In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Picks!
A mountain of snow is the perfect reflector of the sun’s harmful rays. The sun is at its most intense in high altitudes. So whether you’re skiing, mountaineering or climbing the alps, you have to wear the best glacier glasses.
The cold temperature isn’t an excuse to go easy on eye protection. On the contrary, you should wear your best eye protection when you’re around snow. Unless you want to risk getting your corneas sunburnt, invest in the proper eye protection.
We’re going to review 9 of the best glacier glasses that you have to wear before you climb the alps.
Here Is the List of 9 Best Glacier Glasses:
- Julbo explorer 2.0
- Julbo Sherpa
- Revo Traverse
- OSSAT Glacier glasses
- Julbo Monterosa
- Bertoni glacier glasses
- Julbo Vermont
- Tifosi dolomite 2.0
- Serengeti Leandro Glacier
Top 9 Picks for the Best Glacier Glasses ( Reviews and Buying Guide 2020)
1. Julbo explorer 2.0
Julbo Explorer 2.0 reactive offers a crisp panoramic view. You can enjoy this lovely imagery with a great stylish lens at the same time
Great anti-glare lenses with a perfect panoramic view. Not all glacier glasses offer that
Julpo explorer is hot in the market right now. Number one, it has polarized photochromic lenses that offer a lovely crisp view. And two, because it has an ultra-stylish design that looks modern and hip. The frames are made from nylon.
And there’s no steaming on the lenses. You often get that with some brands. And it could just be plain annoying. It hinders your view too.
And lastly, it’s one of the most ergonomic glasses on our list. It hugs your face in all the right places, it feels really comfortable. And it has a shock-absorbing nose bridge that gives you extra protection without looking too bulky. In short, it has almost all the safety features we’re looking for in one stylish piece.
Pros
- Removable side shields
- Snug and comfortable fit
- Doesn’t create steam
- Polarized lenses
- Highly ergonomic
- Wide lenses
- Looks stylish
Cons
- No nose shield
Why you should buy these glacier glasses
We love how the lenses provide the perfect panoramic view of the mountains. And another thing that made it stand out from the rest is that it’s highly ergonomic. It follows your every movement and provides full coverage too. It’s also one of the best mountaineering sunglasses in the market.
2. Julbo Sherpa
It’s one of the most durable yet inexpensive glacier glasses on our list.
The best glacier glasses are indeed durable. They should be since they aren’t cheap. But sometimes, the lenses give it away. You might see a scratch or two, especially if you’ve been somewhere with a lot of sand bursting through the wind.
This is where Julbo Sherpa stands out. It’s one of the most inexpensive, scratch-resistant glacier glasses in the market today. And it also offers a lot of advantages.
It’s extremely durable, you can accidentally sit on it a couple of times but it’s still intact. If you’re out on an adventure, that’s very likely to happen. They also offer a very comfortable and snug fit. The lenses can effectively block off the glare and bright lights.
The side shields are removable. So you can use the glasses elsewhere. It also has perforations. So it’s quite breathable and won’t fog your lenses
Pros
- Durable
- Snug and comfortable fit
- Scratch-resistant
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Breathable and removable side shields
- 360 degrees adjustable temples
Cons
- The side shields are quite thin
- Don’t have category 4 lens option
Why you should buy these glasses
Julbo glacier glasses are one of the best mountaineering glasses. No wonder this is the second one on our list. The lenses are made from polycarbonate lenses. But it’s different to torment other polycarbonate lense that we have tried. This one is more durable and doesn’t bend. So it’s real value for your money.
3. Revo Traverse
These streamline glacier glasses have broken the norm when it comes to design. You get the same sun protection without the bulky feel.
Glacier glasses have a reputation for being bulky and just too big. If you have a large face, by all means, it looks good on you. But it’s not the same when you have a slim and narrow face. Made of both plastic lens and frame, it’s as light as it can be and weighs only 3 ounces. The leather side accents look rather stylish too
That is what makes Revo Traverse stand out from the rest. It offers ultimate sun protection in the alps with the bulky feel. You get to enjoy the following features too:
-slip-resistant pads under the nose bridge
-polarized lenses
-Rubberized temples
-100 % UV protection coating
-protection from blue light
-ultimate glare protection
Pros
- Streamlined design
- Not bulky
- Shatterproof and impact-resistant lenses
- 6 base lens technology
- Perfect for all light conditions
- Makes images clearer
Cons
- The leather accents at the sides are not for everyone
Why you should buy these glacier glasses
The streamlined design veers away from bulky glacier glasses. Even the best glacier glasses before having a reputation of making you look silly. And we love how it snugly fits even those with a slimmer face. What can we say we love Italian fashion!
4. OSSAT Glacier glasses
OSSAT polarized lenses are one of the most inexpensive yet functional glasses on our list
A lot of the best glacier glasses can rip your budget. Also with the excellent features, lens technology, and comfort, also a higher cost.
