The Best Half Dome Gloves [+Complete Gear Guide]
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Are you looking for the best Half Dome gloves? I’ve got you covered.
Climbing Half Dome is a bucket list hike for good reason. Not many people in the world can say they completed Yosemite’s most challenging day hike.
I live just an hour outside of Yosemite, and after completing Half Dome myself, I can confirm that gloves were an essential part of the last 400 feet of the hike where you use steel cables to summit the iconic granite dome.
Rangers recently banned leaving spare gloves at the base of subdome (for good reason- always pack out what you pack in!)
However, this means you definitely need to bring gloves with you as you will not likely find spares once you’ve hiked eight miles and up 4700 feet in elevation.
There are dozens of hiking gloves offering wildly different and sometimes unnecessary features.
I have looked at the most recommended options and narrowed it down to the best nine gloves for hiking Half Dome. I’ve compared price, grip, and weight, and which gloves made me feel the most secure when I climbed.
I’ve also compared gloves by warmth to match you with the best gloves depending on what season you are visiting Yosemite, followed by other necessary gear for hiking Half Dome no matter what time of year you go.
Read on and I’ll introduce you to the best gloves for Half Dome cables.
9 Best Half Dome Gloves
1. Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves GUG
These are overall the best Half Dome gloves because they come in various sizes and have a securable wrist strap. The last thing you want when clinging to the cables is to feel like you may slip out of your gloves!
RATING 4.6 stars | SEASON summer | CHECK PRICE
- Sizes XS-2X
- Secure-fit velcro wrist strap
- Breathable nylon
- Terry cloth thumb sweat wipe
- 3.04 ounces
2. Vgo… 3M Thinsulate C100 Lined High Dexterity Touchscreen Synthetic Leather Winter Warm Work Gloves
These are the best winter Half Dome gloves for hiking when the cables are down because they come in various sizes, have a securable wrist strap, and are insulated for the colder weather.
RATING 4.2 stars | SEASON winter | CHECK PRICE
- Sizes S-XL
- Secure-fit velcro wrist strap
- Coldproof, waterproof, windproof
- Touchscreen compatible
- 5 ounces
3. HANDLANDY Touchscreen Work Gloves
These gloves also have a securable wrist strap in addition to having touch screen compatibility on three fingers. However, they are not as flexible and breathable as the top pick.
RATING 4.6 stars | SEASON summer | CHECK PRICE
- Sizes S-2X
- Secure-fit velcro wrist strap
- Touchscreen compatible
- Terry cloth thumb sweat wipe
- 3.04 ounces
4. Wells Lamont Men’s FX3 Extreme Dexterity Green Winter Work Gloves
These winter gloves also have a securable wrist strap and touch screen compatibility. However, they are slightly heavier than the top pick.
RATING 4.4 stars | SEASON winter | CHECK PRICE
- Sizes M, L, XL
- Secure-fit velcro wrist strap
- Touchscreen compatible
- 4.5 ounces
5. Wells Lamont Women’s HydraHyde Split Leather Hybrid Pink Gloves
These gloves have the all-important securable wrist strap and are a great option if you want a fun color while still getting all the functionality.
RATING 4.6 stars | SEASON summer | CHECK PRICE
- Sizes S, M, L
- Secure-fit velcro wrist strap
- Hot Pink!
- 3.6 ounces
6. AWP Mesh Spandex Work Gloves
These gloves are the best option if you are trying to cut down on carrying weight. They are very lightweight, breathable, and form-fitting spandex.
RATING 5 stars | SEASON summer | CHECK PRICE
- Sizes M, L
- Secure-fit velcro wrist strap
- Spandex fit
- 2.9 ounces
7. Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves
These climbing gloves are made from goat leather and have a built-in hole to clip on and carry using a carabiner.
