Best Goggles for Flat Light, So You Don’t Get Blinded By The Bright Sun

Introduction

Don’t you despise it when Mother Nature simply doesn’t cooperate with your ski plans?

I mean, why can’t we skiers just have a normal ski day, huh? Some days it’s rainy, other days, it’s so dim with low light conditions which you can barely make out the boulder 15 meters away.

But realistically speaking, flat light is your biggest enemy on the slopes. When you are completely blinded by the brightness of the sun’s light reflecting off of snowy slopes or by a sheet of snow consistently falling from the sky…you can barely get any skiing done.

Lucky for us die-hard skiers, technology has taken our side and gifted us with goggles specialized in giving us 10/10 excellent vision even on the most blinding of days.

Check out my top 5 best goggles for flat light and the most useful guide you could need when purchasing one of these bad boys.

Product

Details

High End

Smith I/O MAG

• Material: Silicone
• Item Weight: 0.3 Kg

Check Price at Backcountry

Pink Tinted

Oakley Flight Deck

• Material: Nylon
• Item Weight: ‎0.4 kg

Check Price at evo

Good Adjustability

Outdoor Master PRO

• Material: Bendable TPU
• Item Weight: 0.18 kg

Check Price at Outdoor Master

Best Impact Resistance

Oakley O-Frame 2.0

• Material: Nylon,Plastic
• Item Weight: ‎0.3 kg

Check Price at Backcountry

Most Versatile

Wildhorn Pipeline Ski

• Material: PC/ABS & TPU
• Item Weight: 0.127 kg

Check Price at Wildhorn Outfitter

Top Picks for the Best Goggles for Flat Light

Here are my carefully selected options for the best ski goggle suited for a flat day.

1. Smith I/O MAG Asian Fit Snow Goggle

Not an affordable price option, no man, not one bit! But is it worth it? Absolutely, down to every last expensive lens and crystal clear optic lens quality.

Upon purchase, I had 16x lens choices ranging from light blue to dark black for every ski day and condition. I am a medium helmet size, so I had no problem pulling it on, however, a small-sized friend of mine found it impossible to adjust the goggles onto their helmet.

VLT: 12% and 50%

Best Features:

• Wide spherical lenses to broaden and maximize peripheral vision
• Easily switch lenses for an increased set of options depending on the weather and conditions you’re in
• Strong anti-fog technology with anti-fog inner lens and AirEvac system
• 2 lenses for low light conditions and bright light
• For high contrast and increased visual clarity, chromopop technology is utilized on the spherical lens

What I Didn’t Like:

• The interchangeable lenses are handy but a demanding task, to say the least, which I didn’t have time for in between breaks
• A bit expensive, so not a suitable option for those looking at budgeted models

Smith I/O MAG Asian Fit Snow Goggle

The Price of “Smith I/O MAG Asian Fit Snow Goggle” varies, so check the latest price at

Check Price at Backcountry

2. Oakley Flight Deck With Prizm Hi Pink

If you’re icky towards the color pink…grow up! It’s 2023, and we wear our pinks with pride on the slopes. The Oakley Flight Deck pink-tinted lenses are important for flat light days as they adjust the “settings” of the scene accurately and perfectly.

VLT: 30% to 40%

Best Features:

• Oakley Flight Deck incorporates Prizm lens technology that filters and sorts wavelengths
• Pink-tinted lenses increase contrast and brightness on flat-light days
• Eliminates moisture build-up from the inside of the goggles with the help of F3 anti-fog coating and a venting system
• Oakley’s Flight Deck has a vast field of vision
• You can change lenses if a spare set is available
• Triple layer foam padding with quick drying and moisture wicking capabilities lines these goggles to prevent fog and condensation inside

What I Didn’t Like:

• Not optically correct to be worn above spectacles, but its wide body allows for space underneath if I wanted to wear them anyway
• Upon purchase, only one pair of lenses is provided, and those are the Hi Pink ones which are unsuitable for sunny days.

Oakley Flight Deck With Prizm Hi Pink

The Price of “Oakley Flight Deck With Prizm Hi Pink” varies, so check the latest price at

Check Price at evo

3. Outdoor Master PRO Light Green Lens

Although it won’t provide you with the service that you get from other name brands, the Outdoor Master is still a pretty good choice, as all you need are the right lens technology to survive the flat light days.

Although the VLT range with these Outdoor Master goggles is pretty high, which one would say is best suited for night skiing, many users have noted that it performs outstandingly in flat light conditions too. Also, it comes at an excellent price. Best goggles for night skiing is a must-have accessory if you prefer to ski late till the wee hours.

VLT: 80%

Best Features:

• The goggle strap is adjustable and fits the different head and helmet sizes of various people
• These goggles offer well-functioning venting systems and anti-fog coating
• The interchangeable lenses options are both plenty and affordable to choose from
• Large spherical lens technology on these goggles helps in giving you a better feel of your surroundings while skiing
• Has a magnetic lens replacement system
• Can accommodate glasses up to 5 inches in width and 1.5 inches in height

What I Didn’t Like:

• The contrast and brightness of the lenses entirely depend on which ones you want to swap them out for, as the original company ones do not possess any advanced ChromaPop or Prizm lenses technology.

