Tested: The 6 Best Hiking Sunglasses for the Outdoors

Every year, the hiking season brings forth a wide array of opportunities for exploring trails in your local wilderness. Although, to best enjoy hiking and backpacking routes, one needs to be outfitted with the right equipment. Depending on the length of your trek, the necessary gear will greatly vary. Yet one element every hiker should be armed with, whether they’re facing a simple day trip or an extended tour along the Appalachian Trail, is a quality pair of sunglasses. For our own list of the best hiking sunglasses around, we got to get hands-on and test out our favorites.

How We Tested

With literally thousands of sunglasses on the market, honing in on the pair most conducive to your hiking needs can be pretty exhausting. This issue is compounded by the vast array of styles, features, and price points within the hiking shades sector. So, to save you the trouble, we’ve searched far and wide, reviewing the industry’s trail-ready optical offerings. But for starters, we had to come up with a list of sunglasses that we wanted to test in the first place.

For starters, we took a look at the space and figured out what we wanted to see in most pairs. This means we looked at lens and frame materials, polarization, weight, side shields, overall aesthetic, and any tech provided along the way. From there, we sourced our units for testing and got hands-on by taking each pair out into the field for some time. Each hike was spent experiencing the comfort and feel of each pair, along with their color contrast, clarity, and coverage. We also looked for slippage and crucial pressure points (if any). The results are all presented to you down below.

Sunski Treeline Polarized

Best Sub-$100 Shades: Constructed around a flexible and durable recycled polycarbonate plastic frame that weighs less than 1oz and features removable magnetic sun shields on the sides, Sunski’s Treeline sunglasses are an intuitive, stylish take on hiking glasses. Designed in California and sold with the brand’s trusty “Forever Warranty,” these Red Dot Design Award-winning shades offer 100% full-spectrum UV protection and are sold with a carrying case and microfiber bag. Not to mention, these shades come in under $100 –– the only pair on this list to do so.

The Good

Even within the realm of side-shaded sunglasses, the Sunski Treeline sports a unique design. With aviator-shaped lenses inside wayfarer construction, the sunglasses bring a cool design to the space. On the face, they look interesting but not too outdoorsy (which is a good thing). And then there’s the side shields themselves, which have magnets built-in so that you don’t have to worry about them snapping closed. You can also remove them very easily if you decide to go without them.

In terms of visibility, there’s a strong warmth added to blues and greens, although this may be affecting the yellows and reds a smidge, but not enough to be annoying (it’s the blues and greens you want to appreciate most when outside anyway). Also, the frames feel notably more durable than your standard affordable sunglasses, which can be a benefit if you keep these on your shirt or in your pocket.

The Not So Good

My biggest issue with the Treeline comes with its comfort. There are silicone pads built into the stationary bridge but still the glasses felt a bit uncomfortable, even heavy, on my nose. This seems to be just a weight distribution problem. The stems were firm against my temples, which is good for keeping them from falling, but I would rather have more weight back there perhaps. Also, as useful as the side shields are, they don’t have coverage all the way to the head, meaning there will still be a slit in your peripheral that lets sunshine in.

Verdict: Not overpriced like some other sturdy sunglasses, the Treeline from Sunski is a stylish model with a unique look, with or without the removable side shields. Quite uncomfortable and heavy on the nose, these shades do still have nice color contrast with blues and greens really popping. Also, they’re noticeably sturdier than your average budget sunglasses.

Smith Parallel 2 Max Polarized

Best for Backpacking: Sleek yet simple, Smith’s Parallel 2 Max glasses offer a host of features making them ideal for the trails. Meeting ANSI Z80.3 standards for impact resistance, the polarized polycarbonate lenses are water- and oil-resistant, which go along with the super-durable TR90 nylon frames. They also sport Hydrophilic Megol nose pads and temple ends, auto-lock hinges, and subtle nine-base lens curvature. Likewise, the rimless lenses offer a better field of view without any obstruction.

The Good

Initially, when discovering a shortened polarization window on these lenses, I thought it would affect my eyes outside. However, I didn’t notice any difference after a couple of hours. In terms of coverage, these don’t have side shields but the rimless lenses do stick out far on the sides. Plus, the top of the frame manages to go flush against my brow, so not much sun got into my eyes from up above.

Despite the nose pads coming into view when I wear these shades, the lenses have some of the widest fields of view of the models we tested. I also loved how lightweight these felt on my face. The stems gripped my temples exceptionally well without feeling much pressure there.

The Not So Good

While many of these sunglasses enhance the color experience of Mother Earth, the Parallel 2 Max Polarized shades have an aggressive color filter. Enhancing only greens and yellows, the lenses tint everything you look at. From the sky to the mountains, yellow is the dominant color here and I wasn’t a big fan of that.

