Would it be prudent to bring a pair of cheap sunglasses when starting a thru on March 9th? With the lack of foliage, and the possibility of snow, I'm starting to consider bringing a pair. Anyone else considering or have considered the same?
Would it be prudent to bring a pair of cheap sunglasses when starting a thru on March 9th? With the lack of foliage, and the possibility of snow, I'm starting to consider bringing a pair. Anyone else considering or have considered the same?
I usually hike with a pair of sunglasses on me. Don't always need them, but they come in handy once in a while. They're a cheap pair, so if I break 'em, no worries.
"If you play a Nicleback song backwards, you'll hear messages from the devil. Even worse, if you play it forward, you'll hear Nickleback." - Dave Grohl
I would, have, and do carry clip-ons for long hikes. Tired eyes can take a lot out of you.
As I live, declares the Lord God, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn back from his way and live. Ezekiel 33:11
I carried a pair on my hike, I spent more time trying to keep up with them than I did wearing them.
SGT Rock
http://hikinghq.net
My 2008 Trail Journal of the BMT/AT
BMT Thru-Hikers' Guide
-----------------------------------------
NO SNIVELING
I hiked out mid-March last year and brought mine. Didn't use them much, but nice to have when you want them.
And yea, cheap ones so if you lose em or break em its no biggie.
Schnikel
I only wish I had them once, on a brilliant sunny day after some overnight snow, but overall I was glad I didn't have them. Usually the only time I get uncomfortable glare on a hike is in town, from cars and buildings.
"Throw a loaf of bread and a pound of tea in an old sack and jump over the back fence." John Muir on expedition planning
I'm a fan of cheap sunglasses. There's even a song about them! My hubby bought me a three pack for Xmas and made me happy. Assuming they block the appropriate UV, they are a great way to prevent some long term eye problems, especially for those with light colored eyes.
I prefer the plastic ones, they tend to hold up better to life's little trials and tribulations. And being stuffed in a pack.
My regular eye glasses are the self adjusting kind. I like them a lot. Which reminds me I should get my annual eye check, and a spare pare before I head to Maine.
Richard Angeli
[email protected]
http://trailjournals.com/tuney
"Life is what happens while you're making other plans." John Lennon
When the sun is bright and there's bright white snow on the ground, you will need sunglasses to save your eyes.
When you are pointed "eastward" and hiking directly into the morning sun, or pointed "westward" into the sun in the evening, you will want sunglasses.
Other than that, they'll likely be safely protected in some kind of cheap glasses case inside your pack.
I'll probably keep my spare pair in the handy zippered pockets on the hip belt of my ULA Circuit.
Richard Angeli
[email protected]
http://trailjournals.com/tuney
"Life is what happens while you're making other plans." John Lennon
Don't forget some sunscreen.
See you on the trail,
mt squid
*Definitely* sunscreen. I got a heck of a nice sunburn the last time I went through the Grayson Highlands, and I was wearing sunscreen! Without it you could have heard sizzling sounds.
I never took sunglasses. A hat works fine.
Sunscreen and lip balm were needed more than the glasses ever were. I had a hat with a bill and found it easier to just change head angle than to try and do the on/off with the sunglasses every time I changed ridge sides or entered/exited foliage.
SGT Rock
http://hikinghq.net
My 2008 Trail Journal of the BMT/AT
BMT Thru-Hikers' Guide
-----------------------------------------
NO SNIVELING
The only time I take my glasses off is when I'm going down a steep set of steps. The Bifocals play heck with your depth perception. That's one problem most of you younger folks don't have to deal with.
Richard Angeli
[email protected]
http://trailjournals.com/tuney
"Life is what happens while you're making other plans." John Lennon
SGT Rock
http://hikinghq.net
My 2008 Trail Journal of the BMT/AT
BMT Thru-Hikers' Guide
-----------------------------------------
NO SNIVELING
I wear sunglasses all the time in the "real" world, so I took them hiking, too. There I discovered that the only place I wore them was in town -- the glare from the roads was a problem, but I didn't have that in the woods. So I stopped carrying them except in winter when I expect snow on the ground. I wear a hat with a nice brim.
Same here.I carried a pair on my hike, I spent more time trying to keep up with them than I did wearing them.
I finally lost my cheap sunglasses and never bothered to replace them. A ball cap generally provided enough sun protection.