Iceland is one of those places that surprises you at every turn — glacier tongues hanging off volcanoes, hot springs steaming beside ice, waterfalls so powerful you feel them in your bones. If you really want to feel Iceland, camping is one of the best ways. Waking up under the midnight sun or falling asleep listening to wind and water makes you part of the landscape in a way that staying in hotels never can.
But let’s be real: camping gear adds up. Tents, sleeping bags, pads, backpack, cooking gear, waterproof layers—it’s a lot, especially when carrying everything on a flight. That’s why renting camping gear in Iceland instead of buying can be a game changer: you save money, lighten your load, reduce waste (and the stress of schlepping stuff), and still get good quality equipment. Plus, renting locally means gear is already tuned for the Iceland climate (rain, wind, cold nights—even in summer).
Below, I’ll walk you through why renting helps, what a smart gear checklist looks like, camping tips specific to Iceland, and then a deep dive on GoKit—one of the rental options I’ve used/researched with real price examples. Think of this like advice from a friend who’s been off-road, up highlands, in gravel roads, stormy nights and blue skies alike.
Why Renting Camping Gear in Iceland instead of Buy?
- Cost Savings Up Front & Hidden Costs
Buying a quality four-season tent, decent sleeping bag, mattress or pad, backpack, cooking kit, etc., can run you hundreds of euros. Factor in shipping, airline baggage fees, wear and tear, cleaning, storage back home. With renting, you pay only for the time you need. - Less Weight, Less Hassle Traveling
Economy airline baggage limits punish you for overpacking. If you bring too many heavy gear pieces, you pay. Renting after arrival means your flight can be lighter; you travel more freely. - Environmental & Practical Benefits
Less manufacturing/transport of gear you might only use once. Using local rental gear means better utilization. Also, you avoid having to store or resell questionable gear after the trip. - Flexibility
Depending on where you’re going (Ring Road vs highlands vs coastal campsites) your gear needs vary. Renting allows you to adapt: maybe you don’t need the big tent, or you want a lighter sleeping bag, etc.
What to Bring (or Rent): Camping Gear Checklist
Here’s a checklist, with notes on what to prioritize, what you can skimp on, and what to rent. Think of this as the “bare-essentials + some nice-to-haves” kit.
| Gear / Item | Why It Matters in Iceland | Rent vs Bring Decision Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tent (2-3 person, waterproof, sturdy)** | Strong winds & frequent rain mean a cheap tent will fail. Even summer nights can be cold. | Rent locally unless you already have a high-quality one. |
| Sleeping Bag | Nights can drop low; good insulation matters. | Rent if you don’t want to deal with baggage; bring your own if you already own a good one. |
| Sleeping pad / air mattress | Ground can get cold & damp; insulation underneath is essential. | Light, easy to pack perhaps, but rentals are cheap and lighter to manage. |
| Cooking gear (stove, fuel, pots/pans, utensils) | Eating out is expensive; cooking even simple food saves money and gives you freedom. | Rent or bring minimal cooking gear. Fuel sometimes tricky; local shops have gas cartridges. |
| Backpack (for hiking), daypack | If you plan day hikes or highland trekking, you’ll need good weight distribution. | Bring your own if possible; rental for longer treks is decent. |
| Clothing layers (base, insulating, waterproof shell) | Weather can change in an hour: sun → rain → wind → cold. | You’ll want your own boots; for other layers, renting pads or waterproof shell could help but quality matters. |
| Footwear (hiking boots) | Trails (and roads) get muddy, slippery; water crossings. | Absolutely bring your own. Rental sizes vary; comfort is key. |
| Accessories (headlamp, map, compass / GPS, first aid, water bottle, etc.) | Tiny forgotten items are the ones that make or break comfort. | Bring your own. For rental, check what’s included. |
| Extras (camp table & chairs, folding table, camp chair, etc.) | For longer stays, for comfort, cooking etc. | Easy to rent; saves you packing bulk. |
Tips for Camping in Iceland (from Someone Who’s Done It)
Here are a bunch of tips (some learned by trial and error) to make your camping trip smoother and more enjoyable.
- Book gear & campsites in advance, especially in summer (May-September). Rental places and popular campsites fill up. If you arrive without gear reserved, you might find availability limited or prices higher.
- Check weather forecasts, road conditions, and safe travel updates. Winter or off-season trips especially demand caution; roads may be closed (F-roads, highlands). Use resources like Vedur (weather), Færð (road conditions), SafeTravel.
- Layer up & waterproof everything. Windproof shell, waterproof boots, quick-dry clothes. Even with perfect gear, you’ll want waterproof bags or dry sacks for electronics and sleeping gear.
- Respect the land & local regulations. Stay in designated campsites unless wild camping is clearly allowed. Leave no trace. Respect livestock, fences, no-camping signs, private property.
