I have a few different pairs of sunglasses lying around the house for different needs and activities. On the water though, there’s one word that can make a huge difference in what works: “polarized.” Putting on a pair of regular sunglasses on the open sea and then putting on a pair of Polarized ones is like the difference between an old small TV and a big flat-screen high-definition one. You can see eliminate most of the glare and see more of what’s happening on or under the water.

Since I was about to head off to the Galapagos Islands for a week on a ship, I jumped at the chance to try out this Salvo model from Tifosi Optics. I’ve got a pair of Tifosis that’s my go-to pair when biking or hiking—the Torrent—and I love them, especially the photochromatic lenses and the little vents that keep your eyes from tearing up at high speeds. This model is more fashionable though, which meant I could take just this one pair with me on the trip and know they would work fine for the deck of a boat and also sightseeing around Quito.

These have metal frames and the polycarbonate lenses are hard enough to make you think they’re real glass, so they feel solid and expensive. They’re extremely comfortable, to the point where I went rooting around for my sunglasses in my bag one day, not realizing I already had them on. They have some give in the frame and the ear stems have spring-loaded hinges that bend out a little without snapping. Rubber accents are placed in contact points to make them more comfortable.

One reason I can so heartily recommend Tifosis though is the price. These are not mall kiosk cheapies, but at a price of $50-$60, they’re quite reasonable. (The more classic aviator-looking Helo model is $34-$45.) That’s a half or third of what some of the more overhyped brands on the market retail for.

Tifosi has lines that are popular with cyclists, golfers, and tennis players, but they’re great for active travelers who just want a good pair of sunglasses that will last. This is especially true since every pair comes with a hard zippered case you can stuff in your bag or a daypack pocket without worry. Inside is an additional soft case that doubles as a lens cleaner. There’s a lifetime warranty against defects too.

For something that straddles the line between form and function, the Helo, which comes in four frame/lens combinations, is a great choice. This one is sized for small to medium faces though, so if you’ve got a big head, search the other options below. Check the Fade or Ridge if you like metal frames.

Browse the whole selection at TifosiOptics.com. Search online prices for Tifosi Salvo or see the dealer locator for independent bike and sports spots that carry this popular line.

Tifosi Vogel sunglasses review

Other sunglasses posts

Subscribe to this travel gear blog