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Best Hiking Sunglasses
Hiking sunglasses can help you in more ways than you can imagine. Protecting your eyes is an important thing to do any time you venture outdoors, and even more so when you are performing an activity where you need to see clearly.
When you are outside hiking, you want to make sure you have the protection from the Sun’s harmful UV rays so that you don’t incur any eye problems or headaches.
A good pair of hiking sunglasses will bring you all the durability, glare, and UV protection you need so that your eyes stay protected. Check out our top picks on hiking sunglasses below.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Features
The sunglasses on our list all come with a wide variety of different features. Some of the sunglasses feature cases that you can use and get no additional money.
They are a great way to extend the life of your sunglasses and keep them protected when you aren’t using them. So, you are going to need a case whether your sunglasses come with them or not, and getting a case is a great bonus.
Some of these sunglasses also come with long-lasting warranties, which is terrific if anything ever breaks and you need to replace something on your sunglasses.
You’ll be able to get a lot of use for the price if you buy something with a warranty because you’ll be able to replace parts on the sunglasses as you see fit easily.
Brand
Frames vary widely from brand to brand and style to style, but all of the products on our list offer frames that are durable and made of some plastic.
They are all able to withstand any abuse or dropping that might happen while out on the trails, and still perform well. Of course, you’ll want that kind of durability when you are out on the trails.
Frames also come with different features and benefits depending on brand name and style. Some of the glasses on our list are very adjustable, which is a nice feature to have because it ensures that the sunglasses will fit.
Others feature bonus parts you can add to them and other additional options. While adjustability is a great feature, you won’t always get frames that can do this. So, in essence, you want to make sure your frames can fit you well.
UV Protection
Before you purchase your sunglasses, you will want to consider the types of lenses you are going to get.
Many of the styles of sunglasses on our list offer polarized lenses. Polarized lenses help to significantly cut back on glare and also prevent temporary sun-blindness, which can be a real problem when you are out on the trails.
Sun-blindness can also create headaches and other issues, which can often ruin an enjoyable outing and make your day miserable. However, not all people want polarized lenses, and some hikers prefer to go without them.
Another great product we reviewed is the Shady Rays Blackout Polarized Incognito Sunglasses, so make sure to check it out as well.
Polarization depends on whether you can handle it or not, and whether you are very sensitive to the glare, the Sun can create when you are out on the trails. Some people prefer to go without, while others like this level of protection.
Also, you want to make sure the lenses you buy can block out all of the Sun’s rays. All of the sunglasses on our list come with lenses that can do this, whether they are polarized or not. You’ll want all of the protection from the Sun’s rays to help keep your eyes from getting damaged as you go outside and stay active. If you aren’t careful with this, you can wind up with a variety of eye problems later in life.
The strength and durability of the lenses will also matter. You want to make sure your lenses are abrasion resistant and built to handle some mishandling while you are active.
Fit
Frames are another thing you’ll need to look into, and what you need in your frames depends on how you want the sunglasses to fit.
Some of the products on our list come with adjustable frames, which can be great if you want to make sure that whatever sunglasses you buy will fit your face. Also, all of the products on our list come with durable frames, and they are all designed to stay in place while you are active.
However, some sunglasses are with a design that fits smaller faces, while others adjust better to larger faces. The extra features that come with sunglasses you might purchase can feature things like cases or additional pieces to help better protect your eyes.
Some sunglasses give you a few lenses to snap in that can vary depending on what you need. Also, some of these sunglasses come with lengthy warranties, which is also a nice feature to have.
Top 10 Picks
1. Oakley Flak 2.0
Oakley’s Flak 2.0 XL hiking sunglasses bring you a lot of protection from the sun’s harmful rays and will also give you protection from the glare. You won’t need to worry about the sun affecting your hiking activities, and you’ll be able to use these sunglasses for an extended period. They are robust and have a unique structure since a great manufacturer makes them.
Read moreLenses
The lenses on Oakley’s Flak 2.0 XL comprise of Oakley’s Plutonite, which means they are both HDO Photochromatic and polarized. These lenses will quickly block out the harmful glare and UV light rays that can damage your eyes and make it difficult for you to see. You won’t need to worry about getting temporary sun blindness or any headaches when you are outside wearing these lenses.
