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Abaco Bay Sun Glove

paddling, wet landings, and portages

Expert reviewed

Topic summary

paddling, wet landings, and portages

Key takeaways

  • UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Polyester/Spandex blend fabric
  • Silicone palm grip
  • Quick-drying material
  • Extended cuff for wrist coverage
  • Effective UPF 50+ sun protection

Intended uses

  • Kayaking and SUP
  • Fly fishing
  • Coastal angling
  • Boat touring
  • Hot weather paddling

Verification notes

Evidence: expert reviewed. Last verified July 14, 2026.

Catalog photo
Real product photography — no AI-generated or placeholder imagery.

Editorial take

The Glacier Glove Abaco Bay Sun Glove is designed for paddlers and anglers looking for straightforward sun protection without unnecessary bulk. It’s built primarily from a lightweight, quick-drying UPF 50+ fabric, which is standard for sun gloves in this category. The material has a good amount of stretch, allowing for unhindered dexterity, which is crucial when handling fishing lines, paddles, or camera gear. It's a no-frills glove, focusing purely on shielding your hands from the sun's harsh rays, particularly reflective glare off the water, which can be brutal over extended periods.

In real-world use, these gloves perform as expected. The UPF 50+ rating holds up, effectively preventing sunburn even on long days on open water. The silicone grip pattern on the palm offers decent purchase on wet paddle shafts or fishing rods, though it's not the most aggressive grip out there. They dry quickly, which is a significant advantage for repeated dunking or for multi-day trips. Durability is fair for a lightweight sun glove; the stitching is solid, but the thin fabric will eventually show wear, especially if you're frequently dragging your hands across rough surfaces or doing heavy portaging. These aren't work gloves, they're sun gloves.

Compared to some premium options, the Abaco Bay keeps things simple and affordable. It lacks advanced features like touchscreen compatibility or reinforced wear zones found on higher-priced models, but for its price point, it delivers reliable sun protection and basic grip. It's a solid choice for anyone needing to protect their hands from UV exposure during activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or fishing, where dexterity and quick-drying properties are more important than heavy-duty abrasion resistance. Think of it as a dependable piece of your sun protection system, on par with a good sun hoody or wide-brimmed hat.

Best for

  • Kayaking and SUP
  • Fly fishing
  • Coastal angling
  • Boat touring
  • Hot weather paddling

Not ideal for

  • Lacks touchscreen compatibility
  • Limited abrasion resistance for heavy-duty use
  • Basic grip pattern, not for aggressive holds
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Verified specifications

Country of manufacture
🇺🇸 United States
Key features
  • UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Polyester/Spandex blend fabric
  • Silicone palm grip
  • Quick-drying material
  • Extended cuff for wrist coverage

Warranty and repair information: contact Glacier Glove directly for the most current terms.

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