NATASHME Attire
I planned on dressing in layers, with more base layer items and less bulky outer layers that could be repeated. I’ll start with inner layers and move outward.
outerUndergarments of course, your swimsuit of choice, a few cotton tanks to be worn below base layers, base layers, ski pants, and jacket. For base layers, I purchased a few Smartwool tops from REI. I purchased them in store and on-sale! I also purchased a full merino wool set on amazon. Living in Illinois, I knew this would be well worth it in the long run. For outer layer, I had one pair of ski pants that I wore on top of my base layers. I like to pack as minimally as possible, so I felt one pair would be enough since I’d be wearing base layers below (me trying to justify wearing the same outer layer ski pants for 10 days). I had Columbia ski pants that were passed down to me, but here is a similar pair. These are really warm and comfortable. I’ve also worn them in below zero temps in Chicago and they’ve kept me warm. For jackets, I have an 800 down northface that I purchased on sale at a Northface Outlet. I have never been able to find anything similar since, so if anyone else has, please message/e-mail me! The yellow parka you have or will see in many of my photos is the warmest coat I’ve ever worn and it’s the only way I can bear to be photographing in minus zero temps in Illinois. In fact it’s damaged and no matter how much I wash it, I can’t get it back to original condition. So I probably look crazy wearing it, but at least I’m warm. A jacket I purchased was the cotopaxi fuego down. This is also 800 down, so very warm, but short and compact.
I almost always travel with a microfiber towel.
Lastly, I ordered outer and inner merino wool socks as well.
I’ve since lost the goves I took with me and don’t recall the brand, but they were wind resistant and touchscreen.
To keep our hands and feet warm, I ordered a variety pack of warmers.
Don’t forget sleepwear!
With the goal of packing light, I brought one pair of La Sportiva water resistant hiking boots. I wore the boots on the flight and sandals that could be worn around the accommodation/in the car if I wanted to give my feet some air. The boots were warm, weatherproof, and comfortable.
Photography Gear
I didn’t buy too much new equipment for this trip. The equipment I took, I have been accumulating for several years now.
Camera
4 Lenses- 12-24 mm, 24-70 mm, 70-200 mm, 24-240 mm; I used every single one of these lenses!
Lens Travel Case– I did a lot of research on this one and I am happy with it. I now use it all the time and wish I got it sooner! I was nervous about having to check in my carry on and if I did, I could just take this out and carry my lenses on with me. Fortunately, after mentioning I had photography equipment, they let me take my carry on on with me. I could sense this is a common occurrence for people traveling to Iceland.
Tripod
Drone
Drone Accessories- extra propeller blades, mini screw driver
SD Card & Micro SD cards
Batteries
Chargers
Headlamp (red light)
External hard drive
Electronics
Cell phone/charger
Converter- we forgot to bring this and ended up buying it right at the airport once we landed. It was not so pricey.
Laptop/charger
Power bank
Headphones
Toiletries/Cosmetics/Jewelry
Toiletries/Cosmetics/Jewelry
For outdoorsy roadtrip vacations I don’t pack much beyond the essentials in this category. This is really your preference.
Face wash
Face moisturizer
toothbrush
toothpaste
Floss
Sunscreen
Hairbrush
Deoderant
Concealer
Eyeliner
Mascara
1-2 lipsticks/chapsticks
1-2 bracelets
Fake studs
Miscellaneous
Passport
License- especially if you’re going to drive
Credit card
Cash- you can probably get away with just a credit card, but it’s always safe to have some cash.
Debit Card- preferably one with no ATM fees
Luggage lock
Luggage- I managed to fit everything in 2 carry on sized suitcases, one for equipment and one for everything else.
Packing cubes
Day bag/backpack
Sunglasses
Advil/Tylenol
Hand Sanitizer
A lot of the list above is what I take on most trips, apart from the extreme winter weather attire. Also, I don’t always take so many lenses/the equipment that I used for photographing the Northern Lights. I made good use of just about everything I listed above. There’s not much else I can think of that I wish I would have taken. I hope this helps!