- Plan for daylight & midnight sun (or lack thereof). In summer, days are long. In winter/off-season, very limited daylight. Your schedule, lighting gear, etc. should account for this.
- Pack food supplies smartly. Grocery prices can be steep outside larger towns. Stock up when you can; carry snacks. Cooking your own meals will save a lot.
- Bring good maps, navigation, or offline maps. Sometimes signals are spotty.
- Rent locally to respond to quality and repair issues. If something breaks or is missing (tent pole, rainfly, etc.), a rental service can usually sort it out faster than carrying backups.
GoKit: Gear Rental in Iceland – What I Learned + Examples
So now let’s talk GoKit — one of the rental companies in Iceland that really stands out, especially if you’re planning a camping trip around Iceland but don’t want to buy all the gear.
Here’s what makes GoKit a great option, along with real examples and price ranges, drawn from their site (so you can see what’s realistic).
What GoKit Offers & How It Works
- GoKit rents camping & hiking gear: tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking gear, backpacks, mini gear etc.
- You can pick up gear in Reykjavík, or they offer delivery within the Reykjavík area (for a modest fee).
- You choose your dates, reserve ahead of time — in peak season, 1-2 weeks in advance is recommended to ensure good availability.
- Payment by major credit cards; there’s a deposit for some items.
Putting It All Together: Sample Gear Checklist You Can Rent
Here’s a sample gear list you could rent from GoKit (or similar) for a 5- to 7-night camping trip. Use this to plan, compare, pack lighter, and budget.
- 2-person tent (lightweight, wind/rain resistant)
- Two sleeping bags (good temperature rating for late spring / summer nights)
- Two air mattresses or sleeping pads
- Backpack (for day hikes)
- Cooking kit (stove, fuel, pots/pans, utensils)
- Camp table + fold-up chairs (optional, but very nice)
- Camp stove / gas canister
- Waterproof layers: rain shell, waterproof pants
- Warm layers: fleece / down / synthetic insulation
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Water bottle or hydration reservoir
- Map / GPS / offline map + compass
- First aid kit + emergency items (multitool, lighter/matches, repair kit)
- Extra socks, gloves, hat (yes, even in summer)
Why GoKit Stands Out (Friendly Advice From My Perspective)
As much as I like comparing rental companies, GoKit feels like one of the most reliable choices if you’re serious about doing this kind of camping in Iceland. Here’s what impressed me, from what I researched and some user reviews:
- Their gear quality is solid. People report things are well maintained, cleaned, and everything works. Nothing worse than finding broken zippers or leaks when you’re 100 km from town.
- Pricing structure is transparent, and rental discounts for more days make planning longer trips better value.
- Delivery / pickup options: having the flexibility to either pick up in Reykjavík or get things delivered (for some fee) adds ease. If you arrive late, it matters.
- They support families (child carriers, tents etc.) and smaller/neater gear. If you’re traveling light or with kids, this matters.
Some Caveats & Things to Watch Out For
To be fair (as every good friend would tell you), there are trade-offs and things to watch:
- The weather can be harsh. Even the best gear will test you. Strong wind, heavy rain, soggy ground, wind-blown tents. Always choose gear that has good wind and waterproof ratings.
- Availability during peak season. June, July, August are busy. If you leave reserving your gear or campsites too late, choices may be limited or prices may creep up.
- Transport limitations. Some highland roads (F-roads) require 4×4 vehicles and gear must be carried carefully. Also, if you’re moving often, lugging the gear in and out of cars can get tiring.
- Hidden costs. Deposits, late return fees, damage fees, fuel, and campsite fees. Factor those in.
Final Thoughts & My Take
If I were to give one piece of advice, it’s this: for a first-time or even second or third time trip camping around Iceland, renting gear from a place like GoKit is, in almost all cases, the smarter, more relaxing option. The money you save (and don’t spend on gear you’ll rarely use later) translates into more adventures: maybe staying at better campsites, taking side-trips, stopping for the extra hike, rather than worrying whether your tent will leak.
And besides, when you’re there, it’s not the gear that matters most—it’s the moments: catching aurora borealis, watching the sky turn pink over a glacier, hearing the silence beyond the waterfall, sitting by a campfire or in its shadow. Gear is just what lets you show up for those moments, comfortably (or at least not miserably).
So, if you’re planning a trip, check GoKit first. Compare what you need vs what you already have. Rent what you lack. Pack smart. Expect the weather, stay flexible. And enjoy—Iceland rewards those who venture out under canvas.
Don’t spend time packing bulky gear or paying high baggage fees! Visit GoKit to rent high-quality camping and hiking equipment in Iceland — delivered or picked up in Reykjavík.
