Backcountry guide's favorite goggles '24-25 season | Professional selection and reviews

For BC guides, who escort guests while ensuring their safety, comfort, and enjoyment, visibility is everything. Clearer visibility is essential in snowstorms, clear skies, flat cloudy skies, uneven slopes with poor visibility, and dense trees. ``How far you can see'' is directly related to the quality of guiding. What are the goggles that professionals use to instantly grasp the situation and move safely on snowy mountains?

*All prices shown include consumption tax.

DRAGON｜PVX

DRAGON's best-selling model PVX. With a frame designed to wrap around the sides of the face, PANOTECH LENS are a hybrid of spherical and flat lenses, ensuring a field of vision that exceeds the range of human vision and providing an astonishingly wide field of view. JAPAN LUMALENS, with its high transparency and sharpness, creates an even more exhilarating panorama.

◆Official website/ https://www.dragonalliance.jp/

Good visibility in both bright and dark conditions, less cloudy and flat light｜WARP Arima Arata

I use DRAGON's "PXV" and "NFX2". Both models use the same lens color, ``LUMALENS MIDNIGHT,'' which is said to be suitable for sunny days with a VLT (visible light transmittance) of 6%.
When replacing, I only changed the goggles, not the lenses. LUMALENS MIDNIGHT basically does not have a flat light, so visibility is good both in bright and dark conditions, and it is difficult to fog up and does not become a flat light, which is highly praised.

GIRO | CONTOUR

The sleek, unconventional shape of the toric lens and cutting-edge EXV+ technology provide a wide field of view that is as wide as that seen with the naked eye. Equipped with a quick change lens system that allows you to change lenses instantly.

◆Official HP／ //giro-japan.com/

“The contrast is clear and visibility is high”｜IDEHA Takahiro Ishizawa

I am using CONTOUR + spare lens. The visibility is high, the contrast is clear, and you can clearly see the undulations of the snow surface. The high contrast provided by the VIVID lens makes it the perfect lens for capturing the undulations of the snow surface in the backcountry. In addition, wide vision lenses that do not have an outer frame have very high visibility and reduce the risk of slipping. It's also nice to be able to easily change the lenses, and it comes with one replacement lens, so you don't have to carry spare goggles and can just use the lens.

The spare lens is a pink sunny/cloudy type. I don't use the spare often, but it's when I get snow inside and it's hard to see. It's very easy to change lenses while wearing the goggles. When you put it on, it sticks tightly with magnets, so you won't have to worry about it fidgeting.

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GIRO | CONTOUR RS

◆Official HP／ //giro-japan.com/

CONTOUR has been resized to be more compact and designed with women's sensibilities in mind to accommodate smaller faces. The VIVID toric lens with a new lens curvature and EXV+ technology ensure a field of view as wide as that seen with the naked eye.
The quick-change lens system makes changing lenses a breeze, and it also features EVAK vent technology to minimize fogging. Plush Max Fleece Face Foam is gentle on the skin and shows careful consideration for women.

“The lens is easy to see and I trust it” | Spur Akita Mountain Guide Service Mariko Sato

I trust it because it fits my face parts and the lenses are easy to see.

I use "VIVID infrared" as a spare lens.
The way I use "VIVID Pink" is because the appearance of the slope changes depending on the weather and the amount of light, so I use it accordingly. I like that the magnets make it relatively easy to replace even in bad weather, and that it doesn't put unnecessary stress on the frame sponge or lenses.

OAKLEY｜Line Miner™

Line Miner is one of OAKLEY's standard models. The cylindrical design provides unprecedented downward and side peripheral vision. Suitable for larger face sizes and fits perfectly with most helmets.

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

“I like flat lenses because they have a wide field of view”｜GRANIX mountain guide Satoshi Arakawa

I love Oakley. I like the flat lens of "Line Miner™" and I like the wide field of view. ``Prizm Snow Argon Iridium'' allows you to see the unevenness of the snow surface, whether it's sunny or snowing, so it can be used in a wide range of ways depending on the weather. I always carry the same Prizm Snow Argon Iridium lens as a spare. This can be used if snow gets inside or if a guest's lens becomes cloudy.

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POC｜Fovea WF

Toric lenses ensure a wide field of view. Featuring Clarity lens technology that enhances contrast and provides sharp vision in a variety of lighting conditions. The malleable frame and triple face foam provide a comfortable and secure fit for any face shape, providing flexibility and comfort even in the coldest conditions.

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

“An important point in choosing is the one that fits your face”｜KinTouN Backcountry Guide Kenichi Minegishi

I like the pink lenses because they make it easy to see even on cloudy days with little light.
I use various models, but I personally think that Fovea suits my face, so I often find myself using Fovea.

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POC｜OPSIN CLARITY COMP

A racing model of OPSIN CLARITY that combines a classic frame design and clarity lenses. Instant judgment is required in severe competition scenes and in the backcountry. The lenses of the OPSIN CLARITY COMP are optimized with a special color scheme that provides bright and clear visibility, allowing you to accurately grasp the snow surface conditions that change moment by moment depending on the weather and time, and to quickly judge and move. A spare lens for cloudy weather is included.

