--- title: "The Best Hiking Sunglasses, Tested and Reviewed" description: "We tested the best hiking sunglasses for their weight, stability, and protection from harmful rays and debris on the trail." date: "2023-03-03" modified: "2024-12-11" authors: - name: "Ashley Thess" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/ashley-thess/" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-hiking-sunglasses/" categories: - "Adventure" - "Camping Gear" - "Fishing Gear" - "Gear" - "Hunting Gear" tags: - "Evergreen" - "Gear Reviews" - "MPR" --- # The Best Hiking Sunglasses, Tested and Reviewed ![The best hiking sunglasses sit on a rock.]() *Ashley Thess* While hiking sunglasses can be a fashion statement, afterthought, or impulse buy, they’re a necessity if you spend a lot of time outside. Especially while hiking, sunglasses are a serious piece of eye protection. They protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, dirt, and branches. While a gas station pair can get you by for a weekend, if you invest in quality sunglasses, you’ll deal with less scratching, fogging, distortion, and have an overall clearer image. I tested the best hiking sunglasses from top brands to determine how they perform on the trail, and here are the results. - **Best Overall:** [Smith Shift Mag]() - **Best Glass Lenses:** [Costa Caleta]() - **Best Budget:** [Goodr Everglades]() - **Best Ultralight:** [Maui Jim Wailua]() - **Most Versatile:** [Ombraz Viale]() - **Best for Mountaineering:** [Julbo Vermont Classic]() - **Best for Hunting:** [Leupold Cheyenne]() - **Best for Running:** [Tifosi Seek 2.0]() - **Best Floatable:** [Dragon H2O]() - **Best for the Beach:** [Bajio Parasio]() ## How I Tested the Best Hiking Sunglasses ![The best hiking sunglasses sit in front of Delicate Arch.]() *Hiking sunglasses are crucial eye protection even in slightly cloudy conditions as 80 percent of UV rays penetrate cloud coverage. Ashley Thess* I wore all of these sunglasses hiking in the desert and mountains to test the fit, lenses, and polarization. The hiking sunglasses on this list were picked specifically for active outdoor adventures, so I took note of their comfort and stability. All weights listed in the key features section were measured, not advertised unless otherwise noted. ![The best hiking sunglasses are attached to a loaded backpack.]() *I dropped this backpack underside down on concrete stairs allowing for the full weight of the pack to land squarely on the lenses. Ashley Thess* Durability is a huge concern when hiking with sunglasses because if your pair detrimentally scratches or breaks, you’re either stuck with an obscured field of vision or forced to go without. I always scratch my cheap sunglasses backpacking by tucking them into a strap on my heavy pack and then hurling it to the ground once it’s time for a break, inevitably sending my sunglasses crashing into a rock. So I recreated this scenario by attaching the sunglasses to a loaded pack and dropping them on concrete stairs three times. This is extreme abuse, but surprisingly most pairs passed with either no scratches or a mild amount. However, the Under Armour Gameday glasses were removed from testing at this point. ## Best Hiking Sunglasses: Reviews & Recommendations ### Best Overall: [Smith Shift Mag]() ![Landscape of a rocky hillside with no filter or lens.]() *This rocky hillside has no filter or lens.* ![Landscape of a rocky hillside through the Smith's Shift Mag lenses.]() *A rocky hillside through the Smith's Shift Mag lenses. Ashley Thess* Smith’s ChromaPop technology is uniquely exciting to look through. I love wearing ChromaPop lenses in any form: the Shift Mag, a more frontcountry-friendly frame design like the [Wanderer](), fishing favorite the [Guide’s Choice](), or [Mag ski googles](). Essentially these lenses are filtering light more distinctly to increase clarity and enhance colors, making it easier to judge depth, shadows, and obstacles in rough terrain, and intensifying scenic views. With a nearly $300 price tag, they better be the best sunglasses for all of your outdoor activities, not just hiking. Which they are. The Shift Mag frames provide full-coverage with enough ventilation for high intensity adventures. The Shift Mag frames specifically are built for speed with soft gel arms that don't slip, and an aerodynamic shape that curves to your face. I don't worry about these moving while running or biking at high speeds. I’ve hiked, skied, biked, paddled, and trail ran in these, and particularly appreciate the rose gold mirror lenses. They allow 22 percent visible light through, which is a lot compared to the 10 percent through the black lenses. But I think they’re ideal to go from full-sun to sheltered trails, slot canyons, and snow days. I frequently use them in bright sunlight, but the range is nice for varying conditions. The lenses are interchangeable so you can [buy additional styles]() for any brightness, including clear to gray transitions. Whatever lens color you decide, they all come with a clear as well, which is useful when it’s not sunny but you want eye protection from branches, dust, etc. ![Testing the Shift Mags while biking.]