What to wear snowmobiling in Iceland

What to wear under a snowmobile suit

A supplied overall is an extra layer, not a replacement for dressing for the weather. Choose clothing that lets you sit comfortably and move your arms, with enough room for the overall to close. Several thinner layers are easier to adjust than one bulky outfit.

Jeans and a cotton sweatshirt are poor choices as your only glacier clothing. Choose practical layers that stay comfortable if conditions are damp, and keep any spare clothing dry.

Boots, gloves, headwear and eye protection

• Boots and socks: wear warm waterproof outdoor boots with grip, plus wool or synthetic socks. Bring your own suitable footwear unless the selected product explicitly confirms another arrangement. Shoe covers are not a replacement pair of hiking boots.
• Gloves: bring warm gloves for the journey and stops, even when the riding equipment list includes a pair. If you need a particular size or fit, confirm it before travel.
• Head and neck: bring a warm hat for time off the machine. Follow the guide’s instructions about what can go under the supplied helmet; do not assume a bulky hat or hood will fit. Confirm the supplied balaclava or neck covering.
• Eyes and sun: pack sunglasses and sunscreen for exposed snow and ice. Goggles are explicitly included on the Húsafell example below, but are not confirmed for every tour. Sunglasses do not replace the operator’s required riding protection. Ask about prescription glasses and goggle fit if relevant.

What the tour operator supplies

These named examples show why “equipment included” needs a closer look. They are product and provider guidance checked on 2 October 2026; confirm the list for the actual option you book.

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to compare all three columns.

A Langjökull glacier snowmobile tour can have a different gear list from another departure on the same glacier. Likewise, use the Glacier Journey rules for that named Vatnajökull snowmobile tour, rather than applying them to every glacier activity.

Summer, winter and combination tours

Read the best time to go guide for seasonal planning and the snowmobile and ice cave guide for the differences between combination experiences. Clothing preparation does not confirm that a departure will operate.

Equipment fit for adults and children

Check fit before paying if you may need a particular overall, helmet, glove or boot arrangement. Send the operator the details it asks for, including a child’s height and age where relevant. A child meeting the passenger age rule still needs correctly fitting equipment.

• Húsafell example: Arctic Adventures publishes 5XL as its largest overall size on the snowmobile-and-tunnel page. Confirm measurements and availability; a size label alone does not guarantee your fit.
• Vatnajökull example: Glacier Journey publishes overall sizes from children’s 120 cm sizing to 4XL. This is a clothing range, not a minimum passenger height, and does not establish availability of every size on your date.
• Your own footwear: confirm any rental before travelling if you do not have suitable boots. Rental footwear has not been verified as a standard inclusion across these examples.

Wear the layers you plan to use when checking how comfortably the equipment fits. Follow the guide’s fitting instructions and keep loose accessories secured. Check driver and passenger requirements separately from the clothing list.

Your snowmobiling packing checklist

Use this as a final check before leaving your accommodation. Tick items as you prepare; adjust the optional items to your booked itinerary.

• Warm layers: thermal top and leggings as needed, fleece or wool insulation, and outdoor trousers.
• Weatherproof clothing: jacket and trousers suitable for the journey and outdoor stops.
• Your own boots and socks: warm waterproof footwear with grip and warm socks.
• Accessories: warm gloves and a hat for stops; confirm riding face and eye protection.
• Sun protection: sunglasses and sunscreen for bright snow and ice.
• Driving documents: the valid licence and any additional documents required if you will drive.
• Booking details: the confirmation, meeting point and operator contact information.
• Food and water: enough for the excursion where meals and refreshments are not included.
• Phone or camera: charged and secured; use it at guided stops, with both hands available while driving.
• Spare dry items: socks or gloves if useful for the rest of your day; keep them protected from moisture.
• For a bathing combination: swimwear and any towel you need to bring, after checking the inclusions.

Ask where you can leave your day bag during the ride. Mountaineers recommends leaving backpacks in the vehicle used to reach the base; that does not establish the same storage arrangement for every tour. Keep loose straps and accessories secured as instructed.