Iceland Equipment List

itsdavedotnet said:
My recent trip to Iceland, in terms of 'keeper' images:

View attachment 53038

Previous trip took NDs, didn't bother this trip. (both November)

take a head torch
good tripod
less good tripod you'll actually want to carry more than 20m from the car
shower caps are good and a great trick but tbh I find just a big poly bag is a bit easier - I can be slightly cavalier with my weather sealed top end gear mind, and I know what my gear can and can't handle rain wise
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Thanks for that - its a great help. I have a 17-40mm / 28-70mm , no 70-200mm anymore though, so may consider one before I go in May! Thank you
 
After a trip to Northern Norway on an Aurora hunt and I'm assuming Iceland can be as cold at 1am, we were in minus 21.... I would take....
Layers and layers of good quality base layer clothing, same for your feet and good (Broken in) Boots.
A 2 meter square approx of Ripstop bright day glo coloured nylon, I always have this (normally wrapped around my tripod) when you want to put your bag down and all there is, is snow, ice, mud, sand. You have something to put your bag on and you can see what's fallen out of it!
Lag your tripod, particularly if its alloy, I had one CF tripod and one older Ali one when I packed up the Ali one froze to my hand in a moment.
A second body, would be great if you can beg borrow or steal one even if its a compact one. One of the shoots the "black" cameras, were all white with frost and one died :(. Fortunately after some mouth to mouth at the hotel it was revived Phew!
 
@itsdavedotnet í think I'm going to rent a 70-200mm for my next trip - I took a few shots with one last time and really liked it. Can't really justify the spend as I would want the 2.8 to use at gigs for it to be good investment, but the f4 was the one I preferred the weight and feel of.
 
dan_yell said:
@itsdavedotnet í think I'm going to rent a 70-200mm for my next trip - I took a few shots with one last time and really liked it. Can't really justify the spend as I would want the 2.8 to use at gigs for it to be good investment, but the f4 was the one I preferred the weight and feel of.
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I really prefer shooting landscapes with a telephoto a lot of the time, rather than a wide angle.

my highlights from my most recent iceland trip by the way, including a google maps with highlighted points along the south coast: http://davebirdphoto.com/blog
 
itsdavedotnet said:
I really prefer shooting landscapes with a telephoto a lot of the time, rather than a wide angle.

my highlights from my most recent iceland trip by the way, including a google maps with highlighted points along the south coast: http://davebirdphoto.com/blog
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Hi Dave. Thanks for posting this... I couldn't find a map link in your article... Probably being dim...can you tell me where it is please?
 
Just looked through some notes from Norway last night... especially on batteries!
My faithful D700 is generally fantastic on batteries, but up there in the very cold climates it ate batteries like no bodies business, so I can only reiterate what people say about batteries. Get as many spares as you can and fully charged.
Keep them in your warm inside pockets, or packed with hand warmers.
 
69Bonni said:
After a trip to Northern Norway on an Aurora hunt and I'm assuming Iceland can be as cold at 1am, we were in minus 21....
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That assumption is incorrect.

Northern Norway / Sweden / Finland (ie Lappland) is very cold once you get away from the coast. For example Kiruna in Sweden, the biggest city in that region, has typical January highs of -8°C and lows of -16°, but -20°C to -25°C is not unusual and -30°C is certainly possible. Some rural spots will be even colder.

But Iceland has a much more temperate climate due to the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream / North Atlantic Current. January temperatures in Reykjavik are typically highs of +2°C and lows of -2°C; you might get -5°C at night but -10°C would be quite unusual. Most parts of the country except for the highlands are within a couple of degrees of Reykjavik. The highlands get colder, of course - though still not as cold as Lappland - but you wouldn't be visiting those areas in the winter.
 
StewartR said:
That assumption is incorrect.

Northern Norway / Sweden / Finland (ie Lappland) is very cold once you get away from the coast. For example Kiruna in Sweden, the biggest city in that region, has typical January highs of -8°C and lows of -16°, but -20°C to -25°C is not unusual and -30°C is certainly possible. Some rural spots will be even colder.

But Iceland has a much more temperate climate due to the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream / North Atlantic Current. January temperatures in Reykjavik are typically highs of +2°C and lows of -2°C; you might get -5°C at night but -10°C would be quite unusual. Most parts of the country except for the highlands are within a couple of degrees of Reykjavik. The highlands get colder, of course - though still not as cold as Lappland - but you wouldn't be visiting those areas in the winter.
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Ah yes of course stupid of me!
Lofoten islands gets that Gulf Stream doesn't it that's why the temperatures, are much warmer there.... I stand corrected, bad assumption on my part Stewart, thanks for posting the correction.
All those places are fantastic to visit, guess I wont need to wrap up quite as much when I finally get to Iceland then(y)
 
Hi... Just tried this and an old work gmail address has been disabled and it seems I need one to open it... Thanks for trying.
 