*This "OPSIN CLARITY COMP" was discontinued last season. The successor model for the '24-25 season is the "OPSIN WF" below.

It is not specifically for racing, but is a regular model that can be used for a wide range of purposes. Therefore, if you want to match it to conditions where the weather can change easily, such as in a race scene or in the backcountry, you can use this "OPSIN WF" frame and change it to a spare lens (sold separately).

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

“The fit of the goggles themselves is exceptional”｜COLOR SPORT CLUB Tomohiro Sagawa

OPSIN CLARITY COMP mainly uses Spektris Blue & Spectris Pink lenses. I always carry a spare pair of goggles with me, and only use them when skiing, such as when going into the mountains. We use a compressor type that prevents wind from entering so that it can handle wind at high speeds. I use lenses that are not too dark even on sunny days. These lenses are bright enough to accommodate age-related eye limitations. Another great feature is that the fit of the goggles themselves is exceptional.

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SMITH｜4D MAG

This model boasts the best field of view in history thanks to the ChromaPop lens, which provides a clear and sharp field of view, and Bird's Eye Vision technology. The AirEvac™ function ensures a perfect fit with your helmet. Equipped with the SMITH MAG Lens Change System, which allows you to easily attach and detach lenses, allowing you to instantly change lenses according to changes in weather and conditions. Equipped with two chroma pop lenses as standard.

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

“Comes with 2 spare ChromaPop lenses!” | Kagura Powder Station 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!

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SMITH｜Squad MAG

The MAG lens change system allows you to easily remove lenses by simply releasing the locks on the left and right sides, allowing you to instantly change lenses according to changes in weather and conditions. The strongest model equipped with 5X™ anti-fog technology, the first flat lens. The most powerful CP Pro Photochromic lens in history, which can be used in all weather conditions with a single lens, is used in many colors. Two chroma pop lenses are standard equipment.

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

“I want to use it without changing lenses”｜Niseko Mecca Hisataka Tanaka

I use photochromic mirror lenses because I want to use them on both snowy and sunny days without having to change lenses.

“Easy to put on and take off the lens!”｜Rhythm Works Tatsuta 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!

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SWANS｜OUTBACK　

SWANS' OUTBACK is SWANS' flagship model equipped with a cylindrical lens with minimal distortion. Adopts the A-BLOW system that quickly clears lens fog with just one touch of pushing up the levers on both sides of the frame. This is an excellent item that allows you to easily ventilate the inside of your goggles.

OB-MDH-CU-LP SBLU [Lens: PHOTOCHROMIC × ULTRA LIGHT PURPLE × ICE MIRROR Belt: SBLU]

PHOTOCHROMIC technology changes the brightness of the lens in response to UV rays, making it extremely versatile as it automatically adjusts the brightness of the lens in all weather conditions.

OB-MDH PBK [Lens: GRAY× SHADOW MIRROR | Belt: PBK]

SHADOW MIRROR lenses are mirror lenses with high transmittance. It retains the coolness of mirror lenses, reduces glare on sunny days, and doesn't get too dark.

◆Official website/ https://www.swans.co.jp/

“I’ve been waiting! Breathing goggles with flat lenses” | Mountain Guide Coyote Ryuta Furuichi

These goggles allow you to see very well even in the snowstorm in Niseko. Since these are breathing goggles, the lens rarely fogs up when outside air is let in even when walking a little, making them ideal for backcountry use.

Of course, bright lenses are effective in Niseko, where it snows almost every day, but the weather can change quickly and it can suddenly become sunny. On such days, photochromic lenses that change color depending on the amount of ultraviolet rays in the spare lens come in handy. I personally don't like the color of the sky to change, so I personally prefer a light gray that looks natural.

“I like the distortion-free field of view of a flat lens” | Masaaki Sato

I'm often sweating by the time I start skiing from a hike, so I can pop up the lens to ventilate it until I change modes and start skiing, which really prevents my goggles from fogging up. OUTBACK likes the distortion-free field of view of a flat lens. For the lenses, I use either ULTRA light purple dimming or gray shadow mirror depending on the weather, and both are very easy to see, as they suit Japanese eyes.

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.

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

“Reliable goggles with all three features” | CIRCLE GAME guide service Shohei Sasaki

Wide field of view, easy-to-see lenses, and a comfortable fit. These goggles are reliable and have all the features you need.

“The visibility is the clearest and the slopes are easier to see than anything I have ever used.” | Infield 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.

“I feel safe as if my face is being protected.” ｜ JUNRINA mountain service　 Jun Nagai

The wide field of view makes it easy to see, and the durable lenses give you a sense of security as if your face is protected. The main lens uses the "RIG Light Amethyst" lens, and is recommended for the mid-winter period when there are many days of bad weather. The Clockwork lens is not too big, just the right size for my preference. He also uses a helmet from the same brand, and it goes very well with the helmet.

As a spare lens, I use the mirror lens "RIG Topaz." It comes in handy in spring when the sunlight is harsh.