Comparative review: The world is different depending on whether it is "has" or "not". We've compared various sunglasses that can be used outdoors

The power of sunglasses can only be seen when using high-quality models.

When it comes to getting a set of equipment for mountain climbing, many people will always think of backpacks, clothing, shoes, etc. That's not a mistake, but the deepest part of mountain tools doesn't end there. There are quite a few outdoor gear items that are plain, but have the effect of completely changing the world just by having them. The sunglasses we're introducing this time are truly hidden necessities.

To be honest, there was a time when I thought that sunglasses were all about reducing glare. It is said that climbing mountains will be exposed to more UV rays than on the ground, increasing the risk of cataracts and keratitis. There is also the risk of foreign objects such as dust and insects getting mixed in due to strong winds. Protecting your eyes from these things is an important role for sunglasses. And that's not the only benefit of sunglasses. By wearing sunglasses of reliable quality, you can ensure even better vision than you would expect from the naked eye

So, this time we tried wearing sunglasses specialized for each sport and examining what elements are needed for sunglasses that can be used for mountain climbing and trail running.

table of contents

• About the items we compared and tested this time
• Test results and spec comparison table
• Impressions for each model
• Detailed reviews of each item (Page: 2)
• Summary (Page:2)

About the sunglasses compared this time

Looking at the sunglasses released by various brands, you can actually see many models specializing in various fields such as running, cycling, golf, and fishing. This time, we'll be forcibly expanding the range and choosing candidates, from models that are suitable for mountain climbing but are suitable for mountain climbing, to models that are just the right time to use, and instead of just verifying the optimal model, we'll consider the criteria for not being able to use it for mountain climbing or trail running.

As I will explain the types of lenses later, all four sunglasses are "polarized lenses" models that cut off UV protection rates of 99% or more, and also cut off reflected light from the ups and downs of the field of vision, making it clearer to the everyday world. The effect will vary greatly depending on the lens color and shade, but this time we have prepared as many lenses as possible that are not too dark so that they are not too dark, so that they are not too dark, as they are not visible even in the shadows. So, the following four sunglasses compared this time are:

• 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 is a model designed for trekking. SWANS is a benchmark positioned as a major part of domestic sports glasses, taking into consideration the typical shape and performance. Oakley has many models specialised in sports, but at the same time, they are also very fashionable, so I'm sorry to Oakley fans, but I'm deliberately choosing it. Finally, the unfamiliar brand KAENON is a California brand known only to those who know it. It is a model that has been a concern for a while, as it is only sold in very small quantities at outdoor and select shops that are particular about it in Japan. This site has previously been featured in the TOAD3 Report.

The following six evaluation items have been set.

1. Visibility: The ease of viewing when viewed through the lens. Evaluation is based on ultraviolet transmittance, visible light transmittance, miscellaneous light cut rate (polarization degree), etc.
2. The wider field of vision...Of course, the wider field of vision is better. Footing is especially important when driving off-road.
3. Storage: How compact will it be? Are there any stress when storing?
4. Durability: This time, we did not test the application of impact, but evaluated based on impressions such as the thickness of the frame and the thickness of the lens.
5. Holding power and fit...I did some intense exercise and running while wearing sunglasses. We also used a fan to verify the degree of wind that flows in during strong winds.
6. Weight: Evaluated based on catalog numbers and actual weight.

Test results and spec comparison table

Impressions of each model

This time's top sunglasses: KAENON HARD KORE

This time, I was extremely impressed by the author'sKAENON HARD KOREis. Honestly, I never heard of or saw this brand until it was featured on this site. I wasn't expecting much, so I couldn't help but be surprised at how high the quality was.

My favorite part was that it made my vision much clearer. Contrast is increased, boundaries between objects and landscapes are clearly visible, and all miscellaneous and reflected light are cut off, making your vision much better than when you were naked. This model made me want to wear it whenever I'm in an activity, rather than just wearing it when it's dazzling. KEANON 's proprietary lens material SR-91 and the polarizing film Glare86, developed at a thickness of just 30 microns, creates this field of vision. In addition, both the frame and lens are sturdy, scratch-resistant and can be used without stress, making it easy to use. It weighs 42g, but it is not a lighter option, but the nose pads and the anti-slip part hold the head firmly, and the front and back are well balanced, so it didn't shift even when running, unless you lowered your head and looked at your feet or did some intense exercise, shaking your head as hard as you could. The large frame and lens cover the entire eye, so it protects you perfectly and protects you from wind, dust, insects, and UV rays entering through the gaps. KAENON are sunglasses originally developed for sailing competitions in the United States, so they are designed to withstand intense exercise.

