Sports Sunglasses
Native Eyewear Blanca
$129 to $149
nativeyewear.com
Hiking, rock climbing, backpacking on blinding snow on a sunny day, road and mountain biking, trail running—I’ve turned to these wrap-around shades to protect my eyes for all of these activities. The standard N3 lenses rendered the glacier-fed, emerald-colored lakes and rivers and blue sky of Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park in vivid color. Those lenses also block UV and 40 percent of infrared light (to reduce eye fatigue), and filter blue light to minimize the effects of haze. Rubberized nose pads and grips behind the ears make them stay put on my face even when I’m tripping on a trail run or getting jolted on my mountain bike, and the wrap covers nearly all of my field of vision. Tiny side vents prevent fogging. The two interchangeable lenses, one polarized and one clear, swap out easily, thanks to the flexible plastic frames, which are built for high impact. The standard N3 lenses cost $129, and the reflex lenses, which provide enhanced glare reduction and visual acuity, $149. Fit is best for medium to large faces. The sunglasses come with a protective hard case and a cloth sleeve that can be used to clean the lenses.
—Michael Lanza