We’ve all been there. Hiking through crazy conditions and tough terrain with a non reliable pair of hiking sunglasses. Constant glare and snow paired with uncomfortable sunglasses cause eye strain and they can even fall off your face during critical moments on your hike. The snow can be especially blinding, and it sucks to hike without sunglasses for protection from the blinding snow. It’s even worse when you constantly have to adjust uncomfortable sliding sunglasses.
This is why it’s so important to have a reliable pair of hiking sunglasses that can keep up with your adventures in the backcountry. Let’s dive in and see what frames, styles, and lenses (polarized vs non polarized) make for the best hiking sunglasses for all types of hiking conditions.
What sets hiking sunglasses apart from normal sunglasses?
Often times a proper pair of polarized hiking sunglasses is the last thing on your pack list when gearing up for a hike. However, making sure you have a comfortable pair of hiking sunglasses can make the difference between an amazing experience, or one of annoyance. Any experienced hiker knows to prepare for multiple weather conditions as things can change quickly.
the main things to look for in a quality pair of hiking sunglasses
a durable sunglasses frame
The frame should be strong, durable, and lightweight. Metal vs plastic is not too important as long as the plastic is TR90 or better. Alternatively a quality metal sunglasses frame should be able to withstand subzero temperatures, like our Flight Deck, Rounders, and Downtown Collections. All three of these collections are made from a durable titanium memory metal which allows them to be bent in any direction and they will snap back into their original form. No more bent frames after a few bumps inside your backpack.
A high quality polarized lens
A polarized lens is crucial for any of the best polarized sunglasses on the market. The polarization eliminates glare from the sun and snow, increasing visibility throughout your journey. No more squinting or eye fatigue. Make sure the lens is UVA and UVB rated for UV400 or better. Also make sure the lens has been impact tested by a US lab. This will make sure your eyes are fully protected in the event of an accident. At Humps, all of our lenses are polarized, UVA / UVB rated to UV400 or better, and have a US impact test certificate (they drop a 10lb ball onto the lens to make sure it won’t crack!). Check out our full range of mens polarized sunglasses and womens polarized sunglasses to see what style is best for you.
a comfortable pair of hiking sunglasses
There are a few things to look for in a proper fitting pair of hiking sunglasses. The hinge should be made of metal and strong. Alternatively, a good spring hinge can allow for increased comfort. The sunglasses frame should also be lightweight and not leave any marks on your nose or behind your ears. Give the frame legs a bend to test their durability and flexibility. Remember, a hike can be rough on your sunglasses. So don’t be afraid to test their strength a bit. All of our frames are made of high strength recycled TR90 plastics that are both lightweight and strong. Even better, our Memory Metal frames are made from a titanium metal that will return to their original shape after being bent in any direction! Check out our Eco-Friendly page to learn more about the plastics we use.
Affordable hiking sunglasses
Affordable sunglasses are not easy to find. Durable sunglasses can be even harder to find. Put the two together, and there’s a only a few brands that meet this benchmark. At Humps, our passion is the outdoors and designing polarized sunglasses for hiking was one of our priorities. However, we wanted to make an affordable pair of hiking sunglasses at a price point we wanted to pay. Amazingly, about 80% of the retail cost of a pair of sunglasses goes into the brand’s marketing. We took a different approach by using grass-roots marketing and passing the savings onto you. You’ll be amazed by the fit and quality of our polarized sunglasses. And with a Lifetime Warranty and easy returns… they’re definitely worth a try!
How to choose the perfect hiking sunglasses
So, your in the market for the best pair of hiking sunglasses and don’t know where to start? Well here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Are you buying sunglasses for day hikes or trail runs?
Do you need sunglasses for the snow, where protection against glare is critical!
Do you care more about style, function, or budget?
Do you need an “all around” pair of hiking sunglasses, or something more specific for running or biking?
With these questions answered you’ll have a better understanding of what will work best for you. When it comes to hiking and sports the most important thing with a good pair of polarized sunglasses in the fit and function… style comes last (although equally important ;). With our easy returns and exchange program you can buy a few pairs of different style sunglasses and see what feel best on your noggin.