() *The full-coverage frames and versatile lenses provide protection and clarity anywhere on trail: wooded single-track, sun-exposed switchbacks, and everything in between. Dave Sherman* I designed the durability test to imitate a season’s worth of use in a short amount of time, but I’ve had the chance to put wear and tear on these glasses for three months, and I’m far from precious with my shades. After taking these on backpacking, canyoneering, bike, and float trips I can confidently say I’ve put them through the wringer, cringing a few times when I find them upside down in my trunk somewhere under a packraft or backpack. They’ve sustained light scuffing that I don’t register with them on, and one 2mm scratch that I also don’t notice. These durable, lightweight sunglasses are the best for hiking, and any other activity you want to pursue. ### Best Glass Lenses: [Costa Caleta]() ![Landscape of Delicate Arch with no filter or lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed without sunglasses. Ashley Thess* ![Delicate arch viewed through Caleta lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed through Caleta lens. Ashley Thess* As soon as I put on the Costa Caleta, I was blown away by the crisp, quality image. There was no distortion and the true colors of the landscape came through while still shading my eyes. The frame is wide with a medium fit, and fits my medium square face well. While they do feel heavier than other pairs thanks to the glass lenses, once adjusted properly the weight benefits the snug fit by resting on the nose bridge naturally. If you tend to look down at the trail most of your hike, these won’t fall off, but you could notice the weight more. During the durability testing these sustained four 1mm scratches and one 2mm scratch on one lens. While wearing the Caleta, these scratches feel insignificant and my eyes easily adjust to not notice them. Costa’s Untangled collection, including the Caleta, use recycled fishing nets to make the frame. It has a slightly coarser feeling to it than typical plastic, but it’s better for the planet and doesn’t catch in my hair or irritate my skin even when sweating. I also didn't experience any fogging, even when working up a sweat in chilly 40 degree temps. While scrambling up a few rocks, these sunglasses did not slide or fall, though after an extended period of time I felt some pressure on my temples. I’d especially recommend the Caleta for day hikes in gorgeous places where you want to take in the views with clear lenses and sturdy frames. ### Best Budget: [Goodr Everglades]() ![Landscape of Delicate Arch with no filter or lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed without sunglasses. Ashley Thess* ![Delicate arch viewed through Everglades lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed through Everglades lens. Ashley Thess* Goodr has tons of styles and colors available at just $25 to $30. This means it’s not the end of the world if you lose or break a pair. However with the snug fit, these won’t bounce or slip off your face while active. The Everglades didn’t fog up, and every pair is polarized to reduce glare. They might not be the highest quality lenses due to the color change, but they passed the durability testing. There were two 5mm scratches on one lens that did remove some of the green color on the outside, but aren’t very noticeable looking out. The frames received two scratches that are purely aesthetic. I was impressed that a budget frame outperformed the Under Armour Gameday glasses (which are four times the price) in the durability test. My favorite thing about the Everglades though is the weight. They’re extremely light and comfortable without bouncing during high-intensity exercise. I’d recommend these for tough trips when you need protection and optimal performance, but don’t have the option to baby your gear. ### Best Ultralight: [Maui Jim Wailua]() ![Landscape of Delicate Arch with no filter or lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed without sunglasses. Ashley Thess* ![Delicate arch viewed through Wailua lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed through Wailua lens. Ashley Thess* The Wailua are comfortable and clear with impressive features that just might