Chipper said:
Hi... Just tried this and an old work gmail address has been disabled and it seems I need one to open it... Thanks for trying.
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try again, I just changed a permission on it.
 
No, same notice about Google ... I wonder if you could screen shot it? Thanks tho...
 
Going to have to go back the list to remind myself what to take. Just booked again for a week at the end of March. Iceland is an addiction!
 
Impspeed said:
Going to have to go back the list to remind myself what to take. Just booked again for a week at the end of March. Iceland is an addiction!
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Going the same sorta time. Haven't a clue what to take, what to book or where to go.
 
I get there on 21st March. I did a week there around the same time last year and the weather was pretty good.

I hired a camper van from Happy Campers (www.happycampers.is) and although the temperature dropped to around -17c on Snaefelsness on my first couple of nights, with a good sleeping bag it was fine. I've done the same again this year and it's more then comfortable as it's just me going by myself.

I will probably concentrate again on South Iceland, undecided about the drive up to Snaefelsness and on to Akureyri but want to go round to Hofn again and spend a bit more time toward the east, if the roads are clear.
 
Impspeed said:
I get there on 21st March. I did a week there around the same time last year and the weather was pretty good.

I hired a camper van from Happy Campers (www.happycampers.is) and although the temperature dropped to around -17c on Snaefelsness on my first couple of nights, with a good sleeping bag it was fine. I've done the same again this year and it's more then comfortable as it's just me going by myself.

I will probably concentrate again on South Iceland, undecided about the drive up to Snaefelsness and on to Akureyri but want to go round to Hofn again and spend a bit more time toward the east, if the roads are clear.
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Hi David, I can see how Iceland can be addictive if its anything like Northern Norway which is my favourite place. I'm planning to go to Iceland probably March 2017. So I have a question for you guys that have been several times before. I know its a bit tongue in cheek as I know you can never predict the weather conditions but generally what are the road conditions like around March? I'm planning to hire a vehicle over there but not sure where exactly I'm going yet, I'll be picking my route based on the best landscaping locations;). You see I have to convince SWMBO that the driving conditions are acceptable;).
Any advice and comments welcome!
 
@69Bonni Driving Icelandic roads after a blizzard is a lot easier than a rain shower on the M25. First of all is the lack of traffic, if you drive sensibly there won't be hold ups from others getting it wrong. If it does snow heavily the main road will be plowed in next to no time as they are equipped to cope with the worst the arctic can throw at them. Another difference is all vehicles will be shod with winter tyers and a lot of them studded so they are not sliding all over the place. The thing to watch out for is the wind, if it gets strong it will be a lot stronger than you are used to in the UK, I saw four cars blown off the road in the two miles from our hotel to Vik town center.
 
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Having just watched the first episode of Trapped on BBC iplayer last night just make sure you take every item of warm clothing you own (plus whiskey and possibly a gun)! And don't go by ferry.
 
@69Bonni - there's no way to know what it might be like, it's best just to prepare for winter weather. Last time i went in march, the weather was sunny lovely and great one day, i hadnt hired a car because of possible winter conditions, but i'd have been fairly ok driving on the already wintery roads, given the weather was good. the next day, a storm came in, our day trip was cancelled, it was high winds, blizzards, hazardous conditions. The next morning going to the airport, if i had had to drive, i would have s*** my pants. so it really is as unpredictable as they say. Im sure the other winter drivers here will offer up some advice, and do other reading around. i am just too chicken to drive in the winter, especially as pattern seems to dictate all my future trips will be by myself and this little lady just isnt confident enough winter driving.

@ianmarsh luckily, it's not real :) perhaps just make sure the captain isnt a Dane! I think ive actually felt colder in Northern US than i ever have done in Iceland! :)
 
[QUOTE="dan_yell, post: 7269566, member: 47620"
@ianmarsh luckily, it's not real :) perhaps just make sure the captain isnt a Dane! I think ive actually felt colder in Northern US than i ever have done in Iceland! :)[/QUOTE]

Wasn't the captain also in one of the first series of The Killing? He looks familiar.
 
