Testing A Pair of Smith Ultralite Sunglasses in the High Alpine

When you’re moving fast in high alpine terrain, the last thing you want is gear that slows you down—or bounces around on your face. The Smith Ultralight Sunglasses aim to solve that, offering featherlight performance without compromising on protection or optical clarity. After testing them on British Columbia’s rugged Tantalus Traverse, here’s how they held up.

First Impressions: Ultralight and Unshakable

Right out of the box, the Smith’s Ultralite Sunglasses live up to its name. At just 26 grams, they’re some of the lightest performance sunglasses on the market. What’s more impressive is the fit: they stay completely secure, even while descending technical terrain or running with a pack. The adjustable Megol nose pad prevents bounce and slipping, even after hours of wear.

Lens Performance: ChromaPop Delivers

Smith’s ChromaPop™ lens technology enhances contrast in complex terrain—useful when ascending ridgelines, navigating glaciers, and mixed snow-rock transitions. The Opal Mirror lens is ideal for bright, exposed environments and keeps visual fatigue to a minimum throughout a long, high-output adventure.

Ventilation is excellent thanks to the open-brow design and vented lenses, with no fogging even during intense climbs or when worn with a helmet.

Fit & Adjustability

With adjustable nose pads and flexible temples, dialing in a comfortable and secure fit is easy on these Smith Sunglasses. They stay in place with hats, buffs, and helmets—crucial for long days when conditions are constantly shifting.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Ultralight and Secure Fit: At just 26 grams, they are extremely light and stay firmly in place even during intense activity and technical descents, thanks to the adjustable Megol nose pad.

• Excellent Optical Clarity and Contrast: The ChromaPop™ lens technology enhances contrast, which is crucial for navigating varied and complex alpine terrain. The Opal Mirror lens also reduces visual fatigue in bright conditions.

• Superior Ventilation: The open-brow design and vented lenses prevent fogging, even during strenuous climbs or when worn with a helmet.

Cons:

• Price: At $197.99, they are a significant investment, which might be a deterrent for some buyers.

• Specific Use Case: While excellent for “high alpine terrain” and “mountain athletes,” the text doesn’t explicitly mention their performance or suitability for more casual use or other sports, potentially making them a niche product.

Final Thoughts: A Go-To for High Output in High Places

The Smith Ultralight Sunglasses ($197.99) are an ideal choice for mountain athletes who prioritize speed, clarity, and comfort. Whether you’re scrambling across ridgelines or pushing a big link-up, these shades are built to perform in the background—exactly where you want them.

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