We love our sunglasses here at Practical Travel Gear. In fact, I’ve got two different kinds—good ones that are well-made and last a long time, and cheap ones I can throw in the car as a backup and don’t fret if they get lost (like the buck-a-pair models from one of those closeout sites).

Randolph Engineering’s Avion  sunglasses definitely fall into the first category—comfortable and built to last. The name might not be as familiar as some of the fashion brands. But after trying out the Avion on a five-and-a-half hour drive, I’d be comfortable carrying these glasses on any of my travels.

The first thing I noticed, besides the aviator-type style, was how light these glasses felt. I could easily forget I had them on during a long drive. They fit snugly and comfortably.

The style is backed by meticulous manufacturing. The company was founded in 1972 and for nearly two decades, Randolph Engineering has been supplying sunglasses to the US military and air forces around the world. The lenses protect your eyes by blocking 98 to 100 percent of UV rays.

There are more than 200 production steps, most by hand, involved in making every pair of Randolph sunglasses at the company’s headquarters in Randolph, MA. Randolph Engineering even makes its own solder flux, so the solder joints are guaranteed for a lifetime of normal use.

One thing I really like about the RE sunglasses is the maintenance kit that’s included. Inside, there are replacement screws and nose pads and a small screwdriver. This could extend the life of the sunglasses by months or years.

Randolph Engineering’s careful manufacturing process is important when looking for a pair of sunglasses that will last. Over the years, some ”big name” sunglasses I’ve owned have broken at the solder joints on the frames. Others wound up in the drawer after screws came loose or nose pads fell off and it was a hassle finding parts.

Avion sunglasses retail for $119.95 at RE’s store and other online retailers. That’s a reasonable price for a pair of sunglasses made to endure. Mirror glass and polycarbonate lenses are also available for an additional charge.

By the way, I hope Randolph Engineering doesn’t change its name to Randolpho Ingenue or something like that to compete with the fashion brands. To me, getting well-made sunglasses from a company with “engineering” in its name seems so, well, practical!

Check prices online for Randolph Engineering sunglasses