Photo: POC snow goggles (Photo provided by Fullmarks)
Backcountry tours into the wilderness involve facing ever-changing weather and a wide range of terrain. Visibility is everything to backcountry guides who escort their guests while ensuring their safety and comfort. Whether it's a blizzard, clear skies, flat, cloudy skies, uneven slopes with poor visibility, or through dense trees, what goggles do pros use to ensure clearer vision, instantly grasp the situation, and move safely on the snowy mountains?
OAKLEY ｜Fall Line L
and Matte Black straps | | ¥22,770
The Fall Line L is a fusion of the LINE Miner, an iconic Oakley goggle model with a cylindrical design, and the wide field of view of a rimless goggle. Designed to fit a wide range of faces and fit perfectly with most helmets. Oakley's Ridgelock technology makes changing lenses quick and easy, ensuring the lenses fit your face perfectly.
Click here for the official website
"Wide field of view, comfortable fit, and clear vision. Perfect." - Chikara Nakajima
I love OAKLEY's "Fall Line L" with Prizm Snow Rose lenses. The wide field of view, the fit, and the clarity are perfect
Reviewer
RIKI JAPOW GUIDERiki
NakajimaRiki Nakajima
[Main guide area] Around Tomamu, Around Furano, Around Asahikawa / Others: Niseko, Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen
[Qualifications]
JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Operator Level 1
POC ｜FOVEA CLARITY
The lenses were developed in collaboration with Carl Zeiss. They are designed to enhance contrast and brightness for maximum visibility. The face foam is made up of multiple layers for a soft, comfortable fit. The lenses are also treated with a dirt-resistant and waterproof coating, anti-scratch treatment to prevent scratches on the lens surface, and anti-fog treatment on the inside to reduce fogging. This makes it easier to see the unevenness of the slopes, ensuring greater safety and more comfortable, enjoyable skiing
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"It fits perfectly and the fine powder from Hokkaido doesn't get in." - Satoshi Tsukahara
The visibility is not bad, but the best thing about this is that it fits perfectly. This is the only model that doesn't let in the fine powder from Hokkaido
Satoshi Tsukahara ReviewerHokkaido
Backcountry Guys
[Main guide area] Kiroro, Niseko, around Akaigawa / Others: All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
POC｜OPSIN CLARITY COMP
the OPSIN combines a classic frame design with Clarity lenses . In the rigorous competition and backcountry skiing scenes, split-second decision-making is essential. The OPSIN CLARITY COMP lenses are optimized with a special color scheme that provides bright, clear vision, allowing you to accurately grasp snow conditions that change with the weather and time of day, and make quick decisions and move. One spare lens is included for cloudy days.
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"The fit of the goggles themselves is exceptional" Tomohiro Shagawa
I mainly use OPSIN CLARITY COMP with Spektris Blue & Spectris Pink lenses. I carry a spare pair of goggles and only use them when skiing, such as when I'm in the mountains. I use a wind-proof comp type so I can handle speed and wind. I use lenses that aren't too dark even on sunny days. They're
just the right brightness to accommodate age-related eye limitations. Another great thing about these goggles is that they fit exceptionally well.
Reviewer
COLOR SPORT CLUB
Tomohiro Tonegawa
guide
area] Hakuba VALLEY (Hakuba, Otari, Omachi) / Others: Tateyama, Senjojiki,
Myoko
, Mt.
SMITH｜Squad MAG
Squad MAG equipped with a MAG lens change stem on SMITH's icon model Squad. Equipped with "Chromapop lens" by SMITH's original technology that brings more vivid vision by controlling the three primary colors of light. It is very highly evaluated for its outstanding clarity of fine unevenness. It comes standard with two chromapop lenses with different colors for fine weather and cloudy weather. (Except dimming model)
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"Easy to put on and take off the lenses!" Ryuta Asahi
I like flat lenses and love using Squad MAG Black. Her lenses are dark lenses, Sun Black or Sun Platinum Mirror. Her spare carry something a little brighter. Easy attachment and detachment of the lens!
ReviewerRhythm
Works
Ryuta Asahi
[Main guide area] Shirakawa-go, Tateyama, Hakuba, Hirayu, Mt. Houki Daisen *mainly Hida
Mountains
and Ryohaku
Mountains
SMITH｜4D MAG
The 4D MAG goggles' lens design extends to the bottom of the goggles, providing a wide field of view forward and a clear view down to your feet. The quality and ease of use of the goggles are becoming increasingly reliable. The SMITH MAG Lens Change System allows for safe and easy lens attachment and detachment, allowing you to instantly change lenses to suit changing weather or conditions. The AirEvac™ function ensures an excellent fit with your helmet
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"Easy lens replacement and easy to use in the mountains" - Hiroki Ito
The 4D MAG lenses use Sun Black. They are less likely to fog up and have a wide field of view. Lens replacement is easy, making them ideal for use in the mountains. I use Sun Black Gold Mirror and Storm Rose Flash as spare lenses
Reviewer
Vertical Land
Yuki Ito
[Main guide area] Around Hakuba Village, Nagano
Prefecture
,
Northern
Alps
"Includes two spare ChromaPop lenses!" Kazuya Igarashi
4D MAG comes with two Chromapop spare lenses. The field of view is wide and easy to see, and it is hard to fog!
