Transition lenses for backpacking?

i use em climbing … they work fine …may take a few seconds to adjust

however they wont substitute for full sunglasses on places like glaciers or on snow covered peaks IMO

I wear a hat while hiking, so transition lenses are pretty useless; they did not get very dark at all unless they were in direct sunlight. I found the same problem while driving – maybe if I had a convertible they would've worked, otherwise not dark enough for me.

Edit: this was over 10 years ago, so maybe the technology has improved…

The newer versions are pretty sensitive. I deliberately put mine in front of a grid-like curtain when the sun is shining through and get a grid pattern in my lenses temporarily.

This is what I use and like the fact that they cover all conditions. They go dark faster than they "transition" back, but it hasn't been a problem.

The only thing that I don't like about mine is that on cloudy/overcast days, the lenses turn darker when I really don't need them and want them to, which can be annoying.

I have moved back to carrying two pairs of glasses, but you never know if you might need an extra pair in case one pair get broken/damaged.

Extra weight, but the consequences of being "blind" out there would be very bad.

-Tony

"I wear a hat while hiking, so transition lenses are pretty useless; they did not get very dark at all unless they were in direct sunlight."

I haven't found this to be the case at all. They respond very quickly and strongly even under the shade of a hat, just from reflected UV light hitting them. I do know that the last few generations of Transitions have gotten progressively more sensitive, so I would guess this is down to using an early version.

"I found the same problem while driving – maybe if I had a convertible they would've worked, otherwise not dark enough for me."

They make it pretty clear that the glasses don't work while driving. This is because they rely on UV light to trigger the dark transition, and automobile glass blocks UV light.

Very helpful. Was going to buy a pair for both trekking and driving; but now realize I will need real sunglasses for driving, so I can use them for trekking also.

I found Transitions lenses very unsatisfactory. First, they don't change fast enough to cope with alternate sunlight and shade on backcountry (unpaved) roads. You can't see the potholes in the shady spots before you hit them. Also, when you go inside they take a minute or so to adjust. I had a bad fall while traveling in southern Spain when coming into a hostal from outside and not being able to see the two steps down right inside the door.

The other problem was night driving. I didn't realize until I replaced the Transitions lenses in my glasses with clear lenses that my night vision problems were not due to aging but to the Transitions lenses. They don't become completely clear in the dark but do have some shading.

I now use clip-on sunglasses over my regular glasses.

I work for Transitions Optical and really appreciate everybody’s comments on their experience with Transitions lenses. The great thing about the technology is that it is constantly changing and advancing every day. We’ve heard great things from hikers in the past that have used our products like Dr. Ed Eberhart, a retired eyecare professional, who wears Transitions lenses to hike across the most scenic trails in the world. We also have a variety of lens options that work to meet the different needs of different lifestyles, including photochromic sun wear as well as everyday lenses, including XTRActive Transitions lenses that do activate behind the windshield. Check out the lenses section on our website (transitions.com) for more information.

There were also a couple of comments made that I wanted to mention a few things on. Transitions lenses are activated by UV light. As the amount of UV light changes—because of clouds, hats or windshields—the lens adjust darkness. Unlike a clear lens, clip on or fixed tint lens, the lens adjusts so your eyes don’t have to; this reduces eyestrain and fatigue especially in conditions where the amount of light present is constantly changing; however, there are times when sunglasses are definitely recommended over Transitions lenses. It is also because of the need to have UV light present that original Transitions lenses do not activate behind the windshield or at night. In a non-activated state, Transitions brand lenses are as clear as an ordinary lens and should not interfere with vision at night or driving. If you do choose to purchase Transitions lenses, please ask your eyecare professional for a Certificate of Authenticity to prove that the lenses are Transitions brand lens. Hope this is helpful to you in making a decision.

"In a non-activated state, Transitions brand lenses are as clear as an ordinary lens and should not interfere with vision at night or driving."

I also found this to be the case. They go just as clear as my old regular glasses. Actually, I'm pretty sure reading there's something about the process that *increases* optical transmission by a very small amount when not activated. In other words, they get clearer than clear.

I find it very strange that someone would have had an experience where they don't turn fully clear.

I had a lot of the same problems/complaints with my transitions. I've been using these over the top of my clear glasses with satisfactory results. It's sort of a pain carrying extra shades and they are bulky but I'm getting used to it.

google Cocoons® Wide Line Polarized Sunglasses. I give up on the hyperlinks tonight.

My experience has been that the lenses get too dark under tree cover, especially on cloudy days, so if I expect to be in forest I just wear my clear glasses. Last weekend in the Superstitions outside Phoenix, on the other hand, the Transitions were great – even under a broad-brimmed hat – and with my blue eyes I'm particularly sensitive to bright light.

I bought the Transitions because I was tired of juggling clear and tinted glasses, and I ended up juggling three pairs. Kind of ironic, but it's like any other piece of gear – you pick the one you take to match the expected conditions.

Perhaps consider the Versaliner or Cocoons fit over sunglasses. I know, I know…the Versaliner's don't look that bad. The key is getting them fitted right. The main thing is that they pretty effectively block ambient and reflective light from all angles. Sort of like glacier glasses, but the top edge of the sunglasses block sunlight too. Also, the copper lenses are really good at transitioning between open space and forest. Moving into tree cover, you don't feel like it's suddenly seven p.m. with everything dark and gloomy. The amber lenses, however, seem pretty dark even in full daylight in the forest. (Don't even ask why I know this). Of course, everyone's eyes are different. The lenses are polarized, and ubf and spf blocking.

My experience is limited to this winter, in snowy conditions; although I also hiked around Tahoe on the TRT where there was no snow; and while driving. I really like these sunglasses. and no I don't work for them.