How to find the right sunglasses for hiking

The types of sunglasses are at least as varied as the colours in which they can be purchased. In this context, it is important to understand that hiking is also very diverse. For some, it is a walk along forest trails to the nearest hut, while for others it is a high-altitude trek or a narrow ridge that must be climbed to reach the summit. All of these types of hiking have different requirements when it comes to choosing sunglasses.

Lifestyle eyewear is primarily for those who want to combine functionality with fashionable design. They are versatile, can be worn in the city as well as on hikes and also offer 100% protection from UV rays. The advantage of lifestyle sunglasses is that you only need one pair and therefore you save money.

In contrast to the lifestyle eyewear mentioned above, sports glasses have functional details: non-slip temples, rubberised nose pads or a tight fit, optimised for the respective sport. They also score points with lightweight and durable materials, sophisticated ventilation systems and a coating that reduces the risk of fogging.

If you are unsure about choosing the right sunglasses for hiking, our RENTertainers look forward to your visit. At our INTERSPORT Rent locations, you will find a wide selection of popular models from leading manufacturers.

Tip: The more (physically) strenuous the hike, the more specialised the sunglasses should be for the respective purpose.

We also get a lot of questions about the tint or colour of the lenses. From black to brown to polarised, there is usually a colourful selection to choose from. But what are the differences between them?

Depending on the tint, coating and manufacturing process, the lenses have different properties. The following aspects can be worked out:

• The amount of incident light is reduced.
• The contrasts between light and dark areas can be raised or lowered.
• The colour saturation can be increased.
• Light reflections may be absorbed.

The tint of a pair of sunglasses can vary depending on ambient light, the type of sport you play, and your personal preferences.

It is generally said that a brown or copper tint is best for hiking. The dark colour ensures that the amount of light is significantly reduced and prevents overloading of the optic nerve. On the other hand, the colour enhances the natural contrasts, reducing the risk of stumbling.

For the most part, sunglasses for mountaineering fall into the category of sports eyewear, as long, demanding hikes in steep terrain, alpine tours, or via ferratas have special requirements.

• When choosing your sunglasses, make sure that they are made of a lightweight yet robust material - the weight of the glasses should not bother you even after hours of use.
• They should have a tight fit and non-slip temple. On a mountain hike that requires surefootedness, sports eyewear needs to stay in place in every situation.
• There are also practical features such as special ventilation systems.

• Depending on the manufacturer, you may also be able to change the lenses on sports glasses to react to changing ambient light with a different tint.

The features you need depend on your requirements and the type of sport. Think about what you want your sunglasses to do in different situations.

Even in summer, you may have to cross large snowfields, especially on alpine mountain and high-altitude tours. The white surfaces reflect and scatter the light coming from above, reducing visibility. Sunglasses with polarised lenses are coated in such a way that the reflections are filtered out. This allows you to recognise dangers early on and increases your surefootedness.

There are also sunglasses specially designed for mountaineers that have additional side sun protection. This lens, which is reminiscent of blinders, prevents reflections from hitting the retina from the sides.

Anyone who spends a lot of time travelling with sunglasses will need to clean them at regular intervals. The combination of sweat residue, dust, skin particles and sunscreen makes for a sticky mess. After a while, this can lead to streaks that impair vision.

To prevent this from happening in the first place, you should always have a lens cleaning cloth to hand so that you can quickly clean your glasses during the tour. However, be careful not to do this too roughly, as there is a risk of the coating coming off.

For stubborn stains, rinse gently in lukewarm water - a small drop of mild dish soap may also help.

To keep your sunglasses performing at their best when you're hiking, you need to take care of them. Not only will you see more with clean lenses, you will also extend their life.

Depending on the material and manufacturing technique, the lenses can have different tints and therefore different properties. While some enhance the contrast between light and dark, others reduce the amount of incident light or increase colour saturation. Brown or copper-coloured lenses have proven their worth, enhancing contrasts on the one hand and providing sufficient protection against bright light on the other.

Although there are anatomical differences between men and women, these are less important when designing frames - unlike with clothing or sports equipment. Sunglasses for women are often narrower and therefore blend in more harmoniously, while the temples for men are usually wider. However, there are no differences in terms of functionality, as the requirements of both sexes are the same.

No, not necessarily. Polarised sunglasses are particularly helpful on alpine tours across snowfields or when crossing glaciers, as the coating on the lenses ensures that light reflections are filtered out.