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Summer is upon us, and it’s crucial to be thoroughly prepared for all your time on the trails, which means only one thing: ample sun protection. Avid hikers will always have their hiking boots prepped for an adventure, as well as their comfiest hiking clothes, but one thing that can be forgotten about is sun protection. It's important to also keep in mind that whether or not you're winter or summer hiking, if the sun is out, you'll need extra protection from strong UV rays.

So you might be wondering what to wear while hiking for optimal sun protection in the summer. Depending on your environment, if it's very hot weather, you will most likely want to pack either hiking sandals or your favorite trail running shoes, along with hiking shorts and a tank top or t-shirt. Don't forget your essentials for a long trip, such as your hiking pole, a hat, and an extra layer for the evening if it gets chilly.

For winter hiking in cold weather, you'll want to make sure you have a reliable outer layer shirt or insulated jacket, warm hiking pants, wool socks, and hiking gloves. 


No matter the season, it’s beneficial to bring a first aid kit, loads of water, and proper navigation tools so you can truly focus on having fun. We also recommend having ample sunscreen and protective sunglasses. But leave that part to us - we’ve got you covered!

Pros of Photochromic Lenses

Hiking often features both cloudy and sunny conditions, especially on longer treks when the weather becomes increasingly variable, necessitating a solid pair of transitional lenses. Fortunately, our photochromic lenses were created with these conditions in mind. Often known by their trademarked names Adapt and Transitions lenses, photochromic lenses darken when exposed to sunlight and lighten when indoors or in darker environments. Not only are they ideal for protecting your eyes outdoors during a hike, but they seamlessly transition from sunglasses to eyeglasses. These lenses can be fitted into any frame and are a convenient alternative to carrying around two pairs of glasses, which is especially useful during outdoor activities. 

Other Useful Lenses 

While photochromic lenses are great, there are plenty of other options that may suit you better. In general, different color lenses will enhance and improve what you can see in different outdoor environments during your hikes. On the other hand, wearing the wrong color lens will actually disturb vision. Here’s our take: 

Emerald Green

    A great fit for everyday wear or playing golf and tennis, a green lens works to filter out blue light while reducing glare and eye strain in bright sunlight. 

    Gray Gradient or Gray Green

      Gray lenses also reduce glare and block bright light. This means they're a great choice for fishing or water-based activities. They also work well for overcast and sunny days and have anti-fatiguing benefits, making them an ideal choice for driving.

      Ice Blue or Plasma Purple

        Blue and purple lenses afford wearers incredible color perception and the ability to distinguish objects well. They’re an exceptional choice for highly reflective surfaces such as snow, and also perform well in foggy or misty weather. 

        Midnight Sun or Fire Red

          Red-colored lenses, similar to green lenses, block blue light, which means they automatically reduce eye strain and boost visibility while driving. Additionally, red or rose-colored lenses enhance the depth of field and amplify surrounding details. Because of these attributes, they are a great contender for many sports activities such as skiing. 

          Tracer Yellow or Flare Gold

            Best suited for low-light conditions, yellow or gold lenses are a solid fit for indoor or outdoor sports that require great attention to detail. They work to block out blue light, make surroundings brighter, and possess remarkable depth perception. However, be aware that yellow or gold lenses may distort color. 

            Dark Brown or Brown Gradient 

              Similar to many other lens types we’ve discussed, brown lenses are suitable for blocking blue light and improving depth perception, and are particularly apt at identifying small objects at a distance, such as in golf or baseball. Brown lenses include tones of red and soothe eyes in the sun while enhancing the contrast between other green and blue landscapes. 

              We’re here to help

              No matter the style of sunglasses you choose, summer hiking and warm weather usually mean the sun is bright, and UV rays are strong, so protecting your eyes is extra important along with wearing the proper hiking outfit. As usual, we recommend doing research into the lenses that will best suit your needs. However, both summer and winter hiking are unique in that there’s a chance you’ll be in environments with varying levels of sun exposure, so be sure to take that into account. Regardless of what you need lenses for, Revant has everything you’ll need to feel comfortable and well-protected while enhancing your hiking experience. So don't forget to add sunglasses with sun-protective lenses to your hiking gear.