That’s what we love about OSSAT glasses. The price is very affordable but you won’t be disappointed with it. Here are the reasons:
- The frame is made from durable titanium alloy
- The polarized lens that blocks off 100 percent UVA and UVB rays
- Comfortable side shields
- Can be used for other outdoor sports and activities
Pros
- Offers 15-day refund
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Effectively defects bright lights
- inexpensive
Cons
- Glasses may come out during cleaning
Why you should buy these glacier glasses
The lenses have 7 layers of polarization. So even at its inexpensive price, you’re guaranteed a high-quality polarized lens that can give you optimum protection from UVA, UVB, and glare.
5. Julbo Monterosa
Julbo Monterosa boasts of a curved template that offers a snug and comfortable fit.
Glacier glasses falling off your face is really annoying, not to mention it can put you at risk of getting sunburns. Along with the protective lens, getting a snuggly fitted glacier glasses is also important.
The Julbo Monterosa is made of nylon material and has a curved template that wraps itself around the contours of your face. It pretty much offers full coverage. And the thick arms provide support and ensure the glasses stay on your face.
For additional support, it has insets at the end of the arms where you can place straps. This is very convenient, especially in windy situations. What we love most about this glass is that the material hugs your face but it’s not irritating on your skin. It won’t even snag your hair.
It’s one of the best glacier glasses for those with smaller faces too. And in case you’re looking for an alternative to polarized lenses, this is perfect too.
Pros
- Snug and comfortable fit
- Removable side shields
- Soft material
- Has attachment for straps
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Might be to tight for some
Why you should buy these glacier glasses
If you have a slim face, it’s hard to come by glacier glass that won’t fall off your face. Now, this is the perfect solution to your problem. And it provides full coverage and can block UVA and UVB rays too.
6. Bertoni glacier glasses
Apart from the snow, the Bertoni glacier glasses can provide optimum protection against the wind and the sun. it’s snugly fitted and curved around the ears.
Even with rubberized noses and temples, sometimes, the strong winds can knock your glacier glasses off. This is where the Bertoni glacier stands out. It has a unique round earpiece that keeps it secure. Sudden gushes of wind won’t even knock it down.
It also has some nice features that make it one of the best glass glaciers in the market today. The rubber side shields have aeration holes. So your lenses won’t fog in any situation. And it also has polarized lenses that effectively block bright lights and glare.
Pros
- Fits snuggly
- Available in two lens color
- Provides ultimate protection from sun, wind, and snow
- Looks stylish
- Flexible curves earpiece
- Adhere to FDA and CE regulations
- Comes with accessories
Cons
- Some may find the plastic material flimsy
Why you should buy these glasses
Bertoni glacier glasses are another Italian brand that made it into our list. Well if it’s Italian you can expect a classy and stylish design. And we love how snug it fits so we don’t worry about sudden gusts of wind blowing into our faces.
7. Julbo Vermont
Julbo Vermont is a classic glacier glass that provides full coverage. It has Spectron 4 lenses that give the ultimate sun protection for your icy adventures.
A full-coverage glacier glass that’s not that bulky is hard to find these days. And would be happy with this classic number. It can block up to 95 percent of visible light.
It looks classic and traditional with its rubber cover and rubber arms, glass lens, and plastic frame The lenses are not polarized, but it can still give you the needed protection from bright lights. The lenses have an AR coating that’s efficient in blocking off glare. It also protects from UVA and UVB rays.
So if you’re not into the color prism of a polarized lens but want the same protection, this is for you.
Pros
- AR coated lenses
- Traditional classic design
- Full coverage( top, bottom, and peripheral)
- You have 34 different lens choices
- Removable leather nose bridge
- Genuine leather side shields and nose bridge
- Shock-resistant lenses
- Wraparound ears for a snug fit
- Adjustable temples
Cons
- If you’re looking for the polarized lens, it’s not for you
Why you should buy these glacier glasses
These are comfortable and can protect your eyes. And we love the traditional design. And if you’re not a fan of the colorful polarized lenses, this is a great alternative
8. Tifosi dolomite 2.0
This is one of the best glacier glasses with a sleek design that’s a different take from your traditional glacier glasses.
There isn’t a single pair of glasses that can fit all face shapes. But if you have adjustable glasses, it’s like getting the most universal one. Tifoso has adjustable features that can easily conform to almost any face shape.
Tifoso 2.0 has an adjustable earpiece and nose piece. These are made from hydrophilic rubber that’s sweat resistant. And it also won’t irritate your skin but it protects and prevents the glasses from slipping off your face.
In addition, the lenses have vents, so that prevents steam from building up on the lenses.
Pros
- Non slip rubber material
- Adjustable nose and earpiece
- Vented lenses
- Has photochromic lenses
- Has a sleek design
- Doesn’t fog up even in humid weather
Cons
- No polarized lenses
Why you should buy these glasses
The sleek and rectangular lens of Tifosi 2.0 is a breath of fresh air. You can get unique and stylish glacier glasses that can still provide midrange coverage. It’s also available in 6 different lens colors and frames.
9. Serengeti Leandro Glacier
Serengeti Leandro Glacier Is One of the Best Glacier Glasses That’s Perfect to Use All Year Round.
A versatile glacier lens is nice to have. A glacier glass that can be used both in the summer and winter is a rare gem to find. And of course, it should still offer the best sun protection in both situations.
