Laugavegur Trail Gear List & Packing Guide
Iceland · Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk
Gear research & fact-checking
Laugavegur is short but serious: multiple unbridged glacial river fords, sudden Icelandic storms, and snow lingering on the passes even in July. The defining gear decisions are crossing footwear, a wind-proof waterproof system, and warmth — summer here is not warm.
- Distance
- ~55 km · ~34 mi
- Elevation gain
- Varies — confirm locally
- Max altitude
- 1,100 m
- Typical length
- 3–4 days
- Season
- late Jun–early Sep
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Permits & logistics
No permit; mountain-hut bunks must be booked ahead through the Iceland Touring Association. Plan around the late Jun–early Sep window; this is a strenuous one way with highland desert, unbridged glacial rivers, snow possible.
What makes the Laugavegur Trail different
- ▸Quick-dry footwear or sandals for fords, plus dry bags for the unfordable-day gear.
- ▸Extra guy-lines and solid stakes — exposed sections funnel strong wind.
- ▸Microspikes (and an ice axe + skills if early/late season) — snowfields linger on the high passes.
- ▸Pack liner or dry bags and waterproof footwear — expect to hike wet.
The gear list, matched to this trail
Shelter
The Laugavegur Trail is a hut-to-hut route, so most hikers carry no tent at all — book your refuges ahead in the late Jun–early Sep season instead.
No tent needed on the standard itinerary — a sleeping bag liner usually replaces a full sleep system.
Sleeping bag (or hut-weight quilt)
Even in late Jun–early Sep this route runs cold (snow possible) — bias your bag toward a colder comfort rating, not the lightest fill.
Sleeping pad
This route runs cold with snow possible, so a higher R-value pad matters more than saving grams.
Backpack
A comfortable 50–65 L pack covers a 3–4 days self-supported trip on the Laugavegur Trail.
Rain shell & insulation
The Laugavegur Trail demands a genuinely waterproof shell (not water-resistant), a wind layer.
Water treatment
Reliable filtration covers the regular water sources along this route.
Stove & cooking
A standard lightweight canister stove handles the conditions on this route.
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Laugavegur Trail packing FAQ
How do I handle the river crossings on Laugavegur?
Several fords are unbridged and glacier-fed cold. Carry lightweight sandals or dedicated crossing shoes, keep your boots dry for hiking, and use trekking poles for stability in the current.
Do I need a tent for the Laugavegur Trail?
Not if you book the mountain huts in advance through the Iceland Touring Association. If you camp, your shelter must handle strong, sustained wind in the exposed highland with no natural cover.