It's also visible on the slopes of the spring mountains! |'24-25 Sunglasses used by professional backcountry guides

This season saw record snowfall, and there's still plenty of snow remaining in the spring, so it looks like we'll be able to enjoy skiing for a long time. Sunglasses are a necessity in the spring, when the vast snowy surfaces are dazzling and UV rays are high. How well you can see on slopes with intense glare has a big impact on your safety and comfort while skiing Here, we'll introduce some excellent sunglasses favored by 2024-2025 BC pro guides.

*The frame and lens colors in the images may differ from the actual colors used by the person wearing them. Please view them only as an introduction to the model

INDEX

OAKLEY|Latch (Low Bridge Fit)

Super convenient and fashionable with a clip that can be hung around the neck!

Latch (Low Bridge Fit) | Color: Matte Black Lens: Prizm Gray Gradient

"Latch" was born from a design collaboration with the skateboarding world. "Latch" means a hook or latch. The name comes from the innovative latch piece that clips to a T-shirt. Hanging sunglasses around your neck is not only fashionable, but extremely convenient for mountain climbing. If you need to take off your sunglasses mid-hike, simply resting them on your head can be a worry, as they may fall off. Latch keeps them securely in place.

The frame is made of lightweight O Matter™. The Square O metal icon accents add a cool touch, while the rounded lens curves create a unique look. The lenses are equipped with OAKLEY's renowned Prizm™ lens technology, which enhances color and contrast, making it easier to distinguish the boundaries of your surroundings and providing a clear view of every detail. Polarized and Iridium® lenses are also available as options. Authentic OAKLEY prescription lenses are also available. The curve of the round lens creates a unique atmosphere.

"Low Bridge Fit" is a type of Asian fit. The shape of the lenses, the angle of the frame, and the nosepiece fit well even on noses with a low profile. I'm sure many Japanese people are happy about this. A wide variety of colors are also available.

◆ Official HP / https://www.oakley.com/ja-jp/product/W0OO9349

Reviewer Riki
Nakajima | RIKI JAPOW GUIDEIt
is extremely lightweight and has a simple construction, so it does not take up much volume when folded. Since it can fit into even the smallest gap, it is always kept hidden no matter where it is or what it is used for.


OAKLEY|Sutro

It's cool, cute and great!

Sutro | Color: Prizm Road Lens, Matte White Frame: Prizm Grey Gradient

Prizm™ lenses enhance color, contrast, and detail, protecting your vision even in bad weather. The stylish form, designed with the everyday life of urban cyclists in mind, features a large lens with a deep, wrap-around shield for a wide field of view and a comfortable fit

◆Official website/ https://www.oakley.com/ja-jp/

Reviewer:
Mariko Sato | Spur Akita Mountain Guide Service
I saw a female foreign rider I follow on Instagram using these and thought they were cool, cute, and great! So I tried them out and they're great! I love them now. The large lenses block out light, fit well, don't fog up easily, and make it easy to see the slopes.


OAKLEY|Wind Jacket 2.0 & Holbrook

Oakley's Prizm™ lenses deliver crisp, clear vision

Wind Jacket 2.0

Wind Jacket 2.0 | Prizm Snow Sapphire Lenses, Matte Translucent Stonewash Frame

The large spherical lenses block wind and glare, while the Prizm™ lenses provide clear color, contrast, and detail. The frame is made of durable, lightweight material, making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when used roughly in spring backcountry skiing. The removable strap makes it easy to put on and take off the glasses while skiing or when you need to take them on and off frequently

Holbrook

Holbrook Prizm Black Polarized Lenses, Matte Black Frame

This model combines Oakley's traditional American frame design with the latest Oakley technology. Metal rivets on the frame add an accent. This model combines design and functionality

◆Official website/ https://www.oakley.com/ja-jp/

Reviewer
Satoshi Arakawa | GRANIX mountain guide
I love OAKLEY sunglasses and am particularly drawn to their unique Prizm lens technology. Prizm lenses are a different technology from polarization, adjusting contrast and optimizing vision. This provides clear vision, especially in harsh environments like snowy mountains, supporting comfortable hiking and skiing. The

"Prizm Snow" lenses, specifically designed for snowy mountains, are suitable for a wide range of weather conditions, from stormy to sunny, making them extremely useful for backcountry skiing.
High visibility is crucial for beacon monitors. Unlike polarized lenses, Prizm lenses offer a clear view of beacon monitors, a major advantage.

Oakley's "Wind Jacket 2.0" features a large frame that ensures a wide field of view and blocks wind, making it comfortable for hiking and skiing on early spring granular snow. The "Holbrook" has a casual design that suits everyday wear. I value OAKLEY sunglasses for their combination of functionality and fashion.


POC|KNOW

It doesn't bother me at all even if I use it for a long time.

