kind of have to deprioritize that. It’s less about aesthetics and more about function. Because you’ll need hiking boots and muck boots, you won’t have a ton of room for more shoe options. I do recommend at least one pair of quick throw on shoes to get around on the ship. These will come in handy when you want to go grab a snack or drink!

Now let’s talk a bit about muck boots. These are extremely important! 99% we disembarked from the National Geographic Explorer, we left on a zodiac. It is important to have knee-high waterproof boots to get in and out of the zodiac, especially when doing wet landings right on the beach. Your feet will exit in the shallow water and you’ll potentially be trudging through low tide muck. You want your feet and clothes to be dry and clean. Sometimes your muck boots are perfectly suitable for your hike as well.

Here are two good pieces of information to know about your muck boots:

1. If you don’t own a pair (or don’t want to purchase a pair), you can rent them right through your account once you’re booked for your expedition.
2. Your onboard staff will always let you know what type of footwear is recommended for your excursion. In some cases, they will say wear your muck boots and then bring your hiking boots. In other cases, they will say we have a dry dock so you’ll only need your hiking boots. You never have to worry about what to select because you will be well-informed.

Extra Items You May Not Think About

When preparing for a trip to Iceland and Greenland, you may not automatically think of swimwear and sunscreen. However, Iceland is scattered with lots of geothermal hot springs which are amazing for a dip to warm up. Additionally, sunscreen is an essential. During the summer months, Iceland and Greenland get almost 24 hours of daylight. There’s also less pollution resulting in more UV rays making their way through the atmosphere. Since you’ll be enjoying scenery from the decks of the National Geographic Explorer and out on adventures in remote places, you’ll want to make sure that your skin is protected. A great pair of polarized sunglasses is a good idea as well.

Don't forget a camera! And honestly, it doesn't have to be anything fancy. Whether you're carrying a professional camera or just using your phone, you're going to take a TON of pictures. Between the glaciers, icebergs, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, you'll find yourself reaching for your camera constantly.

No matter what type of camera you're using, make sure you have plenty of storage space before you leave. Bring extra SD cards for your camera, and if you're using your phone, take some time to back up old photos and clear some memory. Trust me on this one— I ended up deleting pictures during the trip just to make room for new ones!

A quick note about cameras: You can also rent cameras onboard for FREE! These are first-come first-serve basis so it’s not a guarantee, but it’s definitely a cool option for those looking to capture their surroundings.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expedition: Arctic Edges Packing List

I know it can be overwhelming to pack for so many possible types of weather, but let me encourage you! The secret to packing successfully isn't bringing more items— it’s about bringing versatile layers that keep you comfortable in changing conditions. If you pack smart, you’ll stay dry and warm, and may even have some room for some souvenirs!

If Iceland and Greenland are on your list, the agents at Marvelous Mouse Travels are happy to share firsthand insight and help you choose the right itinerary.  Reach out to www.marvelousmousetravels.com/contactus.