What to Pack for a Matanuska Glacier Tour

What to pack (and what to leave behind) on a Matanuska Glacier Tour

Matanuska Glacier Tour is an unforgettable part of any Alaska adventure, and we work hard to provide guests with a memorable experience. 

Visitors’ first question after “How awesome will this tour be?” (hint: VERY) is usually related to necessary gear for this trek upon the ice. Here’s what to pack (and what to leave behind) on your Matanuska Glacier Tour from Anchorage with Greatland Adventures.

The good news? You won’t need to bring much to the Matanuska glacier hike day tour, since we believe in making our guests’ adventures as simple as possible. In addition to providing transportation, all glacier hiking equipment is provided, along with snacks, water, and meal for the daylong trip. 

This tour through one of Alaska’s prime destinations will start with a relaxing drive along the scenic Glenn Highway in a comfortable van with our friendly and knowledgeable guides. During the drive, feel free to nibble on delicious snacks and fill your own water bottle with 100% pure water we provide. Soon the van arrives at the perfect Matanuska Glacier viewing spot. 

Upon arriving at the glacier, guests receive ice cleats and helmets, since safety is our number one priority. Guides carry a variety of sizes, even for kids, and are happy to assist in adjusting gear for comfortable wear throughout the day’s experience. 

What to Wear on a Matanuska Glacier Tour

The Matanuska Glacier Tour from Anchorage allows about two hours to explore this unique, four mile-wide glacier (Alaska’s largest that is accessible by road), so it’s important to dress accordingly. The glacier throws off a bit of wind, even on summer days, and we recommend guests wear several layers; a thin, non-cotton base layer shirt, followed by a fleece or insulated jacket, then a waterproof layer on top. Fleece-lined pants, warm socks, a hat covering the ears, and gloves are also important elements of a well-prepared glacier guest. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are a must to support the ice cleats and provide stability upon the ice. 

Remember too, that it’s easy to add or take off layers as the day progresses, but not having them at all can make for a chilly experience, indeed!

What to Bring

• Camera or phone for stunning photos of the blue ice. We recommend a camera strap or phone case to prevent the loss of your precious equipment down a glacial crevasse!
• Personal water bottle. Greatland Adventures is committed to stewardship of Alaska, and that means eliminating single-use water bottles from our tours. We’ll provide the pure Alaska water.  Also, it’s a must to taste the best and purest glacier water! 
• Hand or foot warmer packets, just in case temperatures drop and cause fingers or toes to become cold.
• Sunglasses are handy, as the glare of sunlight off the ice is present even on cloudy days. 
• Sunscreen and lip balm prevent sunburn, another effect of the sun’s reflection upon the glacier.
• Other items to consider: Personal medications (we’re able to store them for you and dispose of any biohazard material), face masks.

*A small day pack is perfect for carrying the above items*  

And, since we are always asked, yes – tips are not required but greatly appreciated! Our tour guides are some of the best in the industry, so many of our guests tip 20% of the tour cost in acknowledgement of their good work. 

Ready? We look forward to a wonderful day on the glacier!