Frames
The materials on the frames of these sunglasses are designed to be very lightweight, and also can resist stress easily. Even though the frames are light, they are durable, and they can handle abuse and dropping or other mishandling without breaking.
Features
These sunglasses are great for hikers who need lightweight sunglasses that are very versatile and will stay on their faces while they are active. The unobtanium earsocks on these glasses plus the three points of contact designed in the frames means they remain in place, and won’t get bounced around. Also, these sunglasses look best on people who have medium to large faces.
Value
The sunglasses are made very well and with excellent design and give you everything you need to block out the UV’s harmful rays and glare. They bring you a lot of protection and durability, so you’ll get a lot of use out of these sunglasses, priced in the average range for sunglasses offering this level of security from the Sun.
2. Maui Jim Haleakala
Maui Jim, as a brand, has been known for making high-quality sunglasses for years. If you are looking for some great sunglasses that designed with some of the best materials available on the market, then you might want to consider these sunglasses. They bring you polarized lenses that will protect your eyes and help you on your hikes.
Read moreLenses
Maui Jim’s Haleakala Sunglasses are with polarized lenses, so they are designed to help protect your eyes from UV glare. Also, these lenses will help block out glare, so that you don’t have to worry about any temporary sun blindness affecting you while you are out on the hiking trails. Comprised out of HCL Bronze, these lenses are very durable and made from excellent materials.
Frames
The frames on these sunglasses are very durable and designed from a high-quality glass and polycarbonate material that’s built to last. They do a great job of holding in place through the ear and nose area, so you won’t have to worry about the sunglasses sliding or falling off. And even if they do fall off, they are still strong enough to take the impact.
Features
These lenses are very lightweight, which makes them very easy and comfortable to wear. Also, they offer you frames and lenses that can handle the impact when or if dropped, since these sunglasses are built to last.
Value
These sunglasses come with a price that belongs in the average range, and considering how durable they are and how much eye protection you will get, they are an excellent value for the price. You’ll get a great pair of sunglasses that are built to last while protecting your eyes.
3. Oakley Holbrook
Oakley is a staple name in hiking sunglasses since they are known for making some very high-quality and durable products. Oakley’s Holbrook Hiking Sunglasses are built to be firm and durable enough to take any mishandling that might happen while you are active. They also come with ample eye protection and will look fashionable and stylish when you wear them.
Read moreLenses
These hiking sunglasses are with polycarbonate lenses, which makes them very strong and durable. While the lenses block out the UV rays well, you don’t get polarization built into these particular lenses, so you won’t get the anti-glare capacities that are offered by some other sunglasses on our list.
However, remember, some people prefer polarized glasses while others don’t, so it’s a matter of personal preference. Oakley does make a polarized version of the Holbrook, but unfortunately, it didn't find its way to our top 10.
Frames
These frames are with O-matter design, which makes them very comfortable and durable. They’re made to fit and stay on whenever you place them on your face, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping down or falling off.
Features
The frames on these lenses are made to be both durable and robust, so even if you do drop the glasses, you’ll be fine, and they will be in great shape. Also, these glasses are designed to be very stylish, so you’ll love the way they look and feel.
Value
These sunglasses are very affordable, considering how much you’ll get for the price. You’ll wind up with excellent eye protection and plenty of durabilities, and you’ll be able to use these long-lasting sunglasses for quite some time.
4. Julbo Trek
Julbo’s Trek sunglasses are designed to be very durable, and with their versatility, you can use them for a wide variety of outdoor activities. You’ll get some excellent, lightweight frames built to last, and lenses that are made to block out the sun. Plus, with the flex nose design and adjustable frames, you’ll get what you need with these glasses.
Read moreLenses
The lenses on these sunglasses are made to block rays from extreme glare, and can also ventilate your eyes. They also block out the UV lights and give you detachable shields. With the polarization these lenses offer, you’ll stay well-protected from the sun every time you are outside.
Frames
The frames on these sunglasses are made from polyurethane and are built to be very durable. Also, the structure itself has adjustable temples that you can use to ensure your sunglasses will stay in place and never slide or fall off. The fact you can adjust these sunglasses is a real benefit since you can always ensure they fit your face.
Features
Featuring a removable sweat blocker and adjustable cord, you’ll get a lot of bonuses with these sunglasses. Plus, the lenses also feature a flash finish and anti-reflective coating, which will help you avoid the sun’s harmful rays.
