Hiking Sunglasses

Why do you need glasses suited to the mountains?

The higher you climb, the stronger the light becomes: the atmosphere filters out less UV at altitude, and snow reflects a large share of the radiation back at you. Without protection, you risk glare, eye strain, even snow blindness. Good hiking sunglasses shield your eyes from intense brightness and strong solar radiation - they're a safety essential, just like sun cream, not merely a style accessory.

Lens category: the key criterion

Sun lenses are classified by protection category, from 0 to 4. For mountain hiking, aim for category 3, suited to strong light conditions. In high mountains and on glaciers, category 4 is a must - it filters out most visible light for the most dazzling environments. Note that category 4 lenses are not permitted for driving. Also check for anti-UV protection (100% UV), which is separate from the tint. Polarised lenses cut glare bouncing off water and snow, while photochromic lenses adjust their tint to match the light.

Frame, comfort and durability

In outdoor sport, the frame matters just as much as the lenses. A wraparound shape shields your eyes from light and wind coming in from the sides, while non-slip arms and a well-fitted bridge keep the glasses in place, even during tough efforts and descents. Side shields boost effectiveness in high mountain conditions. Lightweight yet sturdy and impact-resistant, they need to stay put without slipping when you're sweating, so they stay comfortable all day long.

Gear up properly

Sunglasses round off your protective kit alongside a cap and sun cream, plus the rest of the hiking accessories range. Keep them in mind for every outing at altitude, summer and winter alike.