What's in a Glacier Guide's Backpack? A Look Behind the Scenes
Have you ever noticed how heavy your glacier guide’s backpack looks? While you’re getting ready to explore the ice, your guide is adjusting straps, checking equipment and making sure everything is packed for the adventure ahead.
So, what’s actually inside?
A glacier guide’s backpack typically contains ropes, rescue equipment, first aid supplies, communication devices, navigation tools, spare clothing and a few personal essentials. Some items are used every day, while others may stay packed for an entire season. Together, they help guides prepare for changing glacier conditions and unexpected situations.
But there’s more to the story than the equipment itself.
After spending enough days on the glaciers of Iceland, every guide develops their own packing habits. Some carry extra coffee, others seem to have an endless supply of snacks, and a few small things become surprisingly important.
Here’s a closer look inside a glacier guide’s backpack, including the equipment we rely on, the little things that make a difference and why we carry so much in the first place.
The Gear We Hope We Won’t Need
The most important equipment in a glacier guide’s backpack is often the equipment that guests never see being used.
Take the rope, for example.
It’s one of the most recognisable pieces of glacier equipment, yet on many regular glacier hikes, it stays neatly packed away. Ropes are used for technical glacier travel, ice climbing, securing difficult sections and building rescue systems when necessary.
A rope alone isn’t particularly useful, though. Alongside it, we carry climbing hardware such as carabiners, slings, prusik cords and ice screws. Together, these allow trained guides to build anchors, secure ropes and set up rescue or hauling systems when required.
Most guests won’t notice these little metal pieces unless we take them out. But they’re an important part of our preparation.
When the Equipment Becomes Part of the Adventure
Technical equipment isn’t only there for emergencies.
Sometimes we come across an interesting glacier feature, perhaps a deep crevasse or an impressive ice formation close to our planned route.
Depending on the conditions, the guide may decide that a closer look is possible with additional protection. An ice screw can provide an anchor in suitable ice, while ropes and other equipment can help secure the approach.
Other times, the best decision is simply to admire the feature from a distance.
That’s one of the things I find most interesting about glacier guiding. Carrying the right equipment gives us options, but knowing when to use it is just as important.
On our summer Glacier Discovery hike, for example, we explore higher sections of Falljökull, where the terrain can include crevasses, ice formations and changing slopes. The route and equipment are always selected according to the conditions on the day.
The Equipment That Makes Glacier Travel Possible
Not everything technical stays inside the backpack.
An ice axe is a familiar sight on many glacier hikes. A traditional mountaineering ice axe can provide support on certain slopes, help with balance and assist with movement across suitable terrain.
For ice climbing, we use different tools. Ice climbing axes have a more specialised shape, designed for swinging into steep or vertical ice.
If you’ve ever joined an ice climbing adventure in Iceland, you’ve probably noticed the difference.
Harnesses are another important piece of glacier equipment. Depending on the tour and route, guides and guests may wear them so that ropes or other protective systems can be used when necessary.
You might wear a harness without ever attaching yourself to a rope. That doesn’t mean it was unnecessary. It means the equipment was available if the route required it.
And of course, there are crampons.
These metal traction devices help us walk on glacier ice. Different types of crampons or microspikes may be appropriate for different terrain, so guides select equipment based on the activity and conditions.
The important thing is that no single piece of equipment makes glacier travel safe on its own. Everything works together with training, route selection and careful judgement.
When the Weather Changes, Preparation Matters
Icelandic weather has a reputation for being unpredictable, and the glaciers certainly don’t make an exception.
A beautiful morning can turn cloudy, windy or wet surprisingly quickly. Sometimes the weather changes gradually; other times, the visibility deteriorates much faster than expected.
That’s why spare clothing is such an important part of a guide’s backpack.
An extra insulating layer, spare gloves and a neck gaiter can make a real difference when the temperature drops or the group needs to stop for longer than planned.
Food and water are equally important.
