November 10, 2022

Why You Need To Pack Polarized Sunglasses for the Hiking Trip

They might not be the first thing on your packing list, but a reliable pair of polarized sunglasses will give you the extra comfort and protection you need during your next hiking trip. Polarized lenses offer unparalleled clarity allowing you to enjoy your trek through any terrain at any time of day. And with Maui Jim’s patented color enhancing technology, you won’t be missing out on the vivid colors of nature.

Maui Jim offers some tips when selecting high-quality polarized hiking sunglasses for your next day on the trail.

Polarized Lenses vs. Traditional Lenses: What’s the Difference?

Unlike traditional lenses, polarized lenses are designed to filter out reflected light and reduce glare so you can enjoy richer colors, a better depth of vision, and added protection to your eyes and the surrounding area. Polarized sunglasses “cut through the glare” for a safer hiking experience—that means you won’t have to worry about eye fatigue, watery eyes, or headaches while you’re trying to enjoy the view.

Polarized sunglasses are essential in the backcountry, especially if you’re hiking across bright-colored landscapes that create significant glare. Lenses made with Maui Jim’s signature PolarizedPlus2® color enhancing technology are known as an industry leader and among the best when it comes to revealing color, clarity, and detail. Expose the richness, contrast, and subtle features that make up the landscape. It’s like seeing it again for the first time.

How To Choose the Best Hiking Sunglasses

When shopping for hiking sunglasses, protection from UV-A, UV-B, and solar blue light should be your top priority. We recommend limiting your search to sunglasses that shield your eyes from 100% of harmful UV rays to protect your eyes from damage and long-term health risks.

Along with eye protection, other factors to consider include:

Durability. Any sunglasses worn on a hike should be both stylish and functional. They shouldn’t break easily when dropped or fall apart during your trek. A well-made pair of sunglasses will bend a bit under stress but “bounce back” into shape after the stress is released.
Weight. Wearing sunglasses won’t wear you down like your hiking backpack, but every ounce can start to feel heavier after a long day on the trail. The less your hiking sunglasses weigh, the more comfortable they’ll feel after hiking a few miles.
Anti-scratch lenses. Related to durability, sunglasses for any outdoor activity should resist scratching. Lens protection is key as most hikers bump up against trees, have small rocks blown against their lenses, or drop their sunglasses at some point. Sunglasses without scratch-resistant lenses will quickly become unsafe to use during hiking trips.

See the World Through New Eyes

Not all sunglasses are created equal. For your next hiking trip, invest in Maui Jim’s high-quality hiking glasses with patented PolarizedPlus2® technology. Eliminate 100% of glare and block harmful UV rays while taking your hiking experience to the next level. Treat yourself to a better view with Maui Jim hiking sunglasses.