Comparison Review: With and without sunglasses makes all the difference. We tried out a variety of sunglasses suitable for outdoor use
Written by TAC
table of contents
The power of sunglasses can only be understood by using high-quality models
When it comes to gathering mountaineering gear, many people probably first think of backpacks, clothing, shoes, etc. That's certainly true, but the depth of mountain gear is that it doesn't end there. Among outdoor gear, there are quite a few items that may seem unassuming, but just having them can have a world-changing effect. The sunglasses we'll introduce today are exactly such hidden necessities
To be honest, there was a time when I thought that sunglasses only served to reduce glare. Because you're exposed to more UV rays when climbing mountains than on the ground, it's said that there's a higher risk of developing cataracts and keratitis. Strong winds also pose a risk of foreign objects like dust and insects getting in. Protecting your eyes from these elements is an important role of sunglasses. But that's not all they do. Wearing quality sunglasses can ensure better visibility than you can with the naked eye
So, this time we tried out sunglasses specialized for each sport to see what elements are necessary for sunglasses that can be used in the mountains, such as for hiking and trail running
table of contents
- About the items tested this time
- Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
- Impressions of each model
- Detailed review of each item (Page:2)
- Summary (Page 2)
About the sunglasses we compared this time
If you look at the sunglasses sold by various brands, you will find that there are actually many models specialized for various sports such as running, cycling, golf, fishing, etc. This time, I will somewhat forcibly broaden the range and select candidates, from models that are strictly for mountain climbing to models that are just barely suitable for mountain climbing, and not only will I examine the optimal model, but I will also consider the criteria for whether or not a model can be used for mountain climbing, trail running, etc
We'll explain the types of lenses later, but all four sunglasses are "polarized lens" models that block over 99% of UV rays and also cut reflected light from above, below, and at an angle, making the everyday world appear clearer. The effect varies greatly depending on the lens color and shade, but this time we chose brown (red) lenses that emphasize the shadows and contrasts of the scenery and trails, and lenses that are not too dark so that they don't make it difficult to see in the shade. So, the four sunglasses models we compared this time are as follows:
- KAENON HARD KORE (Matte Black, C28 Silver Mirror)
- Mont-Bell PL Trekking Glasses (Brown x Light Brown)
- Oakley latch (Asia fit) Prizm Tungsten Polarized
- SWANS STRIX I-0151
Montbell 's models are designed for trekking. SWANS , a major brand of Japanese sports glasses, is positioned as a benchmark, focusing on typical shape and performance. Oakley , of course, also offers many models specialized for sports, but at the same time, they are also known for their fashion sense, so I chose this popular model for everyday use, although I apologize to Oakley fans for that. Finally, KAENON , a brand you may not have heard of, is a California-based brand known only to those in the know, famous in the world of yachting and sailing. Even in Japan, it is only available in small quantities at select outdoor shops with a strong focus on quality, and it is a model I have been interested in for some time. This site previously featured it in a TOAD3 report.
The following six items were set as evaluation items
- Visibility: The ease of viewing through the lens. Evaluated based on UV transmittance, visible light transmittance, and stray light blocking rate (polarization degree)
- Wide field of vision: Of course, the wider the field of vision, the better. When driving off-road, visibility under your feet is especially important
- Storage: How compact can it be? Is it stress-free to store?