RATING 4.4 stars | SEASON summer | CHECK PRICE
- Sizes XS-2XL
- Secure-fit velcro wrist strap
- Built-in carabiner hole for carrying
- 3.17 ounces
8. Black Diamond Equipment Womens Crag Full-Finger Rock Climbing Gloves, Raging Sea
These climbing gloves have a breathable stretch mesh fabric and knuckle padding. They run small and are a good choice for those with smaller hands.
RATING 5 stars | SEASON summer | CHECK PRICE
- Sizes XS-XL
- Secure-fit velcro wrist strap
- Built-in carabiner hole for carrying
- 3.17 ounces
9. Rock-N-Rescue Rope Master Gloves – Version II
If you want to invest in climbing and rappelling gear for more than your hike, these highly-rated gloves have a reinforced rope channel and hook for easy carrying.
RATING 4.3 stars | SEASON summer | CHECK PRICE
- Sizes S-2XL
- Secure-fit velcro wrist strap
- Built-in carabiner loop for carrying
- Rappelling Gloves
- 3.52 ounces
What to Look for in Half Dome Gloves
When looking for which gloves to get to hike Half Dome, there are five important factors to consider:
- Season (Warmth)
- Size and Adjustability
- Weight
- Grip
- Other Features
The season you are hiking Half Dome is the most important factor when deciding which gloves to get. I recommend a thicker, insulated glove if you’re hiking in the winter or early spring. You don’t want your hands to numb from windchill while gripping a steel cable.
If you plan on hiking in the summer, a lighter, more breathable pair is best.
Size and adjustability is the next most important factor for choosing Half Dome gloves. For the most peace of mind, find gloves that match your hand size. Gloves with an adjustable wrist strap are best, so there is no chance of the glove slipping off or needing to be readjusted while you are climbing the cables.
Weight is the third factor to consider. You will be hiking over 16 miles, so you don’t want to carry unnecessary weight. Every ounce makes a huge difference.
The grip is at the bottom of the list of factors when choosing gloves. You don’t need anything special to provide grip. The gloves’ primary purpose is protecting your hands, not providing grip. Leather, nitrile rubber, or polyester grip all work just fine.
Finally, consider features like touchscreen compatibility, sweat wipe padding, straps to carry and clip, and color.
Other Gear for Hiking Half Dome
In addition to gloves for Half Dome, the other gear you need will depend on when you are hiking. You will not need a harness and rope system if you have a permit and the cables are up.
If you are climbing without a permit when the cables are down, you will need a prusik climbing system in addition to your normal hiking gear.
- Climbing Harness: Try on your harness before you start your hike! (cables down)
- Locking Carabiners: You will need three locking carabiners for the prusik system. It’s always a good idea to bring an extra if you have one. (cables down)
- Friction Hitch Loops: You will need two rope loops for the prusik system. (cables down)
- Day Pack: Have enough space for layers, water, food, and the climbing system
- Trekking Poles: I desperately wish I had these to help with the descent. They must be collapsible and must be lightweight.
- Headlamp: Bring for starting early or finishing late, especially when the cables are down and the days are shorter.
- Hiking Boots: Break in your boots. Make sure they have good traction and ankle support and are lightweight. Forsake is my brand of choice.
- Spare Socks: This was a lifesaver on the descent.
- Water Bottle Purifier: Four liters is the minimum recommended for this hike. Save weight and refill your bottles with a purifier.
Half Dome Gear FAQ
Yes, gloves are essential for the last 400 feet of the Half Dome hike, where you use steel cables to climb up the granite dome.
Lightweight utility gloves with adjustable wrist straps to keep the gloves secure on your hands are the best for climbing Half Dome.
You do not need a harness for Half Dome if you have a permit and the cables are up. You will need a harness to hike Half Dome in the winter when permits are not required and the cables are down.
Half Dome is a bucket list hike, and gloves are an absolute necessity for summiting using the steel cables. Overall, the Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves are my number one pick as Half Dome hike gloves.
I hope this guide helped you find the best gear for your adventure! If you want more details on how to complete this hike, check out my guide on how to hike Half Dome when the cables are down.
