Outdoor eye protection is an absolute essential whether you are a hiker, military personnel, law enforcement or just on a walk. UV light can cause serious damage to the eyes which is why a good pair of sunglasses will protect them. The best part is that these days, most pairs of sunglasses also look as good as they are functional.
If you are someone who is rough on your gear or you work/play in tougher conditions, you might want to consider a pair of tactical sunglasses. Tactical sunglasses are meant to give you another layer of protection, in situations you need it them most. The ones we will look at will keep your eyeballs safe from things like debris, dust and of course the sun! Here are our favourites.
Oakley Flak 2.0 – $170-180
One of the most popular pair of tactical sunglasses, the Oakley Flak 2.0. They are widely used by police officers, military and operators around the world. This is for good reason as they are very durable and have easy to replace lenses. They are also used by the common folk for daily wear, hiking and more. They come in a variety of colors and lenses so you have a ton of options. They are designed to fit your face in a way to protect your eyes without having giant lenses. They are comfortable to wear and easily fit most faces. If that wasn’t enough, they are the most durable pair of sunglasses I’ve ever seen.
Gatorz Magnum – $190-200
Gatorz Magnum are the most heavy-duty ballistic combat glasses and are known for being popular amongst elite military units such as the US Navy SEALs. They are made with an aircraft-grade aluminum frame and reinforced with stainless steel dual 5 barrel hinges. They come ANSI Z87+ impact resistance certification which means they will withstand projectiles moving 250 feet per second. Not only are they extremely durable, they are very comfortable as they are fully adjustable and of course helmet compatible. These can be one the more pricey side or look a little bit more bulky but they can serve better.
Smith & Wesson M&P Harrier Glasses – $25-30
If you are on a really tight budget, then look no further than the Smith & Wesson M&P Harrier glasses. These are half-frame tactical sunglasses that come with four sets of interchangeable polycarbonate lenses in smoke, yellow, pink and clear. Each of the lenses have a UV400 rating which is what you want to block those UV rays. They also have an anti-fog coating to maintain vision even in humid situations. These are still ANSI Z87.1 (Z87+) certified and still comfortable with nose pads and ear pieces that use non-slip rubber. They might feel flimsy or not as durable but they can hold their own. Great deal!
Outlaw Fugitive TAC – $100
Outlaw Fugitive TAC are an aluminum frame tactical pair of sunglasses that particularly target the military market. They are extremely well built, offering a shock proof aluminum frame with thick, impact-resistant lenses. The lenses are treated with an anti-fog and anti-scratch coating which are handy on any pair of tactical sunglasses. They are comfortable as the frame is fully adjustable and are designed to be comfortable under helmets as they have thin tapered temples.
STNGR Alpine/Ridge – $80-90
One of the cheapest pair of sunglasses on this list, the STNGR Apline/Ridge still offer a lot. They are made with a memory nylon frame that shouldn’t foul you, this thing can take a beating! The hinges on the STNGR can bend an extra 20 degrees so you can rest assured that this entire pair are durable. You still get the ANSI-Z87.1 certification which means they are shatterproof, anti-reflective and scratch resistant. The comfort is still there, although not adjustable like others on this list, they will work for most.
Enjoy!
Ben