Ombraz Armless Sunglasses: Rethinking Eyewear for the Backcountry

[Ryan Jordan]

Companion forum thread to: Ombraz Armless Sunglasses: Rethinking Eyewear for the Backcountry

Explore a lighter, more durable, and comfortable alternative to traditional eyewear for backcountry travel – armless sunglasses.

[Brad W]

Interesting but the fact you can’t one handed remove, stow on cap, put back, etc. is a deal breaker for me. I don’t prefer to have anything dangling around my neck.

[David D]

A lot of youtubers are using the Ombraz, they’re getting trendy.

I also notice a trend to pricier and pricier gear recommendations.  If you can live without the string, I can’t see spending that kind of money when there are great inexpensive options around.

My go to’s are Decathlon Quechua Hiking Category 3 Sunglasses – MH 100.  I gave these a lot of snowshoeing use use this winter and some backpacking this spring.

• No lens distortion, nice clarity and no off colours
• 100% UVA and B
• Take a beating so far from bushwacking and sticks in the face
• Stay on
• No distortion or reliability issues so far stuffed into a shoulder pouch

$18 Canadian  

23g on my scale (same as the Ombraz)

[JCH]

I bought a pair a year ago when they had a sale.  FWIW I really like them, and actually like needing two hands to remove them in that they won’t accidentally fly off my face when hit by a branch or by any sudden movement.  As for dangling around my neck…I suppose if I chose to leave them there for long periods of time then yes that could be annoying however, I consider that to be a very temporary position and find great value in not being able to drop, lose, or leave them behind.

[Terran Terran]

I’ve had the same pair of Oakley’s for over 10 years. If the lenses get scratched I pop in a new set from Revant Optics. The Ombraz does mention lens replacement, but you have to send them in with no mention of price or timeline. The Oakley’s are 33 grams. Not much heavier. They come in camo, so when I wear them you can’t see me.

[jscott]

The Ombraz look terrific. As we all know, polarization and clarity are vital for us, especially in snow.

I wear glasses. I really like Cocoon sun glasses, that fit over regular glasses. The lenses are very good, fully polarized, and they keep dust and such from impacting my glasses. A second layer if you will for my glasses.

[Todd T]

Looks like the strap would forcibly pull them into the bridge of your nose.  That would drive me nuts.  I can’t even stand the wraparound earpieces for the same reason.

[JCH]

Looks like the strap would forcibly pull them into the bridge of your nose.

That is totally dependent on how tightly you adjust the strap.  In my experience the strap is best left slightly loose.  You quickly find an adjustment such that the glasses do not move and that make the Ombraz seemingly disappear…they are as or more comfortable than any I have used including my previous favorite Costa del Mar.

re: lens replacement, I use expensive :( prescription lenses and they are easily replaced aside from the pain in the wallet.

I completely understand the perceived/imagined shortcomings of this design, but if the concept appeals at all to you I suggested you give them a try. Everything is not for everyone, but Ombraz are great for me…and apparently for Ryan as well.

[John S.]

I would just cut off most of the arm and drill a hole in what is left to add shock cord…diy. The other two armless that were cool are the Brimz and Sporteyz (used to be sold by Gossamer Gear).

https://clip-n-flip.com/

https://www.roll-up-sunglasses.com/sporteyz.html

[Tom K]

I prefer photochromic lenses.

[Brad W]

Good point on lens replacement. I replace my Oakley Twoface lenses every year or so. Usually can find a OEM set of lenses for $50-60. I figure it as a mandatory tool and wear item.  For me they work and wearing them 14 hours straight is not uncomfortable.

 

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