Any true outdoorsman or woman knows the importance of sport sunglasses for a successful hike. In fact, the Ten Essentials, survival items that hiking organizations recommend for safe travel in the backcountry, list sunglasses as one of these crucial items. Sunlight, especially when reflected off snow (snowblindness), can seriously impede vision and jeopardize one’s ability to maneuver safely. In addition to the UV protection they provide, sunglasses can help prevent eye injuries that may be inflicted by tree branches or debris. Look for these qualities in your hiking, climbing, and mountaineering sunglasses:
UV protection
Sunglasses with 99-100 percent UV protection are very important to hikers, climbers and mountaineers because of the long hours they spend in the sun. They’re also getting sun from all different directions as it reflects off snow, water, and mountains. Proper UV protection cannot be overstated!
Good fit
Wrap-around models are best for these conditions because they’ll keep out dust, rocks and glare and provide UV protection to the entire eye.
Floating Frames
Bryan, PaddlingLight.com
Frames that float with special air pockets or floating neck straps will make sure your shades make it to shore every time. With those kinds of features, I think Bryan could agree his sunglasses would’ve survived!
Polarized lenses
These lenses reduce glare off surfaces like water or snow and will improve your vision by providing clearer definition so you can see differences in the surface of the mountain or terrain. Polarized sunglasses also reduce the obtrusive “bounce-back” effect that occurs when UV rays reflect off water, snow, and ice.
Lens tints
Dark amber, copper or brown-tinted lenses: These lens hues block high amounts of blue light to heighten contrast and visual acuity. This is important in hiking, climbing and mountaineering because being able to properly read and judge your terrain is crucial to safety.
Shatterproof
Because these outdoorsmen and women are exposed to the elements in these sports, it’s important to have frames and lenses that can withstand the beating. Look for plastic or polycarbonate lenses.
Mirror Coating
Hiking and mountaineering involve very bright conditions, even on the most overcast days, because of the high altitudes. Adding a mirror coating to the surface of your sports sunglass lenses can help block an additional 10-60 percent of visible light for greater comfort in these full-sun environments.