Combined with good visibility, sturdy construction, and good hold, I think these sunglasses are perfect for mountain climbing. Seeing is worth seeing. Please try it out.

Pursuing ease of use when climbing, and also cost-effective: mont-bell PL trekking glasses

The frame is foldable, making it surprisingly compact and can be stored in a pocket, making it a very high-quality item. It is lightweight and comfortable to wear. However, while it can be folded, it also has the disadvantage that it is difficult to store and attach with just one hand. In the field, one-handed operations are overwhelmingly more common than two-handed operations, so this is a point that you simply can't overlook. Additionally, since the entire lens is covered with a frame, the field of vision can be narrow and the field of vision under your feet can be blocked. also,KAENON、SWANSModels with no under rims like this also have good vision at the feet. It's also a good idea to carry it with you as spare sunglasses to avoid taking up any space when packing.

Perfect for not only climbing but also running: SWANS STRIX I-0151

The lens can be easily replaced and the under rim can be attached and removed. It is the top of the four models in terms of hold power. It is especially highly appreciated that the shape of the nose pads can be matched to the shape of your nose. Thanks to this, my sunglasses never shaking when I ran. Additionally, the lens is large and the under rim can be removed, allowing for wider field of view. The under rims narrow the field of vision, but the wind inflow can be reduced. The negative point is that the rubber in the temple extends to the outside, causing it to rub and snag when stored. I think this is the perfect model for normal mountain climbing and trail running.

If you want to focus on everyday use: Oakley latch (Asia fit) Prizm Tungsten Polarized

The clip system is installed on the hinge, and the model name is apparently called latch because it can be latched on the neck of a T-shirt, etc. This is a great feature when you want to remove your sunglasses. In this test, even after doing intense exercise, it latched firmly without being shaken off. The Boston lens is covered with the frame, so the view cannot be said to be wide. Furthermore, the lens does not have curves and gaps create, making it impossible to prevent wind, dust, insects, or light from entering. Although it is lightweight, it doesn't fit, and if you run, your sunglasses will slip and move. However, the visibility of the lens is excellent.KAENON HARD KORELikewise, my vision is better than when I was naked. Taking into account the above, this model is more recommended for everyday use than mountain climbing.

Next page: Go to detailed reviews of each item

On the previous page, we introduced the evaluations and specs of each item we compared, as well as recommended models based on them. From here, we will explain what criteria were used to evaluate the evaluation and why it was evaluated in that way.

Detailed reviews of each item

Visibility

When choosing a lens, ultraviolet transmittance, visible light transmittance, and miscellaneous light cut rate (polarization degree) are important.

Visible light transmittance

This refers to the proportion of light passing through itself. Of course, if the transmittance is low, it cuts light, and if it gets higher, it will pass through.

Visible light transmittance varies depending on the lens color. The higher the transmittance, the thinner the lens color. If the transmittance is low, the lens color will become darker and reduce strong sunlight, but the vision will inevitably become darker. Incidentally, all four models have visible light transmittances in the range of 10-30%. It is generally said that this is suitable for use during the daytime zone or on days with strong sunlight. In other words, it seems to be the perfect range for climbing.

UV transmittance

If the UV transmittance is below 1.0%, it means that UV rays above 99% have been blocked. Incidentally, there is no relationship between ultraviolet transmittance and lens color. I'm ashamed to say that if the lens color is dark, it can prevent UV rays. This four models are blocked from over 99% of UV rays. Today's sunglasses have almost UV transmittance of less than 1%, but this is one of the things you should always check when choosing one.

Miscellaneous light cut rate (polarization degree)

This refers to the proportion that cuts off reflections (miscellaneous light) such as glare on the surface of the water or shining from the asphalt. The higher the percentage, the cleaner the view. Since it is not possible to cut off miscellaneous light simply by making the lens darker, it is used to hold a special polarizing filter between the lens to cut off miscellaneous light. The inexpensive sunglasses I prepared this time were not polarized lenses, so miscellaneous light was still stressful. Also, when you look at the surface of the water, the light reflects, clearly indicating the difference in effect with a polarized lens.

The above three ratios are key to creating a good field of vision.

The weather is prone to fluctuations while climbing, so sunglasses that ensure good visibility in any weather can be helpful. As mentioned above, the visibility of the KAENON HARD KORE is overwhelming. It reduced glare, increased contrast even in unsightly weather conditions with cloudy sky, made the boundaries of objects clear, and created a clear field of vision. I also felt a clearer vision with the Oakley Latch than when I was naked. The experience is truly beyond surprise and moving.

