Julbo Vermont Classic Sunglasses

From Julbo, a French company that’s been around for more than 125 years, the Vermont glacier goggles are more than just top-notch eye protection—they’ve become a popular style piece as well. The metal frame is fitted with Spectron 4 lenses, rated category 4 (the strongest available) and well suited for high altitudes and bright deserts alike. The flexible side arms allow for a custom fit, the ear hooks provide a secure hold, and the ventilated, removable leather side shields—a longtime staple of glacier sunglasses—protect from glare and help avoid snow blindness.

Named for its founder, Jules Baud, Julbo has its roots in the Jura region of France, dating all the way back to 1888. Baud started out designing optical eyewear, and at the request of crystal hunters braving the mountains of Chamonix, began making protective sunglasses for the most extreme conditions. In the 1950s, the company revolutionized the market with the Vermont glacier goggles, built for mountaineers conquering the highest peaks in the world. And that’s exactly where Julbo tested its products—on 8,000ers like K2, Gasherbrum II, Broad Peak, and Nanga Parbat, among others. In the ‘90s and early aughts, Julbo expanded its line to include a wide range of sports and terrains, and today it even makes eyewear for children.