If you’re a keen hiker or backpacker, then you’ll know wearing sunglasses makes a world of difference when embarking on an exhilarating adventure out in the elements. The right pair of hiking sunglasses will not only protect your eyes from distracting UV rays, but will also shield you from wind, dust, debris and glare for improved comfort and visibility when you’re on the move.
Sunglasses are a must-have piece of gear when enjoying your outdoor adventures, whether you’re hiking a long-distance trail, exploring the local park, or taking your mountain bike with you. But with so many options out there, where do you even start? We know it can be overwhelming and that’s why we’ve broken it down for you so can find the ideal pair of sunglasses and equip yourself for even the most challenging of trails.
Why do you need sunglasses for hiking?
Sun protection
When hiking outdoors, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your eyes over time, increasing the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye problems. All Glasses Direct’s sunglasses come with 100% UV protection (which includes UVA and UVB). This means you can relax and focus on the trail ahead, knowing your eyes are safe, even on bright, sunny days in the mountains, or along open areas like the coast.
Minimise glare
The sun reflecting off surfaces like snow, water and sand can cause glare making it harder for you to see. Anti-glare eyewear, specifically, sunglasses, help reduce this effect for improved visibility when hiking in areas with lots of sunlight, or high-altitude environments.
Improve visual comfort
Trekking often involves long hours in the sun. Sunglasses reduce squinting, eye strain and discomfort caused by bright light, allowing you to focus on the trail ahead.
Protection from the elements
Hiking sunglasses should ideally shield your eyes from wind, dust, insects, branches, sand and debris, especially in open or dry environments like deserts, high altitudes, or coastal areas.
What type of sunglasses tints are best for hiking?
Glasses Direct has a selection of sun tints and lens options which are suitable for a variety of uses.
Polarised sunglasses are ideal for hiking because they block blinding glare reflected off wet and shiny surfaces. This minimises eye strain for improved visual comfort, allowing you to focus on your performance. Polarised lenses will also enhance contrast so you can see your surroundings clearly.
Photochromic lenses adjust to changing light conditions, darkening in bright sunlight and lightening in lower light conditions. They are perfect for on-the-go protection, especially if you’re travelling between very bright and shadowy environments like from open air to forest. Or, if you’re trekking on holiday, you might want to pop into a few museums or shops along the way. Photochromic lenses adapt to the light around them so you don’t have to worry about packing both your glasses and sunglasses during your trip.
Key design features to look out for:
We have highlighted some of the key design aspects to consider when it comes to choosing a reliable pair of sunglasses for hiking. Keep an eye out for these features in particular:
Frame Durability: Look for flexible and durable materials such as metal and acetate that can withstand the rigors of hiking without breaking or warping. Ideally, you’ll also want the frame to have a lightweight feel especially on long-distance hikes when bulky sunglasses will inevitably start to feel heavy or dig in.
Fit and Comfort: Sunglasses should fit snugly but comfortably on your face. Adjustable nose pads and temple grips are great features to ensure a secure fit, helping you avoid slippage when you’re climbing, jumping, or crossing obstacles. Especially with more intense activities like trail running.
Coverage: When deciding on the best sunglasses for mountain hiking, good coverage is key. Larger lenses, or wraparound sunglasses provide better eye protection from the sun and environmental elements by covering more of your face. This is especially important at higher altitudes when you’re more exposed. Sunglasses that sit closer to your face will stop any low sun rays from reaching your eyes. We also recommend investing in side shields for your glasses. These will provide enhanced coverage.
Lens coating: Adding protective coatings to your lenses can help make them more durable. For instance, scratch-resistance will prevent minor lens abrasions. However, it’s just as important that you take good care of your sunglasses by putting them in their case when not in use. You should also clean them correctly with an appropriate cloth and try to avoid storing them at the bottom of your pack, especially if they have a loose or flexible case. After all, good quality lenses still need to be taken good care of!
What colour lenses are best for hiking?