Outdoor Master PRO Light Green Lens

The Price of “Outdoor Master PRO Light Green Lens” varies, so check the latest price at

Check Price at Outdoor Master

4. Oakley O-Frame 2.0 PRO Snow Goggle

Utilizing HDO technology to ensure no distortion is involved while skiing, these goggles also block out all harmful UVA, UVC, and UVB rays.

Its scratch resistance is both impressive and quite handy, as you can never tell what could come whipping at your face out of nowhere. Take it from me when a branch out of nowhere whipped me silly around the head but left no mark on the goggles, thanks to their anti-scratch feature.

VLT: 43% – 80%

Best Features:

• Anti-fogging and anti-scratch features
• Triple-layer foam fleece lining that eventually made me forget I even have these on my face
• 50 mm silicone strap fully adjustable for any part and side of my face
• Medically prescribed glasses can be worn underneath them

What I Didn’t Like:

• I noticed the design of the goggles was very low profile which made them a bit uncomfortable for me.

Oakley O-Frame 2.0 PRO Snow Goggle

The Price of “Oakley O-Frame 2.0 PRO Snow Goggle” varies, so check the latest price at

Check Price at Backcountry

5. Wildhorn Pipeline Ski Unisex Goggles

Famed for their versatility and adaptability to different light conditions and environments, I specifically loved how interchangeable lenses can provide me with such a wide range of visible light transmissions.

Not just that, but I also particularly liked the style, and framing of the glasses, which seem quite long living and strong but don’t sit too hard on the face.

VLT: 8% – 82% with Interchangeable lenses

Best Features:

• Spacious cylindrical lenses
• Comfortable and soft cushioning on the inside for an invisible feel
• 100% UV rays protection
• Comes with Aurora technology
• Magnetic lens swapping technology

What I Didn’t Like:

• Due to a lack of a venting system and proper high-quality anti-fogging technology, the lens builds up fog which is hard to clear off.

Wildhorn Pipeline Ski Unisex Goggles

The Price of “Wildhorn Pipeline Ski Unisex Goggles” varies, so check the latest price at

Check Price at Wildhorn Outfitter

What You Should Know About Flat Light

Before investing in goggles, it’s best to know what flat light is.

What is Flat Light & What Causes It

You’d think that flat light conditions refer to when everything is dark and closing in at the end of the day with low light. No? Well, at least that’s what I thought it’d be.

On the contrary flat light is when there is way too much white light around you in the mountains. This condition makes everything look like an overexposed white-out apocalyptic end.

Needless to say, you will be blinded, and even after letting your eyes adjust to the whiteout conditions, you’ll still find it difficult to focus on one thing close by. Let alone ski and focus on far-off objects.

Flat light conditions are caused mainly due to strong snowy winds or very dense snowfall. Also, if the sky is quite cloudy, it could reflect the sunlight and multiply its intensity. Besides, as the mountains are already covered in snow, the white snow would reflect the sunlight tenfold.

Why Do Goggles Help You See Better? 

Ski goggles improve your eyesight in flat light conditions from two different aspects. The first and easiest to understand of the two is that ski goggles’ lens works by blocking any billowing heavy snowfall from crowding around your eyes and clouding your vision.

Secondly, flat light ski goggles, with their special wavelength filtering technology and lens color, help in clarifying objects and sceneries that are otherwise wiped out from the flat light.

Lens Colors and Technology

Depending on the different whiteout conditions you have to deal with, there are different lens colors to choose from. Where technology is concerned, each pair of ski goggles suited for flat light is tailored to filter in a different amount of light (otherwise known as Visible Light Transmission (VLT)).

The visible light transmission percentage translates to (in simple words) the amount of natural light that is allowed through the lenses to reach your eyes.

Therefore when choosing a pair of ski goggles for flat light days, go for ones with the least percentage of VLT. That’s because the more light is present outside, the less light you want to reach your eyes. And this is how you improve your vision in flat light.

What to Consider to Buy Goggles for Flat Light?

The following are the things to consider when making the purchase.

Tints on the Lenses 

I’ve mentioned lens colors before…, but the more important part is which color you should buy. As it turns out, each color has its different characteristics and suits different environments and conditions.

If you’re looking for certain colors that suit every single outdoor condition, whether sunny or cloudy, then opt for the brown, orange, and yellow lens colors. They are best suited to adjust the contrast of your surroundings and tailor them to a comfortable and compatible hue for your eyes.

On the other hand, when looking at a pink lens tint for your flat light goggles, those are perfect to increase contrast and a touch of brightness. Not just that, but the options grow more and more with selections such as dark-tinted rose that provide less VLT for sunny days.

Comfort 

Anything that you are wearing on your face for long hours, is bound to give you a headache if it is not tailored perfectly to your fit and preferences.

That is why before placing your order for any pair of flat light goggles, ensure that they sit comfortably on your face without giving you an itch, headache, or any sort of annoyance.

Triple-layer foam is a popular feature on most ski goggles for flat light as they create soft and snug bedding on the edges of the goggles before they sit on your skin.

