Prepare to slay the slopes with the one accessory that often gets left behind: sunglasses.
You might wonder what sunglasses have to do with snowboarding. Well, wonder no more, my friends, because wearing the right pair of shades can make all the difference. In this article, we dive deep into the importance of sunglasses while snowboarding, what to look for when choosing a pair, and our top picks for the best sunglasses for snowboarding. Plus, we’ve included tips and tricks for maintaining and carrying your shades on the mountain. Get ready to take your snowboarding game to the next level with our guide to sunglasses for snowboarding done right.
Why Wearing Sunglasses is Important While Snowboarding
When it comes to snowboarding, you want to be able to see clearly and comfortably, but have you ever considered the importance of wearing sunglasses? Not only do they make you look cool on the slopes, but they can also protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays. And let’s not forget, a good pair of sunglasses can also enhance your vision by reducing glare and enhancing contrast. So before you hit the powder, let’s dive into why wearing sunglasses is crucial for any serious snowboarder.
Protection from UV rays
When you think about snowboarding gear, sunglasses may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, wearing sunglasses while snowboarding is important, especially when it comes to protecting yourself from harmful UV rays.
The sun’s rays are particularly strong in snowy environments because they reflect off the snow and bounce back up towards your face. This means you are getting hit with UV rays from all angles – above, below, and from the ground up. Extended sun exposure without proper protection can lead to serious eye damage including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even cancer.
It’s not just sunny days you need to worry about either. Even on overcast days, UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and still affect your eyes. It’s important to protect yourself on both sunny and cloudy days by selecting a pair of sunglasses with UV protection built in.
To ensure that you are getting adequate protection from UV rays while snowboarding, make sure you choose a pair of sunglasses that provide at least 99% protection from UVA and UVB rays. This information should be available on the packaging or product description of the sunglasses.
Remember, protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important as protecting them from the wind, snow, and other elements while hitting the slopes. Don’t underestimate the importance of wearing sunglasses while snowboarding, your eyes will thank you in the long run.
Reducing glare and enhancing contrast
Whether you’re carving down the mountain or grinding rails in the park, having the right sunglasses for snowboarding is essential. One of the most important benefits of wearing sunglasses while snowboarding is reducing glare and enhancing contrast. Reflections off the snow can cause intense glare that not only makes it hard to see but can also be harmful to your eyes over time. High-quality sunglasses with polarized lenses will minimize this glare, allowing you to see the contours of the mountain more clearly and thus reducing the risk of accidents on the slopes. The contrast-enhancing properties of certain lenses, such as yellow/orange or rose-colored ones, can also greatly enhance your visual acuity and help you spot icy patches, bumps, and other hazards. So, before your next trip to the mountain, make sure you invest in a pair of sunglasses designed specifically for snow sports. Your vision, and your performance, will thank you in the long run.
Choosing the Right Sunglasses for Snowboarding
Choosing the right sunglasses for snowboarding is crucial to ensure maximum performance, protection and style. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming. Polarized or non-polarized? Lens color and tint? Fit and comfort? Fear not, my snowboarding amigos, this section is here to guide you through the essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect pair of specs for your shredding journey. Let’s dive in.
Polarized vs Non-Polarized
Polarized vs Non-Polarized
When considering sunglasses for snowboarding, one important aspect to weigh up is whether to go with polarized or non-polarized lenses. Many snowboarders swear by polarized sunglasses for their ability to cut down glare and reflections, but there are a few potential downsides to awareness of.
It’s important to note that polarized lenses might negatively impact your ability to precisely identify ice patches and exposed rocks. This is because light that reflects off such surfaces is typically polarized, and polarized sunglasses effectively block out polarized light, which could potentially cause you to miss these hazards.
However, despite this, there are still many benefits of wearing polarized sunglasses on the snow. The reduction in glare and brightness can be immensely helpful in enhancing your depth perception and peripheral vision, ultimately helping you anticipate changes in terrain.
Shielding yourself from eye-strain is also a benefit to consider, as polarized lenses relax your eyes by eliminating the need to squint in bright sunlight, which is important when traversing the slopes for extended periods.
Ultimately, whether to go with polarized or non-polarized sunglasses while snowboarding comes down to personal preference, and the particular requirements of your riding style. Perhaps it’s best to try on a variety of sunglasses before hitting the slopes to see which suits you most.
Lens Color Matters
One of the most overlooked factors in choosing the right sunglasses for snowboarding is the lens color. It might seem like a minor detail, but the color of your lenses can significantly impact your experience on the slopes.
Firstly, consider the conditions in which you’ll be snowboarding. If you plan on hitting the slopes on sunny days, then your best bet is to go for darker lens colors such as gray, green or brown. These colors work by reducing the overall amount of light that enters your eyes, decreasing the strain on them during bright sunlight. However, if you prefer to snowboard in flat light conditions, then you should opt for lighter lens colors like yellow, rose or amber. These sunglasses will help enhance the contrast, making it easier for you to spot any bumps or obstacles on the slopes.
Furthermore, different lens colors can also enhance specific aspects of your vision. For instance, red or pink lenses are great for enhancing the perception of depth on the snow, which makes them an ideal choice for freestyle snowboarding. On the other hand, blue lenses can help reduce the glare from blue light, which is especially useful when you’re snowboarding near water.