Value
These sunglasses come with an affordable price for what they offer you, and their excellent durability means they are built to last. You’ll be able to protect your eyes well and adjust these sunglasses whenever you need to, which is a real bonus.
5. Julbo Bivouak
Julbo’s Bivouak sunglasses would be great for any hiker who wants versatility and a lot of all-around protection while experiencing the great outdoors. These sunglasses are designed to be lightweight and durable and provide a lot of protection from the sun whenever you are outside. Plus, you won’t have to worry about them breaking if you drop them.
Read moreLenses
The lenses made from polyurethane, come polarized and offer a lot of protection from the glare and the UV rays while you are outside. You’ll also like the full Chameleon lens style, which provides a lot of protection from the Sun. Plus, if you need more protection, you can add magnetic protection wings as well.
Frames
The frames on these sunglasses are designed to be adjustable, so you can make them easily fit your face whenever you wear them. Also, the adjustability helps to ensure that the sunglasses won’t slide out of place or fall off your face. With the 360 degree adjustable temples, you’ll always have the perfect fit.
Features
These sunglasses offer full coverage to protect your eyes from the sun, with the bonus addition of their magnetic protective shields. Plus, they also feature a front venting system and excellent grip technology, all of which help add to their quality.
Value
These sunglasses are very affordable, considering what you’ll get if you purchase them. Their durability and quality materials mean they are built strong, and you’ll have a great pair of sunglasses you can use for an extended period.
6. Oakley Radarlock Path
Oakley’s Radarlock Path Sunglasses are another viable option for hikers that want a lot of versatility and durability when they purchase their sunglasses. Designed to be lightweight and affordable, if you don’t wish polarized lenses but still want UV protection, these glasses have just that. Plus, they can handle a lot of abuse when you are on the trails, which is another bonus.
Read moreLenses
Oakley’s Radarlock Path sunglasses are with durable plastic lenses that comprise of non-polarized iridium. They also have a 100% UV protective coating on them, so you’ll be safe from the sun’s dangerous rays while you are outside. Plus, the lenses are also prescription ready in case you need to add prescription lenses into them.
Frames
These sturdy plastic frames can handle a lot of wear and tear while you are playing outside. They are very lightweight and meant to handle just about anything. While these frames aren’t adjustable, the sunglasses themselves are designed to stay on your face.
Features
If you purchase these sunglasses, you’ll get a bonus case for additional protection when you aren’t wearing them. Also, you’ll get an excellent range of view with these sunglasses and frames that are built to last.
Value
These sunglasses are the most expensive on our list. Between the ability to add prescription lenses, carrying case, and the plethora of other features, we believe they are worth it. They will last quite a while and also perform well when you are hiking and active outside.
7. Costa Del Mar Blackfin
Costa Del Mar’s Blackfin Sunglasses bring you a stylish pair of sunglasses that offer glare and UV protection when you are hiking outside. You’ll get a lot of durability with these glasses, which also provide a lightweight frame design. Although these sunglasses don’t offer an adjustable fit, they are made to fit all face types and sizes.
Read moreLenses
Costa Del Mar’s Blackfin Hiking Sunglasses are with high-quality polarized lenses that offer 100% UV protection while you are outside. You’ll get some superb lenses that are meant to protect your eyes from the sun, and that are also able to block out glare. Plus, they help boost your vision and provide you with a prominent view.
Frames
The frames on these sunglasses from polycarbonate are very durable and able to handle misuse. These frames are not adjustable, but they do provide a great fit that will stay on your face and not cause you issues with slipping or falling.
Features
The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty on these sunglasses, which is a great sign that this brand stands behind its product. Also, these sunglasses are unisex, so they are designed to look great on all face types. The rubber nose pad and temple tips will also help give you the fit and feel you need when you are active.
Value
These sunglasses are priced affordably for what they offer, and they’ll give you the durability and performance you need while you are active. Also, you’ll get plenty of protection from the sun and a high-quality pair of sunglasses that are built to last.