I should also note that these sunglasses don’t fold very compactly like other sunglasses. When I put them on my shirt collar, they stuck out a bit farther than I wanted and bounced around a lot.

Verdict: Despite the aggressive yellow tint on the Smith Parallel 2 Max Polarized sunglasses, they are exceptionally comfortable on the face, with maximum coverage up top and on the sides without the need for shields. Priced fairly well also, these sunnies grip your temples without putting unwanted pressure and they are incredibly lightweight.

Roka TL-1

Best for Trail Running: Few sunglasses, outdoor-focused or otherwise, are as impressive as Roka’s TL Series. Made for mountain biking or trail running, the TL-1 offers an incredible weight of just 0.78oz thanks to the premium frame construction built with a titanium core that allows you to adjust the temple and stems for a customizable fit. Using the brand’s proprietary C3 polarized lenses, these specs won’t fall off your face thanks to the GEKO tech on the nose pads and frames that allow these to stick to your face without any annoying residue.

The Good

These TL-1 sunglasses from Roka are a popular pick amongst trail runners for a reason. While most of these shades we tested stay put when hiking, there’s at least slight wiggling here and there. However, the TL-1 doesn’t move a millimeter, even when running and bouncing. I thought the GEKO tech on the nose pads would be a bit uncomfortable but I only noticed the stickiness when taking them off. These were very comfortable, indeed.

In terms of polarization, these minimized eye strain the best. Of course, this also resulted in darker contrast, which didn’t affect the hiking experience at all. Like standard black polarized sunglasses, colors weren’t necessarily popping but they weren’t getting muted much either. Likewise, clarity was notably improved with these lenses, allowing objects further away to become surprisingly clearer.

The Not So Good

The Roka TL-1’s weakest link is undoubtedly its coverage. Aside from the non-existent side shields (which can be perfectly fine), the peripheral coverage doesn’t extend as far as other rimless models, like the Smiths above. Likewise, the bridge is slightly distanced from my brow, so the sun trickled in now and then. Lastly, and perhaps the most erroneous, there are small notches between the lenses and my nose where the sun was easily getting through.

The aesthetic on these isn’t terribly versatile but is also feels slightly superfluous. Roka could’ve easily gone with a less aggressive and more utilitarian style, perhaps rounding out the lenses and adding more coverage in the process.

Verdict: The least bouncy shades on this list, the TL-1 from Roka benefits from its titanium core, swappable nose pads, and stick stems and pads. These are fantastic for running or hiking, although coverage could be improved a bit. We also loved how much they minimized eye strain with some of the best polarization here, even if they didn’t do much for contrast. The clarity was superb though!

Oakley BiSphaera

Best Visuals: Masculine and unmistakably athletic, Oakley’s new BiSphaera is a no-nonsense pair of hiking shades that boasts a distinctive profile and design. Made in America, these glasses feature Oakley’s lenses with the company’s patented High Definition Optics which afford the wearer unparalleled optical clarity. Also protecting against all UV and blue light up to 400m, the lenses also use PRIZM lens technology which enhances contrast and color. Housing the lenses are Oakley’s O Matter stress-resistant and lightweight frame comprised of a thermoplastic and boasts Unobtainium earlocks and nose pads for improved comfort, even when worn all day.

The Good

Oakley has become something of a legend in terms of lens technology and the BiSphaera continues that trend. From greens to yellows to reds, the PRIZM lenses enhance nearly every color on the spectrum. However, I noticed that blues were tinted ever so slightly –– this is the only area for improvement here. Likewise, the clarity is as fantastic as promised, with objects becoming more pronounced through the lenses.

For Oakley fans, the BiSphaera is getting favorably compared to the Flak 2.0. Unlike the Flak, which had a difficult time fitting underneath hats and helmets, the BiSphaera has a more agreeable structure with thinner temple stems that rectify the issue. Featuring a lightweight build, the weight of the sunglasses is distributed well across the face, even if the nose pads could be improved (more on that later). The coverage of these sunglasses is similar to the Smith Parallel 2s above, with a wider field-of-view on the sides and topside coverage that doesn’t require these sunglasses to be firmly pressed up against the brow. These are also designed to minimize movement, with sticky stems, although I wish the nose pads were a bit softer.

The Not So Good

Like the Roka sunglasses above, these feature small notches between the lenses and the nose, allowing small amounts of light to pass through (though not as much as the Rokas). And while the higher nose pads are designed to minimize movement, they’re shaped in a way that puts pressure above your nose bridge, which might be uncomfortable for some.

Verdict: Bettering their Flak 2.0 model, Oakley’s BiSphaera can fit well underneath your hats with its thinner temples and features great coverage at the browline. As to be expected, the proprietary PRIZM lenses enhance clarity and contrast for nearly every color (although blues could be improved). Our biggest complaint is the comfort of the nosepads but the weight distribution was at least notable here.

