If you’re a fan of getting out into the great outdoors for some camping – or are thinking of trying camping for the first time – you need a great pair of sunglasses. As well as being exposed to the sun’s harmful rays, it’s important to protect your eyes against dust, debris, and shock. You need a pair of shades that can keep up with your camping adventure.
There are several key things to look for in sunglasses, from a high level of UVA protection to durability to glare-blocking polarized lenses. Not to mention, of course, that they need to fit securely and be comfortable enough for all-day wearing. This may sound like a big ask, but there are plenty of options out there that fit the bill – and look great, too.
UVA and UVB Protection
First off, look for sunglasses that offer the highest level of UVA and UVB protection possible. When camping, you’re likely to be outdoors for most of the day, and the sun’s rays can do real damage to both the eyes and the skin surrounding them over time. And for those super adventurous campers heading out in the snow, sun protection is even more important, as the light bouncing off the snow makes the rays even stronger.
Glare Cutting
All that sunlight also means a lot of glare, and enough of this can cause eyestrain – not to mention the fact that glare disturbs visual clarity. With this in mind, select a pair of polarized sunglasses for your camping endeavors to reduce this glare and allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
Durability
The shades you select need to be tough enough to keep up with your adventures: the last thing you want is a broken frame or cracked lens disrupting your camping trip. Look for frames constructed in tough material, such as nylon, and that are flexible enough to absorb shock without breaking.
Comfort and Fit
Last but by no means least, make sure that the sunglasses you choose both fit securely and are comfortable enough to wear all day. A snug fit is vital to avoid debris and dust getting past your frames and into your eyes. And if you need prescription sunglasses? It’s no problem, as many high-quality shades can be fit with corrective lenses.
Best Camping Sunglasses for Your Next Trip
Now we’ve taken a look at the things to look out for in a pair of camping sunglasses, let’s explore some of the best camping sunglasses.
RadarLock Path from Oakley
You can always rely on eye brand Oakley to deliver super-high-quality glasses and shades that are built to last. The RadarLock Paths are perfect for camping: they’re lightweight, super tough, and incorporate patented Unobtainium nose pads and ear socks for unbeatable performance.
These sunglasses can be fitted with polarized lenses or Prizm lenses if required. The latter enhances contrast, color, and detail for optimum visual. They’ve also been extensively impact-tested, so you can have peace of mind that they can withstand pretty much anything your camping adventure can throw at them.
Harpoon from Costa
Featuring extra-tough nylon-constructed frames and polarized polycarbonate lenses that offer 100% UV protection and effectively filter reflective glare, the Harpoon model from Costa is the perfect companion for your camping trip.
Further, the advanced 580 lenses have been specifically designed to enhance color, filtering out harsh yellows and enhancing reds, blues, and greens. They offer superior visual clarity and are scratch-resistant (on both sides of the lens), too.
Leggero from Ombraz
These innovative armless sunglasses are extremely comfortable and provide the most secure fit possible. A strap attaches to the frame, which keeps them from slipping down off the nose or bouncing around – this also means that, when you don’t need them, you can simply remove them, and they stay in place on the strap around your neck.
The polarized lenses are available in three tints: gray is perfect for bright, full-sun conditions, while brown is best for variable, cloudy, everyday weather. Yellow is ideal for overcast days and low-light conditions. Ombraz has won a slew of awards for its armless sunglasses, including the Outdoor Award from Men’s Health in 2022.
Final Thoughts
Taking some time to find the very best pair of sunglasses to accompany you on your camping pursuits will pay off. As well as having a more comfortable trip, the right shades will protect your eyes, cut glare, and enhance visual clarity, meaning you can enjoy the great outdoors in all its glory.