Gear

Review: Orao's Zermatt Red Photo Mountaineering Sunglasses

Elegant and sophisticated, the Zermatt Red Photo mountaineering sunglasses are light, comfortable and provide quality eye protection from UV rays with their wraparound design.

"Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground,” said Theodore Roosevelt. Eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of the body during high-altitude mountaineering. They have to be protected from snow blindness, windchill, bad weather and UV rays. A pair of quality sunglasses are crucial. The Outdoor Journal tested the non-polarized Zermatt Red Photo (IMJA Red) sunglasses from Orao during a Search And Rescue (SAR) course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi.

Your eyes can get damaged by UV rays at an altitude above 12,500ft. The use of polycarbonate lenses makes the pair 10 times more shock-proof than regular plastic lenses and gives 100% protection from Ultraviolet rays.

The Zermatt Red sunglasses are light, impact-resistant and provide enhanced peripheral vision. The polyamide frame is covered in soft plastic at the arm tips and the nose piece. The plastic is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a surface resistant to oil and abrasion, providing an ergonomic grip.

The weather was incredibly temperamental in the mountains and so, during snowfall or harsh sunlight, the Zermatt Red sunglasses proved to be a great accessory. Although the wraparound design is helpful to prevent entry of snow or dust from the sides, the curve (space) at the bottom of the sunglasses still leaves some scope for vulnerability. The size of the case could be smaller. However, the case has a fabric loop and is easier to hang inside a tent.

Zermatt Red is a good-looking pair of goggles with the options of red and black with category 4 lenses. These lenses transmit only 3%-8% of light and are too dark for everyday use. Category 4 lenses are used only in harsh, bright sunlight like high altitude mountaineering. If you wear prescription glasses, these sunglasses can't be used over them due to the design.

Pros: Durable, light, shock proof, full UV protection, ergonomic grip and design.

Cons: Not suitable for everyday use other than for exceptionally bright sunlight, does not cover the eyes from the bottom (depends upon facial feature).

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