Julbo Explorer2 Sunglasses

Best for Mountaineering: As the flagship mountaineering sunglasses from an extremely reputable outdoor eyewear outfit, you can expect a lot out of the Explorer2’s. Their Spectron lenses offer 100% UV protection across the whole spectrum and are incredibly durable for hiking or any other sport. Better yet, they’re composed of NXT, a completely shatterproof material used for helicopter windshields. They also benefit from removable side shields, adjustable temples, and an included neck cord. And, should these sturdy shades for whatever reason break, Julbo fully stands behind them with a lifetime warranty.

The Good

In terms of looks, I liked the Julbo Explorer2 the best on my own face. While the side shields looked the most accessible of the bunch, I opted to remove them, which only upped the style points. While most side shields are hardly noticeable from the front side view, the ones on the Explorer2 stick out the top and affect the look. However, this also happens to improve the coverage of the shields. Compared to the competition, the side shields here yield the best results, with some bonus coverage at a corner angle up top and a shape that nearly cups your temples.

While the nose pads aren’t as pronounced as other sunglasses, they don’t press too much against your nose. Instead, the entire length of your nose is rested upon. This might increase the sunglasses’ proclivity for movement but it also makes them more comfortable.

The Not So Good

If you’re not concerned with eye fatigue, perhaps heading out to the snow where you rather more clarity than anything else, these Julbo Explorer2 are your best bet. However, for our money, the lack of polarization is their biggest flaw. We have side shields to block out the sun but no glare blocking on the lenses? However, there are polarized options available with the REACTIV lens tech. Color-wise, the Spectron lenses mute a lot of the colors and minimize contrast. You’ll also get better results from the REACTIV lenses, although the Spectron version benefits from its durability.

Verdict: One of two non-polarized sunglasses on this list, the Julbo Explorer2 with Spectron lenses won’t have the contrast of the brand’s REACTIV version but they’re highly durable. Aside from that, we loved the lightweight comfort of the sunnies, along with the effectiveness of the side shields –– the best on this list. Stylish to boot, the Explorer2 can even transpose off the trail as well.

Smith Embark ChromaPop Sunglasses

Most Versatile: Not every pair of hiking sunglasses needs to look like hiking sunglasses. Case in point, these Embark ChromaPop shades from Smith are extremely accessible, with some nice features such as hinges that don’t open or close on their own, side shields, and ChromaPop lenses, which are some of the best in the game in terms of color. This is Smith’s second appearance on this list, which should tell you something about the brand’s knack for outdoor-ready performance.

The Good

We picked the Smith Embark ChromaPop for how much they didn’t look like traditional, technical hiking sunglasses while still maintaining many of the core tenets of hiking sunglasses –– namely durability, comfort, and sun coverage. Compared to the other Smith model, these have the addition of the foldable sun shields, which operate similarly to the Sunski Treeline above, except they provide even more coverage on the sides. Likewise, the browline had a surprising amount of coverage for how little they’re designed to do so.

The ChromaPop lenses won’t be polarized but they will give you solid contrast, especially with reds and greens. However, like the Oakley BiSphaera, the blues could pop a bit more. Sporting a wayfarer-style silhouette, the Embark features integrated nose pads that are highly comfortable. At first glance, I didn’t think these sunnies would be very firm on my head but indeed they didn’t move much at all throughout the day.

The Not So Good

I will say, for plastic-like sunglasses that don’t really give you much extra in the way of tech, the Embark is pretty pricey. As the second pair of non-polarized sunglasses in this guide, the Smith Embark ChromaPop won’t be for those with sensitive eyes. As mentioned above, the color contrast is solid here, although the blues get muted along the way. My biggest gripe with these shades, however, is the sun shields, which don’t stay open when the stems are open. They don’t have the built-in magnets like the Sunski Treeline and one time, when I was putting them on, the shield closed on one side and poked me in the eye. Not cool, man!

Verdict: Another non-polarized option, the Smith Embark sunglasses are durable, lightweight, and firm on the head. However, the reason we loved them the most is how accessible they look compared to other hiking sunglasses. We would definitely improve the side shield design, which closes all too easily, but we do appreciate its coverage, along with just how comfortable these are overall. But beware, they are a bit pricey for what you get.

Hiking Sunglasses Comparison Chart

What to Look For

Unlike your average pair of men’s daily-wear shades, hiking sunglasses have to excel in a number of unique areas in order to benefit their wearer on the trail. Below, we’ll explore the properties that should be taken into account when shopping for a set of hiking-specific sunglasses.

Polarization: Polarized lenses afford a wearer bolstered protection from direct sunlight as well as glare from water or snow. This is an absolute must for any hiking sunglasses.