Tortoise Brown (Lens; Violet / Silver Mirror)

A highly fashionable design that will suit any occasion or style. Although it looks very light, the frame is made of durable Grilamid. The nose part is made of hydrophilic rubber to maintain grip, so it won't slip even if it gets wet during water sports. All frame colors come standard with Clarity lenses, developed jointly with CARL ZEISS, which enhance contrast and provide excellent optical performance. You can get clear vision without distortion. There is also a POLARIZED model with polarized lenses that cuts diffused reflection and suppresses glare.

Transpare Crystal (Brown / Silver Mirror)
Ammolite Coral Translucent ( Lens ; Brown / Silver Mirror )

◆ Official HP / https://www.full-marks.com/poc/

Reviewer
Kenichi Minegishi | KinTouN Backcountry Guide
I have been using it for many years as it has a design that can be used casually in the outdoor field or around town. They're lightweight and the lenses block out just the right amount of light, so I often forget that I'm wearing sunglasses because they look so natural. I recommend it because it doesn't bother you at all even if you use it for a long time!


SMITH|Pursuit

Goggle-like performance with SMITH's unique chroma pop lenses

Pursuit

They are popular for their goggle-like coverage and ease and comfort of wearing, and the side shields now have a magnetic system, making them even easier to use. ChromaPop Glacier photochromic lenses are less sensitive to temperature changes and adapt to match lighting conditions, making ChromaPop an excellent choice for enhancing contrast and color across the entire tint range. Furthermore, the lens change system allows you to change lenses depending on the weather, and the lenses are 5-base flat lenses with a wide field of view, making them suitable for Japanese people. Two types of nose rubber with different thicknesses and a variable nose piece provide a better fit. This season, it has been updated to three colors.

◆ Official HP / https://smithjapan.co.jp/

Reviewer
Tatsuta Asahi | Rhythm Works
The ChromaPop photochromic lens, which changes color even in low-temperature environments, is very nice. The nose guard that protects your nose from sunburn and storms at high altitudes and the removable side shields are also very good. Comes with 2 sets of lenses.

Ph:Rhythm Works

STONE D | All models

Handmade sunglasses created through communication

This sunglasses brand, based in Sabae, Fukui Prefecture, a world-famous glasses production area, is 100% handmade. Owner Yato Takeuchi handles over 100 steps, from design and shaping to finishing, and even shipping, all by hand. Each product is carefully crafted to be made to order, with the goal of delivering it to someone who truly wants to wear eyewear. The highly unique pieces, imbued with the spirit of artisanship, are attracting attention from around the world

◆Official website: http://www.stone-d.co/

Reviewer:
Arata Arima | WARP
I love the sunglasses brand "STONE D" run by a friend, handmade in Sabae, Fukui. They're soft and comfortable to wear, and fit my face well. The lenses are photochromic, so I use the same pair both indoors and outdoors, except during the harsh winter months. I own almost every model, so I change them depending on my mood.


SWEET PROTECTION|Tachi RIG Reflect

High-performance multi-use model equipped with RIG® lenses

Color: Matt Dark Storm - RIG Obsidian

Sunglasses equipped with RIG® lenses using unique lens technology. The square style frame is fashionable and fits well, from outdoor activities to city use. RIG® lenses are an innovative technology that provides superior contrast to minimize color distortion and reduce eye strain. The toric spherical lens has a thickness of 2.2 mm with excellent impact resistance, and is characterized by high visibility while minimizing color distortion. The frame is made of lightweight and highly durable material, has a shape that minimizes the intrusion of wind and rain, and has a comfortable fit.

◆Official website/ https://sweetprotection.jp/

Reviewer:
Toyokazu Nakano | Infield
The basic design fits well and is stress-free to wear. It's also nice to be able to choose the color that suits your situation from a wide variety of lens colors.

I also use and love the "SWEET PROTECTION | Tachi RIG Reflect"

Reviewer
Shohei Sasaki | CIRCLE GAME guide service
I've been using these for many years, both in the field and on the town, and in all seasons. I like how they fit well and don't hurt my ears even when worn for long periods of time.


SUNSKI | Couloir

An attractive feature that cannot be overlooked is that replacement lenses are affordable.

SUNSKI is an eco-friendly sunglasses brand born in San Francisco that always makes products with the environment in mind. In fact, it is sold by Goldwin, a well-known apparel manufacturer. The Couloir is a model from the Alpine series, with a bold rectangular style. In addition to its unique shape, the price is also attractive, at a reasonable 14,300 yen (official website)

Equipped with a magnetically removable side shield and a rubber nose pad, it is a piece that can be actively moved. Large lenses protect your eyes. The Alpine series comes with a special zippered case. The visible light transmittance of the lens is 11%, and the lens color of "Black Forest" is black with a green base.

◆Official website/ https://www.goldwin.co.jp/store/brand/sunski/

Reviewer:
Makoto Kuroda | Kuroda Mountain Guide Office 
The polarized lenses reduce glare on sunny days and prevent eye fatigue. Replacement lenses are also inexpensive. At the beginning of the season, they inevitably get damaged in the bushes, so I can't use expensive ones.

Ph: Kuroda Mountain Guide Office

TALEX|Overglass clip type

Convenient to wear over your own glasses!

