The Ultimate Guide To The Best Hiking Sunglasses

Choosing Good Hiking Sunglasses

Are you dreaming of the perfect outdoor escape? Make sure your hike is one to remember with a great pair of hiking sunglasses. Not only will they provide an extra layer of protection for your eyes from harmful UV rays and glare, but their improved visibility can make all the difference when navigating any terrain! Get informed on what’s important in choosing a quality set as we review some leading models that are popular among adventurers everywhere.

Cliff and Louise Wayenberg of Walking Holiday Ireland
Cliff and Louise Wayenberg of Walking Holiday Ireland

When it comes to selecting the right hiking sunglasses, there are several key factors to consider:

  • Lens Material
    Sunglasses with polarized lenses are ideal for hiking, as they reduce glare and improve visibility. Look for lenses made of polycarbonate, which is lightweight, scratchproof, impact-resistant and shatterproof, or Trivex, which is also lightweight and provides excellent clarity.
  • Frame Material
    The frame of your outdoor sunglasses should be sturdy and comfortable for long periods. Popular frame materials include nylon and titanium, both durable and lightweight.
  • Protection
    Ensure your sunglasses offer 100% protection from harmful UV rays. Look for lenses with labels indicating they meet the ISO 12312-1 standard for UV protection.
  • Fit
    The fit of your outdoor sunglasses is important for comfort and performance. Look for adjustable frames, soft nose pads, and ear hooks to keep the glasses in place during your hike.
  • Style
    While style may not be the most important factor, looking good on the trail is always nice. Choose a style that complements your face shape and personal taste.

Best Hiking Sunglasses on the Market

Now that we’ve covered what to look for in hiking sunglasses, let’s take a look at some of the best options available:

  1. Oakley Flak 2.0 XL: These sunglasses feature polarized lenses made of polycarbonate and a durable, lightweight frame of O-Matter. They offer 100% protection from harmful UV rays and have a sporty design perfect for hiking.
  2. Smith Optics Guide’s Choice: These sunglasses have polarized lenses made of carbonic material and a frame made of Evolve eco-friendly material. They offer 100% protection from harmful UV rays and have a comfortable fit with adjustable nose pads and ear hooks.
    Smith Optics Guide's Choice hiking glasses
  3. Julbo Aero
    These sunglasses feature polarized lenses made of Trivex and a lightweight frame made of Grilamid. They offer 100% protection from harmful UV rays and have a sleek, aerodynamic design that’s perfect for high-speed hiking.
  4. Tifosi Podium XC
    These sunglasses have polarized lenses made of polycarbonate and a frame made of Grilamid TR-90. They offer 100% protection from harmful UV rays and have a comfortable fit with adjustable ear hooks.

Frequently asked questions about hiking sunglasses.

Q: Do I need polarized lenses for hiking?

A: Polarized lenses are ideal for hiking as they reduce glare and improve visibility on the trail.

A: Polarized lenses are ideal for hiking as they reduce glare and improve visibility on the trail.

A: Both polycarbonate and Trivex are excellent options for hiking sunglasses lenses. They are lightweight and provide excellent clarity and protection

Top 3 Online Prescription Hiking Sunglasses

  1. Zenni Optical
    Zenni Optical offers a wide variety of hiking sunglasses with polarized lenses and 100% UV protection. They also offer prescription lenses, so you can have your hiking sunglasses made to your specific needs.
  2. Warby Parker
    Warby Parker offers a stylish selection of polarized hiking sunglasses with 100% UV protection. They also offer prescription lenses and a virtual try-on feature, so you can try on different styles and see which ones look best on you.
  3. Eyebuydirect
    Eyebuydirect offers a wide selection of polarized hiking sunglasses with 100% UV protection, including several styles designed specifically for outdoor activities. They also offer prescription lenses, so you can have your hiking sunglasses made to your exact specifications.

Taking the proper measures to protect your eyes when hiking is essential, and choosing an ideal pair of sunglasses can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, plenty of options offer optimal lenses, frames and protection for confident comfort during any outdoor adventure. Considering all these considerations before heading off on trails with true gusto, picking perfect shades specifically tailored towards hikers should be straightforward!