So, you’ve booked a Go Ape adventure – maybe at Coombe Abbey, maybe somewhere even higher and muddier – and you’re buzzing to swing, climb, and zip your way through the trees. But here’s the thing most first-timers don’t realise: your hands are going to take a beating.
I showed up for my first Go Ape session in trainers, joggers, and – like many others – bare hands. Big mistake. By the second crossing, my palms were sore, my grip was shot, and I was clinging on like a panicked squirrel. That’s when I learnt: gloves aren’t just a “nice to have”; they’re essential kit.
Here are the best glove options to consider for Go Ape – they will help you conquer Coombe Abbey and beyond.
Why Bother with Gloves for Go Ape?
If you’ve ever tried gripping a wet rope or metal wire, you’ll understand instantly why gloves are a must. Go Ape courses, especially the one at Coombe Abbey, aren’t just a gentle stroll through the trees. You’re dealing with chunky ropes, rough cables, and wooden platforms that’ll happily shred your hands if you’re not careful.
Blisters can show up faster than you think. And one go on the zipline? That’s enough to scorch your palms without protection. Gloves don’t just stop that – they give you better grip. That’s crucial when it’s raining and you’re twenty feet up trying to cross a wobbly bridge.
Sure, Go Ape won’t stop you from going gloveless. But ask anyone who’s done it before – they’ll tell you: once is enough. Bring gloves or buy a pair on-site. Either way, don’t show up empty-handed.
What Features Make Great Go Ape Gloves?
Not all gloves are up to the job. Forget your winter mittens or fingerless cycling gloves – Go Ape calls for something tougher and more specific.
Full-Finger Coverage
You’ll want all your fingers covered. This protects you from rope burns, wood splinters, and surprise stings from plants along the way.
Solid, Non-Slip Grip
The right grip is everything. Go for gloves with textured or rubberised palms – think builders’ gloves, not knitted ones.
Durable Build
Cheap gloves won’t last a round. Look for strong stitching and tough materials like synthetic leather that can take a beating, and dry out fast.
Breathability
Sweaty hands make things slippery. Breathable gloves with mesh or moisture-wicking fabric help keep things cool and comfortable.
Snug Fit
You want gloves that stay put. They should be tight enough for you to clip carabiners with ease, but not so tight that they cut off your circulation. A well-fitted glove makes the whole experience smoother.
Best Types of Gloves for Go Ape Adventures
After years of muddy camps and Go Ape weekends that started sunny and finished under a squall, I’ll recommend what really works. Here’s what you want to consider for Coombe Abbey:
Go Ape Branded Gloves
Best For: First-timers, last-minute buyers
Grip: Decent
Durability: Moderate (1–2 uses)
Breathability: Fair
Drawbacks: Limited sizing, not long-lasting
Outdoor Work Gloves
Best For: Maximum protection, multi-use (DIY + outdoors)
Grip: Excellent (reinforced palms, Velcro strap)
Durability: Very High
Breathability: Moderate
Drawbacks: Can feel chunky, warm in hot weather
Full-Finger Cycling Gloves
Best For: Sporty, lightweight option (esp. mountain biking)
Grip: Good (padded/grippy)
Durability: Moderate
Breathability: High (quick-drying)
Drawbacks: Wears faster on rough ropes
Climbing Gloves
Best For: Heavy-duty, rope-intensive use, outdoor enthusiasts
Grip: Excellent (reinforced, pro-level grip)
Durability: Very High
Breathability: Moderate
Drawbacks: Expensive for casual users
1. Go Ape Branded Gloves (Buy On-Site)
If you turn up to Go Ape and realise too late that your bare hands won’t cut it, the branded gloves they sell on-site are a real lifesaver. They’re made specifically for the ropes and zip lines you’ll be tackling and are approved by the staff, so you know you’re getting something that works.
The grip is decent, the fit is good for most hands, and they’re priced fairly for a one-day adventure. They tick all the basic boxes.