TALEX is the world's only manufacturer specializing in polarized lenses with a history of over 50 years. TALEX sunglasses use a proprietary high-performance noise ® cut filter, and more than 60% of the entire process is handmade until the final finish. In the world of winter sports, mountain climber and skier Yuichiro Miura uses it regularly, saying, "It looks better than what you see with the naked eye, and after all, you don't feel tired. The filter effectively removes excess light rays." commented.

Overglasses that can be worn over eyeglasses. For spectacle users, there is no need to carry prescription sunglasses, which is very convenient. With a sense of size that corresponds to all kinds of glasses, it is possible to correspond to all kinds of eyeglass frames by ensuring sufficient width and outer size. In addition, the frame wraps tightly around the eyes and prevents not only light but also UV rays and pollen from entering, so it can be used in a variety of situations throughout the year.

TALEX's proprietary interference cut filter built into the lens is the only technology in the world that cuts out so-called unwanted interference light, such as reflected light from ultraviolet rays and reflections. Highly rated. TALEX lenses can be experienced at certified pro shops nationwide. The pro shop also makes original sunglasses with prescriptions.


One-touch switching to clip-on

Clip it onto your eyeglasses, and when you want to use your sunglasses, simply pull them down. Switching to sunglasses can be done instantly with one touch, which is really convenient. You can keep it on all the time, so you don't have to worry about taking it off. Since there is no arm, it fits compactly, fits in your pocket or bag, and is easy to carry without being bulky. It is the best for those who want to switch according to short-term use and usage scenes.

It is easy to use because it has a knob that prevents the lens from getting dirty when the clip is raised. You can also choose from 4 different frame colors. Eyeglass users may want to try it. The experience is also at a certified pro shop.

◆ Official HP / https://talex.co.jp/ct/wintersport/

Reviewer
Kazuya Igarashi | Kagura Powder Station
Himalaya, I had prescription sunglasses made to suit my eyesight. Because the UV rays are stronger on the snow, the sunglasses are darker in color than regular sunglasses. I often use TALEX overglasses when fishing. For those who wear glasses, both overglasses and clip-on glasses are convenient.


TRIPOINT|001 Treriksröset

It blocks harmful rays regardless of the sun or cloud conditions, so you can feel safe even in the spring mountains

001 Treriksröset | Frame color: Matte black, Lens color: Smoke/Blue multi. [Bio-based nylon lens]

 Tripoint is a Swedish sunglasses brand founded in 2022 and produced with a sustainable philosophy.  Their sunglasses feature bio-based nylon lenses, which are flexible, durable, and have excellent shape memory, allowing them to return to their original shape even after being bumped or bent. The nylon material is also environmentally friendly. The lenses wrap around the eyes, protecting them from wind and sudden obstacles at high speeds.

◆Official website: https://tripoint.jp/

Reviewer:
Takahiro Ishizawa | TEREMARK & MOUNTAIN GUIDE IDEHA
Like the tripoint goggles introduced this season, these offer excellent visibility. Their attractive design and lightness make them so light you'll forget you're wearing them are also fantastic. Tripoint sunglasses feature a bio-based nylon lens, providing a crisp, clear view.

Many tripoint sports sunglasses weigh less than 40g, yet offer high durability and breakage resistance for safety.
I've been using them since their release in the summer of 2024, and I'm impressed by their comfortable, lightweight feel. The nose height of the sunglasses is adjustable, allowing you to customize them to fit your nose shape for a snug fit, and they stay in place even on the slopes.

I often found my sunglasses fogging up during summer mountain climbing or winter backcountry hikes, but these tripoint sunglasses allow air to circulate easily, preventing fogging.

The lenses block all harmful UVA, UVB, and UVC rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, regardless of sun or cloud conditions, so you can rest assured even on upcoming spring tours when snow can be reflective. Tripoint also offers excellent design, and this model I love has a simple, timeless design.

When traveling by car, I often wear another pair of sunglasses, the 004 (Leica). While they're large, they have a playful design that makes them perfect for everyday use, and I like them.


UVEX|uvex sportstyle 237

Wide field of view and moderate lens color make it easy to see in any weather

UVEX is a popular brand, especially among alpine racers, and its high performance is guaranteed. This highly functional shield style combines smart, sharp design with sporty functionality. Filter category 3 light transmission of 9-18% significantly reduces solar radiation, and uvex supravision® anti-fog coating ensures clear vision in any weather conditions. Furthermore, adjustable nose pads and soft, pressure-free temple ends ensure an excellent fit and comfort

◆ Official HP / http://www.uvex-sports.jp/uvex/index/

Reviewer:
Terui Daichi
| I really like uvex sunglasses because they have distortion-free lenses with a wide field of view. They're also lightweight and stay in place. These Sport Style 237s have a unique design, are lightweight, and don't rub easily. I prefer darker lenses, so I use Category 3 lenses. The nose and temples can be adjusted for a comfortable fit, so I highly recommend them.



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