Must Have Gear: ZEAL Optics Westwater Sunglasses
ZEAL Optics’ new polarized Westwater Sunglasses are designed for paddling, ski touring and glacier travel thanks to their 8-base curvature design, which provides great protection and coverage from the elements. Attach the slide-on ventilated side panels, and you can instantly convert the Westwater Sunglasses into functional, fog-free glacier glass. These removable side panels are ideal for keeping snow from blowing into the lenses—slide off the side panels and you have a stylish pair of frames for around town all summer long. The photocromic lenses, or what Zeal calls their ‘AutoSun Lenses’, adjust to the ever-changing mountain light conditions while their polarized properties are ideal for paddling and fishing. With non-slip ProFlex material in the temples and nose bridge, the Westwater Sunglasses will stay put no matter the adventure.The Westwater Sunglasses use ZEAL’s plant-based Z-Resin frames, which are made with a minimum of 45% bio resin, which is good for the planet and even better should you unfortunately lose them in the wild. With their stylish look and technical attributes, the Westwater Sunglasses simply can't be beat.
I tested the ZEAL Optics Westwater Sunglasses for 8 days on the Buggs to Rogers traverse, where we encountered all types of weather, including two days of howling wind and a full-on blizzard, and the Westwater Sunglasses performed flawlessly. The removable side panels kept the snow out of my eyes just as a pair of goggles would, which meant that I didn't need to pack any and could save the weight. The ‘AutoSun Lenses’ provided the protection needed when the sun was out and glaring off the snow, and on cloudy days, their yellow tint provided extra clarity and definition that we needed to navigate on route. I can't say enough great things about ZEAL Optics’ new polarized Westwater Sunglasses, so if you are in the market for some new shades, give them a try.
If you are looking for even more coverage but without the AutoSun photocromic lenses, then Zeal Optic’s new Harbinger cycling and ski touring specific shield style sunglasses may be what you are after—they are priced at $229CAN/$199US.
Features:
- Polarized
- Profile
- RX Ready
- Impact Resistant
- Ellume Colour filtration
- Z-Resin Bio-Plastic Frame
- Pin Hinge
- Scratch Resistant hardcoat
SPECS
Price: $259CAN / $229US
Colours: Matte Black/Horizon Blue lenses, Matte Brown/Auto Sun Lenses, Matt eGrey/Dark Grey