MSRP: $299.95 ($289.95-$299.95 depending on lens type)
Julbo’s Edge Cover sunglasses with Reactiv lenses are some of the brand’s most versatile and effective options for eye protection. The photochromic lenses quickly darken or lighten to whatever situations you find yourself in—from the brightest days to those that are overcast or have low light conditions, such as when you’re in the trees or traveling in the early morning and evening.
Glacier glasses are a vital piece of every mountaineer’s toolkit; without them you risk eyestrain and even long-term damage. Two of the most important aspects of glasses designed for high-mountain sports are how much light they block (their VLT or visible light transmission) and the quality of side protection they offer, keeping reflected, unfiltered light from reaching your eyes. I have owned many pairs of glacier glasses over the years, starting with some ’90s cheapos with DIY duct tape side shields. Until now, I have struggled to find a pair that offers both suitable protection and good peripheral vision.
I tested the Edge Cover Reactiv sunglasses for a month while climbing and guiding in the French Alps—on glaciers, alpine rock climbs and even while mountain biking and trail running. I had never worn a pair of sunglasses so capable of adapting to changing conditions. The Edge Cover frames are available with either Reactiv 0-4 (the ones I tested), Reactiv 2-4, Spectron 4, or Spectron 4 polarized lens options. The Reactiv 0-4 lenses ($299.95) adapt to the full range of light while the 2-4 lenses ($289.95) cover the upper half of the light range. The Spectron 4 lenses ($199.95) are fixed at 5% VLT (they stay dark and let little light in), while the Reactivs 0-4 can change from 4% to 86% VLT, making it easy to wear one pair of glasses even as light conditions change. I found the Reactiv 0-4 lenses to adapt quickly and effectively; I could even put them on before leaving an alpine hut in the early morning, as they were virtually clear in low light. I really liked the simplicity of the MagneFix attachment, which allows one lens to be easily swapped with another.
Unlike old-school glacier glasses, the Edge Covers provide an exceptional field of view, with its super wide, 131mm lenses (most lenses are in the 100mm range when adding the widths of two separate lenses together). Say what you will about the return of 1980s-styled wraparound sunglasses, but there is just no going back after having such a clear and unobstructed view. This model also comes complete with removable side shields and a nose cover, allowing you to customize your desired level of light and sun protection. I found that, for sports like rock climbing and mountain biking, I liked taking the side shields off to prioritize even more peripheral vision, but when on snow, keeping them on made a huge difference in how my eyes felt after a long day out on the glacier. The nose cover kept my nose from getting zapped by the solar intensity at altitude, and the simplicity of clipping it on was a lot nicer than an aftermarket option that uses Velcro.
Like all pieces of gear, there were some imperfections, though minor. The Edge Covers are advertised as having a large fit, but, as I have found common with European sizing, they fit more like a medium. I also found the clip system that attaches the side and nose shields to be a little finicky. I discovered that removing the lenses first made it easier to attach the nose cover. Due to the reality that these attachments are relatively small and require finesse, it’s probably best to take care of installing them before you have numb fingers on the summit of Mont Blanc at 15,766 feet—hindsight is 20/20, right? When installed properly, the side shields actually do stay put, unlike many of the older models I have had that fall off constantly.
Overall, the Julbo Edge Cover sunglasses with Reactiv lenses are an incredibly useful product for anyone looking for the best eye protection capable of handling any conditions the mountains may throw at you. They are not inexpensive, but considering that they offer multiple pairs of sunglasses in one and have replaceable lenses, they are a good value. These sunglasses might not keep the rest of your face from getting sunburned when up in the high alpine, so keep that zinc handy, but your eyes will certainly thank you for investing in them!
Pros: 100% UV protection from low light to high, removable side shields and nose cover, wide peripheral view, magnetic lens-swapping
Cons: High price point, removable shields can be difficult to install when fingers are numb, fit may be small for those with large heads
Ryan Huetter is a certified IFMGA Mountain Guide who lives in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California. His work and play take him around the globe guiding ski touring, rock climbing and alpine climbing adventures, though he always loves returning home to the Range of Light. www.cloudripperguides.com
