OUTDOOR GLASSES

OUTDOOR GLASSES: WHICH TO CHOOSE

Are you searching online for information on which outdoor glasses to choose for mountaineering or hiking? Are the various shapes, colors, and technologies making your decision even more difficult?

At DEMON, we decided to create a mini guide to help you find the right outdoor glasses for your needs.

glasses from outdoor for hiking and mountaineering

  • WHAT TYPE OF FRAME TO CHOOSE:

    Regardless of whether the cycling glasses are chosen for practicing alpinism or hiking, it is essential to select the frame based on the following criteria:

    ENVELOPING: The frame for mountain glasses primarily differs in terms of its enveloping design. This feature not only enhances comfort during challenging passages but also protects the eyes from air and possible external projections, such as dust, leaves, branches, and insects.

    LIGHT AND ELASTIC: Given the prolonged use of mountain glasses, lightness and elasticity play a fundamental role. Glasses that you hardly notice you're wearing are considered good glasses. All DEMON frames are made from TR90, a special composition of nylon and carbon fiber, which makes the cycling glasses 20% lighter than conventional materials. This significantly increases elasticity and ensures the glasses remain non-deformable in high and low temperatures. Elasticity is important for a proper fit; the glasses should wrap around the face without being tight or uncomfortable.

    SIZE OF TEMPLES: The size of the temples, in addition to the aesthetic factor, serves further protective functions. This adds to the enveloping aspect. Specifically, when hiking, wider temples are preferred for greater protection from leaves and branches in dense forests or areas with particular obstacles.

    SWEAT FOAM: This particular accessory is especially appreciated by those who practice mountaineering. Some technical mountain glasses from the collection not only prevent annoying sweat from reaching the eyes but also block light from entering from the sides. This is particularly important at high altitudes where UV exposure is more intense.

    ELASTIC CORD: Many mountain glasses from the collection come equipped with an adjustable and removable elastic cord. This accessory can be very useful during complicated passages or simply for better grip, preventing annoying slips down the nose. If you use mountain glasses for ski mountaineering, the elastic cord can be particularly helpful during descents.

    WHAT TYPE OF LENS TO CHOOSE:

    It is fundamental to start from the assumption that, regardless of whether you are practicing mountaineering or hiking, the lens of the cycling glasses must be anti-breakage and optically perfect. Your glasses must not only protect your eyes from sunlight and UV rays but also provide maximum protection in the event of accidental impacts.

    The anti-breakage feature ensures that the lens does not shatter upon strong impacts, preventing splinters that could harm your eye; instead, it creates a "cobweb effect," which simply renders the lens unusable. Optically perfect means that you can see an object exactly where it is located, allowing for perfect depth perception.

    There are different types of lenses; below we will explain the main characteristics and the disciplines they are most suitable for:

    PHOTOCHROMIC LENSES 2-4: Photochromic lenses are designed to react to UV radiation or sunlight by darkening through a reversible chemical reaction. When the light exposure decreases, the lenses gradually return to their initial state of transparency. These lenses can be used for both mountaineering and hiking. It's important to note that the lens darkens and reaches category 4 only when necessary. If your outing is at lower altitudes, the lens will darken up to category 3. However, at higher altitudes or on glaciers, where UV exposure is more intense, the lens will reach category 4, providing optimal protection for your eyes even during prolonged use in very bright conditions.

    Below is a comparison of a photochromic lens 2-4.

 

photochromic lens for glasses outdoor

  • LENSES Category 4: Recommended for hiking and mountaineering, these lenses are very dark and are often used on glaciers. They are most effective in areas with strong brightness and high UV intensity. These lenses are generally equipped with an anti-fog treatment, and their distinctive feature is that they are darker than standard Category 3 lenses. On particularly sunny days, especially in the summer, they help keep your eyes relaxed even under intense solar and UV conditions.

    Below is an example of Category 4 lenses:

 

  • LENS DPOL: The polarized lens provides protection from UV rays, but that's not all. This special type of lens is capable of concentrating or diverging light rays and attenuating UV-A and UV-B radiation through a polarizing filter that eliminates horizontal reflections.

    The advantages of polarized lenses are:

    • Improved contrast perception
    • Clearer vision
    • No distortion of natural colors
    • Elimination of horizontal reflections

    This type of lens for mountain glasses is recommended for those who practice hiking, while it may be less suitable for mountaineering, as it can be too light at very high altitudes with intense UV and light exposure. For normal excursions, however, the perfect perception of natural colors will allow you to see the mountains with new eyes.

    Below is an example of a polarized lens:

 

polarized lenses for glasses outdoor and mountain

  • CATEGORY 3 SMOKE LENS: This is the standard smoke lens fitted in sports glasses. It is especially recommended for hiking on sunny days. This type of lens is often chosen by those looking for multipurpose glasses that can be used across various disciplines, such as running. It allows you to spend a little less than you would on more comprehensive lens packages that may not be necessary for your needs.

    Below is an example of a Category 3 smoke lens:

 

Smoke mirrored lenses for glasses outdoor and mountain
glasses from outdoor for excursions in the high mountains

WHICH LENS IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
What is the main advantage of choosing a 2-4 photochromic lens versus a Category 4 lens? The smoke photochromic lens is primarily suitable for those who are passionate about itineraries through large, forested areas with low light. It offers advanced performance and can be used for both alpinism and ski touring, as well as for regular trekking outings. In contrast, the Category 4 lens is more suitable for pure alpinism, designed for prolonged use in very intense light conditions.

Do you have a sensitivity to light? If you are considering a photochromic lens, the Photochromic 2-4 lens is definitely the way to go. However, if you prefer a dark lens, the Category 4 lens would be a better fit for you.

Are you traveling through routes with strong brightness (such as fairly high altitudes or deserts)? Our advice remains the same: for those particularly sensitive to light, it’s crucial to avoid minor irritations to the eyes caused by inadequate protection. If you are leaning towards a photochromic lens, the Photochromic 2-4 lens is the best choice. If you prefer a dark lens, the Category 4 lens is what you need.

Do you tend to hike early in the morning or at the end of the day? In this case, if you are considering a photochromic lens, we can confirm that it can be a very interesting solution, as it will adapt to the increasing or decreasing intensity of sunlight.

 

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