Polarized sunglasses not only shield your eyes from harmful rays, but also reduce glare and eye fatigue when spending time in the sun.
We’ve picked the best sunglasses and accessories for 2019 including belts, gloves, and hats for outdoor activities.
These are the best polarized sunglasses and accessories for 2019
Smith Optics Outlier 2 XL www.smithoptics.com We loved Smith’s Lowdown XL for larger faces last year, and we love their new Outlier 2 XL just as much. For those who have a hard time finding a wide-enough pair of sunglasses, we’re happy to recommend these for 2019. |
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Filson Full Finger Knit Glove filson.com Warm and well made, these gloves fulfill their purpose. We especially like the longer-than-average wrist which keeps the snow out. |
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Costa Del Mar NEW Rincon Smoke Crystal/Green Mirror www.costadelmar.com When it comes to sunglasses, we prefer those that do their job so well it’s as if they’re not even there. These sunglasses were great to keep handy on those sunny days and keep the waters’ reflection at bay. |
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Costa del Mar Montauk costadelmar.com Costa’s Montauk sunglasses feature polarized 580G glass for the lens material, which are 20% thinner and 22% lighter than average polarized glass. Since much of our fishing in Alaska happens during low light levels, we tested the Sunrise Silver Mirror lenses. These lenses provide great contrast and excellent low-light vision. The Montauk frame is a great design for fishing, with wide (but not too wide) temples to shield out light from the sides. The frames also fit and stay on well. Costa sunglasses have a limited lifetime warranty. |
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Smith Optics Guide’s Choice Rx smithoptics.com As the name says, these are prescription Guide’s Choice sunglasses with ChromaPop polarized brown glass lenses. Techlite glass was inspired by the need to provide professional guides and captains with enhanced durability. Techlite glass provides up to 12x more scratch resistance than polymer lenses while being 20% lighter than traditional glass for dawn-to-dusk comfort and performance. These sunglasses feature 100% UVA and UVB protection, anti-reflective and hydrophobic lens coatings, stainless-steel spring hinges, megol nose and temple pads, and a detachable sunglass leash. The Guide’s Choice model fits medium to large faces best. Editor George Krumm commented, “I’ve been using Smith Sunglasses for years and can attest to their quality. As the years have gone by, my eyesight has changed and it’s great to know that Smith produces Rx sunglasses, so I can continue wearing what I’m comfortable with. Guides Choice frames are my current favorite, and brown, ChromaPop Glass lenses are very versatile for Alaska’s varied light conditions. I was concerned that the glass lenses would be uncomfortably heavy on a long day’s trip, but they are not.” These sunglasses have a lifetime warranty. |
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Darn Tough Coolmax Vertex ¼ Ultra-Light Cushion darntough.com For those looking for a lightweight wool sock, these are what you’re looking for. We wore these socks from the office to the trail and appreciate their stretchy fit and low-profile feel. |
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Costa del Mar C-MATES Tuna Alley Readers costadelmar.com C-MATES Readers are high-quality Costa sunglasses with built-in reading lenses. They are available in +1.50, +2.00 and +2.50. We tested the copper lens version as this is perhaps the most-versatile color for angling, in the 1.5-power model. C-MATES use 580P lens material, constructed from polycarbonate and Trivex. They are the lightest and most-durable lens material in Costa’s line. For anglers needing readers, the C-MATES line from Costa is a high-quality option. Costa sunglasses have a limited lifetime warranty. |
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Arcade Belts Ranger Slim arcadebelts.com This is an elastic stretch, outdoor-intended belt that is lightweight and low profile. It is now available in a slim design for smaller belt loops, great for women who’d rather spend time in the outdoors than the mall. It’s quick drying, machine washable, and doubles as a cute wading belt too. |
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Smith Optics Longfin Sunglasses smithoptics.com These stylish frames are comfortable and combined with Smith’s ChromaPop polarized lenses, our tester reported that they worked well for spotting fish. He also said that he likes that the frames protect his eyes from glare. He tested the blue mirror with prescription progressive lenses. |
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BUFF UV XL Insect Shield Multifunctional Headwear buffusa.com Our tester says those with larger-than-average craniums will appreciate the larger size which stops the constant slipping some experience with headwear of this style. |
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Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Sock Cushion darntough.com A repeat winner from previous years, we continue to love this sock for its versatility and outstanding comfort. |
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Buffwear Polar buffusa.com A layer of warm Polartec fleece added to the Original Buff makes for a winter Buff that keeps the neck warm even while ice fishing. Buffwear also makes a Junior version of this Polar model. |
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Sitka Gear Kamchatka Hat sitkagear.com Some of our hunting gear does dual duty as fishing gear. The Kamchatka hat helps keep cold wind off most of your head and neck which is rather beneficial when your favorite Kenai guide gets the boat on step at eight in the morning in early September chasing big bows or sitting next to a hole on the ice waiting to see that rod tip go down. Features include GORE WINDSTOPPER softshell with a water repellent finish, PrimaLoft down insulation, fleece liner, and ear flap. |