Guiding involves carrying equipment, moving over uneven ground and staying focused throughout the day. A few snacks and enough water help us maintain our energy, especially on longer tours.
And yes, some guides consider a thermos of coffee almost as essential as their ice axe.
What Happens When You Can’t See the Route?
One thing people sometimes assume is that experienced glacier guides know every corner of the glacier by heart.
We certainly get to know our local glaciers very well. But the landscape changes constantly, and even familiar routes can look completely different under fresh snow or low clouds.
That’s where navigation equipment comes in.
A phone or dedicated GPS device with offline maps and previously recorded routes can provide valuable navigation information. Guides also need to interpret the terrain, assess current hazards and understand that an old GPS track doesn’t necessarily represent a safe route today.
When visibility becomes poor, experience and navigation tools work together. Depending on the situation, that might mean changing direction, shortening the hike or turning around.
Before heading out, we also follow weather information from the Icelandic Meteorological Office and assess conditions locally.
A good guide isn’t someone who always reaches the original destination. It’s someone who knows when the plan needs to change.
Staying Connected, Even in the Middle of the Glacier
A glacier can feel wonderfully remote, but guiding is very much a team effort.
Communication devices allow us to stay in contact with other guides and our base, share observations and coordinate activities throughout the day.
Most conversations are quite ordinary.
We might let another guide know we’ve reached a certain location, report a change in conditions or coordinate the movement of different groups.
But communication becomes especially important if someone needs assistance or an emergency develops.
Depending on the location and communication system, radios, phones and other emergency communication equipment can help coordinate a response. Guides also need to know the appropriate procedures for contacting emergency services.
On longer tours, I like to carry a spare battery. It’s a small addition, but keeping communication equipment working throughout the day matters.
And What About the First Aid Kit?
Every guide carries first aid supplies appropriate to their activities.
Fortunately, the things we deal with most often are much less dramatic than people might imagine.
Blisters, small cuts and minor scrapes are common reasons to open the kit.
I’ve probably seen more blister plasters used than anything else.
It might sound insignificant, but a painful blister can make the last part of a glacier hike much less enjoyable. Taking care of a small problem early can make a big difference to someone’s experience.
For more information about how guides manage glacier risks, read our article on glacier hiking safety in Iceland.
The Little Things That Make a Surprisingly Big Difference
Now we get to my favourite part of the backpack.
Not everything we carry is technical, expensive or particularly impressive.
Some of the most useful items are things you probably have at home.
A small multi-tool, a few zip ties and a roll of duct tape can solve all sorts of little problems during the day.
A loose strap, a minor issue with a non-critical piece of equipment or something that needs a temporary fix until we get back to base.
Of course, damaged safety equipment must be properly inspected and replaced or repaired according to the manufacturer’s requirements. Duct tape isn’t a substitute for that.
But for everyday little annoyances? It can be surprisingly useful.
There’s a running joke among outdoor guides that if something can’t be fixed with zip ties and duct tape, it might actually be broken.
Then there are the other essentials: sunscreen for bright days, tissues, spare gloves and the occasional emergency snack.
Snow and ice reflect sunlight, so sunscreen and sunglasses are particularly important when the weather is clear.
A packet of tissues somehow always finds a use. Cleaning sunglasses, dealing with a runny nose or wiping mud off something before getting back into the vehicle.
These things rarely make it into official equipment lists, but they certainly earn their place in the backpack.
My Personal Favourite? Hiking Poles.
Every guide has something they like to carry, even when other guides don’t see the point.
For me, it’s a pair of hiking poles.
Most of the time, they stay strapped to the outside of my backpack. I rarely use them myself.
But I’ve lost count of how many times they’ve helped a guest.
Sometimes someone feels a little nervous walking across uneven terrain. Other times, a guest becomes tired towards the end of the hike or simply appreciates a little extra support.
When the terrain is suitable, handing someone a pair of trekking poles can make a noticeable difference.
They may feel more balanced, more confident and much more comfortable for the rest of the walk.