This ensures that not only can you wear your ski goggle for long hours consecutively, but also no mark or redness remains on your skin, making your skiing experience more comfortable.

In addition to overall maximum comfort, people who wear glasses are always concerned about how they can pull on their ski goggles atop their medical eyewear. If you are part of the spectacle-bearing crowd, then find out the goggles for flat light that you can strap on over your glasses.

Popularly known as OTG goggles (Over The Glasses), they are manufactured with adequate space on the inside, padding, and lining around your spectacles.

VLT Levels 

As I mentioned in the previous paragraphs, visible light transmission is an important and essential feature you should pay close attention to when purchasing the best ski goggles for flat light.

Visible light transmission percentages work with simple logic.

Bright day – low VLT

Dull day – high VLT

That’s all you have to keep in mind when checking out the VLT percentages on the ski goggle of your choice.

So, for example, if it is a normal day with not too much sunshine and not too much low light, then a 25% Visible light transmission range is just perfect.

But if we’re talking about flat light days where everything is more overexposed than that one scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows where Voldemort resembled a little sad burnt turkey on Thanksgiving, you might need snow goggles with a way lesser VLT range.

Low-Light Technology

For every complication in the human world, some awesome invention comes to life in the technological world. The same is the case with low-light ski goggles with special technology meant to make you squint less and observe the bigger picture with comfort.

Usually, high-end goggles feature the finest type of technology to increase contrast, clarity, and long-sighted vision. So if it’s an extra buck making you reluctant…do the splurge. It always pays off!

FAQs

How to Stop Goggles Fogging Up?

There is no life hack or workaround to this! You simply have to purchase the best ski goggles with an anti-fog coating or ones that have vents built into them. Of course, there are levels and quality grades for the different coatings.

If you opt for a cheaper model, you’re bound to get an anti-fog coating that would wear down quickly over a short period of time. Make a wise investment for yourself!

Other handy and practical tips to ensure that your best goggles do not fog up is to store them in a dry, slightly warm place when they are not in use (preferably the inside pocket of your ski jacket). The warmth helps eliminate any traces of condensation buildup.

Moreover, the usual rule of no fingers on your lenses has to be strictly upheld! Usually, your fingers have an oily residue, other gunk, or whatnot on them that is bound to damage and remove the anti-fog coating.

Lastly, keep your snowboard goggle clean, dab away with a soft fabric any moisture that may make its way on the lenses. Remember to never smear, wipe or rub the lenses to protect them.

Can I Wear My Glasses Under Goggles?

Not every skier who wears glasses would be able to comfortably wear them while also wearing ski goggles. Even if your ski goggle has large spherical lenses, it is still highly probable that you wouldn’t be able to easily wear your vision glasses underneath.

There are, however, a number of solutions you can consider.

Number 1, only purchase the specialized OTG goggles, which are designed with extra room and space for glasses underneath.

Number 2, switch your choice of vision improvement from glasses to contact lenses. This would eliminate all of the issues altogether.

Number 3, and lastly, purchase spectacle inserts for your best ski goggles for flat light. These inserts fit seamlessly on all standard goggles and offer the best alternative you can find in the market.

How Should Ski Goggles Feel?

Just like everything else in your ski outfit, the best goggles for flat light must feel snug and comfortable on your face.

You shouldn’t feel any pressure around your eye area or anywhere else on your face. There also shouldn’t be any redness from the straps, but if there is, then you must loosen the strap immediately.

Basically, the perfect pair of flat light goggles should feel practically invisible on your face once you fix them on.

Top Tips for Low Light Skiing

Low-light skiing is the polar opposite situation in comparison to flat-light skiing. However, it similarly needs many precautions and tips to keep in mind when indulging. Regardless of which tips you heed, though, you need low-light goggles on you at all times.

Switch Elevation Levels

Low light is usually where a lack of peripheral visibility is caused due to low-hanging clouds. So why not lift yourself above the problem? Literally…

By changing elevation levels, you can determine whether you want to ski above the clouds or below them. Therefore skiing a bit higher than the clouds would ensure better, clearer, and brighter light quality.

Get A Feel of the Snow

Imagine you’re walking around in the dark…what do you use to familiarize yourself with the nature of the objects and the surroundings around you? Your hands, of course!

In ski land, your poles are your hands. So where low light is an issue, and you’re not particularly sure about how reliable your surroundings are, such as the thickness of the snow, simply use your poles to gauge how deep and shallow different parts are.

Take a Spin In the Woods

That sounds absolutely nuts! But trees are your best friend in low light conditions. Why? Well, because you can’t possibly miss a 50-foot tree splat bang right in front of you on the trails.

Hence, in areas where there is an abundance of trees, you can use that as your guiding compass to steer your way around them and know your path better.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a dare devil or not, when it comes to flat light days on the slopes, you need to take all the proper precautions that you can.

Investing in a pair of high-quality good goggles that you can use for the long run and whip out whenever the weather conditions are extremely difficult is the best thing you can do for yourself. 

So, stop dilly-dallying and get down to it!