When it comes to deciding on what colour tint to have for your sunglasses, there are a few options that stand out. We have highlighted them for you here:
- Brown or amber tints are ideal for your hiking adventures because they enhance contrast and depth perception, allowing you to better navigate the terrain and spot hazards like rocks, roots and uneven ground. Brown tints are especially ideal if you love to go off the beaten track to backcountry areas and challenge yourself to more rugged terrain.
- Grey tints, meanwhile, are your go-to when exploring snowy environments or very bright open spaces that get a lot of exposure. Grey-coloured tints are not only the most popular option for general use, but they are also very dark and therefore reduce the amount of light that gets to your eyes so you can see clearly. For this reason, they are often considered the best sunglasses for sun-sensitive eyes. Grey tints allow you to accurately perceive colours so you can better identify dips in the terrain and obstacles along the route.
- If your hiking trail takes you through lush forests and shaded areas, green tints have the unique ability to enhance contrast in all environments from low-light to bright conditions. They brighten shadows and provide complete colour accuracy.
Oakley Plazlink
Features: Cutting-edge design, lightweight and durable with reliable non-slip grip.
Why we like it: Take your eyewear game to new heights with this elite pair of Oakley hiking sunglasses. Designed for active individuals, these semi-rimless rectangular sports sunglasses ensure a secure fit and are ideal for high-energy activities like hiking. They are loved for their resilience, made of Oakley’s innovative O Matter™ material which is extremely durable yet also comfortable to wear all day. The sleek matte finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps to reduce glare and reflections. Meanwhile, the nose and ear pads are specifically engineered to provide a non-slip fit when it rains, or you sweat.
The Collection Kane
Features: Ergonomic shape, easy to wear, good grip and available at an affordable price.
Why we like it: Part of our exclusive range, these sporty sunglasses are responsibly made with bio-nylon material. If you’re looking for cheap sunglasses for hiking, then these high-quality sunglasses are your go-to. They are the perfect blend of functionality and style which is ideal both on and off the trails. A popular style of running sunglasses, the high-quality integrated nose pads and rubber inserts along the temples ensure a comfortable and reliable grip even in the toughest conditions – perfect for those more intense hikes!
Oakley Trillbe™ X
Features: Classic retro shape, ultra-comfortable, sturdy and light as a feather.
Why we like it: As one of our best-selling designs, these dynamic Oakley sunglasses are perfect for outdoor activities. Built for small faces, they have a compact, rounded silhouette. They therefore make ideal hiking sunglasses for women and for individuals with smaller face shapes. These sunglasses are hard-wearing yet comfortable to wear, ready for whatever the day brings. They also feature the brand’s innovative Three-Point Fit, minimising pressure and holding the lenses in precise optical alignment for total clarity.
Ray-Ban RB6489
Features: Stylish, ultra-tough design with large teardrop lenses and adjustable nose pads.
Why we like it: Aviator sunglasses from Ray-Ban® are a must have for any intrepid explorer. The ideal blend of style, comfort and performance, the classic teardrop lenses will keep your eyes fully protected and looking stylish at the same time. These ultra-cool sunglasses have a timeless design that will complement both your casual and outdoor gear. They easily transition from the trail to everyday life, so you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for utility!
Champion CULIT100
Features: A modern design that is easy to wear and offers a snug fit with self-adjusting temple tips.
Why we like it: These sunglasses from Champion are a real crowd-pleaser. They have a versatile rectangular shape that is both trendy and practical, perfect for both sports and casual wear. The adjustable temple tips have a flexible three-point fit that ensures comfort in every environment. They make an excellent choice of hiking sunglasses for men.
New Balance NB4161
Features: Made of eco-friendly material with flexible hinges, an ultra-trendy design and snug fit.
Why we like it: These New Balance sunglasses have a fresh athletic design, made of bright eco-friendly acetate. The large lenses ensure effective sun protection. Meanwhile, the ultralight structure and flexible spring hinges of the frame provide a comfortable, on-the-go fit.