That’s what we love about Serengeti Leandro Glacier. The photochromic lenses provide great vision in both seasons. And the mineral lenses make it more durable. Also, the side shields are removable so you can put it on where you’re going to the alps or remove it when you’re coursing through the desert.
Pros
- Polarized and photochromic lenses
- Magnetic removable eye shields
- Durable mineral lenses
- Versatile
Cons
- Side covers may not fit some people
Why you should buy these glacier glasses
It’s versatile, so it’s a real steal because you can use it all year round. And we love the clear images plus the sun protection you get with these glacier glasses.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in the Best Glacier Glasses
Since the best glacier glasses don’t come cheap, you have to be sure you’re getting the best deal. Buying a second rate brand can wreak havoc to your eyes and face.
Here are some of the features that you have to look for when buying the best glacier glasses. These are non-negotiable features when you’re in high altitudes.
1. Polarized
Like water, ice and snow can produce more glare. Well. It’s hardened water so both are great reflectors of bright light. And polar lenses efficiently block off the bright lights and glare. Thereby, protecting your vision.
2. How many percent of filtered light?
The best glacier glasses should have lenses that can block 100 percent of harmful rays, no less than that. And when venturing into the alps, you need lenses with Spectron 4. These lenses can filter up to 95 percent of glare and light.
3. Coverage
Glacier glass should provide full coverage. The lenses should also be tall to prevent harmful rays from sneaking in. Your glacier glasses should also have side shields. These removable side lenses protect your peripheral vision. The harmful rays of the suns are indeed sneaky at higher altitudes. So even your peripheral vision is not spared from this threat.
4. The darkness of the lens
The darker the lenses are, the better. Sun is craziest at high altitudes. And it’s at its most intense too. The darker the lenses, the more it can block off harmful rays and glare too.
5. Transition lense
Transition lenses help you easily deal with the changing light conditions. It automatically adjusts the darkness of the lens according to how you need it to be. So it doesn’t get too dark nor too light.
6. Fit and grip
Ill-fitting glasses is relative to not wearing glacier glasses. You don’t want your glasses to just slip off your face while you’re climbing. And if it slides off your face, UVA and UVB rays can make their way through those small spaces. The rubber nose and straps help keep your glacier glasses snugly fitted.
What Are Glacier Glasses? And Why Do You Need Them
The endless snow around you is no excuse to not wear protective glasses. And if you’re thinking about wearing your fashionable sunglasses or your sports glasses, think again.
Your sports sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, but when you’re around glaciers, you need more than that. Your sports glasses may help you filter glare and improve your performance, but it’s a different game when you’re up in the alps.
Let’s look at some points:
- The best glacier glasses are specialized eye protection. It offers more coverage than your sports sunglasses. It wraps around your face and protects it not just from UVA and UVB rays, but also the reflecting harmful rays.
- Since it provides 100 percent coverage, the reflecting rays won’t have an opportunity to sneak into the sides of the glasses. But if you’re wearing sports sunglasses, there are a lot of loopholes where these harmful rays can sneak into.
- The snow is the perfect reflector of UV rays. It can reflect up to 90 percent of the UVA and UVB rays.
- When you’re up in the mountains, you’re at a higher altitude. And the UV rays intensities at a higher altitude. This is because the atmosphere is thinner so it can’t block off most of the harmful sun’s rays
So even if it’s frickin cold, the sun’s rays don’t retreat. Instead, it even intensifies. It can cause serious damage to your eyes, even possible blindness.
There is such a thing as snow blindness. It’s also called eye arc or photokeratitis. This happens when your cornea gets sunburnt. Yes, it’s not only the skin that can get toasted with the sun’s rays. Though most cases are treatable, we bet you don’t want to risk getting one.
FAQs
Are glacier glasses necessary?
Absolutely yes, it might cost more than our sports glasses but it will give your prediction that your sports glasses will not be able to give. Going skiing or mountaineering without proper eye protection can result in serious eye injuries and even blindness.
Should glacier glasses be polarized?
Yes, most of the time. polarized glasses greatly reduces glare. And the snow does a very good job of reflecting the harmful rays of the sun and the glare. It’s similar to water. So having a polarized will greatly benefit your vision when you’re up in the mountains
But some of the best glacier glasses have non- polarized lenses. And these lenses can still take the place of polarized lenses such as AR coated ones.
Why do people wear black glasses when climbing a mountain
Glare in the mountains can really be intense. So the darker the shade of sunglasses, the more effective it is in diffusing glare. And of course, black is the darkest shade so that explains why it’s a preferred color for glacier glasses.
Are polarized lenses good for skiing?
Yes, since you have all those snow around you, the glare and UV rays will be more intense. And the polarized lens does a very good job of blocking off the glare and bright light. And you will need that to have a clear vision of where you’re skiing.
Conclusion
There you have it, our recommendation has brands that can suit your taste, needs, and personal preferences. You don’t have to settle with traditional too bulky glacier lenses just to get the best protection. The best glacier glasses already come in trendy modern designs but can still give you optimum protection in high altitudes.
You’ll surely find the perfect pair for your snowy adventure in the mountains.