Renting vs Buying Camping Gear in Iceland: Is It Worth It?

You've booked your Iceland trip. Now comes the gear question: do you buy camping equipment, bring your own from home, or rent it in Iceland? It's a question we hear constantly, and the honest answer depends on your situation. This guide breaks down the real costs, pros, and cons of each option so you can make the right call for your trip.

Option 1: Renting Camping Gear in Iceland

Renting camping gear from a local supplier like Iceland Camping Equipment means you arrive with just your personal luggage and pick up everything you need — tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, cooking equipment, and more — ready to go.

Advantages of Renting

• No luggage fees: Camping gear is bulky and heavy. A tent, sleeping bag, and mat alone can add 5–10 kg to your luggage and trigger airline overweight fees of €50–150+ each way.
• Iceland-appropriate gear: Rental gear is selected specifically for Icelandic conditions — wind-resistant tents, properly rated sleeping bags, and reliable stoves. You don't have to guess whether your gear is up to the task.
• No storage or maintenance: After your trip, you simply return the gear. No cleaning, repairing, or finding space to store it at home.
• Try before you commit: If you're new to camping or unsure whether you'll camp again, renting lets you experience it without a large upfront investment.
• Travel light: Arrive with a carry-on and leave with the same. This is especially valuable for travellers combining Iceland with other destinations.
• Always up-to-date gear: Rental fleets are regularly updated. You get modern, well-maintained equipment rather than ageing gear from your garage.

Disadvantages of Renting

• Rental cost adds up on long trips: For trips of 3+ weeks, rental costs can approach or exceed the purchase price of budget gear.
• Less personalisation: You use what's available in the rental fleet, not your preferred brand or model.
• Advance booking required: Popular rental items (especially tents and sleeping bags) book out in peak season. Book early.

Option 2: Buying Camping Gear in Iceland

Iceland has several outdoor gear retailers, particularly in Reykjavik. Buying locally means you get gear suited to Icelandic conditions, but at a cost.

Advantages of Buying in Iceland

• Gear is available and ready when you arrive
• You own the equipment after your trip
• Wide selection at stores like 66°North, Ellingsen, and Útilíf

Disadvantages of Buying in Iceland

• Expensive: Iceland has high retail prices. A quality tent costs €300–700+, a sleeping bag €150–400+, and a sleeping mat €80–200+. You're looking at €600–1,300+ for a complete setup.
• You have to get it home: You still face the luggage problem on the return journey, plus the hassle of transporting bulky gear.
• Overkill for a one-off trip: If you're unlikely to camp again soon, you've spent a lot of money on gear that will sit in storage.

Option 3: Bringing Gear from Home

If you already own camping gear, bringing it from home seems like the obvious choice. But there are important factors to consider for Iceland specifically.

Advantages of Bringing Your Own Gear

• No rental or purchase cost
• Familiar gear you know how to use
• Can be cost-effective for longer trips

Disadvantages of Bringing Your Own Gear

• Airline luggage fees: Camping gear is heavy and bulky. Expect to pay €50–150+ per person each way for checked baggage, potentially more for overweight bags.
• Your gear may not be suitable: A tent that works fine in Spain or the UK may not handle Icelandic wind and rain. If your tent fails in the highlands, you're in a difficult situation.
• Sleeping bag ratings matter: Many people own summer sleeping bags rated to +10°C or higher — not warm enough for Iceland, even in July.
• Wear and tear: Iceland's conditions are hard on gear. You may return home with a damaged tent or worn sleeping bag.

Cost Comparison: Renting vs Buying vs Bringing

Scenario	Estimated Cost (1 week, 2 people)
Renting from Iceland Camping Equipment	€150–280 (full kit for 2)
Buying gear in Iceland	€600–1,300+ (one-time purchase)
Bringing gear from home (with luggage fees)	€100–300 (luggage fees alone)

Note: Rental costs vary by items selected and trip duration. Contact us for a personalised quote.

Our Verdict: When to Rent vs Buy vs Bring

Rent if you...

• Are visiting Iceland for 1–2 weeks
• Don't own camping gear or your gear isn't Iceland-rated
• Want to travel light without luggage fees
• Are a first-time camper or unsure if you'll camp again
• Are combining Iceland with other destinations

Buy if you...

• Plan to camp in Iceland multiple times
• Want to own specific gear for future adventures
• Are staying for a month or more

Bring your own if you...

• Already own high-quality, Iceland-appropriate gear (3–4 season tent, sleeping bag rated to 0°C or below)
• Are travelling with hand luggage only and have ultralight gear
• Are on a very long trip (3+ weeks) where rental costs exceed luggage fees

What's Included in Our Rental Packages?

At Iceland Camping Equipment, we offer flexible rental packages for individuals, couples, and groups. Our rental gear includes:

• Tents: Wind-resistant dome tents in 1–6 person sizes, all Iceland-tested
• Sleeping bags: Properly rated for Iceland summer conditions (0°C to -5°C comfort)
• Sleeping mats: Insulated inflatable mats with appropriate R-values
• Cooking equipment: Windproof stoves, gas canisters, pots, and utensils
• Accessories: Headlamps, dry bags, trekking poles, crampons, and more

All gear is cleaned, inspected, and ready for your adventure. Browse our rental options and book online — we recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance for peak season (June–August).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to rent or buy camping gear for Iceland?

For a 1–2 week trip, renting is almost always cheaper than buying, especially when you factor in the cost of Iceland-quality gear. Bringing your own gear can be cost-competitive if you already own suitable equipment, but luggage fees often offset the savings.

Can I rent camping gear at Keflavik Airport?

We offer convenient pickup options in Reykjavik. Contact us in advance to arrange the most convenient collection point for your arrival.

What if I damage rental gear?

Normal wear and tear is expected and covered. Significant damage may incur a repair or replacement fee. We'll discuss this clearly at the time of rental.

Do I need to book rental gear in advance?

Yes — especially for peak season (June–August). Popular items like tents and sleeping bags book out weeks in advance. We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks ahead, and earlier if possible.

Can I rent just one or two items, or do I need a full package?

You can rent individual items or a complete package. Many customers rent a tent and sleeping bags but bring their own smaller accessories. We're flexible — contact us to discuss your specific needs.