Big Andy said:
@69Bonni Driving Icelandic roads after a blizzard is a lot easier than a rain shower on the M25. First of all is the lack of traffic, if you drive sensibly there won't be hold ups from others getting it wrong. If it does snow heavily the main road will be plowed in next to no time as they are equipped to cope with the worst the arctic can throw at them. Another difference is all vehicles will be shod with winter tyers and a lot of them studded so they are not sliding all over the place. The thing to watch out for is the wind, if it gets strong it will be a lot stronger than you are used to in the UK, I saw four cars blown off the road in the two miles from our hotel to Vik town center.
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That's reassuring then Andy, because I've spent plenty of hours driving motorways in the pouring rain:rolleyes:. I really appreciate the advice Andy. Currently in the planning stages so this is great background information, I know from Norway these sort of countries are very well equipped to handle these conditions generally, as its a lifeline for them, Not just for Mad togs freezing there bits off taking photos. Thanks for the warning about the wind... well noted!
I've been to harsh terrains a fair bit, and normally carry gear to suit but I think it'll be a question of kit versus Camera kit. I have had some hairy drives in Norway with the military years ago, but obviously SWMBO wasn't present. Brakes failed on a Landrover I was driving once made me realise adrenaline was indeed brown and runny, as I ended up having an intimate experience with some Norwegian pines:eek:.
Thanks for the advise Andy(y)

dan_yell said:
@69Bonni - there's no way to know what it might be like, it's best just to prepare for winter weather. Last time i went in march, the weather was sunny lovely and great one day, i hadnt hired a car because of possible winter conditions, but i'd have been fairly ok driving on the already wintery roads, given the weather was good. the next day, a storm came in, our day trip was cancelled, it was high winds, blizzards, hazardous conditions. The next morning going to the airport, if i had had to drive, i would have s*** my pants. so it really is as unpredictable as they say. Im sure the other winter drivers here will offer up some advice, and do other reading around. i am just too chicken to drive in the winter, especially as pattern seems to dictate all my future trips will be by myself and this little lady just isnt confident enough winter driving.

@ianmarsh luckily, it's not real :) perhaps just make sure the captain isnt a Dane! I think ive actually felt colder in Northern US than i ever have done in Iceland! :)
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Thanks for the advice Dan, its as unpredictable as the British weather but a good deal harsher. I hope you don't mind if I don't let my wife read this though:);)
 
@69Bonni id be quite happy for someone else to do the driving but just too scary for me by myself, visions of being stranded alone in a snow storm! Sounds like you've got experience so you're up for the challenge :)

@ianmarsh I've not watched that but I was reading about article that mentioned it's the same actor. I hope it doesn't worry any tourists! When I watched top of the lake it gave a similar 'I wonder if the tourist board like this' about new zealand :) the program is good to trying to make me Concentrate on it and not fiddling with phone, altho I was looking at Icelandic beer so that's a good excuse...
 
dan_yell said:
@69Bonni id be quite happy for someone else to do the driving but just too scary for me by myself, visions of being stranded alone in a snow storm! Sounds like you've got experience so you're up for the challenge :)

@ianmarsh I've not watched that but I was reading about article that mentioned it's the same actor. I hope it doesn't worry any tourists! When I watched top of the lake it gave a similar 'I wonder if the tourist board like this' about new zealand :) the program is good to trying to make me Concentrate on it and not fiddling with phone, altho I was looking at Icelandic beer so that's a good excuse...
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Well I spose its alright if you know you have got a back up or your with several vehicles, but out alone is quite another story. I think common sense dictates that you'd be better off with a group if the conditions were that adverse and you had to travel. Experience tells me to err on the side of caution, and never take a risk, especially when your responsible for a group of people.
I think the same will apply to me, it will probably be me and the other half, unless I can convince my Son to come with his wife.... I think it would be a good idea to travel with others, even if you just travel on the same route and share your plans, not living in each others pockets but just for safety sake. Like leaving a route plan and having others know your intentions just so that if something goes amiss people know where you should be! If all else fails make sure your carrying spare fuel, food and sleeping bags etc
 
@69Bonni The driving conditions are changeable, to say the least.

I've now driven three different vehicles there and to be honest, they've all coped very well given road conditions in February and March. The first time I went we hired a Skoda Superb 4x4 (Estate). A phenomenal car for the roads over there. Small enough that it doesn't get blown around too much, massive load area in the boot and 4x4. I then hired a small Transit Connect camper van for my second trip. 2WD was interesting, however it's a legal requirement for all cars to run studs during the winter so it coped well. The worst part of it was along the south coast between Vik and Jokulsarlon where the winds were high and the road sheet ice - if you're ever in doubt, there are plenty of places to pull over and wait it out. Finally, another Skoda 4x4 - the Yeti. Again, like the Superb, bit less space but pretty formidable on Icelandic roads.

Don't panic too much about driving on their roads. The speed limits are low (80kph) and by in large most people stick to it. If conditions do deteriorate just pull over and wait it out. Major roads are well ploughed (1, 33/34/35 up the Golden Circle) so it's never bad - it's just sometimes a baptism of fire.
 
