We all know this. Eye protection is a must at higher altitudes. If you have ever suffered from the dreaded snow blindness on a mountain, you know the importance of picking the right sunglasses for your eyes. They offer much more than a cool look.

Here, we have picked some of the top sunglasses that are designed to work for hikers and trekkers. Whether you are planning a trek to the Himalayas or heading for the Andes, these are some of the best options to pick.  

Effect Of High Altitude on the Eyes

The cold and dry conditions at high altitudes, high amounts of UV light (especially on snowfields) and strong winds are not ideal conditions for your eyes to function. If you have a history of eye problems like uveitis, herpetic keratitis, dry eyes, or retinal detachment, the risks are higher.

Conditions like high altitude retinopathy (HAR) cannot be treated with sunglasses. The increase in retinal blood flow can be countered by descending to lower altitudes and oxygen- similar to the treatment of high altitude sickness. Rapid descent and oxygen inhalation also help in conditions like high-altitude cortical blindness.

The other critical problem is related to increased absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by the cornea. This damages the corneal epithelium and causes photokeratitis or snow blindness with symptoms like pain, redness, tearing, and the extremely uncomfortable foreign body sensation in the eyes. Honestly, it feels terrible.

This is where close-fitting sunglasses or goggles with UV-filtering properties can play a major role.

Choosing the Right Sunglasses

Just like trekking shoes, there are a few aspects of trekking sunglasses that you need to know before buying. Technically, polarized lenses are the best choice for high altitudes. They prevent the scattered light from a reflective surface from entering the eyes, reducing glare. 

The secret behind this feature is chemical filters applied to the lens that block the light of specific wavelengths. Polarized sunglasses can diminish the readability of LCD screens though. In such cases mirrored lenses with proper UV shielding can be an alternative. 

Some sunglasses have polarized lenses that are photochromatic as well. This means they turn darker in harsh light and lighter when the light is soft. So, you don’t need to change lenses after coming down from a high altitude. Super convenient! 

But remember, some photochromatic lenses take time to change their tint, especially in cold weather conditions.

Another important point to keep in mind while picking sunglasses is the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage of the lens. It is the percentage of light that a lens allows to pass through it and is measured by a photometer. Generally, darker lens tints and mirrored finishes have lower VLT and are better options for bright mountain conditions.

Here’s a short list indicating the same.

• 3-8% VLT- Category 4:  Very dark tint, Ideal for bright, sunny, high-altitude treks in glacial conditions but not suitable for drivers

• 8-18% VLT- Category 3: Dark tint.Good for bright conditions

• 18- 43% VLT- Category 2: Medium tint.Best for normal light conditions in variable weather

• 43- 80% VLT- Category 1: Light tint. Best for overcast and foggy conditions

• >80% VLT- Category 0: Light tint. Best for foggy days and night

9 Top Hiking and Trekking Sunglasses

With so many design variations from the brands, it is not easy to pick an outdoor activity sunglass that will be the right fit for you. However, these are a few of the models that work best for trekkers and hikers.

Julbo Explorer2

If you are looking for the best protection on high-altitude terrain surrounded by glaciers, the Explorer 2 is a safe bet. These shades come with a REACTIV 0-4 high-contrast photochromatic lens that can alter the light transmission value from 86% to 4%. That makes these shades extremely versatile – you get a Cat 0 to a Cat 4 lens in a single frame.

Julbo has a lineage of top-grade glasses that excel in terms of optics and durability and the Explorer 2 is no exception. Julbo uses Trivex material – it is used to make helicopter windshields – for their lenses. 

That provides excellent optical clarity and higher durability than polycarbonate. I have tested Julbo lenses by using them in the roughest possible manner and they have emerged without a scratch.

While the Explorer 2 is pricey, it is made for mountaineers and skiers looking for specialised mountain sunglasses. One thing is, these are designed for the outdoors and not made for everyday use. Using them as everyday wear sunglasses might attract strange looks.

Oakley Flak 2.0

The Flak 2.0 is an iconic model from Oakley with its rimless design and a look that can be classified as sport or tactical. It comes with special Okaley features like the durable O Matter stress-resistant frame material and Unobtainium – a special rubber compound – ear socks and nose pads. 

The material ensures that you do not feel any discomfort while wearing these sunglasses. Plus, the material is a bit flexible, which makes these glasses harder to break. They stay scratchless even after years of hard use,

The design allows the frame to fit snugly on your face. If you are familiar with the Oakley jawbreaker, the fit is almost the same. The model is available with multiple lens types and the prizm black polarized lenses with a light transmission of 11% work great as trekking sunglasses.

A perfect fit, top-of-the-line construction and excellent lens quality – all in all, The Flak 2.0 is a good sunglass for protecting your eyes at high altitudes.

Tifosi Seek FC 2.0

This sleek and lightweight sunglass comes with a wide variety of lens options and we prefer the polarized brown tint for hikers. With a weight of just 23 grams, these are extremely comfortable and great for a whole day of hiking.

The polarization works great and cuts off reflections and glare pretty well. We recommend the brown or smoke polarized options which have light transmission values between 13-14 per cent. Also, the smug fit ensures excellent coverage.

The hydrophilic rubber on the nose pads increases grip when you sweat – a great feature while walking on a hot day. The polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof. However, my experience when it comes to scratch resistance, is not the best with Tifosi. Considering the light frame, I would consider the Seek 2.0 is best handled with a bit of care.

Overall, this is an affordable sunglass that offers good protection in bright light conditions There is no compromise of clarity and these sunglasses seem to disappear on your face. At this price point, they are definitely worth recommending.

