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Prescription glasses tint or color for ice climbing

Original Post
Shepido · · CO · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 50

I have a clear set of prescription impact resistant glasses that I have used for ice climbing/overcast days in the snow. I've had them about 5 years and my prescription has changed enough that I would like to order a new pair. I see lots of different colors offered for sunglasses, and I am wondering which will be most beneficial for winter days. I have a set of dark sunglasses that I use for bright days on the sun, so I am looking for something specific to cloudy/ in the shade.

Just Solo · · Colorado Springs · Joined Nov 2003 · Points: 80

If you want to go nuclear do a yellow tint like shooting glasses. It is shocking how bright they can make things look. The other option is a rose tint, on the lighter side. Gives good contrast and makes the ice look kinda surreal. I rarely use glasses of any type when actually climbing, they tend to fog up, but of one must, those are the colors I would choose.

Shepido · · CO · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 50

Thanks for the recommendations. I think I will go with the rose tint option for now.

Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180

We all wear rose colored glasses here on MP.

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsion · · Colorado · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 35

I've tried almost all colors. I'd start with nothing and if you need something, clear is the way to go.

Can you wear contacts and $7 safety glasses? They tend to get taken off and haphazardly stuffed into pockets. Sometimes (only when they're Oakleys) they fall into the river in Ouray.

Shepido · · CO · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 50

I have a terrible illogical fear of putting something (like a finger) in my eye. I've tried over the years but I almost panic just putting in eye drops. So I'm stuck with glasses....also I don't ever take mine off as they are prescription and I can't see much without them.

Ed Bustamante · · accord · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 60

I just picked up a pair of wileyx glasses they accept prescriptions have a tinted lens and a clear lense that are interchangeable ,they also have a removable gasket that makes them like goggles.they also have different tints mirrored and others. their also ballistic rated .

iceman777 · · Colorado Springs · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 60

I have a pair of very light blue tint safety glasses that I use for work .i find this color is the best of both worlds in that they are just bright enough for dark flat light days and don't make my eyes squint
To much in lighter conditions . However if it's really bright then you'll need to change to a darker lense as I'm quite sure your aware .

I find the yellow lenses to be way too annoying unless I'm working underground and need to brighten up the light given off by my cap lamp. The rose colored glasses to me tend to be slightly less obnoxious then yellow but still don't do it for me .

Nathan Stokes · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2008 · Points: 440

My personal preference is the orangish tint in winter over a yellow tint when there is a lot of snow and ice. Rose / violet works great to make orange stand out on white (trap shooting on a snowy field).

Christopher Lord · · Delaware · Joined Sep 2016 · Points: 0

If you like original color perception then buy grey tint colours, but yellow tint also offers a lot of help for ice climbing, i switched between grey and yellow according to conditions, i would you suggest you to try yellow first.

Victor K · · Denver, CO · Joined Jul 2003 · Points: 170

An alternate solution: I am a skier too. Last year I had a prescription generic google insert made. It works very well. I prefer googles for skiing and ice climbing as they offer more protection from wind and debris. Mordern anti-fog coatings work well. You can experiment with lens color easily (rose is my preference). It's relatively inexpensive.

wankel7 · · Indiana · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 10

I was in a pinch and desperately needed sunglasses and I wear glasses. I went to a gas station and got those old folks sunglasses that fit over your glasses.

Since I already have a girlfriend the look didn't matter and the function was phenomenal :)

Jared L · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2016 · Points: 0

On snow I've used Revo sunglasses in a light blue tint that have been great for avoiding glare. Not cheap by any means but worth it imo. Darker environments go yellow or rose for sure.

Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480

I see I'm a bit late but...

My prescription eye glasses have Transitions lenses and I forgot the name of the scratch resistant coating on them. They work great for anything outdoors so far. They darken and lighten depending on how much sunlight hits them. I've never had any problems with them.

Get a Croakie so you don't lose your glasses

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

My glasses are a must., or I'm blind. And since so much ice falls and hits my head and face in this sport, I wear my crappo' beater pair for ice, and thus, a cheap pair of flip up or clip on sunglasses in yellow/gold to brighten up as needed. Too much expense for replacing the transition lens stuff and then have them get crushed or scratched badly by my sharp tools in some wicked unexpected fall. Some people with good enough sight get by with goggles and skip their 'scrip glasses for ice.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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