Glacier, mountains, hilltops, oh my. As a climber, you know the type of mountain sunglasses you wear are imperative to your hike and sight. You need to be able to see when the sun is shining and reflecting off of your surroundings; being blinded somewhere out in the wilderness is never a good idea. That’s also not to mention that you want to be able to see the beautiful sights around you. So, take a blast to the past to see how far high altitude sunglasses have come today and what that means for you as you search for the best mountain sunglasses for your next climb. 
The history of mountain sunglasses
Knowing the history of such a vital piece of safety equipment is always recommended. It’ll help you understand whether the new high altitude sunglasses you’re considering are worth the climb or if they should be left behind. The history of glacier glasses also gives you a better understanding and appreciation for what your mountain sunglasses can do for you.
The blinding light found at the earth’s highest peaks have always been a hurdle for mountain climbers, even way back in the 1800s when high altitude sunglasses were first created. Jules Baud is responsible for making some of the very first mountain sunglasses in 1888, which lead him to becoming the founder of Julbo.
Come 1950, Julbo released their iconic Vermonter high altitude sunglasses, which changed mountain climbing entirely. Glacier glasses were no longer just safety equipment, but rather, a fashion accessory climbers can feel great and safe in.
The powerful science behind glacier glasses
As you can imagine, there’s a lot of science infused into the lens of your glacier glasses. Every part and every detail is specifically designed to protect climbers from the hurdles that come with the earths highest altitudes.
With less distance between the climber and the sun, the UV rays are absolutely blinding. As such, glacier glasses are designed to filter them before they even reach your eyes. This isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.
Many glacier glasses have a category 3 or category 4 rating (or ‘CE’). This is valuable information to be aware of, as the category states how much light gets in. For category 3 lenses, 8% to 18% of sunlight gets through, whereas with category 4 lenses, 3% to 8% of light gets through the lens. Both are exceptionally strong compared to regular sunglasses. So, if you’re looking for the best mountain sunglasses, look for these category lenses.
Best glacier glasses for high altitudes
Our popular Vermont Classic is a category 4 and perfect for climbing to the top of the earths peaks. Not only are they safe and highly effective, but the Vermont Classics are also a classic timepiece that are just as fashionable as they are authentic to the lifestyle. As such, they’re also more expensive than others but worth every penny. Remember, you get what you pay for and you never want to opt for cheap mountain sunglasses just to save some cash. It could potentially hurt your eyesight.
However, there are more affordable options such as the Explorer 2.0 mountain sunglasses (category 4) and the Tamang mountain sunglasses (category 4). As you can see, they are designed differently, which is something to consider when picking the best glacier glasses for your next climb.
Not all mountain sunglasses are created equally. Remember, safety first, style second – and our high-altitude sunglasses have the best of both. Maximize your climb and experience with Vermont Classic glacier glasses. Julbo Canada has everything you need to trek to the top of the earth safely, comfortably, and stylishly.