Weight: While less important for day-to-day use, a sunglass’s weight is incredibly important when said glasses are being worn for prolonged periods of time. Finding a quality pair of hiking shades should mean finding a balance between lightweight and durability.

Comfort: Just like with weight, the all-day use of hiking sunglasses makes how comfortable they are of extreme importance, especially in areas such as the bridge of the nose and behind the ears. Like a good pair of hiking boots, this area is all about finding a balance.

Frame Construction: When deep in the backwoods, the last thing you want is for your glasses to break. A robust, well-made frame is another must-have quality for any set of hiking sunglasses. Advancements in the segment have given rise to frames composed of materials like nylon alloys and high-strength plastics, in addition to traditional metal-framed items.

Price: No matter what you’re buying, price is always of importance. While one could, in theory, purchase a cheap pair of gas station glasses for hiking, investing in a quality, more high-end pair will not only serve you better on the trails, but will also ensure that they last for years to come.

Style: While purchasing hiking sunglasses should be primarily dictated by your needs and the glasses’ features, there’s nothing wrong with letting your aesthetic tastes play a guiding role in what pair you opt for. Fortunately, hiking sunglasses come in all manner of styles, making this element pretty easy to navigate.

Lens Properties & Material: Just like with the frames, lens properties are of immense importance, and because of the potential hazards posed by nature, it’s always a good call to go with a pair with strong anti-scratch qualities. Material is another crucial area, with lenses made from everything from plastic and glass to polyurethane and polycarbonate — all of which boast their own varying levels of optical clarity and impact resistance.

UV Protection: Part of the visible light spectrum, ultraviolet light from the sun is harmful — not to mention blinding – to the human eye. When spending an extended time on the trails (anything more than an hour or two), UV protection is absolutely mandatory.

Supplementary Protection: In addition to polarization and UV protection, a handful of hiking sunglasses offer additional protection in the form of pieces that redirect sweat away from the eyes, or lateral cover portions that shield the eyes from lateral rays, as well as small bits of dirt, dust, and debris — all of which are more-than-common on hiking trails.

Brand: One surefire method of obtaining a quality pair of hiking shades — or any hiking essential — is to buy from a well-established and trusted company. While brands will occasionally release a flop of a product, 95% of the time, a company’s history and reputation will be a decent indicator of what you’re getting into.

Why Do I Need Polarized Lenses for Hiking?

Before we get into why you need polarized lenses, let’s cover what polarized lenses are to begin with. Polarization is a chemical treatment done to the lenses of your glasses in order to reduce glare, especially from the sun. Most brands will specify whether or not their sunglasses are polarized, but if you’re not sure, you can hold up the lenses against a pair of polarized lenses. When you turn them, the color of the lens should turn completely black. This means they’re polarized too!

Polarized sunglasses are crucial on the trail because they reduce eye strain caused by glare. You may not even realize you’re experiencing glare but it’s still there as long as the sun’s out, even if it’s only bouncing off of surfaces such as water, leaves, or skin. Long periods spent enduring glare can cause dry and watery eyes, eye fatigue, and headaches, even in the hours or days following prolonged exposure.

Honorable Mentions

There’s no denying Ray-Ban’s knack for stylishness — it’s one of the reason the brand has endured for so long. While many hiking sunglasses won’t transpose to life off the trail, these lightweight Justin shades from the brand will do just fine. Available in both polarized and non-polarized versions, these sunglasses had availability issues when we were procuring our models for testing so we weren’t able to get hands-on with them.

Costa Del Mar makes some of the most popular hiking sunglasses with the Rinconcito models for their contrast, comfort, and scratch- and shatter-proof lenses. Needless to say, we couldn’t leave them out of the conversation.

Perhaps not the most practical hiking sunglasses for their hyper-stylized look, these Heron Mountain shades from VALLON still sport a cool vintage-inspired silhouette, leather shields, and shatterproof lenses. Not to mention, they’re pretty darn affordable.

Rugged and stylish, these Ho’okipa Polarized sunglasses from Maui Jim are another popular pick but we just couldn’t justify including them over some of the more utilitarian models above.

If you’re into Oakleys but want something a bit more purpose-built for mountaineering, this Clifden model is a solid option, with effective side and bridge shields, customizable lenses, and an integrated leash made of woven steel.

Armless sunglasses might appeal to certain wearers but we can’t see a world where they would be preferred over their armed brethren. Nonetheless, the Ombraz Classic is the one to beat if these types of shades are for you.

Tested: The Best Hiking Watches

Now that you’ve sorted your hiking eyewear situation, why not delve into our guide to the best hiking watches? Whether you’re looking for a simple timekeeper or a sophisticated and rugged smartwatch, this guide where we tested the best trail-ready timepieces has you covered.