Photo courtesy of TALEX
In the backcountry (BC), where you have to face ever-changing weather and various topography, "visibility" is the most important thing for safe and comfortable skiing. In the special field of BC, where the vast snow surface is dazzling and the amount of UV rays is high, goggles alone are not enough. When climbing on a sunny day, your goggles will fog up due to sweating, and it will be hot. Sunglasses are also a must. So let's take a look at the special sunglasses that BC professional guides love.
OAKLEY｜Half Jacket 2.0
The definitive edition of "clearly visible, light, sturdy, and stays in place" packed with unique technology
A model based on Oakley's most popular sports sunglasses Flac2.0. The 8.75 curve, which is calculated to envelop the eyes, ensures a wide field of view and realizes a distortion-free field of view. The frame is made from Oakley's proprietary material, which is flexible, highly impact-resistant, lightweight, and feels good on the skin and is comfortable to wear.
Adhesiveness increases as it absorbs moisture such as sweat, and a material that increases grip is used for the nose pads and temple arms, and Oakley's unique grip technology creates an outstanding fit. The lenses add polarization to Oakley's exclusive PRIZM™ lens technology, which enhances color and contrast to help you see the boundaries of your surroundings and see finer details. It is also possible to replace the lens.
LENS: Prizm Black Polarized lens
Visible light transmittance: 18%
REVIEW
Makoto Kuroda｜Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
Since the lens can be replaced, it can be adjusted according to the weather, making it easy to use. The light tint on the lens helps me draw better lines in poor visibility.
◆ Official HP / https://www.oakley.com/ja-jp/custom-product/0OO9144CP
OAKLEY｜Latch (Low Bridge Fit)
Super convenient and fashionable with a clip that can be hung around the neck!
"Latch" was born from a design born in collaboration with the skateboarding world.
"Latch" means a latch to hook. The name comes from the revolutionary piece latch that can be clipped onto a T-shirt. Being able to hang sunglasses around your neck not only looks fashionable, but is also very convenient when actually using it in the mountains. When you want to take off your sunglasses for a while on a hike, just putting them on your head will cause them to fall off and be unreliable. Latch can be fixed firmly. The frame material is a lightweight O Matter™ frame. The square O metal icon accent is also cool, and the round lens curve creates a unique atmosphere. The lens is equipped with OAKLEY's proud lens technology Prizm-prism ™ lens. By emphasizing color and contrast, it becomes easier to see the boundaries of the surrounding environment, realizing a clear view of even the smallest details. In addition, polarized lenses and Iridium-Iridium® lenses can be installed as options. It is also possible to install genuine Oakley prescription lenses. The round lens curve creates a unique atmosphere.
"Low Bridge Fit" is an Asian fit type. The shape of the lens, the angle of the frame, and the low nosepiece fit well. There must be many Japanese who are happy about this.
LENS: Prizm Gray Gradient Lens
Color: 5 colors
REVIEWRiki
Nakajima |
RIKI JAPOW GUIDESince it is very lightweight and simple, it does not have much volume when folded. It can be stored in even the smallest of gaps, so it is always hidden regardless of location or purpose.
◆ Official HP / https://www.oakley.com/ja-jp/product/W0OO9349
OUTLAND｜BAATARA
Sunglasses that shine with Yamamoto Kogaku's technology, which has a thorough knowledge of the Japanese face.
OUTLAND is a sunglasses brand produced by Yamamoto Kogaku, a long-established Japanese eyewear manufacturer with over 100 years of tradition. Also familiar with SWANS ski goggles and DICE snowboard goggles. Sunglasses produced by Yamamoto Kogaku, who knows the Japanese head inside out, naturally make use of the high technology cultivated through the development of goggles, and the lenses are also equipped with the same technology as goggles, such as "ULTRA lenses" and "PHOTOCHROMIC". Many are installed.
BAATARA is one of the widely used models because professional guides who are active in the back country place a high degree of trust in Yamamoto Kogaku's technical capabilities.
It is packed with functions that are useful according to the situation. The nose pads fit the height of the nose, and the temple arms can be bent and stretched to fit the head. The detachable side hood shuts out light, wind, dust, etc. from the side. A leash cord that can be attached to the end of the temple allows you to conveniently hang it around your neck. No need to worry about losing it. An original case with a strap is also included.