- Durability: This time, we did not conduct any impact tests, but instead evaluated the glasses based on impressions such as the frame thickness and lens thickness
- Holding power and fit: We performed vigorous exercise and running while wearing the sunglasses. We also used a fan to test the strength of the wind blowing in during strong winds
- Weight: Evaluated based on catalogue value and actual weight
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
| comprehensive evaluation | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★ | ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  KAENON HARD KORE (Matte Black, C28 Silver Mirror) |  Mont-Bell PL Trekking Glasses (Brown x Light Brown) |  SWANS STRIX I-0151 |  Oakley latch (Asia fit)?Prizm Tungsten Polarized |
| Visibility | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Wide field of vision | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Storage capacity | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| durability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Holding power and fit | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| weight | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Specifications | ||||
| item | KAENON HARD KORE (Matte Black, C28 Silver Mirror) | Mont-Bell PL Trekking Glasses (Brown x Light Brown) | SWANS STRIX I-0151 | Oakley latch (Asia fit)?Prizm Tungsten Polarized |
| Frame material | Lightweight, flexible TR-90 frame material | nylon resin | nylon | O Matter |
| Lens material | Kaenon SR-91 Lens, Kaenon SR-91R Polarized Lens | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate | Plutonite (high-purity polycarbonate) |
| weight | 42g | 23g | 35g | 25g |
| color | Frame: Matte Black Lens: C28 Silver Mirror | Frame: Brown Lens: Light Brown | Frame: Pearl Black x Gunmetal x Black Lens: Polarized Smoke (double-sided multi-coated) | Frame: Matte Brown Tortoiseshell Lens: Prism Tungsten Polarized |
| UV protection rate | Over 99% | Over 99% | Over 99.9% | Over 99% |
| Visible light transmittance | 28% | 18% | 29% (Polarization: 97% or more) | 14％ |
| accessories | Hard case, soft case | Storage case, cleaning cloth | Semi-hard case (can store spare lenses), instruction manual | Genuine lens cloth pouch |
Impressions of each model
This week's recommended sunglasses: KAENON HARD KORE
The product that I fell in love with the most this time KAENON HARD KORE . To be honest, I had never heard of or seen this brand before it was featured on this site. Because I didn't have high expectations, I couldn't help but be surprised by the high quality of the product.
What I liked most about these glasses was how dramatically clearer my vision became. The enhanced contrast made it easier to distinguish between objects and scenery, and they cut out all stray light and reflected light, providing significantly better visibility than with bare eyes. These glasses are not just for when it's too bright, but make you want to wear them all the time during activities. KEANON's proprietary lens material, SR-91, and the polarized film, Glare86, developed at just 30 microns thick. Both the frame and lenses are sturdy, scratch-resistant, and durable, allowing for stress-free use. While they're not particularly light at 42g, the non-slip nose pads and temples hold them securely to the head, and the good front-to-back balance means they didn't slip off even when running, unless you lowered your head to look at your feet or engaged in strenuous exercise that required vigorously shaking your head. The large frame and lenses completely cover your eyes, providing a snug fit and protecting them from wind, dust, insects, and UV rays. KAENON sunglasses were originally developed in the United States for sailing competitions, so they are designed to withstand intense exercise.
With good visibility, a sturdy construction, and a good hold, I think these sunglasses are perfect for mountain climbing. Seeing is believing, so please give them a try
Mont-bell PL Trekking Glasses: Easy to use for mountain climbing and great value for money
The foldable frame makes them surprisingly compact, even pocket-sized, a big plus. They're lightweight and incredibly comfortable to wear. However, while they're foldable, they also have the drawback of being difficult to store and put on with one hand. Since one-handed operation is far more common in the field than two-handed operation, this is a demerit point that can't be overlooked. Also, because the entire lens is covered by the frame, the field of view is narrow and can sometimes block your view of your feet. Models without under-rims, KAENON and SWANS , offer excellent visibility. Carrying a spare pair of sunglasses is also a good idea to save space when packing.
SWANS STRIX I-0151: Perfect for both hiking and running
Lens replacement and under-rim removal are easy. The holding power is top-class among the four models. The ability to adjust the nose pad shape to fit your nose was particularly well-received. Thanks to this, the sunglasses never wobbled while running. Additionally, the large lenses and removable under-rim allow for a wide field of view. While the under-rim narrows the field of view, it reduces wind intrusion. One downside is that the rubber on the temples extends to the outside, which can be annoying when storing the sunglasses. I think this model is ideal for regular mountain climbing and trail running
For everyday use: Oakley latch (Asia fit) Prizm Tungsten Polarized
The hinge features a clip system that allows the sunglasses to be fastened to the neck of a T-shirt, hence the name "latch." This is a convenient feature when you want to remove your sunglasses for a moment. In this test, they stayed securely fastened without falling off, even during intense exercise. Because the lenses are Boston-style and the frame is completely covered, the field of view is not particularly wide. Furthermore, the lenses are not curved, leaving gaps, so they were unable to block wind, dust, insects, or light. While lightweight, they lack a snug fit, and the sunglasses tend to slip out of place when running. However, the lens visibility is excellent, and the KAENON HARD KORE , my field of view was better than with my bare eyes. Considering the above, I would recommend this model for everyday use rather than mountain climbing.