What to bring?

Since you will be camping, you need to bring a lot of equipment. However, you don‘t have to worry about bringing kitchen equipment as this will be provided by the hosts, and the site will have a centralized cooking area. Cooking equipment for the hike will be provided as well. You will have to bring your plate, mug, cutlery and any other personal utensils to be able to eat the food, but transporting such things is not a problem.

You also need to bring personal belongings such as tents, sleeping bags and mattresses. You have the option to rent this equipment in Iceland. Details regarding that are available on our website.

The weather in July is usually good, but it can change very quickly. You could experience snowfall in the mountains, fairly warm and sunny weather, or both. The weather can change quite drastically during the day so layering is definitely a good idea. Remember that you will be there for several days and we endeavour not to skip any activity, certainly not due to adverse weather conditions.

We want to make sure that you will be comfortable during your stay in Iceland, so here are a few guidelines:

Sleeping bags
You need a sleeping bag that is comfortable down to 0°C. Not that we necessarily expect such a low temperature, but just in case.

Tents
We understand that everyone has different needs when it comes to tents. Make sure that there are no poles or pegs missing, as it might be hard to replace them once you start putting up your tent in the middle of nowhere in Iceland. You have to make sure that your tent can sustain quite a bit of rain and that it is safely fastened to the ground, as you never know when the wind might start blowing.

Hike
You will need to repack your tents for the hike, but you do not have to carry them. The tent and your sleeping bag will be transported by car to the sleeping destination, along with dinner and breakfast. You have to bring a daypack for the hike. It has to be big enough to carry food for the day, warm clothes, waterproof clothes, your international patrol cooking equipment, and a camera.

Sleeping mattresses
Bring one. It is really cold lying on the ground.

Backpacks
As always, the most comfortable way to travel is to have all your belongings in one big backpack.

Medical insurance
Make sure you have your own personal medical insurance. Make sure the policy covers field trips and day excursions. Some policies might not cover the overnight hike, abseiling or other “unusual” or “dangerous” activities.

Clothing

For cold days, a good sweater and a wind proof jacket and/or trousers should be fine.
It is advisable to bring at least:

  • Rain- and windproof outer garments
  • A heavy (warm sweater)
  • A medium heavy shirt (or two)
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • A few pairs of warm socks
  • Long-johns (or similar inner garments, light and warm)
  • A scarf
  • Hat (warm)
  • Gloves
  • Underwear

For warm days

  • Light parka (“Wind breaker”)
  • Medium sweater or pull-over
  • Sneakers or other comfortable, everyday outdoor footwear
  • Normal spring/autumn clothes (winter clothes in south Europe)
  • Remember shorts, swimming gear and a towel

Jeans are not advised for long hikes, where there is a risk of getting wet because the jeans soak up so much body heat and multiply their weight. Jeans are, of course, okay for everyday use.

Other

  • Camera
  • Passport
  • Your own medical insurance
  • Large garbage bag or emergency raincoat
  • Sharp pencils that can write on wet paper
  • Water bottle (to bring with you during activities or hike)
  • Medium size clear plastic bags (to put your notebook in when it rains)
  • Items for personal hygiene (soap, shampoo etc.)
  • Blister patches of some sort (getting blistered feet on a hike is not fun)
  • Lip balm
  • Alarm clock
  • Small flashlight
  • Head net (the midges can be annoying – fine mesh needed)

Country items
In order to make the Euro-Mini-Jam fee as cheap as possible we would like every country to bring:

  • Your country‘s flag (for a regular flagpole)
  • Something to present your country on the international evening, e.g. posters, booklets, food, art, literature, song, poem etc.

REMEMBER THAT THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST.
THIS LIST CAN ALSO CHANGE, SO CHECK THE WEBSITE AGAIN A FEW DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE.

Euro-Mini-Jam organizers have made it possible to rent equiptment. Read about what equipment is available and prices here.

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