justify the price tag. The MauiPure lens is a composite lens that gets close to the crispness of glass while weighing the same as a CD. They sustained eight scratches under 1mm during the durability test on one lens. This is an admiral performance, and the scratches don’t bother me, but they are more noticeable than the other glasses that sustained similar damage because it is obvious that the advanced polarization has been removed in pinpricks, resulting in a negligible glare when you move your head. However, this proves that the PolarizedPlus2 technology efficiently blocks the horizontal glare that is usually responsible for eye-fatigue. Since the frame is narrower, it does allow more light in from the edges. But the lenses are water and oil resistant, and I’m able to easily wipe away fingerprints and sweat during my hikes. These are ideal for an ultralight backpacker looking for a quality pair of sunglasses to bring on every trip. ### Most Versatile: [Ombraz Viale]() If sunglasses hurt your face, they never fit right, or they’re continually falling off, Ombraz has a solution with their armless polarized sunglasses. A 100 percent recycled marine-grade nylon cord connects indestructible TR-90 frames to your head, so your glasses can’t fall off, even if you’re jumping in the water to cool off. ![Author hikes in the Ombraz.]() *The cord closure ensures your glasses never fall off, and is surprisingly comfortable. Ashley Thess* They fit any size head, and don’t dig into the sides of your face. Fit them correctly using their [How To Wear video]() and you’ll always have your sunglasses lightly snug to your face or secured around your neck. I think these are extremely comfortable, and particularly a game changer for water sports, and activities like basejumping or skydiving. My lenses are a bit scratched after using them on numerous trips with a handful of abrasions on each lens that are so skinny I don’t notice when they’re on. For hikers, it’s particularly nice how packable these are. The rope closure instead of arms packs down small and makes them harder to break. If you’re constantly losing sunglasses, these are the pair for you. ### Best for Mountaineering: [Julbo Vermont Classic]() ![Landscape of Delicate Arch with no filter or lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed without sunglasses. Ashley Thess* ![Delicate arch viewed through Vermont Classic lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed through Vermont Classic lens. Ashley Thess* Glacier glasses are specially designed to block light reflecting off of snow from alternate angles, hence the leather side shields. While other glacier glasses on the market use plastic shields, the OGs were leather and Julbo is bringing back the vintage style. The Vermont Classics use grippy material on the flexible, hooked arms that don’t stick to hair, feel soft on your temples, and don’t fall off your face. I didn’t feel any pressure from the arms or side shields while hiking. ![Leather side shields protect eyes from the snow's glare.]() *Ashley Thess* ![Author wears Julbo Vermont Classics on top of peak.]() *Ashley Thess* These mountaineering sunglasses are more breathable than I anticipated thanks to the lack of nose piece. While the majority of your eye is protected from any harmful light, there’s plenty of airflow through the middle to prevent fogging while sweating in cold conditions. At first, I experienced some minor fog once I stopped, but adjusting them a bit higher on my face fixed the issue. The Julbos aced the durability test with no damage whatsoever. But if something does break (or you want to Frankenstein a one-of-a-kind pair), Julbo offers [replacement parts](). The lack of peripheral vision didn’t bother me on trail, allowing my eyes to relax in the extra-bright conditions, but don’t drive in these. ### Best for Hunting: [Leupold Cheyenne]() ![Landscape of Delicate Arch with no filter or lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed without sunglasses. Ashley Thess* ![Delicate arch viewed through Cheyenne lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed through Cheyenne lens. Ashley Thess* The Leupold Cheyenne has a full wrap design that offers increased protection from the sun, debris, and casings. It’s the only pair on my list rated for shooting making it ideal for hunting. The excellent visibility and air flow make them great for scouting, spot-and-stalk, and long pack outs. You can get some serious vertical feet in while working up a sweat with no fogging while being sure your eyes are protected if you take a shot. The brown polarization is great for bright, green environments and acquiring a moving target. These lenses are also decentered, which sounds counterproductive, but actually improves clarity. Each lens is designed to fit within the perspective frame so that the clearest part is directly in front of the eye. ![Author chases chukar up Hell’s Canyon in the matte black Cheyenne.]