Wide view

The field of view is determined by the size of the lens and the lens curve. The KAENON HARD KORE had the widest field of vision. The large lens and the right lens curve allow you to see everything through the lens, making it even more fun to forget that you were wearing sunglasses. Also, if you have a model with an under-rim, your vision will be obstructed when looking at your feet. Needless to say, the Oakley Latch has a Boston lens shape and does not have a lens curve, so there is no feeling of the eye being covered and the field of vision is narrowed.

Storageability

This time, Montbell was overwhelmingly excellent in storage. It can be folded up to the palm size, making it surprisingly compact, and fits in your pocket, making it a very high point. When you're having to remove your sunglasses while climbing, I'm sure there are many people who put them in the included hard case and store them in their backpacks. I did that too, but this is quite troublesome and stressful. However, it's a bit uneasy to store it in a backpack without putting it in a case, as it may get scratched. Considering this, it's very easy to operate if it's sized so that it can be stored in a pocket after it's in the case.

A sturdy hard case included is very helpful.

Durability

As expected, if the frame is thick, you can feel secure even if you handle it in a slightly rough manner. It becomes an important item in the field. I think I often use gloves when wearing them, so I think the thicker frame is easier to handle. The KAENON HARD KORE and SWANS STRIX I-0151 have a thick frame and a thick lens, so I felt at ease. On the other hand, the mont-bell PL trekking glasses and Oakley latch had thin frames and had to be operated with care.

Holding power and fit

If the sunglasses are held firmly on the head and do not fit your face, they will slip out due to exercise, allowing wind and foreign objects to enter through the gaps.

This time, we tested the inflow of wind while the fan is set to "strong". There was no model that could completely prevent the inflow of wind, but the KAENON HARD KORE , SWANS STRIX I-0151 (with under rim) , and the mont-bell PL trekking glasses were a lot of work. Oakley latch is not recommended on windy days. Models with under-rims provide a better fit and prevent air from flowing from underneath. The KAENON HARD KORE does not have an under rim, but the large lens fits perfectly to prevent wind from flowing in.

In addition, the anti-slip material that is processed in the nose and temples is very important and increases the hold force. In particular, if the lighter model does not fit the nose and temples firmly, the sunglasses will slip when exercising vigorously. My favorite part of this was the mont-bell PL trekking glasses It was lightweight at 23g and the nose and temples firmly hold the head, so I didn't feel any stress or heavy. The SWANS STRIX I-0151 also has excellent hold power. The anti-slip material made of rubber on the nose made of the nose can be tailored to the shape of the nose, which was a great feature.

On the other hand, the Oakey Latch is light at 25g, but there is no anti-slip nose and temples, so when I looked down and when I ran, my sunglasses moved, which made me feel stressed.

weight

If your sunglasses are heavy, it can put stress on your nose and ears and cause stress. Lightweight models will be less stressful, but as mentioned above, if they are not held firmly, there is a risk of slipping. Mont-bell PL trekking glasses , SWANS STRIX I-0151 (no under rims) , and Oakey Latch did not feel the weight even after wearing them for long periods of time. The KAENON HARD KORE is 42g, and is heavy out of the four models. After using it for a long time, I still felt a strain on my nose and ears. Lightweight sunglasses are more important than that.

summary

After using the sunglasses this time, I realized that it's not just that the lenses are enough for the sunglasses you use when climbing, but that it's important to have the following elements evenly arranged.

• Lightweight and anti-slip nose and temples, and hold firmly to the head
• It must be a large lens that covers the entire eye and has no gaps
• UV transmittance must be below 1%
• Being a polarized lens
• This lens has a visible light transmittance of less than 30%, and has a high contrast between both sunny and cloudy areas, allowing for good vision.
• The case must be a hard case

When choosing sunglasses, I often decided on how cool it looked and the lens color I like, but if you choose one with these factors in mind, I think you will be able to find more practical sunglasses that will be useful for mountain climbing. Please take a look at this as a reference.

TAC

Lives in Hokkaido. When it's a holiday, I can't stay still at home, so I do some kind of activity. I immerse myself in mountain climbing, fishing, camping in the summer, snowboarding and smelt fishing in the winter. I'm also a fan of this site and am looking forward to sharing the appeal of gear. We would like to review this from the perspective of not only mountain climbing, but also from a variety of activities.

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