The Best Mountaineering Sunglasses in 2023

If you're planning to go on a mountaineering expedition in 2023, it's essential to invest in a good pair of sunglasses. Mountaineering sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays but also shield your eyes from snow and wind. With so many brands and models available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

Why are Mountaineering Sunglasses Important?

Mountaineering sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. They also provide protection from wind and snow, which can cause snow blindness, a condition where the cornea becomes inflamed due to prolonged exposure to bright sunlight. The right pair of sunglasses can help to reduce this glare and give you a better view of your environment.

What to Look for in Mountaineering Sunglasses?

When selecting sunglasses for mountaineering, there are several factors to consider:

Protection: Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays.

Lens Color: Different lens colors are suitable for different lighting conditions. Choose a lens color that matches the lighting conditions you will encounter.

Lens Material: Polycarbonate lenses are durable, lightweight, and impact-resistant, making them a popular choice for mountaineering sunglasses.

Fit: The sunglasses should fit comfortably and snugly on your face, without slipping or causing discomfort.

Frame Material: Choose a frame material that is lightweight and durable, such as titanium or nylon.

The Best Mountaineering Sunglasses in 2023

Bollé Shifter Sunglasses

The Bollé Shifter sunglasses come with polarized lenses that reduce glare and provide excellent UV protection. The sunglasses are made of lightweight and durable materials and feature adjustable nose pads and temple arms for a comfortable and secure fit. Its price is about $140 to $200, prices may fluctuate based on the specific lens and frame color you choose.

Recommended color: Acid Yellow Matte for bright, sunny conditions

Oakley Flak 2.0 XL

Oakley is a well-known brand in the world of sunglasses, and the Flak 2.0 XL is a great choice for mountaineering. These sunglasses feature a lightweight, durable frame made of O-Matter material, as well as Oakley's patented Prizm lens technology.

The lenses come in a range of colors and provide excellent clarity and contrast in a range of lighting conditions, making them a versatile choice for mountaineers. On average, they retail for around $160 to $240.

Recommended color: Prizm Sapphire for bright, sunny conditions

Smith Optics Pivlock Arena

The Smith Optics Pivlock Arena is a great option for mountaineers looking for a lightweight and comfortable pair of sunglasses. The frames are made of flexible and durable TR90 material, and the lenses are made of impact-resistant Carbonic material.

The Pivlock Arena also features interchangeable lenses, allowing you to swap out lenses depending on the lighting conditions. The lenses come in a range of colors, including Platinum, Ignitor, and Green Sol-X. Its price is around $130 to $180.

Recommended color: Green Sol-X for bright, sunny conditions

REVO Windspeed

The REVO Windspeed features polarized lenses with REVO's signature Serilium+ technology, which provides excellent clarity and distortion-free vision. These lenses are also highly impact-resistant and provide 100% UV protection, making them ideal for harsh outdoor conditions. On average, they retail for around $200 to $250.

Recommended color: Blue Water for bright, sunny conditions

Conclusion

While the mentioned sunglasses are of excellent quality, it's important to note that as a consumable item, the lenses may not be as durable as the frames. Additionally, the original lenses can be relatively expensive. As far as I know, MRY provides replacement lenses for many brands. Compared to the expensive original lenses, you can acquire a pair of high-quality lenses from MRY that are comparable to the originals, all at just a third of the cost. By considering your budget, you can find sports sunglasses that not only meet your requirements but also provide great value for your money.

Hope you can choose the right mountaineering sunglasses after reading this article. Happy climbing!