Photo courtesy of TALEX
In backcountry skiing (BC), where you have to deal with ever-changing weather and a variety of terrain, visibility is paramount for a safe and comfortable skiing experience. In the unique terrain of BC, where the vast snow surface is dazzling and UV rays are high, goggles alone are not enough. Even on sunny days, sweat can cause your goggles to fog up and make you hot... Sunglasses are also a necessity. Here, we introduce some of the favorite sunglasses of professional BC guides
OAKLEY Half Jacket 2.0
Packed with unique technology, the definitive edition that is "highly visible, lightweight, durable, and stays in place."
This model is based on Oakley's most popular sports sunglasses, the Flac 2.0. The 8.75 curve is designed to wrap around the eyes, ensuring a wide field of view and distortion-free vision. The frame is made of Oakley's proprietary material, which is flexible, impact-resistant, lightweight, and comfortable to wear
The nose pads and temple arms are made of a material that becomes more adhesive and grippy as it absorbs sweat and other moisture, creating an exceptional fit with Oakley's exclusive grip technology. The lenses enhance color and contrast, making it easier to see the boundaries between your surroundings and sharpening details with Oakley's exclusive PRIZM™ lens technology, which also features polarization. The lenses are also interchangeable
LENS: Prizm Black Polarized Lens
visible light transmittance: 18%
REVIEW
by Makoto Kuroda | Kuroda Mountain Guide Office:
The interchangeable lenses make it easy to adjust to different weather conditions, which is very convenient. The lenses have a brighter tint, which helps me draw better lines when visibility is poor.
◆Official Website:https://www.oakley.com/ja-jp/custom-product/0OO9144CP
OAKLEY｜Latch (Low Bridge Fit)
It comes with a clip that can be hung around your neck, making it super convenient and fashionable!
The "Latch" sunglasses were born from a design created in collaboration with the skateboarding world. "Latch" means a fastener or latch. The name comes from the innovative latch piece that clips onto a T-shirt. Being able to hang sunglasses around your neck is not only fashionable, but also extremely convenient when using them in the mountains. When you want to take your sunglasses off briefly during a hike, simply resting them on your head can be risky as they might fall off. The Latch securely fastens them.
The frame material is lightweight O Matter™. The Square O metal icon accent is cool, and the curve of the round lenses creates a unique atmosphere. The lenses are equipped with Oakley's proud Prizm™ lens technology. By enhancing color tone and contrast, the boundaries of the surrounding environment become easier to see, resulting in a clear view of even the smallest details. Polarized lenses and Iridium® lenses are also available as options. Oakley's genuine prescription lenses can also be fitted. The curve of the round lens creates a unique atmosphere.
The "Low Bridge Fit" is an Asian fit type. The lens shape, frame angle, and nose piece ensure a comfortable fit even for those with low noses. This is sure to please many Japanese people
LENS: Prizm Grey Gradient Lens
Color: 5 colors available
REVIEW:
Riki Nakajima |RIKI JAPOW GUIDE:
It's extremely lightweight and simply made, so it doesn't take up much space when folded. It can fit into even the smallest gaps, so I always keep it with me no matter where or how I use it.
◆Official Website:https://www.oakley.com/ja-jp/product/W0OO9349
OUTLAND｜BAATARA
Sunglasses that shine with Yamamoto Kogaku's technology, which is well-versed in the Japanese face
OUTLAND is a sunglasses brand produced by Yamamoto Kogaku, a long-established Japanese eyewear manufacturer with over 100 years of tradition. They are also well-known for their SWANS ski goggles and DICE snowboard goggles. Yamamoto Kogaku is well-versed in the Japanese head, so naturally, their sunglasses utilize the advanced technology they have cultivated through their goggle development. Many of their lenses are equipped with the same technology as goggles, such as "ULTRA Lens" and "PHOTOCHROMIC."
The BAATARA model is widely used and highly regarded by professional guides working in the backcountry, who place great trust in Yamamoto Optical's technical capabilities. It's packed with features that are useful in various situations.
The nose pads fit to the height of your nose, and the temple arms can be bent and extended to fit your head. Detachable side hoods block out light, wind, and dust from the sides. A leash cord that can be attached to the temple end allows you to wear it around your neck for convenience, reducing the risk of losing it. Plus, it comes with an original case with a strap.
