The land of Ice & Fire!
The land of ice and fire promises an epic mix of volcanic landscapes, endless river crossings, and glaciers that stretch beyond the horizon. But with beauty comes challenge. August might bring summer, but Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. Sun one minute, freezing rain the next—are our sleeping bags up to the task? Are we?
Then there are the bikes. The Tenere 700? We’re confident it’ll shrug off the abuse. But those trusty old KTM twins? With enough zip ties and duct tape, we’re sure they’ll get us through... probably.
As we map our routes and test our gear, excitement is building. Iceland, with its raw, untamed beauty, isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience. An adventure of extremes.
Getting Ready for departure
The ferry is booked, most bikes are ready (well, mostly), and the tents are getting their first trial runs.
Koen has spent a fair bit of money on a new Klim Badlands Pro suit (follow us for a quick review) and has gone tent-shopping.
Not sure if this tent will be big enough for 2 weeks Iceland, but it doesn't take a lot of luggage space ;-)
What else do we need, sleeping bag, matrass, the right tyres, food, and something to get warm again.
Stay tuned as we prepare for this journey—where every turn of the trail will be met with equal parts awe and grit.
To get a bit into the vibe, we get inspired by Brake Magazine's Iceland-video.
Let the countdown begin.
When it comes to camping gear for a rugged adventure in Iceland, functionality and durability are key. For shelter, Koen has opted for the Robens Voyager 2EX Tent, a lightweight yet sturdy option with a generous vestibule for stashing gear. Its aerodynamic design ensures it can handle Iceland’s notorious winds, and the fast-pitch system is a blessing after long days of riding. Paired with this is the Robens Icefall 600 sleeping bag, designed to provide warmth even in near-freezing conditions. Its synthetic insulation and ergonomic mummy shape help trap heat efficiently, while its compact pack size makes it ideal for motorcycle travel. For comfort, Koen added the Nemo Tensor™ All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad, which combines a cushy 8 cm thickness with advanced thermal efficiency. Its compact weight-to-warmth ratio makes it an essential addition for adventurers braving Iceland’s varied terrain.
To ensure the gear could withstand the Icelandic chill, Koen has already run a few test nights in temperatures around 2°C. The setup held up impressively, providing a comfortable night's sleep. However, Koen realized that he’ll need a little extra insulation for nights that dip below freezing. Adding a sleeping bag liner is now on the to-do list—it’s a simple, packable solution to boost the warmth a little without compromising on space (& budget). This setup has proven to be a solid foundation for tackling Iceland’s unpredictable conditions, giving me confidence as the adventure draws closer.