OL-108 / DMSM
OL-108 / DMSM is equipped with a function "PHOTOCHROMIC" that changes color (dimming) according to changes in the environment. The visible light transmittance is 47% ⇔ 17%, and it is possible to respond to changes in weather on snowy mountains. New color for the 2022 model.
LENS: SILVER MIRROR + PHOTOCHROMIC
Visible light transmittance: 47%⇔17%
OL-107/GRY
OL-107/GRY is equipped with Yamamoto Kogaku's proprietary lens technology, "ULTRA LENS", a polarized lens that is effective against bad weather such as snow and rain. By emphasizing a specific color gamut according to the purpose and use, the object can be seen clearly and visibility is improved, so it is very 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 light and comes with a leash.
Sunglasses are regularly lost or damaged, so cost performance is important. Ryuta Furuichi｜Mountain Guide Coyote
Polarized lenses prevent diffused reflections from the snow surface, making it very easy to see. It also comes with a detachable SIDE HOOD, so when you put it on, you can get rid of diffused reflections, wind, and dust from the snow surface, making it perfect for spring skiing. These sunglasses are made in Japan, so they fit perfectly on my face. Sunglasses you can trust.
◆ Official HP / www.outland1995.jp
POC｜DEFINE
Equipped with a high-dimensional clarity lens jointly developed with CARL ZEISS
Equipped with Clarity lens technology developed jointly with Carl Zeiss, a leader in the optical industry. Clarity lenses control the color spectrum to enhance contrast and provide sharper vision in your 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 the nose pads and temples keeps the sunglasses in place during the performance. The nose pads can be adjusted to fit your nose.
Color: All 9 colors
REVIEW
Satoshi Tsukahara｜Hokkaido Backcountry Guys Good
fit and light!
POC | REQUIRE
High versatility from snowy mountains to the city is also attractive, realizing clear visibility anywhere
An all-round model designed using highly functional materials and parts, with a popular classical frame design. A lightweight Grilamid frame with in-mold hinges and a hydrophilic rubber nose pad that won't slip even when wet provide a great fit.
The lens is equipped with a clarity lens that exhibits even better optical performance than conventional nylon lenses, realizing clear vision in all situations, from snowy mountains to everyday life. POLARIZED models of polarized lenses that cut diffused reflections and suppress glare are also available.
Color: 8 colors
REVIEW
Tomohiro Shakawa | COLOR SPORT CLUB With
a design that matches every scene and a supple rigidity, it fits your face without discomfort. The flexible material will cover even a little rough use.
◆ Official HP / https://www.full-marks.com/poc/
SMITH｜LOWDOWN2
Lowdown 2 Matte Black Marble
Lowdown 2 Tortoise
Lowdown 2 Matte Black
Compared to the initial lowdown, the thickness of the frame itself is reduced, and the lens curve is changed to 4 base. The style is 70's Wellington seasoned with SMITH style, simple yet sophisticated and stylish.
Also, by controlling the three primary colors of light, it is equipped with a "chromapop lens" that uses SMITH's proprietary technology to bring more vivid vision.
The guides highly praised it for its outstanding sharpness, which allows you to clearly see the details of the unevenness of the snowy mountain. The 100% UV cut suppresses the glare of unnecessary light reflections, and the polarized lenses that ensure a clear field of view make it easier for your eyes to get tired. Matte Black Marble is a hot new color for the 2022 model.
with hard case
: ChromaPop Polarized Violet Mirror
REVIEW
Asahi Ryuta | Rhythmworks
Wellington style of the 70's, but it fits well and is stylish with a refined simplicity of the trends of the times.
Toyokazu Nakano | This is a standard infield
model that is easy to hang and easy to see, so you can use it anytime, from driving to backcountry tours.
◆ Official HP / https://smithjapan.co.jp/
SMITH｜Resolve
Equipped with SMITH's chromapop lens that provides an overwhelmingly clear field of view
Resolve French Navy
Resolve White
Resolve Matte Black
Based on the model called Reactor MK2, which was popular in Japan, it became Resolve in the home country inline. In the unmaintained backcountry, it is very important to have a good view of the snow surface for safe climbing and skiing. Equipped with SMITH's chromapop lens that controls the balance of light and brings a clear field of vision that makes the subject stand out.
