Goggles

[darkmother]

I picked up a pair of ski goggles for use on really cold days. Today was such an occasion, -24C, so I busted them out. They were great....for about 1 minute and 25 seconds. Then they fogged up, completely. I wear a balaclava, and my breath got into the goggles, and condensed, then froze on the cold lense. I can't see how this would not happen to any goggle design that I am familliar with. How do you guys keep your ski googles frost free?

[Gojohnnygo.]

Its not about cat crap and so on! If you direct your breath downwards towards your chin. You should be good to go. I keep my goggles outside in the cold. Then just slide them on when ready to ride.

[HereNT]

I had problems with single pane ones, but not the double ones...

[Gojohnnygo.]

I had problems with single pane ones, but not the double ones...


Good point! Buy some high end goggles. It's just like buying a bike you get what you pay for.

[gmacrider]

Yep you need double-pane goggles for sure. I wear mine over a fleece balaclava and even at -35C last week they stayed clear for the entire 50 minute commute.

But you gotta breathe out through your mouth and downwards, which has become second nature to me.

[JJakucyk]

I tried some ski goggles, but haven't had much of a chance to use them because it's either been too rainy or snowy to ride. Either way, when I did try them out, I was able to keep them from fogging by adjusting my balaclava in various ways to deflect my breath. There wasn't any science to it, but I was able to get it to work.

[bostontrevor]

it's either been too rainy or snowy to ride.

Ain't no such thing. ;)

[JJakucyk]

Hey, we each have our own limits.

[smurfy]

I think it would be a neat idea to have double-pane goggles with the space between the panes filled with argon or some other inert gas for extra insulation and/or anti-fogging. I wonder if that would be of any benefit?

[Simplebiker]

I hope you don't mind if I put another question on this thread. I'm thinking of getting some goggles and I haven't gone to look at any yet. Are there any problems putting them on over prescription glasses?

[Portis]

I hope you don't mind if I put another question on this thread. I'm thinking of getting some goggles and I haven't gone to look at any yet. Are there any problems putting them on over prescription glasses?

Although i have never used actual goggles, i suspect that they would be a problem. I use VisorGogs. (http://www.labsafety.com/store/product_group.asp?dept_id=36371&parent_id=36350)

I learned about them on www.icebike.com They are actually safety glasses but work very well over my glasses. They are vented on the top and sides and do not fog if you set your face wear up properly. The key is to have an opening where you can exhale and the air comes out well below the cheek region. You need to have the warm air directed down so it doesn't blow up into the goggles.

You can't see it in the pic but i am actually using what is called an earband to cover my nose/cheeks on the bike. This leaves an opening for my nostrils and mouth. If fogging does become a problem, i simply pull it down like it is in the pic, to "defog." Typically fogging only occurs when i am very heated up and or riding WITH the wind.

http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs12&d=05036&f=crop.JPG

[PWRDbyTRD]

I breath directly out of my balaclava...the downward thing doesn't work for me

[Ken Cox]

I wear Big Ben Over Glasses Goggles.
A search will find several sources for $14 to $20.
They list them as 100% fog proof, but, well, you know.

My difficulty comes when I stop.
The airflow stops.
The humidity from my eyes fogs my glasses and the goggles.
I got this special stuff from the people who sold me my eyeglasses, and it works sometimes and not others; I don't know why.

I have yet to find double-paned over glasses goggles that offer any peripheral vision.
I may have to give up peripheral vision for reliable straight-ahead vision.

I followed Ranger's link to Visorgogs, and those look interesting.
Ranger says he has used them.
Does he have the direct vent or the indirect vent version, and can he describe the difference between the two?

[manual_overide]

I picked up a pair of ski goggles for use on really cold days. Today was such an occasion, -24C, so I busted them out. They were great....for about 1 minute and 25 seconds. Then they fogged up, completely. I wear a balaclava, and my breath got into the goggles, and condensed, then froze on the cold lense. I can't see how this would not happen to any goggle design that I am familliar with. How do you guys keep your ski googles frost free?

Ze goggles! Zey do NOSSINK!!!

Sorry... couldn't help myself.
:D :p

[hammye]

I have no problem with the glasses/goggle combo. I have some cheap oakleys and they work great.

[royalflash]

you could try an old snorkeling trick which I sometimes use- spit on the inside of the goggles and spread it round- this helps with my glasses anyway- no one borrows them after this that is another advantage

[Ebbtide]

if it has not been stated, drug stores sell anti-fog coating for glass. Its a clear waxy substance. I use it on my bathroom mirrors too. Not sure how wel it would work on plastic, but it maybe worth a try.

[Portis]

if it has not been stated, drug stores sell anti-fog coating for glass. Its a clear waxy substance. I use it on my bathroom mirrors too. Not sure how wel it would work on plastic, but it maybe worth a try.

I has been stated many times. Unfortunately it has also been stated that it doesn't really work. I had a gentleman representing a company called Fog Tech present me with some free samples to try this winter. I found that it may have made a very minor difference but really was not the answer. The real answer again, is not to blow warm air up into your goggles.

