View Full Version : Best LW Goggles for Desert Expedition?
I am seeking the most lightweight and compact goggles with scratch resistant (polycarbonate?) lenses suitable for desert backcountry expedition. I would like to hear from anyone who owns a pair they are happy with and has used in harsh environs (desert) in particular. Thank you.
I am seeking the most lightweight and compact goggles with scratch resistant (polycarbonate?) lenses suitable for desert backcountry expedition. I would like to hear from anyone who owns a pair they are happy with and has used in harsh environs (desert) in particular. Thank you.
I wear a pair of Oakley M frames in Iraq. They are popular choices over here because they come with 3 lenses (amber . smoke and clear) , are 100% uv filtering(even the clear lenses), and most importantly are ANSI Z87 compliant. which means that they will not break when shot with up to a 22 caliber bullet. If you're not worried about things blowing up in your face then this probably is not important. They never fog. are very light. Lenses are easy to interchange. like any optic it will scratch if you just throw it in your pack. http://oakley.com/brochures/eyewear/m_frame/
One goggle I would stay away from is the Wiley X SG-1. At first glance it appears like a hybrid of goggles and sunglasses. basically goggles having a seal and sunglasses allowing free flow of air. The seal of the SG-1 causes it to chronically fog. Usually with exertion. The company offers a ventilated lens that seems to filter dust right into your eyeball. Also the company reccomends cutting the foam seal around the eyepieces . the problem we all had was that we had to cut so much foam away it was like having sunglasses anyway. condensation is such a problem with this goggle (even in the desert) that troops call them "Foggy X's" for the price 99$ this goggle is a rip-off. lens changes are impossible without smearing the lenses . lenses popout when put understress. and I have seen many a broken pair of frames.and despite being able to interchange the ear pieces with an elastic band. you are forced to use the earpieces because the elastic band causes the goggles to seal and create fogging. I would rather wear no protection than this goggle. http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/sgposmgrlewi.html
If you are looking for more of a goggle model that provides a total seal around the eyes. then I would reccomend ESS goggles. they are hard to fog up and provide a good seal around the eye. allowing generous ventilation and provide great protection. they also have interchangeable lenses, are durable and have a sock type covering that protects the goggles when they are not in use. I have actually had very small dust particles get through the sidevents when I was on top of an armored vehicle and was travelling into a strong wind and turned my head to the side. I never needed the protection of this type of goggle unless I was in a dust storm like condition. http://www.botac.com/essessprnv.html
hope this is helpful.
Footslogger
08-09-2005, 14:42
Check out these goggles from Kroops. This is the type we used to use for parachuting years ago. Lightweight, great field of view and vented to avoid condensation:
KROOPS™ WIND GOGGLES - CLEAR LENS
Lightweight eye protection goggles for skydiving, motorcycling, mountain bicycling, bass fishing, speedboat racing. Used extensively by military personnel for dust, dirt and wind protection. Meets OSHA requirements for air borne pathogen protection for dental technicians, emergency personnel, paramedics, and police. Lightweight, disposable and economically priced. http://www.actiongear.com/agcatalog/pics/ksg595a.jpg http://www.actiongear.com/agcatalog/pics/kroop'slogo.jpg
Developed by the Kroop family in Laurel, Maryland over 50 years ago for the horse racing and equestrian events eye protection. Today, the Kroop's Goggle is the prefered choice of skydivers and thousands of others. Comfortable wraparound eye protection at a budget price! Use these for painting, spraying or doing yard work, or for anything from bicycling to skydiving. Snug fit keeps dust, dirt and wind out; brass vents allow air circulation and help prevent fogging; elastic 3/8'' headband and self-adhesive nose piece add comfort. Acetate lens.
They weigh a few ounces and cost in the neighborhood of $9 - $10
Here's a link:
http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/level4s.tam?xax=18676&pagenumber%2Eptx=1&M5COPY%2Ectx=7690&M5%2Ectx=7690&M2%5FDESC%2Ectx=Eye%20Safety%20%2D%20ESS%99%2C%20B olle%99%2C%20Ballistic%20Goggles%2C%20Dust%20Prote ctive%2C%20Accessories&level3%2Ectx=results%2Etam&query%2Ectx=goggles&backto=%2Fagcatalog%2Fresults%2Etam
'Slogger
:
Used extensively by military personnel for dust, dirt and wind protection. r
No they're not!
They are good for skydiving ( I have a pair in my helmet bag). They suck for dust unless you tape up the brass vents which make them fog even worse.
Footslogger
08-09-2005, 15:20
Hey ...don't shoot the messenger here. That was just a cut/paste from the manufacturers data. Like I said, my exerience with them was limited to parachuting.
'Slogger
Yeah I know you're just the messenger. It just infuriates me when I see "proud choice of our nations fighting man" used in advertising. Wiley-X goggles do the same thing (say the army loves their goggles), it's so not true. Nothing directed at you personally. Just had to get that out there.
SGT Rock
08-09-2005, 16:36
I hated Wiley-X goggles. Dream is right on about them, except he didn't mention taking them off was like pulling sucker cups off your eyeballs.