A Sunglasses Buying Guide for Hiking Enthusiasts

Are you looking to go hiking soon? Well, you’re not alone. After all, it remains the most popular outdoor activity among Canadian adults, and it is not surprising given the amount stunning trails available across the states.  

So, if you’re looking to get out on a hike soon, you’ll need to ensure you do your bit to preserve Mother Nature on your next trail. Leave No Trace principles such as avoiding littering, minimizing the impact of campfires, leaving wildlife alone, and leaving everything as you find it are just some of the great values to remember.

However, your sustainable mindset can also extend to what you pack for your hike. By filling your backpack with recycled cotton clothes, biodegradable toiletries, and solar phone chargers, you will be able to embark on an eco-friendly expedition by buying the items you need in ways that minimally impact nature. The same goes for other hiking essentials, including sunglasses.

These are crucial for sun protection on the trail, and the vast range of models available today means you can buy a pair made from sustainable materials. However, you need to make sure the pair you buy doesn’t compromise on quality in the process. 

With that in mind, consider perusing this quick buying guide and look for the following features in your hiking sunglasses:

Ensure UV protection

The sun can damage more than just your skin as you hike. Its UV rays can penetrate and damage your eyes. Aside from increasing your likelihood of experiencing vision loss as you age—taking away opportunities for future hikes—these rays can sunburn your eyes, too. You’re especially at risk when hiking at higher altitudes, where there’s less atmosphere to absorb sunlight before it reaches you. Unfortunately, not all sunglasses provide UV protection, so ensure the pair you buy has a label marked “UV 400” or “100% UV protection.” As a rule of thumb, though, getting your sunnies from renowned eyewear brands like Maui Jim, rather than the drugstore is a safe bet: they’re more likely to follow international standards for UV protection. These brands are especially great as they often host recycling programs where you can send your sunglasses in to be made into new items in case they break. 

Pick the right frames

If you’re investing in sunglasses for your long-term hiking needs, though, you’ll probably want sunglasses that don’t break. Flexon and nylon are two kinds of lightweight yet durable sunglass frame materials you can look for. For something more sustainable, JOPLINS sells bio-acetate frames like the Ganges and Lisboa that are made from renewable sources rather than petroleum. All these materials will ensure your sunglasses are comfortable to wear even for long hours of hiking, and they won’t break so easily. From here, look to get sunnies with an oversized or wraparound design. Paired with lightweight and durable materials, sunglasses with these designs will adequately protect your eyes and the surrounding area from injuries caused by dirt or dust entering your eyes—or you running into a particularly prickly branch. These can scratch your cornea and cause infections, so getting the right pair of sunglasses will prevent that.

Add the necessary prescription

If you’re diagnosed with conditions like nearsightedness, you’re probably thinking of wearing your glasses on your next hike to avoid getting into accidents. Though useful, this eyewear may not protect you from the sun and physical injuries as well as sunglasses do—and it can be a hassle to bring and wear both types of accessories on the trail. That’s where you may want to add your prescription to UV-blocking lenses for a truly essential, multi-purpose pair of specs. You can look at the prescription sunglasses from Ray-Ban to get an idea of what to buy. They come from a reliable brand, which means guaranteed UV protection and sturdy frames and lenses for your hikes. You can also add your prescription to most of Ray-Ban’s iconic designs, like the Wayfarer and Erika, as well as models from its sustainable bio-based sunglasses collection. Just make sure the frames you pick are thick enough to accommodate the lenses you need. Styles like the Aviator, for example, are too thin to handle stronger prescriptions.  

Look for polarization

On your hikes, you may run into a condition known as photokeratitis or snow blindness. Though temporary, it can cause discomfort, pain, and even vision loss. You’re particularly at risk if you’re hiking trails that pass by rivers, lakes, and snowy mountains, as the sun will reflect off these surfaces, and the glare will go directly into your eyes. That’s why it’s crucial for your hiking sunglasses to provide polarization. Polarized sunglasses are becoming increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts because their lens coatings use vertical filters to block the sun’s horizontal rays, preventing glare. Those from industry leader Costa Del Mar, renowned for making frames recycled from used fishing nets, can set the standard as you shop for your pair. Models like the Fantail and Reefton use the brand’s unique, “beyond polarized” 580® lenses to block harsh light while simultaneously enhancing natural reds, greens, and blues, so you can fully enjoy your surroundings on your hike without your eyes getting sunburned. To tell if lenses are polarized, wear the sunglasses you’re eyeing, tilt your head while looking at an LCD or LED screen, and make sure the screen turns black in the process.