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The sun can impair your eyes if you don't wear sunglasses, but you'll need a quality pair for outdoor adventures.
Shopping for sunglasses usually doesn't require a lot of thought — heck, we've all bought a pair at a gas station on a sunny road trip, right? While we're usually big fans of cheap sunglasses, it's important to invest in a high-quality pair if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Wearing $10 aviators to an outdoor festival is one thing, but anglers, hikers, and cyclists need a well-made pair that will protect the eyes, reduce sun spots, and keep things 100% visible when working or playing outdoors. We rounded up some of the best women's sunglasses for outdoor activities — so before you take a pair of non-polarized sunglasses on your next fishing trip, consider our curated recommendations.
These sunglasses are made to combat nuisances such as glares, debris, and other disturbances that may temporarily decrease your visibility and irritate your eyes. After all, if you're walking on rough terrain or working with sharp tools, you need to see everything around you perfectly. These sunglasses will also protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays: After all, sun damage overtime can lead to poor vision and even some health problems down the line. We're not just talking about sunny, hot days, either: you'll want a good pair of sunglasses if you live in cold, snowy climates or play winter sports, too. The sun bouncing off freshly packed snow can seriously decrease your visibility. If you've never been much of a sunglasses person or have used the same pair you got at a mall kiosk for years, it's time to make a change. We even made sure to include a pair that prescription-friendly, just in case you aren't getting contacts anytime soon. Pick the best sunglasses for your favorite outdoor activity and take good care of them. You won't regret the purchase.
1. Our Top Pick for Hiking
Treeline Navy Silver - Sunski, $89
Sunski makes sunglasses that are meant for exploring the outdoors: and they're made from recycled materials, come with a lifetime warranty, and are affordable, too. We're fans of other styles like the on-trend Dipsea and the classic but modern Ventana, but the Treeline takes first place due to a few specs you can't find with many other brands. They have polarized lenses with the addition of removable sun shields, which come in handy for protecting your eyes from debris like dust or sand. They'll also shield your eyes from the sun and wind that can lead to dry or irritated eyes. These sunglasses will filter 90% of sunlight and give hikers complete clarity. With a clear view and protection from whatever may come your way, you'll feel confident to climb to new heights. The lightweight frames are super stylish as well. You'll get lots of compliments!
2. The Best Winter Sunglasses
Tera Stone Alpenglow - Sunski, $89
Sunski's polarized lenses are designed to reduce severe glare — which typically happens in snow or on the water — so we thought these would do best in wintery conditions like snowboarding. They're much more attractive than your typical winter goggles or sunglasses, too, and are made from super-light, recycled materials. These also have removable side shields that easily go on and off with magnets. Consider gifting these to your favorite ski instructor or partner that takes on the duty of clearing snow out of the driveway.
3. The Best Fishing & Boating Sunglasses
Waterwoman - Costa Del Mar, $284
Blue mirror lenses are very helpful in full-sun situations when on open water and offshore. If you plan on boating or going deep sea fishing anytime soon, you'll need a pair of Costa's — specifically the Waterwoman sunglasses. These are pricey, but trust us: these are some of the best women's sunglasses if you fish often. They filter out harsh yellow and enhance reds, greens, and blues for a clear view of the water. They're impact- and scratch-resistant, so these lightweight frames can take a little tumble without damage. You'll want to use the included carry case and cleaning cloth to keep them in pristine shape though. A major perk is that these can be ordered with a prescription, too. One enthusiastic reviewer writes: "They block the FL bright sun rays and they don't slip off my face when I'm either out on the water or walking my dog....The view is crystal clear and I don't know how I've lived without these!"
4. The Best Sunglasses for a Road Trip
Joy Ride - Maui Jim, $294
Take a joy ride in Maui Jim's top-rated driving sunglasses. The Joy Ride sunglasses have polarized lenses that enhance colors with a warm tint, making these a great pair of driving sunglasses for warm sunny days. Gone are the days of getting blinded by the sun, especially around sunset. They're shatter-resistant, too, so no need to worry about the lens popping out if they take a short tumble. Maui Jim takes pride in this model's design — the frame took inspo from the Pandanus leaf (used for weaving in artisanal crafts). Visuals mean everything to Maui Jim in both fashion and optics, and this is a pair you'll love.
5. The Best Sunglasses for Biking
Amazon
Bevi Polarized Cycling Glasses - Amazon, $23.95
These lightweight, thermoplastic sunglasses from Bevi are flexible and comfortable — and are polarized to reduce glare and keep vision clear while riding a bike on the road, on a trail, or on the mountain. They block both UVA and UVB sun rays, eliminate reflected light and scattered light, and keep things true-to-color. You can use them for all sorts of outdoor activities, but one cyclist wrote: "Great while riding my bike on the trails! Sturdy and never moves from my face!"
NEXT: THE BEST SUNGLASSES FOR MEN WHO HIKE, FISH & GO CAMPING
