Sports sunglasses: polarised or photochromic lenses?
At the start, the trail runs through woodland in low light. An hour later, on the ridge, the sun is strong and pale rock reflects the light. The photochromic lenses on the ALL MOUNTAIN adapt to the change: their tint adjusts automatically to the light, from category 1 to category 3, without you having to change sunglasses along the way. The GO2 have polarised lenses that cut glare from water, snow and roads and enhance contrast in the terrain. If the light changes often during your outing, choose photochromic lenses; for glare, choose polarised lenses.
Which lens category suits the light conditions?
A lens category indicates how much light it lets through. According to guidance published by the DGCCRF in January 2026, category 0 offers no UV protection and is for comfort only; categories 1 and 2 suit low or moderate light; only categories 3 and 4 are suitable for bright light, at sea or in the mountains. Category 4 is not suitable for driving. Here are the categories in this selection:
- ALL MOUNTAIN: photochromic lenses, category 1 to 3.
- GO2 PEI: category 3 polarised lenses, UV400 filter.
- FOGGY goggles: category 1, 60% light transmission.
- TORONTO, VANCOUVER and MAX FLY goggles: category 3 (12% light transmission for TORONTO, 16% for VANCOUVER).
In the mountains in bright sunshine, choose category 3. None of the models in this selection is listed as category 4.
Trail and hiking sunglasses: weight and fit
On a trail run, sunglasses that slip down your nose on every descent end up in your pocket. The ALL MOUNTAIN have adjustable arms and an adjustable, non-slip nose bridge; their wraparound shape widens your field of vision and provides protection at the sides. The Grilamid TR90 frame is light and flexible: 45 g, or 39 g for the LIGHT version with its half-rim frame.
The GO2 weigh 23 g and have a lightweight frame and durable lenses. They’re suited to summer hikes, days by the sea and everyday wear. For trail running and Nordic walking, choose ALL MOUNTAIN; for hiking and city wear, choose GO2. All our sunglasses are unisex.
Ski goggles: category 1 for fog, category 3 for sunshine
In flat light, bumps disappear and every turn feels like a blind one. The FOGGY’s category 1 Blue Sensor Mirror lens lets through 60% of the light and keeps the contours of the terrain visible in fog, snow or rain. In bright sunshine, choose a category 3 lens: TORONTO or VANCOUVER. Their inner lenses have a Mazzucchelli® anti-fog treatment, their outer lenses a water-repellent treatment, and silicone inserts on the straps keep them in place on your helmet.
The MAX FLY weighs 45 g, compared with 160 g for the other goggles. Its category 3 lens and side vents help delay fogging on ascents, for paragliding and ski mountaineering. To help prevent fogging, keep your goggles snug against your face when stopped, and never wipe the inner lens with your fingers. All five goggles in this selection are available in our ski goggles.
Cap and UV-protective clothing: complete your sun protection
Sunglasses protect your eyes, but your forehead, neck and arms remain exposed at altitude. Pair them with our trail running caps or our hiking caps and hats, and cover your arms and neck with our UV-protective clothing.
To complete your outfit, see our hiking clothing, our trail clothing and our ski clothing. To choose for your sport, read How to choose sunglasses for sport ; for skiing, How to choose ski and snowboard goggles.
