Glacier hike in summer - gloves needed?

Question

Hi. This seems like a very silly question, but we taking a tour of the Matanuska glacier in July and I am wondering if we should bring gloves. I'm inclined to think yes. What gloves would you recommend? Coming from the east coast.

Thanks!

Answer

Even in July, the Matanuska Glacier is cold, windy, and wet underfoot, and most guided glacier hikes strongly recommend wearing gloves. It isn’t a silly question at all—gloves protect your hands from the cold ice, from sharp surfaces, and from occasional slips where you may need to brace yourself. Temperatures on the glacier itself often feel 10–20 degrees cooler than the surrounding air.

Your tour company will typically provide crampons or microspikes, but they don’t usually provide gloves, so bringing your own is smart. You don’t need heavy winter ski gloves in July; what you want is something that gives warmth, grip, and protection when touching ice or using trekking poles.

Here are recommended glove types that work well for summer glacier hikes:

Light to midweight waterproof gloves – These are ideal because glaciers can be slushy in summer, and your hands might get wet. Look for gloves labeled water-resistant or waterproof.
Softshell hiking gloves – Not fully waterproof, but warm enough for July and flexible for gripping poles or ropes.
Insulated liner gloves with a shell – Thin liners for dexterity, plus a lightweight waterproof outer shell if you want versatility. Good if you already own liners at home.

You likely already have acceptable gloves at home if you live on the east coast—anything that is not bulky but still warm and gives you grip will work. Many visitors simply bring their fall or early-winter gloves and are perfectly comfortable on the glacier.

To help you decide, here are factors to consider when choosing which pair to pack:

You’ll be holding trekking poles for most of the hike, so choose something with good grip.
If you get cold easily, lean toward slightly warmer gloves.
If rain is forecast or if you’ll be doing the longer glacier walk, waterproof gloves make a big difference.

Overall, yes — bring gloves. July may be summer, but the glacier environment is always cold. A simple pair of water-resistant hiking gloves will keep you far more comfortable and allow you to enjoy the experience without numb hands.

Have a fantastic time on the Matanuska—it's one of the most accessible and beautiful glacier hikes in Alaska!