OL-108 / DMSM
The OL-108/DMSM is equipped with a "PHOTOCHROMIC" function that changes color (dimming) according to environmental changes. With a visible light transmittance of 47% to 17%, it can adapt to changing weather conditions on snowy mountains. This is a new color for the 2022 model
LENS: SILVER MIRROR + PHOTOCHROMIC
Visible light transmittance: 47%⇔17%
OL-107/GRY
The OL-107/GRY is equipped with Yamamoto Kogaku's proud lens technology, ULTRA LENS, a polarized lens that is effective in bad weather such as snow and rain. By emphasizing specific color ranges according to the purpose and use, objects can be seen clearly and visibility is improved, making it extremely useful in the backcountry
LENS: ULTRA ICE BLUE + MULTI COAT (POLARIZED)
Visible light transmittance: 29%
REVIEW
Akiko Nakae | Epic Japan
I like that it's lightweight and comes with a leash cord. I regularly lose or break my sunglasses, so I prioritize cost performance.
Ryuta Furuichi | Mountain Guide Coyote
The polarized lenses prevent glare from the snow surface, making it very easy to see. Also, it comes with a detachable side hood, which, when attached, blocks glare from the snow surface, wind, and dust, making it perfect for spring skiing. Since it's a Japanese manufacturer's sunglasses, it fits my face perfectly. It's a reliable pair of sunglasses.
◆Official Website:www.outland1995.jp
POC｜DEFINE
Equipped with high-level clarity lenses developed in collaboration with CARL ZEISS
Featuring Clarity Lens Technology, developed in collaboration with optics industry leader Carl Zeiss, Clarity Lens technology controls the color spectrum to enhance contrast, providing sharper vision in any environment
The frame is made of Grilamid, which is elastic, lightweight, and durable, and the nose pads and temple arms are made of hydrophilic rubber that retains its grip even when wet. The grip of these nose pads and temples ensures that the sunglasses stay in place even during performances. The nose pads can be adjusted to fit your nose
Color: 9 colors
REVIEW by
Satoshi Tsukahara | Hokkaido Backcountry Guys
: Great fit and lightweight!
POC｜REQUIRE
Versatile enough for everything from snowy mountains to the city, it provides clear visibility anywhere
This all-around model features a popular classic frame design and is designed using high-performance materials and parts. The lightweight Grilamid frame with in-mold hinges and hydrophilic rubber nose pads provide a comfortable fit
The Clarity lenses offer superior optical performance compared to conventional nylon lenses, ensuring clear vision in all situations, from snowy mountains to everyday life. Polarized models are also available, cutting out diffused reflections and reducing glare
Color: 8 colors
REVIEW
by Tomohiro Shakawa | COLOR SPORT CLUB
The design matches any scene, and the supple rigidity allows it to fit comfortably on the face without any discomfort. The flexible material can withstand even rough use.
◆Official Website:https://www.full-marks.com/poc/
SMITH｜LOWDOWN2
Lowdown 2 Matte Black Marble
Lowdown 2 Tortoise
Lowdown 2 Matte Black
Compared to the early Lowdown models, the frame itself is thinner and the lens curve has been changed to 4-base. The style is a 1970s Wellington with a SMITH twist, and is simple yet sophisticated and stylish
Furthermore, it features SMITH's unique "chromapop" lens technology, which controls the three primary colors of light to provide a more vivid view. Guides highly praise its exceptional clarity, allowing them to see even the finest details of snow surfaces in the mountains. The polarized lens provides 100% UV protection, reduces glare from unwanted light reflections, and ensures a clear view, making it less tiring on the eyes.
Matte Black Marble is a noteworthy new color for the 2022 model.
Hard case included.
LENS: ChromaPop Polarized Violet Mirror
REVIEW
Asahi Ritta | Rhythm Works:
It's a 70s Wellington style, but it fits well and is stylish with a refined simplicity that reflects current trends.
Nakano Toyokazu | Infield:
It's a standard model, easy to wear and see through, so it's perfect for anything from driving to backcountry tours.
◆Official Website:https://smithjapan.co.jp/
SMITH｜Resolve
Equipped with SMITH's chromapop lens that provides overwhelmingly clear vision
Resolve French Navy
Resolve White
Resolve Matte Black
The Resolve was originally a popular Japanese-designed model called the Reactor MK2, and was later renamed the Resolve in its home country. In the untouched backcountry, being able to see the snow surface clearly is crucial for safe climbing and skiing. It features SMITH's signature ChromaPop lens, which controls the balance of light and provides a clear view that makes objects stand out
The nose section also changes to provide an excellent fit. The upper part of the lens is ventilated, providing excellent anti-fog protection. Packed with features, SMITH also includes two sets of lenses, making it extremely versatile. All three colors above are new for the 2022 model
Includes hard case and
2 sets of lenses
–
ChromaPop Rose Gold Mirror
– Clear
REVIEW
by Yuki Ito | Vertical Land:
When skiing uphill or climbing, the visibility is clear and it's easy to use.
