Time spent away from the hamster wheel of daily life—in a serene environment, fresh air in abundance—has a way of invigorating the senses. And, of course, there’s no shortage of outdoor pursuits to satisfy that craving, from hiking and kayaking to camping and mountain biking, each requiring just the proper sense of adventure and, just as important, the proper equipment. Enter Columbia, the global brand that has been specializing in apparel and accessories built for performance since 1938, continuously upgrading as technology advances with each passing year.
Paradoxically, one of the the greatest deterrents to a great day outdoors pursuing one of these activities can be the very thing that helps make it so blissful to begin with: the blazing sun. And since clear vision of what’s ahead of you is always paramount, a regular pair of sunglasses just isn’t going to cut it. Eyewear for action-filled adventures has to be lightweight, durable, and comfortable. It needs to feel natural on your face while providing the maximum amount of coverage.
The company offers a range of sunglasses made to resist those beaming rays, along with optical eyewear that can withstand the other elements. Just a few of the innovations that Columbia offers: larger lenses, wider nose bridges, longer temples, integrated flex spring hinges, and extended fit sizing. Of course, as a leader in the category, the brand doesn’t forget about appearances, either, with classic designs that look as good as they perform.
To get you started, we’ve put together full Columbia outfits for these outdoor activities—including the most suitable and stylish eyewear for each. Read on for the details.
For Hiking
Columbia C566S
You’ll want to start off with the right footwear: a hiking boot that can navigate rocky trails and unexpected waterways, like the waterproof Konos TRS OutDry Shoe. The rest of your apparel needs to be as light and breathable as possible, with maximum ventilation—exactly what the TechTrail Crew Neck Shirt and Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Pants provide. Finish with sleek square-frame specs to block the sun’s rays.
Columbia Tech Trail Crew Neck Shirt II
Columbia Men’s Konos TRS OutDry Shoe
For Kayaking
Columbia C565S
Activities on the water require material that’s both moisture-wicking and has built-in UV-protection—key characteristics of the PFG Uncharted Long Sleeve Shirt. The elegant yet utilitarian PFG Half Moon III cargo shorts are suitably breathable and perfect for holding your phone and other essentials, while the PFG Boatside Relaxed Shoe offers enhanced traction and stability on wet surfaces. Meanwhile, these sizable rectangle sunglasses will limit the bright glare as you paddle along.
Columbia PFG Boatside Shoe
Columbia PFG Half Moon III Shorts
For Camping
Columbia C120S
Time spent in the wilderness requires coverage to protect against itch-producing plants and insects—and styles that can work for sunny days and chilly nights alike, like the Flare Gun Flannel Shirt and Landroamer Ripstop Pants. It also offers ample opportunities for social-media selfies, which is where these stylish navigator-style sunglasses will come in handy.
Columbia Flare Gun Stretch Flannel Shirt
Columbia Landroamer Pants
For Mountain Biking
Columbia C125S
Here you want apparel that stays close to the body to avoid snags, and preferably pieces that are also durable and moisture-wicking, like the Tech Trail Polo and Hazy Trail II Rain Pants. And under your helmet, go with lightweight sunglasses with nose pads to ensure a secure fit.
Columbia Hazy Trail II Rain Pants
Columbia Tech Trail Polo Shirt
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Style
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below