Sunglasses are a necessity at BCs, where the vast snow surface is dazzling and the amount of UV rays is high. Especially with the upcoming spring mountain season, how you can see on slopes with intense glare will have a major impact on your safety and comfort while skiing Here, we introduce some of the favorite sunglasses of 2023-2024 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 models.
*For detailed information about the guide clubs, click on the guide club name and go to the guide club introduction page on STEEP!
SMITH｜Pursuit
SMITH's unique ChromaPop lenses provide goggle-like performance
Popular for their goggle-like coverage, ease of wearing, and comfort, the side shields now feature a magnetic system for even easier use. The ChromaPop Glacier photochromic lenses are less sensitive to temperature changes and adapt to light conditions, while ChromaPop enhances contrast and color across the entire color range. The lens change system allows you to change lenses depending on the weather, and the 5-base flat lenses provide a wide field of view, making them a good fit for Japanese people. Two types of nose rubber with different thicknesses and an adjustable nose piece ensure a better fit. This season, the glasses have been updated to three colors
◆Official website: https://smithjapan.co.jp/
Reviewer:
Ryuta Asahi |
Rhythm Works The ChromaPop photochromic lenses, which change color even in low temperatures, are great. The nose guard protects your nose from sunburn and storms at high altitudes, and the removable side shields are also great. Two sets of lenses are included.
TALEX | Overglasses Clip Type
Convenient to wear over your own glasses!
Switch to clip-on
SUNSKI | Couloir Black Forest
Another attractive feature is the affordable price of replacement lenses
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 very reasonable 12,100 yen (official website)
Equipped with magnetically detachable side shields and rubber nose pads, these glasses are perfect for active wear. The large lenses provide excellent eye protection. The Alpine series comes with a dedicated zippered case. The lenses have a visible light transmittance of 11%, and the "Black Forest" lens color is green-based black
◆Official website／ https://www.goldwin.co.jp/store/brand/sunski/
Reviewer:
Makoto Kuroda | Kuroda Mountain Guide Office.
Sunglasses are a consumable item that can easily get scratched by branches or when wiping. It's great that replacement lenses are inexpensive and in good condition. They block light from the sides, so they're safe even at high altitudes or in the spring mountains, where UV rays are strong.
SWNAS｜LION SIN ULTRA LENS
An all-round sports model with a sturdy fit thanks to its high frame rigidity
The wrap-around frame design ensures a snug, comfortable fit that won't slip. The polarized Ultra lenses enhance contrast and ensure good visibility even on snow. Lenses can be easily changed by opening and closing the parts on the side of the frame. They lock when worn, making them resistant to intense movement and impacts. By bending the temple ends inward, you can fine-tune them to fit the shape of your head, ensuring a secure fit. A wide variety of spare lenses are available separately, including photochromic, polarized, polarized Ultra, mirror, and clear
◆Official website: https://swans.co.jp/
Reviewer
Mamoru Takahashi:
the Powerzone Hakuba goggles, they fit my face perfectly. I have poor eyesight, so I chose lenses that aren't too dark and aren't too dazzling.
UVEX｜mtn perform
Wide field of view, moderate lens color, and 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 condition. Plus, adjustable soft nose pads and pressure-free temple ends ensure an excellent fit and comfort. 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC protection
◆Official website: 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 mtn perform sunglasses have a single lens with a wide field of view, and the lens color isn't too dark, making them easy to see in any weather. The nose and temples can be adjusted for a comfortable fit, so I highly recommend them.
POC｜REQUIRE
Versatile enough for everything from snowy mountains to the city, it provides clear visibility anywhere
This popular all-around model features a classic frame design and is made with high-performance materials and parts, making it lightweight, flexible, and durable. The lightweight Grilamid frame with in-mold hinges and hydrophilic rubber nose pads provide a comfortable fit, even when wet
The Clarity lenses offer superior optical performance compared to conventional nylon lenses, ensuring clear vision in any situation, from snowy mountains to everyday life. Polarized models are also available, eliminating scattered reflections and reducing glare. The wide variety of unique pale-toned frame colors makes these glasses fun to wear
◆Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/poc/
Reviewer
Tomohiro Shagawa |
COLOR SPORT CLUB With a design that matches any scene and a flexible rigidity, it fits comfortably on the face. The flexible material will withstand even a little rough use.
OAKLEY｜Latch (Low Bridge Fit)
It comes with a clip that can be hung around your neck, making it super convenient and fashionable!
"Latch" was born from a design collaboration with the skateboarding world. "Latch" means a hook or a 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 also 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 an Asian fit type. The lens shape, frame angle, and nose piece fit comfortably even on low noses. This is sure to please many Japanese people. There is also a wide range of colors available
◆Official website／ https://www.oakley.com/ja-jp/product/W0OO9349
Reviewer:
Riki Nakajima |
RIKI JAPOW GUIDEIt 's extremely lightweight and simple, so it doesn't take up much space when folded.It can be stored in even the smallest of spaces, so I keep it handy no matter where I go or what I use it for.
SWEET PROTECTION｜Tachi
High-performance multi-use model equipped with RIG® lens
These sunglasses feature RIG® lenses, a proprietary lens technology. The square-style frames are fashionable and perfectly suited to both outdoor and urban use. RIG® lenses are an innovative technology that minimizes color distortion with excellent contrast and reduces eye fatigue. The toric spherical lenses are 2.2 mm thick, providing excellent impact resistance and minimizes color distortion while providing excellent visibility. The frames are made from lightweight, durable materials and feature a form that minimizes wind and rain penetration, ensuring a comfortable fit
◆Official website: https://sputnikshop.jp/
Reviewer:
Toyokazu Nakano |
Infield The basic design provides a comfortable fit and is stress-free to wear. You can also choose from a wide range of lens colors to suit your needs.
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."
Professional guides in the backcountry have a high level of trust in Yamamoto Kogaku's technical capabilities, and the BAATARA is one of their most popular models. It's packed with useful features to suit any situation.
The nose pads can be adjusted to fit the height of your nose, and the temple arms can be bent and stretched to fit your head. The detachable side hoods block out light, wind, dust, and other elements from the sides. A leash cord can be attached to the end of the temples, allowing you to conveniently hang the glasses around your neck. There's also less risk of losing them. It even 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%
◆Official website: www.outland1995.jp
Reviewer:
Ryuta Furuichi |
Mountain Guide Coyote The polarized lenses block scattered reflections from the snow surface, making them very easy to see. They also come with a detachable side hood, which blocks scattered reflections from the snow surface, wind, and dust, making them perfect for spring skiing. Because they're made in Japan, they fit my face perfectly. These are reliable sunglasses.
POC｜KNOW
I don't mind wearing it for a long time
The fashionable design suits any occasion and style. Though they appear very lightweight, the frames are made from durable Grilamid. The nose section is made with hydrophilic rubber for superior grip, preventing slippage even when wet during water sports. All frame colors come standard with Clarity lenses, developed in collaboration with Carl Zeiss, which enhance contrast and offer superior optical performance. Enjoy clear, distortion-free vision. Polarized models are also available, featuring polarized lenses that cut out scattered reflections and reduce glare
◆Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/poc/
Reviewer:
Kenichi Minegishi | KinTouN Backcountry Guide
I've been using these sunglasses for many years because of their design, which can be worn casually in the field or around town. They're light and the lenses block out light just right, so I often forget I'm even wearing sunglasses, as they feel natural. I recommend them because they're completely unnoticeable even when worn for long periods of time!