Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, one question that often comes up is: Should I wear sunglasses while hiking? The answer is a resounding yes! Sunglasses are an essential part of your outdoor gear, and not just for protection from the sun. Here’s why.
1. Sun Protection:
The most obvious reason to wear sunglasses when hiking is to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Not only can these rays cause sunburns on your face and other exposed areas, but they can also damage your eyes over time. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection can help prevent long-term eye damage caused by the sun’s rays.
2. Wind Protection:
Another reason to wear sunglasses while hiking is for protection from the wind.
Hiking in windy conditions can be uncomfortable for many people, especially if there are gusts of wind that blow directly into your eyes. Wearing sunglasses with a snug fit can help keep the wind out and make your hike more enjoyable.
3. Snow Reflection Protection:
If you plan on hiking in snowy conditions, it’s even more important to wear sunglasses as snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation back at you!
This means that without eye protection, you could be exposed to even higher levels of UV radiation than normal.
Conclusion:
Wearing sunglasses while hiking is essential for protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays, wind, and snow reflection. Investing in a good pair of polarized lenses can help ensure maximum protection and comfort during your hike.