It’s such a simple thing, but those little moments are part of what makes guiding rewarding.
After enough days on the glacier, you learn that helping someone enjoy the experience isn’t always about showing them the biggest crevasse or the bluest ice.
Sometimes it’s about noticing that someone needs a little extra support before they even ask.
Why We Don’t Carry Everything on Every Tour
With all this equipment, you might wonder whether there’s any room left in the backpack.
The answer is that we don’t carry every possible spare item on every single tour.
What goes into the bag depends on the route, weather, activity and duration.
A shorter glacier hike close to our operating base has different equipment requirements from a longer journey into more remote terrain.
For example, spare crampons can be incredibly useful if a strap or buckle fails. But carrying several complete spare sets on every short tour would add considerable weight.
For some of our operations, we keep additional equipment and rescue resources at our glacier-side base or other designated locations.
This allows us to balance what we carry personally with what can be accessed when needed, based on the day’s safety plan.
The same principle applies to other equipment.
A guide preparing for ice climbing may carry different hardware from someone leading a straightforward glacier walk. Winter conditions may require additional lighting or insulation.
It’s not about packing the biggest backpack possible.
It’s about making sure the right equipment is available for the activity we’re actually doing.
How Heavy Is a Glacier Guide’s Backpack?
8–10 kg
Typical packed weight
A rough example for a half-day or full-day guided glacier hike, based on the original guide’s account. Actual weight varies by route and equipment.
30–40 L
Common backpack capacity
Once you add ropes, rescue equipment, clothing, first aid supplies, food and water, the weight builds up quickly.
And while carrying a heavy backpack across uneven ice certainly takes some getting used to, it’s part of the job.
Every guide also develops their own system for organising things.
Frequently used items need to be easy to reach. Emergency equipment must be accessible and organised. Small pieces of climbing hardware need to stay together rather than disappearing into the bottom of the bag.
A well-packed backpack isn’t simply one where everything fits.
It’s one where the guide knows exactly where to find what they need.
The Most Important Thing Isn’t Inside the Backpack
Here’s something that becomes clearer the longer you work on glaciers.
Having equipment is one thing. Knowing when, why and how to use it is something else entirely.
A rope doesn’t make a route safe simply because it’s there. Neither does a GPS device, an ice axe or a bag full of rescue hardware.
What matters is the guide’s training, experience and ability to assess the situation.
Glaciers are constantly changing environments. Crevasses develop, meltwater reshapes the ice, snow covers familiar features and access routes can change between visits.
The same applies to the people joining our tours.
Some guests are experienced hikers, while others are stepping onto a glacier for the very first time. Different groups move at different speeds, and what feels comfortable to one person may be challenging for another.
Guides need to consider all of this while making decisions throughout the day.
At Local Guide of Vatnajökull, we’ve been guiding in Southeast Iceland since 1991. Our team of certified glacier guides combines professional training with local knowledge and regular observations of the glaciers we visit.
That experience helps us choose suitable routes, adapt activities and recognise when changing conditions require a different plan.
It also explains why so much equipment stays inside the backpack.
The aim isn’t to use every tool we’ve brought.
It’s to be prepared while making decisions that reduce the need to use emergency equipment in the first place.
Do You Need to Bring Your Own Glacier Equipment?
Fortunately, no.
When joining a guided glacier tour with Local Guide, the technical equipment required for the activity is provided.
Depending on the route and conditions, this may include a helmet, crampons or microspikes, a harness and other appropriate safety equipment.
What you do need is suitable clothing and footwear.
Warm layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves and sturdy hiking boots make a big difference to your comfort on the ice. For longer hikes, we also recommend carrying water, snacks and an extra warm layer.
If you’re planning your first glacier adventure, our Iceland glacier tour packing guide explains what to bring and what you can leave at home.
You don’t need to arrive knowing how to use technical glacier equipment. Your guide will explain the equipment and instructions relevant to your tour.