That said, they’re not built like a tank. These gloves will see you through the course, but don’t expect them to last forever. If your hands are particularly small or on the larger side, you might find sizing a bit limited. Still, for last-minute prep, they’re a smart, no-fuss option.
2. Outdoor Work Gloves (Think Mechanix or Ironclad)
If you want gloves that can handle a ropes course and your next DIY project, outdoor work gloves like Mechanix or Ironclad are a solid investment. These gloves are made for grit – built with reinforced synthetic leather palms and a snug Velcro strap to keep them firmly in place. The grip is fantastic, they’re super durable, and they’re easy to rinse off if they get muddy.
The only drawback is that they’re a bit chunkier than sportier options, and on a warm day, you might wish they breathed a little better. But for raw protection and multi-use value, these are the workhorses you’ll appreciate again and again.
3. Cycling Gloves (Full-Finger Only)
Full-finger cycling gloves, especially those made for mountain biking, are a great lightweight option. They’re flexible, breathable, and come with grippy padding right where you need it. These gloves move with you, dry quickly if it rains, and are perfect if you’re after something with a sportier feel.
However, they’re not quite as rugged as work or climbing gloves. If you’re planning to grip a lot of rough rope or do repeated laps of the course, they might wear faster.
4. Climbing Gloves
If you already climb or scramble, you’ll know that climbing gloves are built to take punishment. They’re designed to protect your hands without sacrificing dexterity, making them ideal for rope courses like Go Ape. With full-finger coverage and reinforced grip, these gloves will handle splinters, friction, and sharp cable edges like a pro.
Of course, that level of build quality comes at a price. They’re usually the most expensive gloves in this list, and for the occasional ropes course, you might not need that level of performance. But if you already have a pair – or want gloves that can do double duty for other outdoor adventures – they’re well worth considering.
What Gloves to Avoid (Save Your Money, Save Your Hands)
You want to steer clear of:
- Fingerless or Fashion Gloves: I get it. They look cool on Instagram, but they’ll leave your fingers shredded by the end of the first obstacle.
- Bulky Winter Gloves: Anything padded for warmth is too bulky for fiddling with karabiners and ropes. You’ll drop more kit than you hold.
- Thin, Woollen, or Decorative Gloves: These catch and tear on splinters, and offer zero protection from rope friction.
Best bet is anything with tough palms and closed fingers. Save the woolly mitts for chilly nights around the campfire.
Real-World Tips for Go Ape at Coombe Abbey
I’ve learned through more soggy afternoons than I care to count: planning pays off. Here’s what’ll set you up for a smooth run:
- Dress for the woods and the weather. Long sleeves stop nettle stings and bramble scratches, but avoid your best hiking gear – you’re bound to get muddy.
- Shoes matter. Full toe coverage and grip are non-negotiable. No sandals, wellies, or flappy trainers. I always wear my walking shoes.
- Bring a change of clothes and, if it’s wet or you’re with kids, a towel. It saves your car and your dignity post-adventure.
- Snacks and a water bottle. Adrenaline and ropes will have you gasping for an energy top-up by the last zip wire.
- Watch the weather. At Coombe Abbey, rain turns wooden platforms and ropes into slidey death traps, so gloves with grip matter even more.
- Turn up in time for the safety briefing. They run to the clock, and you don’t want to miss out because you’re parking or swapping shoes.
Final Thoughts: Go Ape Like a Pro
You don’t need to buy all-new kit for Go Ape at Coombe Abbey, but you do need real gloves – full finger, decent grip, built to last. Trust me, blisters and sore palms aren’t a rite of passage worth repeating.
Bring what you need, don’t overpack, but sort your gloves before you go – on-site pairs are a lifesaver if you forget. Wear the right shoes, bring snacks, and brace yourself for weather that changes faster than you can click a karabiner.
A final tip: gloves make all the difference. Whether you’re a first-timer or an old hand, get this small thing right and you’ll spend your day swinging from the trees, not nursing sore fingers.
See you at the top – and remember, it’s a lot more fun when you can still grip your camp mug at the end of the day.
