You mightalready know that I’m a fan of these affordable shades.But during winter, when I have to keep my eyes protected from the eye-melting New Mexico sun andthe headache-inducing snow glare, I opt for something more robust, like the ($89).
Yes, they look a little absurd, but the Treelines are hands down my favorite all-around winter sunglassesfor everything from backcountry skiing to driving. Most important, they come with side panels that block most incoming light, which givethem a modern take onclassic glacier glasses. The protectors don’t make a big difference if you’re outside for just a few minutes,but if I’m on the skin track all day, my eyes feel significantly less fatigued when I get back to the car. The same is true when I’m on the road. Freeway driving in the sun and snow is way better with protection on all angles.
The Treelines cost $89—significantly lessthan glacier optionsfrom other companies—yet theycome with nearly every high-end feature. They have polarized lensesthat cut glare, anti-scratch lenscoating, polycarbonate frames, steel hinges that can take a beating (I’ve accidentally dropped and smashed mine during daily use and they’re still kicking), and rubber nose pads to keep them from slipping off my face. If I break them, Sunski will replace the frames for free and the lenses at a discount.
Many old-school glacier glasses were notorious for fogging, because the side shields—often made from leather—didn’t vent very well. Not a problem here;the panels are perforated to dump excess heat, even if I’m skinning up the mountain and really working up a sweat. I’d buy a more technical pairwith even more eye coverageif I were heading to the Himalayasor Denali, but these areperfect for anything less than an expedition.
In terms of style, the shape is pretty out thereand might scare some of you away. At first glance, I thoughtI’d never wear them, but then I tried them on and realizedthe stern nose bridge and noncircular lenses actually look pretty good on most faces. AndI can easily remove the shields if I don’t need them and don’t want to look like someone who just wandered off a glacier.
Other ϳԹ-Approved Winter Shades
If you want a more traditional set of glacier glasses, look here. The leather side pieces block almost all incoming light, and you’ll turn heads with the old-school round frames.
They don’t have shields, but the large lenses on the Knoxville XLcreate lots of coverage.The rubber grippers on the nose and temple ensure they never fall off—even if you’re skiing bumps.
The Wildcats are perfect for both skinning up and skiing down because of the goggle-like coverage.Swap in the included clear lens for cloudy days.