() *Author chases chukar up Hell’s Canyon in the matte black Cheyenne. Ashley Thess* The Cheyennes aced the durability test with no damage. I have managed to minorly scratch my black pair of Cheyennes over the past three years, but I do tend to abuse sunglasses more than any other piece of gear I own. The 8mm circle of scratches don’t distract me while wearing the glasses. If you damage any eyewear from Leupold, they can repair or replace them for a fee. While Leupold says these frames are low-profile, they are still large for my face. They fit just fine; it's only aesthetics. ### Best for Running: [Tifosi Seek 2.0]() ![Landscape of Delicate Arch with no filter or lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed without sunglasses. Ashley Thess* ![Delicate arch viewed through Seek 2.0 lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed through Seek 2.0 lens. Ashley Thess* If you want to protect your eyes while feeling like you aren’t wearing sunglasses at all, the Tifosi Seek 2.0 is for you. These are excellent at staying in place thanks to stiff rubber arms that can be bent to 90 degrees and immediately return to its original shape once you let go. It flexes to your ears and holds the sunglasses securely without causing pressure, also allowing them to fit a wide range of face sizes. This barely-there pair won’t bug you, even during high-intensity workouts like a trail run. Besides the comfortable fit, the Seek 2.0 is best for running because it handles sweat differently than other sunglasses. The hydrophilic ear and nose pieces increase grip the more you sweat. I also appreciate that the streamlined frames decrease the possibility of embarrassing glasses tan lines. One drawback is that these frames don’t look great on everyone, but they’ll only see you for a second before you pass them, right? ### Best Floatable: [Dragon H2O]() ![Landscape of Delicate Arch with no filter or lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed without sunglasses. Ashley Thess* ![Delicate arch viewed through Mari lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed through Mari lens. Ashley Thess* Dragon’s Lumalens technology filters out blue and green light attributed to haze and glare while enhancing the landscape’s true color. The reduction of blue light also prevents eye fatigue. These are comfortable to wear but have a large frame which felt a bit big for my medium sized face. During the durability test these sustained shallow 5mm scratches on both lenses and five pricks under 1mm distributed across both lenses. They’re easy to ignore though not unnoticeable when wearing the glasses. ![The Dragon Mari H2O float in water.]() *If you've ever lost a pair of sunglasses in the water, try the Dragon H2O with floating technology. Ashley Thess* If you’re floating a river, scrambling through a stream, or hiking to your fishing spot, the Mari are the pair for you. I’ve lost plenty of sunglasses in bodies of water, and it makes the rest of your hike a lot less enjoyable. The Mari’s frames are made with injection molded resin that has a lower density than water, allowing them to float. ### Best for the Beach: [Bajio Parasio]() ![Landscape of Delicate Arch with no filter or lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed without sunglasses. Ashley Thess* ![Delicate arch viewed through Parasio lens.]() *Delicate arch viewed through Parasio lens. Ashley Thess* These lenses are coated to allow for quick cleaning; when I touch the lenses my fingerprints barely leave a mark, which is easily wiped away. If your trail takes you along the coast or you plan on scrambling by the ocean, these glasses are designed for it. They filter blue light to ease eye strain and eliminate glare off the water. On trail they fit snugly and provide a clear image. The polarization and blue light filtering does change the colors of your view significantly. They are also a bit tight on the temples. However, they will stay put thanks to rubberized nose and ear pads. Unfortunately the Parasio with polycarbonate lenses failed the durability test. They sustained a 20 mm scratch accompanied by three 5 mm scratches, and a collection of scratches under 1mm on both lenses. For $50 extra dollars I would recommend buying the glass lenses for increased scratch resistance. This pair aced the durability test without a mark. You can also send your glasses back to Bajio for a [warranty or repair](). Though if you take care of these sunglasses, they will take care of you. ## How to Choose the Best Hiking Sunglasses ### Lens All of the sunglasses on this list provide 100 percent protection from UV rays. Sunglass lenses are typically either plastic, usually polycarbonate, or glass. There are pros and cons to each. Glass lenses are heavier and more fragile (never wear glass lenses while shooting or hunting), but they are extremely scratch resistant and provide the clearest image with no distortion. Plastic lenses can be shatterproof, lighter, and offer more versatile color options, but they can also scratch more easily and are more prone to distortion. ### Polarization ![Different colors of polarization provide different effects.]