It’s also worth noting that some sunglasses come with interchangeable lenses, which can be easily swapped out depending on the conditions. This can be an excellent option for snowboarders who want to be prepared for any weather scenario.
Ultimately, when it comes to lens color, it’s important to choose a color that best fits your needs and the conditions in which you’ll be riding. Don’t let lens color be an afterthought in your search for the perfect snowboarding sunglasses.
Fit and Comfort
When it comes to choosing the right sunglasses for snowboarding, fit and comfort are crucial factors to consider. Your sunglasses should fit securely on your head without squeezing so tight as to cause headaches, but also not so loose that they fall off while you are shredding the slopes. The last thing you want when you’re barreling down a mountain at high speeds is for your sunglasses to slip off your face and end up in a snowbank.
Consider the shape of your head and face when choosing sunglasses. Some sunglasses are designed for narrow or wide faces, while others are more versatile and can fit a variety of head shapes. Make sure to try on several pairs to find the perfect fit for you.
Comfort is also important in ensuring an enjoyable and successful snowboarding experience. Look for sunglasses with rubber nose pads and temple tips that prevent the sunglasses from slipping, even when you’re sweating. Additionally, you’ll want to choose lightweight sunglasses that won’t add extra weight to your head and neck, causing discomfort and fatigue.
Remember, a good fit and comfortable design can make or break your snowboarding experience. Invest in a quality pair of sunglasses that feels good on your face and stays put while you’re carving down the mountain. After all, comfort and confidence equals success on the slopes.
Top Sunglasses for Snowboarding
Picking the right pair of sunglasses for snowboarding can make or break your experience on the slopes. With so many brands and options to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect pair. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and put together a brand comparison of the top sunglasses for snowboarding on the market. Strap in and let’s find your new favorite pair of snowboarding shades.
Brand Comparison
When it comes to choosing the right sunglasses for snowboarding, there are a few brands that stand out from the rest. Oakley is one of the most popular brands among snowboarders for their durable and high-quality sunglasses. Their Prizm lenses are specifically designed for snow sports and can enhance contrast and visibility in a variety of weather conditions.
Another popular brand is Smith Optics, which is known for their ChromaPop lenses that provide crystal clear vision and vibrant colors. Their sunglasses also come with anti-fog technology, which is important when hitting the slopes on a cold day.
For those on a budget, the Zionor brand offers a great value for the price. Their polarized lenses can provide great protection from glare and UV rays and their frames are lightweight and comfortable.
Finally, there’s the classic Ray-Ban brand. Although they’re not specifically designed for snow sports, their polarized lenses and timeless designs make them a popular choice for snowboarders who want to look good while shredding the slopes.
When it comes to choosing the right sunglass brand for snowboarding, it’s important to consider your personal preference, budget, and of course, the features that matter most to you.
Tips and Tricks for Wearing Sunglasses While Snowboarding
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect sunglasses for your snowboarding adventure, make sure you know how to take care of them. Keeping those lenses clean and scratch-free can make the difference between a great day on the slopes and a frustrating one. And when it comes to carrying and storing your shades, you want to make sure they’re protected and easily accessible. Here are some tips and tricks for wearing sunglasses while shredding that powder.
Cleaning and Maintenance
When it comes to taking care of your sunglasses for snowboarding, it’s important to keep them clean and in good condition. After all, you want the best vision possible while you’re shredding down the mountain. One crucial thing to keep in mind is to never use your shirt or any other article of clothing to clean your lenses. This can cause scratches and damage that will ultimately affect your vision. Instead, use microfiber cloths or lens cleaning solution to gently clean your lenses.
Another important thing to keep in mind when it comes to maintenance is to always store your sunglasses properly. When you’re not using them, keep them in a pouch or case to protect them from any potential damage or scratches. This will keep them in good condition and ensure that you get the most out of your investment.
By taking care of your sunglasses, you’re not only ensuring that you have the best possible vision on the slopes, but you’re also extending the life of your shades. Remember, your sunglasses are an investment in your safety and performance, so it’s important to take care of them properly.
Carrying and Storage
When you’re done shredding through the snow, you’re going to need a safe and secure place to store your sunglasses. After all, you don’t want to be in the middle of a run and have your shades go flying off your head! When it comes to carrying and storing your sunglasses while snowboarding, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, it’s important to have a sturdy and reliable carrying case. This will not only protect your sunglasses from getting scratched or damaged, but it will also ensure that you don’t accidentally leave them lying around on the mountain.
When it comes to storage, avoid leaving your sunglasses in direct sunlight, especially if they have polarized lenses. This can cause them to warp or become misaligned, which will affect their performance the next time you wear them. Instead, store your sunglasses in a cool, dry place, preferably in their carrying case.
If you’re going to be traveling with your sunglasses, consider investing in a hard-shell carrying case. This will provide even more protection and ensure that your sunglasses arrive at your destination in one piece.
Ultimately, the key to carrying and storing your sunglasses while snowboarding is to be mindful and take precautions. With the right equipment and a little bit of common sense, you can keep your shades safe and secure no matter where your snowboarding adventures take you.