Reviewer
Kagura Powder Station
Kazuya Igarashi
[Main guide area] Enter from the BC gate at the top of Kagura Ski Resort No. 5 Romance Lift / Others: Tateyama, Mt.
Gassan
, Mt.
"The field of vision is so wide. It doesn't get cloudy." - Yuu Takeo
The field of view is very wide. Also, the anti-fog function is strong so it doesn't fog up
Reviewer
Bantei -bamboo tail-
Yu TAKEO
[Main Guide Area] Hakuba area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski and Snowboard Guide Stage II
, Mountaineering Guide Stage II
"Except at high altitudes during snowy seasons, this photochromic lens is all you need and you won't need a spare lens." - Kazuya Furuse
The lenses used are CP photochromic rose flash. The frameless design provides a wide field of view, making it particularly easy to see downwards, making it extremely easy to do tasks around the chest, such as fastening the chest strap buckle on a backpack. Except at high altitudes during periods of remaining snow, this single photochromic lens can be used in a wide range of conditions, from sunny to snowy, without the need for a spare lens
Reviewer
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE
Kazuya Furuse
[Main Guide Area] Hakuba Area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
Smith | I/O Mag S
The I/O MAG S is a women's model that is a more compact version of the I/O MAG. It retains all the features and functionality of the I/O MAG, but is designed with a height and width that makes it easier to fit users with smaller faces, women, and children. It's compatible with helmets, preventing gaps between the helmet and goggles. It features a unique magnetic system and lens security system, as well as SMITH's proprietary ChromaPop lens and 5X anti-fog technology. Two spare lenses and a Googlesoc are included
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"Attaching and removing the lenses with magnets is stress-free." Tomoko Nakae
They offer excellent visibility and the now-standard magnetic lens attachment and detachment method makes them hassle-free. Another important factor is that they are compatible with helmets
Reviewer
Epic Japan
Akiko NAKAE
[Main guiding areas] Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Togakushi, Tateyama / Other: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko
[Profile]
Until high school, he was involved in alpine skiing, competing in the National Junior High School Championships, Inter-High School Championships, and National Athletic Meet. He then discovered mountain skiing and began spending every weekend in the snowy mountains during the snowy season. In 2014, he put an end to his life as a foreign company employee in Tokyo, and has since worked as a representative of Epic Japan.
[Qualifications]
- JMGA Ski Stage II, Mountain Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I qualification completed
SWANS | ROVO-MDH-CMIT-BL PIN MIT Mirror Photochromic Lens
Without removing the goggles from your face, simply push up the lever at the bottom of the frame to easily ventilate and quickly eliminate fogging on the lenses. PHOTOCHROMIC (photochromic = dimming) technology changes the brightness of the lens in response to ultraviolet rays, and automatically adjusts the brightness of the lens in any weather, making it extremely versatile. The MIT (Mirror Insert Technology) lens is also excellent because there is no color unevenness in the field of view.
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"Breathing goggles don't fog up" - Ryuta Furuichi
Good visibility. These breathable goggles allow the lenses to be slightly raised from the frame, so they don't fog up
Reviewer
Mountain Guide Coyote
Ryuta Furuichi
[Main guide area] Hokkaido (Niseko, Mt. Yotei, Kiroro, Daisetsuzan, Furano area)
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
Use Sweet Protection, SMITH, and SHRED
I use Sweet, Smith, and Shred lenses. I usually use light pink lenses, but I also carry darker lenses as backups
Reviewer
Roll
Saeki Iwao Saeki
]
Tsurugi
, Hakuba, Myoko
Sweet Protection｜Clockwork [+Bonus Lens]
"Clockwork" features high strength and RIG lens unique to Sweet Protection. RIG lenses are excellent because they minimize color distortion with excellent contrast and reduce eye fatigue. Equipped with a 2.8 mm thick premium toric scalp lens with overwhelming impact resistance, it has a compact shape that fits snugly with low volume while ensuring a wide field of view. The double lens is equipped with GORE® Protective Vents, which prevent the inner lens from deforming due to changes in air pressure and provide the optimum environment for your eyes.
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"The clearest view I've ever used, making it easier to see the slopes." - Toyokazu Nakano
Of all the goggles I've ever used, they have the clearest vision and easy to see slopes. The Japanese model has a foam pad for Japanese people, so there is very little space between the nose and the pad, preventing snow from entering inside. The design is also cool. I don't carry a spare lens because the lens doesn't fog up.
Reviewer
Infield
Toyokazu Nakano
/
Kubiki Others : Mt. Tate, Mt. Chokai, etc.
UVEX ｜Athletic CV
The athletic CV features a single lens design with a large lens for a wide field of view. Its uvex colorvision® technology delivers vibrant color perception and enhanced contrast with four colorvision® filters—amber, smoke, brown, and green—for a clearer view of the field. This is especially useful in the backcountry, where the snow surface stretches out endlessly and unevenness on the slopes can be difficult to see. It also offers reliable anti-fog protection. And it's a very reasonable price
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"It's suitable for a style like backcountry, where you climb for a few hours and then ski for 2-3 minutes." - Daichi Terui
By choosing a single lens, we were able to improve portability and achieve a wide field of view without distortion like sunglasses. Single lenses also prevent fogging between the lenses like double lenses do. We think they're ideal for backcountry skiing, where you climb for a few hours and then ski for 2-3 minutes
ReviewerDaichi
Trui _
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido [Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I
