Glacier Sunglasses and Ankle Boots: Non-Negotiable on Ice

Why Ankle-Support Boots Are Non-Negotiable

Glacier crampons work by biting into ice with metal points underneath and straps that wrap around your boot. If your boot flexes or rolls at the ankle, the crampon angles away from the ice surface, making each step unstable and exhausting. Rigid ankle-support hiking boots keep the sole and heel locked in a fixed plane, so the crampon's points stay perpendicular to the ice. This matters most when you are traversing slopes or crossing crevasse bridges, where a twisted ankle could mean a fall.

Regular trainers, casual walking shoes, or soft-soled boots allow your foot to move inside the shoe itself. Even with crampons strapped on, this motion creates dangerous micro-shifts on slippery terrain. The guide will assess your footwear before the group leaves Skaftafell. Ankle-support hiking boots rated for alpine or winter conditions are the standard; they typically have a stiffer midsole and reach above the ankle bone.

Crampon Sizing and Boot Compatibility

The crampons used on this tour fit European shoe sizes 35 to 50, which translates to roughly UK sizes 2 to 15 and US sizes 4 to 16. Before you arrive, confirm your boot size falls within this range. Crampons are one-size-fits-most within their bracket, held in place by toe straps and heel clips that tighten over the boot. A snug fit is essential; loose crampons slip during walking and can come off on the ice.

Bring the boots you plan to wear on the glacier when you arrive at Skaftafell. The guide will help you attach crampons and check the fit. Boots that are too narrow, too wide, or have unusual shapes (very flat soles, extra-thick insulation, or unusual heel heights) may not work with the available equipment. There is no equipment rental on site, so your own hiking boots must be compatible.

Crampons locked onto boots grip blue glacial ice

Layering Strategy for Wind and Cold on Ice

Vatnajökull is exposed and windier than surrounding lowlands. Temperature on the glacier sits several degrees colder than in Skaftafell, and wind chill accelerates heat loss from your body. Build your insulation in three layers: a moisture-wicking base layer (merino wool or synthetic), a mid-layer for warmth (fleece or wool sweater), and a wind-blocking outer layer (hardshell or softshell jacket). Start with your base and mid-layers already on when you arrive at the trailhead. Your outer layer goes into a pack or under your harness so you can pull it on before stepping onto the ice.

The hike lasts 4 hours, and you will warm up during the walk uphill and cool down when you stand still or descend. Pack a spare insulating layer (a down gilet or wool pullover) that you can add when you stop to rest or view the ice cave. Avoid cotton entirely; it holds moisture and becomes a heat sink in wind. By the time you are on the glacier itself, you should already feel warm in your base and mid-layers, with your wind jacket within arm's reach.

Gloves, Hat, and Eye Protection in Bright Conditions

Glaciers reflect sunlight off ice and snow with almost no absorption, creating intense glare that causes snow blindness (temporary vision damage) and rapid eye fatigue if unprotected. Wear sunglasses with UV protection or glacier goggles with side shielding; regular dark glasses may leave the sides of your eyes exposed to reflected rays. Bring a backup pair in case one pair fogs or gets damaged on the ice. Your guide will not ask whether you have these items, and they are not provided as part of the tour.

Wind pulls heat rapidly from your head and hands. A warm hat (wool, fleece, or synthetic) should cover your ears completely. Gloves must be insulated and waterproof; your hands will touch ice, metal crampon straps, and possibly snow melt. Mittens are warmer than gloves but make it harder to grip your ice axe and adjust crampon straps, so most people choose insulated gloves with good grip. Bring a spare pair of gloves in your pack in case one pair gets soaked or torn.

What to Pack and Bring with You

Carry a small rucksack (15 to 20 litres) with your spare insulation layer, extra gloves, hat, sunscreen, and any personal medications. Water and snacks are not included with this tour, so bring at least one litre of water in a bottle that will not freeze solid (insulated bottles work best in extreme cold) and energy-dense snacks such as nuts, chocolate, or energy bars. Eat and drink at the rest stop after reaching the ice cave; the cold and exertion burn calories quickly, and dehydration is easy to miss when you are focused on footing.

Do not bring a large travel backpack or overnight bag onto the glacier. You will be moving steadily for 4 hours and a heavy pack throws off your balance on ice. Leave anything you do not need at Skaftafell visitor centre or in your vehicle. Your small pack will be worn under or over your harness depending on how your guide fits the safety equipment.

Protecting Cameras and Mobile Phones from Ice Damage

Glacier ice is slick and unforgiving. A phone or camera dropped from waist height will often skid away across the surface; a fall from standing height risks serious damage to both device and operator. Keep your phone in an inside jacket pocket rather than a backpack or belt pouch, where it might fall out during a stumble. If you want to take photographs, a compact camera with a wrist strap is safer than a phone; the strap prevents loss and frees your hands for balance.

Cold drains phone batteries rapidly, even in standby mode. Battery life on the glacier may be half or less of normal. Bring the phone in a close-fitting case that lets you grip it securely without removing gloves. Avoid using the touchscreen in wet gloves or ice water; moisture and low temperature make screens unresponsive and can short circuits. Most guides have taken thousands of photographs on glaciers, so ask them to take a group shot at the ice cave if the professional photos from the tour do not meet your needs.

What Not to Wear: Jeans, Trainers, and Other Mistakes

Denim jeans are heavy, slow to dry, and lose all insulating value when wet. On a glacier, wet legs lead to rapid heat loss and discomfort that builds over the 4 hours. Wear windproof or water-resistant trousers designed for mountain hiking or winter sports. Thermal leggings underneath add insulation without bulk. Avoid anything loose around the ankles that might catch on crampons or ice axe tips. Some people wear gaiters (nylon sleeves that wrap around the lower leg and boot) to keep snow out of the gap between boot and trouser; these are optional but useful.

Trainers, canvas shoes, plimsoles, or any soft-soled footwear will not work, even with crampons attached. The crampon straps have nothing solid to grip, and the sole offers no support or edge grip. Waterproof hiking boots designed for snow or alpine terrain are the only option. If you do not own such boots and cannot borrow a pair, this tour will not be safe for you. Rent boots from a mountain shop in Iceland before you arrive, or ask your accommodation provider for advice on where to find compatible footwear.

Before you book