Dry
Keep rain, wet snow and wind away from your base layers.
CLOTHING AND PACKING
What to Wear at Langjökull
Dress in warm layers with a waterproof shell and sturdy footwear. Protective snowmobile gear is usually provided, but it does not replace your own clothing.
Warm layers firstWaterproof and windproof shell
QUICK ANSWER
Clothing
Wear a moisture-moving base layer, a warm mid layer and a waterproof, windproof outer layer. Add warm socks, sturdy waterproof footwear, gloves, a hat and eye protection.
Tour operators normally provide protective snowmobile overalls or suits, a helmet and other safety gear. The exact list differs by product, and the equipment is worn over your own clothing.
Do not dress only for the temperature shown in Reykjavík. The glacier is higher, exposed and often windier. You may also spend time outside before gear fitting and during sightseeing stops.
Warm
Use several adjustable layers instead of one bulky coat.
Mobile
Choose clothing that lets you sit, steer and move easily.
PACKING TOOL
Build a list
Choose your season and itinerary for a tailored checklist. The operator voucher remains the final source for supplied gear.
SUMMER SNOWMOBILING
Your packing list
Long daylight does not remove glacier wind. Keep the shell and warm mid layer.
- Merino or synthetic base layer
- Fleece or wool mid layer
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm socks and waterproof boots
- Hat, gloves, neck covering and sunglasses
- Water, snack and phone protection
SYSTEM
Layers
Each layer has one job. This makes it easier to add warmth outdoors and remove it during transport.
Base
Merino wool or synthetic long sleeves and leggings. The goal is to move moisture away from your skin.
Avoid cotton as the main base.Mid
Fleece, wool or a light insulated jacket. Add a second mid layer in winter or if you get cold easily.
Warm without restricting movement.Shell
Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants. This protects you before the operator suit is fitted and at roadside stops.
Wind protection matters year-round.FEET AND HANDS
Footwear
Cold feet and wet gloves can spoil the experience faster than a slightly cool jacket.
Boots
Choose waterproof outdoor shoes or boots with room for warm socks. Avoid tight footwear that reduces circulation.
Socks
Wear one good wool or technical pair. Two thick pairs can make boots tight and colder.
Gloves
Bring your own warm gloves even when operator gloves are listed. They are useful before and after snowmobiling.
Grip
Use footwear with a stable tread for icy parking areas. Follow local rules before adding removable spikes.
EXTRAS
Accessories
Small items make a major difference in exposed glacier conditions.
Hat
A thin warm hat that fits under or around operator equipment.
Buff
A neck warmer or balaclava blocks drafts without loose fabric.
Sunglasses
Snow and ice reflect bright light in every season.
Sunscreen
Use it on exposed skin, including in cold weather.
Protection
Use a secure waterproof pocket and keep batteries warm.
Snack
Bring water and a snack when meals are not included.
Operator equipment
Wear your own base and mid-layers. Check the specific protective equipment included in your booked option.
Golden Circle and snowmobiling
Coach transport, guiding and the listed protective snowmobile equipment.
Listing checked 27 August 2026. Confirm boot sizes, gloves and extra layers with the operator.
Snowmobiling from Reykjavík
Protective snowmobile clothing, helmet and the equipment specified in your booking.
Listing checked 27 August 2026. Confirm boot sizes, gloves and extra layers with the operator.
Snowmobiling from Gullfoss
Helmet, protective overalls and the equipment specified in your booking.
Listing checked 27 August 2026. Confirm boot sizes, gloves and extra layers with the operator.
Snowmobiling from the Geysir area
Protective snowmobile equipment as specified in the booked option.
Listing checked 27 August 2026. Confirm boot sizes, gloves and extra layers with the operator.
Snowmobiling and ice tunnel
Helmet, mask and the protective equipment specified for the snowmobile and tunnel experience.
Listing checked 27 August 2026. Confirm boot sizes, gloves and extra layers with the operator.
Snowmobiling and ice cave
Snowmobile safety equipment and protective clothing specified in the booked option.
Listing checked 27 August 2026. Confirm boot sizes, gloves and extra layers with the operator.
Snowmobiling and Secret Lagoon
Snowmobile protective equipment; the supplied listing also includes a towel for the lagoon.
Listing checked 27 August 2026. Confirm boot sizes, gloves and extra layers with the operator.
SEASONS
By season
The core system stays the same. Change the insulation and accessories, not the waterproof and windproof protection.
WINTER
More insulation
- Thermal base top and bottom
- Warm fleece or wool mid layer
- Optional light insulated layer
- Extra gloves and hand warmers
SPRING
Mixed weather
- Full layer system
- Waterproof shell
- Packable extra mid layer
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
SUMMER
Do not underdress
- Technical base layer
- Fleece or wool mid layer
- Waterproof shell
- Hat and gloves still required
AUTUMN
Prepare for cold
- Warm base and mid layers
- Waterproof outerwear
- Dry spare socks
- Neck covering
AVOID
Avoid
These choices commonly create cold, wet or uncomfortable conditions.
Cotton base
It holds moisture and dries slowly.
Fashion sneakers
They offer little water protection or grip.
One heavy coat
It is harder to adjust between the bus and glacier.
Bare hands
You need gloves before operator gear is issued.
Loose scarves
Use a close-fitting neck warmer around machinery.
Overpacked pockets
Secure loose items before riding.
PACKING LIST
Checklist
Wear
Bring
Optional
Ready to choose a tour after checking the clothing requirements?
Compare toursFAQ
FAQ
Answers to the main clothing and equipment questions.
Do tours provide warm clothing?
Current operators provide protective snowmobile gear, but exact items differ. Wear your own warm layers and check the voucher.
Do I need waterproof clothing?
Yes. Bring a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants for the journey, waiting time and sightseeing stops.
What shoes should I wear?
Warm, sturdy, waterproof outdoor shoes or boots. Some tours provide overshoes, but your personal footwear still matters.
Can I wear jeans?
Jeans are not a good main layer because cotton becomes cold when wet. Use technical or wool layers with waterproof pants.
Do I need gloves if they are provided?
Yes. Bring your own pair for the period before gear fitting, road stops and after the ride.
Do I need sunglasses in winter?
Yes. Snow and ice can reflect bright light even when the air is cold.
Should I bring ski goggles?
Some products include goggles, while others list only a helmet and protective clothing. Check the voucher before packing.
What should I bring for the Secret Lagoon tour?
Bring swimwear, a dry change of base layers and a waterproof bag for wet items.
How should children dress?
Use the same layer system, check the operator’s available suit sizes and bring spare gloves and socks.
Can I bring a backpack on the snowmobile?
Large loose bags are normally unsuitable for riding. Leave non-essential items in the transfer vehicle if the guide permits and secure valuables.