In the backcountry, where vast snowfields are dazzling and UV rays are intense, sunglasses are a necessity. Especially during the upcoming spring mountain season, "how well you can see" on slopes with intense glare greatly impacts safe and comfortable skiing . So, let's introduce some of the best sunglasses favored by '23-24 backcountry pro guides.
*The frame and lens colors in the images shown may differ from those used by the model. Please view them as a model introduction only.
*For detailed information about the guide club, please click on the guide club name and visit 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:
Asahi Tatsuta |Rhythm Works
The ChromaPop photochromic lenses, which change color even in low-temperature environments, are excellent. The nose guard, which protects your nose from sunburn and storms at high altitudes, and the removable side shields are also very good. Comes with two sets of lenses.
TALEX | Overglasses Clip Type
Convenient to wear over your own glasses!
Switching to clip-on sunglasses is possible with a single touch
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 consumables that can get scratched by branches or when wiping them. It's great that replacement lenses are readily available at a low price and that they can be kept in good condition. They block light from the sides, so you can feel safe even at high altitudes or in 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 Power Zone Hakuba
goggles, they fit my face well. Since I have poor eyesight, I chose lenses that are not too dark and not too bright.
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, wide-field lenses. They're also lightweight and stay in place well. This mtn perform model has a single lens with a wide field of view, and the lens tint isn't too dark, making it easy to see in any weather. The nose pads and temples are adjustable, so the fit is great, and 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 Shakawa |COLOR SPORT CLUB
The design matches any scene, and the flexible rigidity allows it to fit comfortably on the face without any discomfort. The flexible material can withstand even 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!
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.
"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 GUIDE
It's extremely lightweight and simply constructed, 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 regardless of location or purpose.
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 good fit and is stress-free to wear. It's also great that you can choose a lens color that suits the situation you'll be using it in from the wide range of colors available.
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 is one of the most widely used models, highly trusted by professional guides working in the backcountry, who place great importance on Yamamoto Optical's technical expertise. 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%
◆Official Website:www.outland1995.jp
Reviewer
Ryuta Furuichi |Mountain Guide - The Coyote
polarized lenses prevent glare from the snow surface, making them very easy to see through. Also, the detachable side hood helps to block glare from the snow, wind, and dust, making them perfect for spring skiing. Since these sunglasses are made by a Japanese manufacturer, 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 is great for both outdoor activities and casual use in the city. They're lightweight, and the lenses block just the right amount of light, so I often forget I'm wearing sunglasses because they feel so natural. I highly recommend them because you won't even notice you're wearing them for extended periods!