In addition, an outstanding fit is achieved by changing the nose part. And the anti-fog effect is also high because ventilation is attached to the upper part of the lens. SMITH, which is packed with functions, comes with two sets of lenses, so versatility is perfect. All three colors above are new colors for the 2022 model.
LENS
2 sets of lenses with hard case – ChromaPop Rose Gold Mirror
– Clear
REVIEW
Yuki Ito｜Vertical Land
Easy to use with clear visibility when skiing or climbing.
◆ Official HP / https://smithjapan.co.jp/
SMITH｜WILDCAT
Secure 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. It looks very similar to goggles. It has a hybrid frame that uses highly durable TR90 used for sunglasses and stretchable TPU used for goggles. SMITH's proud chromapop lens projects a large field of view clearly. While securing a wide field of view like goggles, it is comfortable because breathability is not compromised.
White and Matte Safari are new colors for the 2022 model.
2 sets of lenses with hard case
REVIEW
Yuu Takeo｜Bantei〜bamboo tail〜The
field of view is wide and the ultraviolet rays hardly enter the eyes. Sunglasses that fit so well that you forget you're wearing them.
◆ Official HP / https://smithjapan.co.jp/
TALEX｜Original Overglass, Clip Type, Prescription
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 noise ® cut filter, and more than 60% of the entire process is handmade until the final finish. In the world of winter sports, mountain climber and skier Yuichiro Miura uses it regularly, saying, "It looks better than what you see with the naked eye, and after all, you don't feel tired. The filter effectively removes excess light rays." commented.
Overglass
Convenient to wear over your own glasses!
Overglasses that can be worn over eyeglasses. For spectacle users, there is no need to carry prescription sunglasses, which is very convenient. With a sense of size that corresponds to all kinds of glasses, it is possible to correspond to all kinds of eyeglass frames by ensuring sufficient width and outer size. In addition, the frame wraps tightly around the eyes and prevents not only light but also UV rays and pollen from entering, so it can be used in a variety of situations throughout the year.
TALEX's proprietary interference cut filter built into the lens is the only technology in the world that cuts out so-called unwanted interference light, such as reflected light from ultraviolet rays and reflections. Highly rated. TALEX lenses can be experienced at certified pro shops nationwide. The pro shop also makes original sunglasses with prescriptions.
One-touch switching to clip-on
Clip it onto your eyeglasses, and when you want to use your sunglasses, simply pull them down. Switching to sunglasses can be done instantly with one touch, which is really convenient. You can keep it on all the time, so you don't have to worry about taking it off. Since there is no arm, it fits compactly, fits in your pocket or bag, and is easy to carry without being bulky. It is the best for those who want to switch according to short-term use and usage scenes.
It is easy to use because it has a knob that prevents the lens from getting dirty when the clip is raised. You can also choose from 4 different frame colors. Eyeglass users may want to try it. The experience is also at a certified pro shop.
REVIEW
Kazuya Igarashi｜
When I went to Kagura Powder Station Himalaya, I had prescription sunglasses made for me. UV rays are strong on the snow, so the color of the eyes is darker than ordinary sunglasses. I often use TALEX overglasses when fishing. Over glasses and clip types are convenient for those who wear glasses.
◆ Official HP / https://talex.co.jp/ct/wintersport/
UVEX｜uvex sportstyle 236
A unique model that removes and replaces the frame parts from the lens.
A highly functional shield model that combines smart and sharp design with sporty functionality.
It is equipped with a mirror lens and comes with a clear interchangeable lens. It is a sunglasses with a unique lens exchange system that removes each frame part from the lens and replaces it. The lenses, which have a very wide field of view, are made in one piece and are designed to fit tightly on the face.
There are adjustable nose pads and temple ends for a perfect fit. Ventilation on the top, plus uvex supravision® (anti-fog) technology coating the inside of the lens to keep your vision sharp. It is also windproof and protects your eyes well. UVA, UVB, UVC protection up to 400 nm
Clear lens with case
Color: 4 colors
REVIEW
Daichi Terui |
Daichi Terui Terui Daichi uvex sunglasses have a wide field of view with no distortion and I really like them. And it's lightweight and doesn't slip easily. The nose temple is also adjustable and easy to fit. The frame uses white. The white frame looks great regardless of the season or the clothes you are wearing.
◆ Official HP / http://www.uvex-sports.jp/uvex/index/