Smith Sunglasses Roundup
Smith Haven Polorchromic
Smith’s ultralight Toaster is one of my all-time favorite sunglasses. Light, small, and inarguably snazzy, the Toaster features interchangeable polycarbonate lenses so you can effortlessly customize your shades to match existing conditions.
The Toaster is best for casual wear, hiking, and easy cycling. For skiing, look to the Factor and Factor D-Max, which offer more coverage but remain very light. Like the Toaster, the Factor series also come with interchangeable lenses, which proves invaluable when you’re skiing in bright sun one day and flat light the next. You’ll also like the Factor’s frameless design, which gives you unobstructed peripheral vision.
The new kid on the block is Smith’s Haven, which comes with dazzling TechLite™ glass lenses. Smith says their TechLite lenses are essentially distortion free. I’d have to agree. Compared to the not-at-all shabby view offered by Smith’s polycarbonate lenses, putting on the Haven is like opening your eyes for the first time. Clarity is breathtaking; the world looks sparkling-clear. Get the Haven in the Polorchromic lens model, which automatically adjusts its density to match ambient light levels, and you’re as close to sunglass heaven as mortals can get.
The big problem with the Haven (and Smith’s other TechLite sunglasses), as I see it, is that once you try these, you’ll wish all your other sunglasses had the same lens. I’m pushing for a Toaster with the Techlite glass, as it remains my favorite Smith frame. Until then, I think I’ll spending a lot of time hiking in my Havens.
Langley - Northeast Couloir
Williamson - Bairs Creek Cirque
Thermarest Dreamtime
San Jacinto - Snow Creek
Shasta - Avalanche Gulch