Are you headed somewhere sunny for the winter holidays? Or maybe you’re skiing and snowshoeing, and need eye protection that can move with you. Either way, I’ve recently tested three sunglass options for the active, outdoorsy traveler.
With 100% UV protection polarized lenses, Hydrolite® nose pads and adjustable temple tips, the Vela is ready to move, and you get Costa’s solid construction and high quality to boot. These glasses are stylish and trendy, and while they’re heavier than most I’d wear in the outdoors, they’re versatile.
I love that Costa sunglasses come with so many frame colors and lens colors, and the Vela is no exception. The link above will take you to all the options, and remember to pick your lens color based on your personal needs and activities, not just in terms of style. As always, you get a hard case and a cleaning cloth included in the $269 pricepoint.
Lighter weight than the Vela, the Panga reminds me of the tropics but can easily do battle on the snow, too. This is a larger female frame, perfect for those with larger heads. You get tri-fusion bio-resin construction, integral hinge and CAM systems, combined with polarized lenses that offer 100% UV protection. I love the matte seafoam, but again, you have a ton of lens and frame color options available to you. Pick them up for $199.
Tip: Don’t forget that you can donate to OCEARCH when you buy a pair of Costa sunglasses within the OCEARCH line (like the two options above). Each purchase helps fund shark research expeditions that generate critical data to protect this vital species.
For an option that’s lightweight, affordable, and even more travel-ready, check out the TRIP, from Julbo. These glasses come in black or gray tortoiseshell, with gray or green lenses. The spectron polycarbonate lenses have great shock resistance and feel sturdy enough for me to confidently pack them in a carry-on or backpack. These are the glasses that come with me in the outdoors. The lenses are polarized, of course, and the thin design of the glasses makes them comfortable to wear while exercising. The Trip is the sunglass option that can do just about anything and go just about anywhere. Pick them up for $69.