AdventuresNW
Hiking is undoubtedly one of the most beneficial outdoor activities a person can do. Aside from the mental health benefits of being out in nature, hiking’s physicality offers other concrete perks. These include preventing obesity since you can burn up to 100 calories per mile, improving sleep quality by regulating your circadian rhythm, and building bone density through the absorption of Vitamin D from the sun.
However, that doesn’t mean that hiking doesn’t require proper safety and preparation. Hikers need to bring and use the right tools to prevent accidents and injuries. For the eyes, which are among the most sensitive and overused organs, this means using sunglasses. But what kind of shades work best for the nuances that hikers face? Read on to find out.
Consider specialty lenses
Standard sunglasses are designed to block up to 100% of UV rays, which is important but not quite enough for hiking. Keep in mind that most trails will see you in higher altitudes, more exposed to the elements, and traversing tricky terrain. Therefore, it’s better if your sunglasses have lenses that can keep your vision super clear during sunny days. One such way to achieve this is by using prescription sunglasses. Active gear lines like Oakley and Ray-Ban have an abundance of prescription sunglasses on the market that provide correction as well as protection. Additionally, you can choose to have polarized coatings applied to your lenses. This ensures that any harsh lights and reflections are filtered out, preventing any painful glare from impacting your sight. With these, you’ll be able to safeguard your eyes and see your surroundings better, so it’s easier and safer to navigate your trail.
Choose durable frame materials
Because hikes take you out into the great outdoors, your eyewear is going to be exposed to above-average wear and tear. For starters, if your shades are to fall on the trail, the impact is likely more damaging, given that you may be on rocky and uneven paths. Aside from this, because you’re at the mercy of uncontrollable weather changes, your eyewear is at risk of getting rained on, pelted with debris, or even just overexposed to the harsh sun. Over time, these can easily cause shades to get scuffed, damaged, or broken. To prevent this, choose frames that are made of materials that underscore durability. For instance, Oakley, again uses a proprietary material called O-Matter for their performance sunglasses. These are specifically crafted to be lightweight yet capable of keeping up with more strenuous activities. This ensures that they’re not prone to cracking or corroding, which means, as a hiker, you can get more mileage out of them.
Think of the fit
Depending on your trail, hikes can last from a couple of hours to multiple days. During these extended periods, your body will be under a significant amount of strain, which can result in fatigue and extra sensitivity. Without the right eyewear, your sunglasses may feel like they’re digging into your skin or weighing you down. On top of this, the sheer length of your average hike heightens the possibility of your sunglasses being moved around your face by your exertions. Inappropriate shades can easily slip off or fall off during these times. With this in mind, ensure that you account for immediate and long–term fit. Some eyewear features that can address this are special grip details. For example, Maui Jim’s foldable sunglasses use rubber nose pads. These prevent the frames from getting dislodged while also providing a cushioning barrier between your skin and the actual shades.
