ProView – Julbo Explorer 2.0 Review

The Julbo Explorer 2.0 with REACTIV 2-4 Polarized Lenses are a purpose-built, ready to handle it all, pair of glasses. Their oversized panoramic lenses give you a clear view of your objectives, and automatically adjust to the light conditions so you can wear them all day long. If you need a pair of glasses to get you to that summit push, these are the pair.

As someone who loves to spend long days in the mountains, a good pair of glasses is crucial for both safety and comfort. I tested these glasses in a variety of environments, from backpacking, climbing, alpine trekking, and general everyday use. Unfortunately, Colorado doesn’t have many true glaciers that stick around into September, so I had to get creative while testing the REACTIV lenses, but I know these glasses will handle glacial travel easily.

Fit/Comfort

These glasses were comfortable enough that I’d feel confident wearing them all day long, day after day. They have a large coverage area which is great for bright days, but could be a bit oversized on smaller faces. The arms feature 360-degree adjustable temples, helping you to get that locked-in feel, no matter your head shape. The only place I felt the fit fell short was the nose bridge. The rubber inserts at the bridge are nice, but my nose shape (big and narrow at the bridge) made it so they don’t actually contact my nose. An adjustable nose bridge would get these to a 5/5 fit for me.

Look/Style

While these glasses could be compared to “Grandpa glasses” or “bug eyes,” alpinists know the importance of large coverage. They are a sleek pair of glasses that look good under a hat, helmet, or while soaking up the sun. No one will doubt if you have the right gear when you come to the glacier rocking these!

Features

These glasses have some great features that help those long days feel a little easier. The removable side shields are easy to remove/install and give the glasses some added versatility. The glasses have vents near the nose, temples, and behind the ears for some added breathability. The biggest feature of these is of course the REACTIV lenses. The pair I used have the Cat. 2-4 lenses, providing significant light blocking. Being able to wear these glasses from early morning light into the brightest parts of the day is a huge pro.

Packability

I really loved that these glasses came with a carrying case, a soft pouch, and the explorer cord attachment. The carrying case is soft and packable, but has one hard side that the lenses go against for extra protection. I felt confident my glasses were safe no matter where they went in my pack.

Performance

These glasses handled all the conditions I threw at them without problem. When backpacking, I kept them on almost all day and they adjusted to the light as needed. I used these for a day trad climbing in Vedauwoo and they felt solid on my face while I jammed and squeezed my way through cracks. The biggest test of the lenses though came at some alpine lakes. I didn’t have snow to test these on, but the reflection off the water gave me a good idea of how they’d handle snow. When standing near the water with direct sun, the glasses got extremely dark, making the light easily bearable but still providing enough for me to see clearly. My only complaint for the performance of the glasses was the slight acclimation they required. When you first put them on, the large lens and its shape were a little disorienting. After a few minutes wearing them though, you forgot you even acclimated. These glasses will handle almost any condition you can throw at them, but are definitely best built for high-alpine glaciated terrain.

Durability/Construction

It is clear these glasses are well made and will hold up to abuse. All the pieces that I’d expect to break, like the arms, are either flexible or visibly built to handle stresses. I would feel confident taking these glasses on an expedition without the fear of them breaking partway through.

What Sets the Product Apart

The standout feature of these glasses is the REACTIV lenses. The ability to put one pair of glasses on in the morning and have them adjust as needed throughout the day was such a luxury. On top of that, the high build quality and Julbo’s reputation for making the best glasses for the alpine make these glasses a top pick for mountaineering.

Who Is This Product For

This product is made for big days on big mountains, with big objectives. That’s not to say they can’t handle calmer days in the low country, but they really shine up high. If you’re considering some larger objectives this season, then consider these glasses as your sidekick.

Friendliness to the Earth

Over 75% of Julbo’s glasses use Rilsan, a bio-based polymer, for a lightweight and durable frame, but the biggest way Julbo strives for sustainability is by making durable products that can last a lifetime. This reduces the number of items customers buy and reduces how much goes to the landfill.

The Final Word

The Julbo Explorer 2.0 with REACTIV 2-4 Lenses are an incredibly capable and performance-built pair of glasses, ready to take you to high places. The REACTIV lenses give you flexibility without needing multiple lenses, and the comfortable fit lets you wear them all day long. I do wish the nose bridge had some adjustment, but purpose-built gear has to have some drawbacks. I’d confidently recommend these to someone looking for glasses that will handle any high-alpine environment they can get to.

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