◆Official Website:https://smithjapan.co.jp/
SMITH｜WILDCAT
Provides a wide field of view like SMITH goggles
WILDCAT White
Wildcat Matte Cement
Wildcat Matte Safari
WILDCAT is an all-around sunglasses inspired by goggles. Its appearance is very similar to goggles. It has a hybrid frame made of durable TR90, which is used in sunglasses, and flexible TPU, which is used in goggles. SMITH's proud chromapop lens provides a wide field of view with clear vision. While maintaining a wide field of view like goggles, it is comfortable because it does not sacrifice breathability
White and Matte Safari are new colors for the 2022 model
hard case and
two sets of lenses.
REVIEW
by Yu Takeo | Bantei ~bamboo tail~
These sunglasses offer a wide field of vision and virtually no UV rays enter the eyes. They fit so well you forget you're even wearing them.
◆Official Website:https://smithjapan.co.jp/
TALEX | Overglasses, Clip-on, Prescription Original
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 stray light® cut filter, and over 60% of the process, including the final finishing, is handmade. In the winter sports world, mountaineer and skier Yuichiro Miura is a fan, commenting, "The view is more amazing than with the naked eye, and I definitely feel less tired. This is because the filter effectively removes excess light."
These over-glasses
are convenient because you can wear them over your own glasses!
These over-glasses can be worn over your glasses. For those who wear glasses, they are convenient and appreciated as they eliminate the need for prescription sunglasses. They are sized to fit any type of glasses, and their wide width and outer dimensions are large enough to accommodate any eyeglass frame. Furthermore, the frame tightly wraps around the eyes, blocking not only light but also UV rays and pollen, making them useful in a variety of situations all year round
The TALEX-developed stray light cut filter built into the lenses is the only technology in the world that cuts out unwanted stray light, such as ultraviolet rays and reflected light, and has earned high praise from professional athletes and outdoor sports fans for its excellent visibility. You can try out TALEX lenses at certified pro shops nationwide. Pro shops will also create original prescription sunglasses for you
clip-on
Switching to
It clips onto your glasses, and when you want to wear sunglasses, just drop them down. Switching to sunglasses is quick and easy with just one touch, making it incredibly convenient. You can keep them on at all times, so there's no need to take the time to put them on and take them off. Since it has no arms, it's compact and fits easily in your pocket or bag, making it easy to carry around without taking up too much space. It's perfect for people who want to switch between sunglasses for short periods of time or depending on the situation
The clip-on handle prevents the lenses from getting dirty, making it easy to use. You can choose from four frame colors. Glasses wearers will want to try them out. You can also try them out at a certified pro shop
REVIEW
Kazuya Igarashi | Kagura Powder Station:
While I was in Himalaya, I had custom-made prescription sunglasses tailored to my vision. Because the UV rays are strong on the snow, they're darker than regular sunglasses. I often use TALEX overglasses when fishing. Both overglasses and clip-on types are convenient for people who wear glasses.
◆Official Website:https://talex.co.jp/ct/wintersport/
UVEX｜uvex sportstyle 236
A unique model that allows you to remove and replace frame parts from the lens
A high-performance shield model that combines a smart, sharp design with sporty functionality. Equipped with mirrored lenses and comes with clear replacement lenses. These sunglasses feature a unique lens replacement system where each frame part can be removed and replaced from the lens.
The lenses, which offer an extremely wide field of view, are made in one piece and designed to fit the face securely. Adjustable nose pads and temple ends further enhance the perfect fit. There is ventilation at the top, and in addition, the ultra-anti-fog coating on the inside of the lens with uvex supravision® (anti-fog) technology keeps the view clear. It also has wind resistance and provides solid eye protection.
UVA, UVB, UVC protection up to 400 nm.
Clear lenses and case included.
Color: 4 colors available.
REVIEW
Daichi |Terui Daichi
I really like uvex sunglasses because the lenses offer a wide field of view without distortion. They are also lightweight and stay in place well. The nose pads are adjustable for a comfortable fit. I use the white frame. The white frame looks great regardless of the season or what I'm wearing.
◆Official Website:http://www.uvex-sports.jp/uvex/index/