I got my first pair of Julbo sunglasses about 22 years ago when I first started climbing mountains regularly. Made in France with renowned quality and lens technology, I’m sure I thought it was ok to throw them on my credit card as a freshman at Colorado State University. I remember thinking they were totally cool and expensive. I went through a couple pairs over the years, and I still have one I keep in a hiking pack as a backup.
Luckily, I have been reunited with the brand in the form of their winter goggles—one of the single most crucial pieces of equipment you will ever own. The new Orbiter goggle from Julbo features a double lens for insulation (anti-fog); and flash coatings on the spherical outer lens (anti-glare), which also helps with light filtration. They are available with either the high-end Camel or Zebra lens, both spherical, polarizing, and photochromic lenses with protection in optical categories 2 to 4. While they are large format with great peripheral vision, they also fit nicely inside a helmet. The other cool added feature on these goggles is the extender that stays attached to your helmet—snap them off and they are perfectly sized to your head for après ski. The Orbiter is available in four colors with two lens choices. Julbousa.com; $200US