And don’t worry, you won’t be expected to carry an 8–10 kg guide’s backpack!
Behind Every Backpack Is Experience
There’s one thing you won’t find packed inside a glacier guide’s backpack: luck.
Glacier guiding isn’t about relying on luck. It’s about preparation, training, teamwork and making countless small decisions throughout the day.
Some of those decisions involve technical equipment. Others are as simple as offering someone a pair of hiking poles, stopping to add a warm layer or choosing a more suitable route.
And that’s what I like most about looking inside a guide’s backpack.
Every piece of equipment tells a little story about the work we do, the places we explore and the people we meet along the way.
So next time you see your glacier guide adjusting a heavy backpack before stepping onto the ice, you’ll know there’s much more inside than ropes and climbing gear.
There’s preparation, experience and probably a few snacks, too.
Curious to experience the glacier with us?
Explore our glacier hiking experiences in Iceland and discover what it’s like to explore Vatnajökull with a local guide. Whether you’re joining us for your first glacier walk or a longer adventure, our team will help you choose an experience suited to your interests and abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glacier Guides Equipment
A glacier guide typically carries technical equipment such as ropes, carabiners, slings and rescue hardware, along with first aid supplies, communication and navigation equipment, spare clothing, food and water. The exact contents depend on the tour, terrain and conditions.
A backpack for a typical guided glacier hike may weigh around 8–10 kg, although this varies considerably. Longer or more technical activities can require additional equipment.
Yes. Glacier guides carry or have access to rescue equipment appropriate to their activities and operating plans. This can include ropes, ice screws, carabiners, slings and equipment for building anchors or hauling systems.
Ropes are important for technical glacier travel, certain protected sections, ice climbing and rescue situations. On many ordinary glacier hikes, a rope may remain packed away throughout the tour.
No. Local Guide provides the technical glacier equipment required for its guided tours. Your guide selects and explains the appropriate equipment based on the activity and conditions.
Trained glacier guides use navigation tools, local knowledge and route-planning techniques to manage reduced visibility. However, equipment cannot eliminate the risks of severe weather. Tours may be changed, shortened or cancelled when conditions are unsuitable.
About the Author — Local Guide of Vatnajökull
This article was prepared by the team at Local Guide of Vatnajökull, a family-owned glacier guiding company operating in Southeast Iceland since 1991.
Our articles draw on decades of guiding experience, firsthand glacier observations and knowledge shared by our certified glacier guides. We aim to provide accurate, practical information to help travelers plan their Iceland adventures.
Last reviewed: 4 November 2026
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Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike in Iceland: Which Is Best?
Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike in Iceland: Which Is Best? Planning a glacier adventure in Iceland but not sure whether to explore a natural ice cave or hike across the ice? The ice cave tour vs glacier hike decision depends on more than which activity looks best in photographs. Your travel season, fitness level and interests all make a difference. At Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier, the experiences change with the seasons. Summer is the time for traditional glacier hiking on Falljökull, while winter brings opportunities to discover natural ice caves and blue ice formations on Breiðamerkurjökull. But winter visitors don’t necessarily have to choose between the two. Some adventures combine glacier hiking with blue ice exploration, offering a different experience from a focused ice cave visit. At Local Guide of Vatnajökull, we’ve been guiding visitors since 1991. Here’s how the experiences compare, what to expect in each season and which adventure is right for you. Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike: What’s the Difference? The main difference between an ice cave tour vs glacier hike is the focus of the activity. A glacier hike takes you onto the glacier’s surface to explore its terrain, ice formations and surrounding landscapes. An ice cave tour focuses on visiting a naturally formed cave, tunnel or another accessible blue ice feature. At Local Guide, there is also an important seasonal difference. In summer (May–September), we offer dedicated glacier hikes on Falljökull, near Skaftafell. In winter (October–April), our tours operate on Breiðamerkurjökull, near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Visitors can choose a focused ice cave experience or an adventure combining glacier hiking with blue ice exploration. Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike: Quick Comparison Feature Ice Cave Tour Glacier Hike Main focus Natural ice cave or blue ice formation Walking and exploring glacier terrain Experience Focused ice feature exploration Active glacier walking Walking Approach walk; varies with conditions A central part of the activity Photography Ice caves, tunnels and blue ice textures Landscapes, ridges and ice formations Local Guide’s season Winter Summer, plus combined winter adventures Glacier Breiðamerkurjökull Falljökull in summer; Breiðamerkurjökull in winter Best for Travellers prioritising natural blue ice Travellers interested in hiking and exploration The key takeaway: If you’re visiting Iceland in summer, a traditional glacier hike is an excellent way to explore Vatnajökull. If you’re travelling in winter, you can choose between a focused ice cave visit and a glacier hike combined with blue ice features. What Is a Glacier Hike in Iceland? A glacier hike is a guided walk across the surface of a glacier, using specialised equipment such as crampons to travel over ice. Rather than visiting one particular formation, the experience focuses on exploring the glacier itself. Your guide leads you through a landscape shaped by ice movement, melting and changing weather. Along the way, you may encounter fascinating ice formations, ridges, crevasses viewed from suitable positions and remarkable mountain scenery. Glacier hikes can vary in difficulty, from shorter introductory walks to longer adventures involving more elevation gain. Summer Glacier Hiking on Falljökull From May to September, Local Guide operates its dedicated glacier hikes on Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull near Skaftafell National Park. This glacier is known for its dramatic icefall, rugged terrain and impressive glacial landscapes. Our summer experiences include: Glacier Encounter — A shorter, approximately three-hour introduction to glacier hiking, ideal for first-time visitors and families who want to experience walking on glacier ice. Glacier Discovery — A more active, approximately four-hour glacier hike exploring farther up Falljökull towards its impressive icefall. Both experiences introduce visitors to the glacier’s natural environment, with different amounts of walking and physical commitment. Summer glacier hiking is an excellent option for travellers who enjoy outdoor activities, want to learn about glaciers and prefer exploring wide landscapes rather than concentrating on entering a cave. For a more detailed explanation of glacier terrain and equipment, read our Ultimate Guide to Glacier Hikes in Vatnajökull. What Is an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland? An ice cave tour focuses on exploring natural formations within or along a glacier, rather than hiking extensively across its surface. These formations develop as meltwater, glacier movement and seasonal conditions reshape the ice. Depending on the location, visitors may encounter tunnels, cave passages, sculpted blue ice walls or other remarkable features. Natural ice caves are constantly changing. Their size, colour, accessibility and shape can differ significantly between seasons, and even from one week to the next. Winter Ice Cave Tours on Breiðamerkurjökull From October to April, Local Guide’s winter operations move to Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Our Ice Cave Tour is designed primarily around visiting the best safely accessible natural ice cave or blue ice formation available on the day. After meeting your guide at Jökulsárlón, you’ll travel towards the glacier in a modified 4×4 vehicle. From there, you continue on foot to reach the selected formation. An important distinction: our Ice Cave Tour is not a dedicated glacier hike. Although walking is required, and the route may occasionally involve travelling across glacier ice, the main purpose is to explore a natural ice cave or another suitable blue ice feature. Walking distances depend on the season, weather and glacier access. Visitors should still be prepared for uneven, slippery or snowy terrain. The experience normally lasts approximately 2.5–4 hours in total, including transport and preparation. This is a good choice for visitors who are particularly interested in natural blue ice formations and prefer a focused experience rather than a longer glacier hike. If you’re researching an ice cave tour vs glacier hike for a winter visit, this distinction is especially useful: the Ice Cave Tour prioritises the ice formation, while our other winter adventures include more substantial glacier hiking. Can You Go Glacier Hiking and Visit Blue Ice Caves in Winter? Yes. You can enjoy a guided glacier hike and explore blue ice formations during the same winter adventure. This is where the ice cave tour vs glacier hike comparison becomes