Wiley X Gravity

These sunglasses from Wiley X are packed with features like shatterproof polycarbonate lenses, dual-injected rubber temples and nose pads, and ANSI Z87.1+ impact resistance standards. They come in a wide range of lenses and you can choose from polarized and photochromatic options. We prefer the polarized blue mirror lens for the mountains.

Plus, they come with a removable gasket to create a barrier and prevent dust and debris, as well as light, from entering your eyes. You can pop them out on a hot day in case the sweat makes them feel uncomfortable. Wiley X also packs an elastic strap that will prevent you from losing these shades – a practical feature

The ANSI-based safety rating makes them not just great trekking and hiking sunglasses, but protective eyewear for a wide range of outdoor activities. The curvature wraps around your face perfectly and provides a comfortable fit without pushing hard into your head.

All in all, no matter the type of outdoor activity you prefer, the Wiley X Gravity will make you stand out.

Smith Embark

Whether you are heading for the mountains or a casual stroll on the streets, the Smith Embark is versatile enough to handle both and everything in between. I have to admit that this much design flexibility from a top-end trekking sunglass is refreshing.

The Embark comes with a wide range of lenses from Smith’s Chromapop category and you get polarized as well as photochronatic options. Smith’s technology ensures that the lens is crystal clear and the lenses enhance the contrast and colours by just the right amount. Besides, the standard anti-fog and hydroleophobic coatings are also present on the lenses.

They come with a strap as well as vented side shields, making them great for expedition-style adventures where your eyes will need a lot of side protection. The frame curvature doesn’t make it a perfect wrap-around but thanks to the side shields, they work as full-coverage sunglasses. Besides, that allows you to fit prescription lenses in them.

Now, if your sunglasses fog up a lot, the side shields may not be the best option for you. But considering the Smith Embark is versatile enough to use as everyday glasses, as well as glacier glasses, they are a solid choice for hikers.

Julbo Shield

The Shield comes with REACTIV Performance lenses and the polarized versions are the most expensive. The excellent adaptability of the Julbo lenses allows you to keep them on all day long, no matter the light conditions on the trail.

The durability of the frame is great and it can withstand shocks, including bending and twisting like a champ. Plus, they come with side shields to remove glare when the sun is at a particular angle. The grip of the nose and the sides is sticky and prevents them from slipping.

A big plus of these lenses is the top-notch clarity that enhances the vibrance without pushing the colours to the extreme. The anti-fogging properties work great as well. While they are great sunglasses for trekking, you can use the Julbo Shield for other outdoor activities like rock climbing, fishing, and even running.

The only concern is, for those with a narrow face, the Shield may look a size bigger than you usually wear. However, that isn’t bad news in terms of coverage.

Ombraz Armless

If you haven’t used armless sunglasses before, chances are, you wil find them awesome. Having a strap with fasteners instead of a sidearm may initially feel weird. But the design ensures excellent comfort, without adding any pressure points around your head. Moreover, this reduces the weight and adds to the overall durability. Then again, without the sidearms, the packability is excellent.

Sure, the nylon cord gets sweat-soaked on a hot day. Also, removing the glasses when you are wearing a hat or a helmet can be difficult. But you get used to the process and the overall comfort levels are good enough to overcome these minor gripes. The fit is secure and being lightweight you hardly feel the sunglass on your face

Ombraz offers three lens colour options with the frame and each one is polarized and the clarity is top-notch. Among these, the grey lens with 11% light transmission is the best sunglass for mountain treks. Ombraz also offers a 30-day return policy for customers facing any issues.

Maui Jim Peahi 

The wrap-around style of the Peahi frame offers excellent coverage that trekkers seek from high-altitude or mountain sunglasses. It has a Grilamid frame that is highly durable and can withstand extreme temperatures. Maui Jim has used spring hinges that hold the sunglass in place 

Made from “SuperThin” glass, the Maui Jim lens offers amazing clarity and the lightweight design makes keeping them on for long hours a breeze. The frame is a little bit thicker at the sides to provide better peripheral coverage and block any unwanted glare. 

The polarized neutral grey lens fits close to the face and the clarity is super sharp. It offers the highest light reduction among all the Maui Jim lenses and 99.9% glare reduction. Plus, the glass also offers good scratch and shatter resistance.

The Peahi is one of the best-selling sunglasses from Maui Jim and a great choice if you are looking for the best protection for your eyes.

Tifosi Swank Polarized

The Swank comes with a design that works great for the mountains as well as for lifestyle wear. With Tifosi, the gap between affordability and quality is not too wide. They come in multiple lens options and the polarized lenses are a good option at a budget price.

Made from plant-based material, the frame doesn’t feel cheap and the hydrophilic rubber keeps the sunglass in place. The fit is comfortable and there’s no extra pressure over the ears or any pinching of the nose. The optics are not as top-end as the high-priced brands but they offer good protection and clarity.

The Swank does not have the best coverage for high-altitude treks, but they work great for day hikes. Besides, the affordable price is a big plus if you are prone to losing or damaging sunglasses. 

Final Thoughts

So these are some of the best sunglasses for trekking and hiking or for high-altitude trips in the mountains. Admittedly, buying a killer pair of sunnies can be expensive. However, cheap sunglasses from a local store that doesn’t have proper UV protection can ruin your eyes under the harsh mountain sun.

Besides the optical quality of these lenses isn’t good, and they will put extra strain on your eyes. Cheap lenses also have low impact resistance which is an additional risk.

That does not mean expensive glasses are always the best option. Quite simply, avoid the trendy and attractive sunglasses from a local store that come without the right protection from UV rays and glare. 

Remember: protecting your eyes is more important than making a fashion statement.

By Suvajit Banerjee

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