@69Bonni sadly it's billy no mates, or dont go at all at the moment. so no winter solo trips for me, unless i get rich and can afford a full on escorted tour (unlikely!) Even if i was going with my friend which was the original intention, she doesnt drive anyway.
 
dan_yell said:
@69Bonni sadly it's billy no mates, or dont go at all at the moment. so no winter solo trips for me, unless i get rich and can afford a full on escorted tour (unlikely!) Even if i was going with my friend which was the original intention, she doesnt drive anyway.
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Keep an eye on the meeting place forum there are organised Icelandic meets run by members on here occasionally, you could always try one of them.
 
Big Andy said:
Keep an eye on the meeting place forum there are organised Icelandic meets run by members on here occasionally, you could always try one of them.
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yeah i did keep an eye on one, but there wasnt much movement on it this time around.
 
Impspeed said:
@69Bonni The driving conditions are changeable, to say the least.

I've now driven three different vehicles there and to be honest, they've all coped very well given road conditions in February and March. The first time I went we hired a Skoda Superb 4x4 (Estate). A phenomenal car for the roads over there. Small enough that it doesn't get blown around too much, massive load area in the boot and 4x4. I then hired a small Transit Connect camper van for my second trip. 2WD was interesting, however it's a legal requirement for all cars to run studs during the winter so it coped well. The worst part of it was along the south coast between Vik and Jokulsarlon where the winds were high and the road sheet ice - if you're ever in doubt, there are plenty of places to pull over and wait it out. Finally, another Skoda 4x4 - the Yeti. Again, like the Superb, bit less space but pretty formidable on Icelandic roads.

Don't panic too much about driving on their roads. The speed limits are low (80kph) and by in large most people stick to it. If conditions do deteriorate just pull over and wait it out. Major roads are well ploughed (1, 33/34/35 up the Golden Circle) so it's never bad - it's just sometimes a baptism of fire.
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Hi David, thanks for that, one of the companies I looked at that are doing package deals (of a sort ) were offering Skoda 4x4s as part of the deal so looks like their popular. Nice to know there are some places roadside to wait out any real bad weather. It. makes sense the speed limit is low especially for winter driving. In Norway the snowploughs are always out so I've no doubt Iceland is much the same.... Nothing like a baptism of fire, it's just a matter of treating the roads and weather with some respect I guess.
I appreciate you taking time out to fill me in on some of the finer details .... Thanks David
 
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Speaking of cars/driving, do you think there is much advantage renting a diesel car? I used Geysir car hire before but read a blog this morning that mentioned blue car rentals who seem to have similar-ish prices (with all insurances) and they have a kia thing that is bigger than the basic car I was planning on renting, it's diesel and automatic (I usually drive manual but it would be nice not to have to learn to change gear with other arm as I'm not there for long) still don't think the car would be suitable for getting to plane wreck but wondered if I might pay the bit extra for a bigger car as I'll be driving for longer. Other option is a diesel auto clio with Geysir that is slightly less but has built in GPS (not that I need it but nice back up)

These two options are £30 to £50 more than I was planning to pay, but wondered if diesel was worth it. Chug Chug
 
dan_yell said:
@69Bonni sadly it's billy no mates, or dont go at all at the moment. so no winter solo trips for me, unless i get rich and can afford a full on escorted tour (unlikely!) Even if i was going with my friend which was the original intention, she doesnt drive anyway.
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I was planning the trip by myself or with forum members but I have signed up on a photography tour this time. should be good as groups are restricted to 10. of course it's tied to where they take you etc but I'm happy considering it will be my first time out there and I can learn something hopefully in improving my photography. Of course we get driven around also.
 
@lionofjudah sounds like a good plan, for a 1st trip, I'd prob not be as keen on my Billy no mates approach or maybe I'm just an antisocial grump ha :)
 
I return in 5 weeks, just can't wait!!

A friend returned last week and was snowed in at Vik with 1500mm arriving over night :eek: he was gutted as missed the iceberg lagoon.
 
@lionofjudah For your info there is a stream of solar wind approaching the Earth this week from a coronal hole on the sun. It is expected to give good auroras tomorrow or Wednesday so look out for where there is the best chance for clear skies. Looking at the forecast I would say South East, East, and North East of the country if you have the transport and flexibility to move. Best of luck.
 
I've been reading through this very useful post. I'm off to Iceland (North East) on Friday coming back on Tuesday. Looking forward to the experience as it will be my first time.
I'll make some notes whist I'm thee and feed back with some tips.
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justhitched said:
I've been reading through this very useful post. I'm off to Iceland (North East) on Friday coming back on Tuesday. Looking forward to the experience as it will be my first time.
I'll make some notes whist I'm thee and feed back with some tips.
[emoji3][emoji3][emoji3]
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Interesting to go to the NE for a first visit - have a great time!
 
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