8. Smith Pivlock V2 Max
Smith’s Pivlock V2 Max hiking sunglasses offers you a set of interchangeable lenses in sunglasses that are designed to be very durable. While these sunglasses don’t offer polarized lenses, but they still block out the sun’s UV rays. Plus, the frames on these sunglasses are very durable and lightweight, so if you purchase these sunglasses, you’ll have something that will last you a long time.
Read moreLenses
Smith’s Pivlock V2 Max comes with three interchangeable carbonic TLT lenses so that you can adjust the color and vision as you see fit, and as you need to. The lenses on these sunglasses are not polarized, but they do offer a lot of UV protection so you’ll get the safety you need for your eyes. Also, these lenses are designed to be larger, so they bring a lot of extra coverage to your eyes.
Frames
The frames on these lenses are made from polycarbonate and feature the evolve frame material to help make them more durable. Plus, you’ll get a structure that is very durable and can handle drops and a lot of abuse while you are busy hiking. You’ll also be able to adjust the nose and other areas of the sunglasses to give you a better fit overall.
Features
These sunglasses come with a hydrophilic Megol Nose and Temple Pads, which are adjustable and will help you keep the sunglasses on your face. Also, you’ll get firm, coated lenses for UV protection. These sunglasses are designed to fit medium to large faces.
Value
These sunglasses are similarly priced as the other products on our list and offer you a good value for the durability and the options you’ll get.
9. Peppers Cutthroat
Peppers Cutthroat Sunglasses are designed to be very durable and flexible, so they offer a lot of comfort while you are active and hiking on the trails. You’ll get plenty of eye protection with the polarized lenses that will block out both the glare and UV rays. Plus, they are also designed to hold tight to your face even if you need to wear sunscreen, which can make your face and nose slippery.
Read moreLenses
Pepper’s hiking sunglasses are with prime lenses that are tri-acetate and polarized. Plus, you’ll get two acetate lenses that feature a polyvinyl acetate layer for extra eye protection and durability. These lenses do an excellent job of blocking out the glare and preventing UV rays from interfering with your eyes and line of vision.
Frames
The frames on these sunglasses are with a grilamid frame, which gives you a lot of flexibility when you wear them, and frames that are very durable and long-lasting. They are designed to fit your face securely and designed to wrap around the front of your eyes. You won’t have to worry about these sunglasses falling off of your face or slipping.
Features
These sunglasses come prescription-ready, so you’ll be able to swap them out with prescription lenses if you need to. They also come with a case, which you can use to preserve them easily when you aren’t wearing them.
Value
These sunglasses are very high-quality and feature a lot of durability and a full range of benefits for their price. They are built to last and do offer great value for people looking for sunglasses that they want to utilize for a while.
10. Duduma TR90
Duduma’s TR90 Sunglasses offer you an excellent, fashionable design that brings a lot of eye protection when you are out on the trails. If you are looking for a good pair of sunglasses that can cut back on glare, and also protect you from the sun’s rays, then you’ll love what these sunglasses offer. Also, they come with a full lifetime warranty, which makes them an excellent value for their price.
Read moreLenses
The lenses on the Duduma TR90 are designed to be polarized and can block out 100% of the sun’s harmful rays with their UV400 protection coating. You’ll also get a boost in your vision and color, with some excellent lenses that help cut back on glare. You’ll get lenses made with seven layers of protection, which help protect your eyes as well as the lenses themselves from abrasions and impact.
Frames
The frames on these sunglasses are made to be lightweight and flexible, so they’ll feel very comfortable each time you wear them. They are also made to be durable and versatile and can handle hiking as well as a wide variety of other outdoor activities. Also, the frames offer a stylish design, which makes them very fashionable to wear.
Features
These sunglasses come with a lifetime breakage warranty on both the frame and lenses, so you’ll not only wind up with a pair of sunglasses that the manufacturer stands behind but excellent customer service. If anything happens to these sunglasses, you’ll be able to get what you need to repair the damage. So you can rest easy and purchase these lenses, knowing you have no risk.
Value
Considering how much is packed into the design of these sunglasses, they are an excellent value. You’ll get all the eye protection you need with this pair of lightweight, well-designed sunglasses, and you’ll know you can replace them if there is any damage.
Sources
- , Hiking Sunglasses 101, Informational Outdoor Website
- , Best Hiking Sunglasses for Men, Informational Outdoor Website
- , The Top 10 Best Hiking Sunglasses, Informational Outdoor Website