Bouldering with Glasses
I started bouldering about three years ago. I was never really into any kind of rock-climbing, but a friend of mine suggested we try it out one day, and I was hooked. I loved the challenge of the different routes, and the feeling of pushing myself to new heights (literally). The only problem was that I had to wear my glasses, and they would constantly fog up and slip down my nose.
The Pros
While there are many downfalls to bouldering with glasses, there are also a few pros. First and foremost, glasses give you the ability to see better. This is crucial when trying to read the holds and route of a problem. Secondly, depending on the style of your frames, they can act as a bit of a buffer if you happen to take a spill while bouldering. This is especially true for people with larger frames. While not indestructible, glasses can offer some protection for your eyes in the event of a fall.
The Cons
Wearing glasses while bouldering has a few key disadvantages. First and foremost, they’re susceptible to fogging up when you’re exerting yourself. They can also slip down your nose when you start to sweat, and if they fall off mid-climb, they can be very difficult to retrieve. In addition, glasses can be uncomfortable to wear under a helmet, and they can make it difficult to see your feet placement when you’re looking down.
How to Choose the Right Pair of Glasses for Bouldering
When you are bouldering, every detail matters. The right pair of glasses can make a big difference in your performance. You need a pair of glasses that will stay in place, provide the right amount of coverage, and not fog up. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right pair of glasses for bouldering? Let’s take a look.
Fit
The most important thing to consider when purchasing a pair of glasses for bouldering is the fit. The glasses need to stay in place when you move your head around, but they also need to be comfortable enough that you don’t feel like they’re constantly slipping down your nose.
There are a few different ways to ensure a good fit. First, take into account the size and shape of your face. If you have a narrower face, you’ll want to look for glasses that have a narrower frame. Second, pay attention to the nose pads. Some glasses have adjustable nose pads, which can be helpful in getting the right fit. Finally, try on the glasses and make sure they feel comfortable before you make your purchase.
In addition to fit, there are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing the right pair of glasses for bouldering. First, consider the tint of the lenses. Darker tints will reduce glare and help you see better in bright conditions, while lighter tints are better for low-light situations. Second, think about how much coverage you want from your glasses. If you wear contacts, you may want to look for glasses that offer more coverage so that your eyes don’t get dry from the wind or sand. Finally, consider what style of glasses would be best for you. There are many different styles of bouldering glasses available, so it’s just a matter of finding the pair that suits your needs and personal style best.
Lenses
There are three basic types of lenses available for glasses designed for bouldering: single vision, bi-focals, and progressive lenses.
Single vision lenses are the simplest type of lens, and are suitable if you only need help with your distance vision. Bi-focals have two distinct optical zones, one for distance and one for close-up objects, joined by a visible line. Progressive lenses are similar to bi-focals, but the line is invisible, and the optical zones are graduated so that your eye can adjust gradually as it moves from one part of the lens to another.
Each type of lens has its own advantages and disadvantages. Single vision lenses are the most affordable option, but if you need help with both your distance and near vision, you will need to switch between two pairs of glasses – one for bouldering and one for reading or close work. Bi-focals are suitable for people who need help with both their distance and near vision, but the line between the two optical zones can be disruptive when trying to focus on an object at intermediate distances. Progressive lenses offer a seamless field of vision for both distance and near objects, but they can be more expensive than other types of lenses.
When choosing glasses for bouldering, it is important to consider what type of lens will best suit your needs. If you only need help with your distance vision, single vision lenses may be the most affordable option. If you require assistance with both your distance and near vision, bi-focals or progressive lenses may be a better choice.
Frames
There are many different types of glasses frames, and the type you choose should be based on your individual needs and preferences. If you have a very narrow face, you may want to choose frames that are narrower than average. If you have a very wide face, you may want to choose frames that are wider than average. You should also take into account the size and shape of your eyes when choosing frames. If you have large eyes, you may want to choose frames that are larger than average. If you have small eyes, you may want to choose frames that are smaller than average.
Rimless glasses frames are a good choice for people who want a light, comfortable pair of glasses that won’t slip down their nose. Rimless glasses frames also have the advantage of being less likely to break than other types of frames.
Full-rim glasses frames are a good choice for people who want a sturdy pair of glasses that will stay in place on their face. Full-rim glasses frames are also a good choice for people who want to make a statement with their eyewear.
Half-rim glasses frames are a good choice for people who want the look of rimless glasses without sacrificing the durability of full-rimmed glasses. Half-rim glasses frames are also a good choice for people who wear sunglasses on top of their regular eyeglasses.
How to Care for Your Glasses While Bouldering
Bouldering with glasses can be a bit tricky. You need to be extra careful with your glasses while climbing because they can easily fall off and get scratched or broken. Here are a few tips on how to care for your glasses while bouldering.
Storage
When you’re not wearing your glasses, it’s important to store them properly to prevent them from being damaged. The best way to store your glasses is in a hard case that will protect them from being crushed or scratched. If you don’t have a case, you can wrap your glasses in a soft cloth to keep them safe.
It’s also important to avoid leaving your glasses in direct sunlight, as this can damage the lenses. If possible, store your glasses in a cool, dark place when they’re not in use.
Cleaning
It’s important to clean your glasses regularly, especially if you are bouldering with them. Depending on the type of lens you have, you may need to use different solutions and techniques. For most lenses, however, you can use a microfiber cloth and lens solution made specifically for glasses.
Here is a step-by-step guide for cleaning your glasses:
- Wet your microfiber cloth with lens solution.
- Gently wipe the lens in a circular motion. Be sure to clean both the front and back of the lens.
- Use a dry portion of the microfiber cloth to remove any excess solution from the lens.
- Repeat steps 1-3 as necessary until the lens is clean.