() *Different colors of polarization provide different effects. Ashley Thess* Polarized lenses reduce glare and are usually preferred when hiking. If it’s a shady day you might not notice, but otherwise it’s an extremely helpful tool. When you’re near water or snow, polarization is especially important because these surfaces reflect light back to your eyes. If you’re on the water, it can help you see fish, wind, and current more clearly. The different colors of polarization each have a purpose for helping you see more clearly. Reference the table below for an idea on what each color lens can offer. | **Polarization** | **Purpose** | | --- | --- | | Red, Pink | Eases eye strain by reducing harsh contrasts and better depth perception | | Orange, Yellow, Gold | Provides clarity in hazy conditions and helps focus on movement | | Green | Brightens shadows, versatile | | Blue, Purple | Reduces glare from snow and water | | Brown | Increased depth perception and color contrast. Warm tones | | Gray | Accurate color representation and glare reduction | ### Fit The best hiking sunglasses should fit just as well as the [best hiking shoes](); you're wearing both near constantly on trail. They should fit snugly so they aren’t moving around on your face during extreme movement or falling off when you look down to avoid a rock. The nose and ears sometimes utilize grippy sections to keep them in place. However, they shouldn’t be so snug that they hurt or stifle airflow. Your glasses should be breathable and not fog up once you work up a sweat. Some offer more peripheral protection from sun rays. When hiking long distances, a lightweight pair can be more comfortable. ### Durability Your sunglasses should be able to withstand some mild abuse if you’re constantly wearing them on the trail. Frames that won’t permanently bend out of shape and lenses that don’t scratch easily will prolong the life of your sunglasses. ### Budget Performance isn’t always reflected in the price of sunglasses. Brand name glasses sometimes fail and our budget pick is surprisingly capable. If you constantly lose sunglasses, consider the best floatable sunglasses so you don’t have to replace them so often. If you do choose to tackle a big mission, investing in a quality pair of hiking sunglasses could make your adventure a lot more enjoyable. Keep in mind that these are sitting on your face all day, if they are constantly slipping, fogging, or bothering you, it’s going to mess with your whole day, or trip. ### Style The best hiking sunglasses are a daily accessory worn with all different outfits and they will be in all of your photos. While the most functional pair has its benefits, don’t rule out how certain colors and styles look. Researching what styles look best on your face shape can help. Your face shape can also affect how certain designs fit you and if they’ll fog up or not. ## FAQs ## Final Thoughts The best hiking sunglasses are necessary for sun protection, but can also make your hike more fun. I recommend a polarized pair for better vision in high-glare situations. Glass lenses like the Costa Caletas have superior clarity and scratch resistance, but are more fragile and heavy. The ANSI rated Leupold lenses are shatterproof and the only pair on this list that you should be shooting in, but plenty of the other polycarbonate lenses are also durable and surprisingly crisp. - **Best Overall:** [Smith Shift Mag]() - **Best Glass Lenses:** [Costa Caleta]() - **Best Budget:** [Goodr Everglades]() - **Best Ultralight:** [Maui Jim Wailua]() - **Most Versatile:** [Ombraz Viale]() - **Best for Mountaineering:** [Julbo Vermont Classic]() - **Best for Hunting:** [Leupold Cheyenne]() - **Best for Running:** [Tifosi Seek 2.0]() - **Best Floatable:** [Dragon H2O]() - **Best for the Beach:** [Bajio Parasio]() ## Author Ashley Thess is a gear writer for Outdoor Life. Originally from Missouri, she now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she keeps an unruly gear closet. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()