Sunglasses. I’ve mentioned these in a few posts. They are important in the outdoors. Traveling in really sunny and high reflection locations (snow) can actually blind you. Sunglasses can go from a comfort or style item to a safety item really quick. On the daily-wearing sunglasses also helps protect your eyes and the skin around them from harmful UV rays. Wearing sunnies usually also means less squinting, which for me means less chance of a headache.

Sunglasses also serve as safety glasses. We don’t ice climb or fly fish without sunglasses as a rule. And polarized glasses help us see through the water; best for fishing, but also easier to spot boulders just below the surface when canoeing. So what do you choose?

When I first met Brandon I was wearing these cheap Target sunglasses in all their tie-dye glory! He would often give me grief about wearing crummy sunglasses (he was already privy to the amazingness that is a well built pair of shades) and try to convince me to invest. I would hem and haw, not ready to spend the money saying “but these work great” and “people loose or break sunglasses all the time!” He had a convincing argument though, “How long have you had those tie-dye glasses?”

That’s when I realized…..I’d had them for probably 3 years…..I hadn’t broken them or lost them…not once. So when I saw a pair of polarized RayBans on sale with pink mirrored lenses I knew it was time. It was in that moment that I realized I would never own cheap sunglasses again.

Well built sunglasses out perform in clarity, coverage, shade and comfort for all day, EVERY day wear. Over the years we’ve worn several and here are my tips for choosing a pair you will love.

Megan and I, in our Roka sunglasses that we absolutely love! Can you say Geko technology?

Polarized. Not always recommended. My sunglasses from Roka (above) are one of my favorites and a everyday offender. They aren’t polarized which I really feel is best for driving. If we’re on the water though? Polarized is a must. But Hannah-I don’t want to risk expensive polarized glasses around the water…..enter The Croakie (name brand-“glasses keeper”). Brandon has a strap on nearly every pair of sunglasses. I know what you’re thinking-but they are super sexy.

His sunglasses are never lost-set down and crushed, and always with him…

I like the kind that you can slide all the way up to the lenses (think like your grandma’s cheaters-because I usually tuck the ends of the ear pieces into my hair).

Coverage. Great side coverage will keep you from squinting even in the brightest light. If you set a pair of glasses on the table, can you draw a straight line infront of the lenses? Or does it curve? A slight curve will give you good coverage without closing in too much heat and causing you to fog with activity. Going on the snow and have to worry about reflection and wind? Added coverage (some removable) is key! I really like the Embark from Smith (they come with their own strap) and the Monterosa from Julbo.

Shape. One of the things I love the most about my Roka sunglasses is the shape. I can wear ANY hat with them and they won’t hit the bill. I’ve noticed that unless it’s winter-if I’m wearing sunnies-9 out of 10 times I’m wearing a hat….Brandon loves a pair from Peppers that he has repeat purchased several times over because they are so comfortable for him.

Consider Your Life. In the end-you gotta choose what’s right for you. I believe with sunglasses you get what you pay for-sometimes though, I’m not willing to risk it. The pink sunglasses (oversized-hellllooo coverage) you see me wearing a lot on the water? Polarized $20 sunglasses from Knockaround. Despite Croakies, and nice cases-sometimes an inexpensive pair to wear for a few hours just makes sense.

No matter what you choose-set yourself up for success. Often pricier sunnies will come with a nice case and a cloth for keeping your specs free from greasy, sunscreen smudges. I’ve really been enjoying the “Sunglass Sleeper” case from Chums.

With a little effort-you too can invest in a pair of shades that will last you years and keep you happy and your eyes safe. You know what else? Expensive sunglasses go on sale-all the time. We recently got some Smith sunglasses over 50% off when a local ski shop closed and Steep & Cheap has great deals on really great sunglasses, usually closeout colors for the year.

That’s all for now folks. Hope you enjoyed reading-let me know what you think? Are you one of those people loosing sunglasses? Are you ready to invest in a nice pair?

Enjoy reading? Share it with someone else you think would like it! And Remember to follow the blog to receive updates on new posts-click the bottom right corner from the home page!

Thanks for reading-hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy some Days Off!