[Ken Cox]

I followed Ranger's link to Visorgogs, and those look interesting.
Ranger says he has used them.
Does he have the direct vent or the indirect vent version, and can he describe the difference between the two?

[Portis]

I followed Ranger's link to Visorgogs, and those look interesting.
Ranger says he has used them.
Does he have the direct vent or the indirect vent version, and can he describe the difference between the two?

I don't know which is which really. I have included pics of my pair.

http://xs12.xs.to/pics/05030/IMG_3228.JPG
http://xs12.xs.to/pics/05030/IMG_3229.JPG

[Portis]

After Googling Goggles, I think i have learned that I have Direct Vent. Indirect vent appear to not have any air holes. They apparently are to be used around chemicals so they can't have holes which would allow splashes to enter eyes.

NOTE: If you decide to order these, you might want to order a spare lens. Looks like that runs around $5. These babys scratch pretty easily. The first time i wiped them down with a towel i got small scratches. I since have left them alone and they are fine but if you are already ordering, might as well save some shipping charges later.

I only wear mine when the temps are in the teens and below. (in the morning looks like) So i maybe will wear them a total of 30 times this Winter. I don't think they will scratch much in that time but next year...............

[Becca]

I hope you don't mind if I put another question on this thread. I'm thinking of getting some goggles and I haven't gone to look at any yet. Are there any problems putting them on over prescription glasses?

I bought a pair of ScottUSA Goggles. I can't recall where I bought them, but Boscov's (http://www.boscovs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductForm?storeId=10001&find_spec=12458&sourceid=qIrAQfMzsLdAAmewlCbJ&productId=593922&langId=-1) has them on sale for $25.99. I've only worn them once, and they protected my eyes very nicely, fit over my glasses with no problem, and never fogged on me.

[gmacrider]

I heard of a guy on the frigid Saskatchewan prairie who used a snorkel to keep his goggles from being fogged by his breath.

The image of a bus-load of commuters watching this guy ride past all geared up with winter gear, goggles, and snorkel just breaks me up. :D

[powers2b]

I hope you don't mind if I put another question on this thread. I'm thinking of getting some goggles and I haven't gone to look at any yet. Are there any problems putting them on over prescription glasses?

I wear my ski goggles directly over my glasses and it works great.
Be sure to get goggles that are well vented to avoid fogging.
All goggles will get fogged if your moist breath comes in contact with the cold surface. You may be able to fix this by adjusting your face mask. Experiment.
Enjoy

[webist]

I heard of a guy on the frigid Saskatchewan prairie who used a snorkel to keep his goggles from being fogged by his breath.

The image of a bus-load of commuters watching this guy ride past all geared up with winter gear, goggles, and snorkel just breaks me up. :D

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

[webist]

When it's that cold out, I usually insist that my bike wear a trainer while I ride it in the garage.

[veghead]

Check the foam lining on the goggles too. The better ones have a thin layer of material between the foam and your face that will last much longer. I have been using a pair of well vented Smith double pain goggles with a Pryme Ski helmet. I have never had a problem on the bike or the slopes. Try before you buy, if you can. Each pair of goggles I tried on did fit differently. Some we too close to my eylashes, some too wide and some put too much preasure on my nose.

[2manybikes]

You have to experiment to see what works for you at different temperatures, and different conditions. It's a learning experience. If I am moving along on the road I can cover my face with my neck gaiter up under my goggles and not fog if I breath down and out right through the cloth. If I am working hard, I may have to just uncover my nose to keep from fogging. If I'm climbing a huge hill with no wind I may have to pull down my neck cover and expose my face completely. If I am in the woods doing a technical section I may have to take off my goggles for a while. On the road, stopping at lights, I just open the goggles with my hand a little until I get moving.
The double pane goggles are better, but you still have to learn what works for you. There is NOT one answer that just lets you go and ride in all situations.

[SAB]

I have a pair of Oakley L-Frame over-the-glasses ski goggles. I've never worn them biking, but I'm sure it's the same as wearing them for skiing. I've worm them with a balaclava, face mask, and helmet. They are double-pane with foam around the rim for venting. They don't fog, even when it's -20 during a blizzard. You need good goggles and arrange them such that your breath doesn't not go up into the google.

[Gojohnnygo.]

If your riding in temps like low teens to below zero.

KEEP YOUR GOGGLES OUTSIDE IN THE COLD AND DIRECT YOUR BREATH AWAY FROM THEM!

Thats what works for me. Above 20F I have no need for them!

[2manybikes]

I have a pair of Oakley L-Frame over-the-glasses ski goggles. I've never worn them biking, but I'm sure it's the same as wearing them for skiing. I've worm them with a balaclava, face mask, and helmet. They are double-pane with foam around the rim for venting. They don't fog, even when it's -20 during a blizzard. You need good goggles and arrange them such that your breath doesn't not go up into the google.

It's not the same.

But it can be very similar if you are on a road bike going fast most of the time without any big uphills.
It's not that simple, Have you ever done cross county skiing? You can get so hot you have to take your jacket off and the goggles will fog. Then you may get cold too when you go down some hills. If one were riding a mtb in a little snow in the woods on some single track, it would be more like walking straight up hill wearing downhill skis, the thing where you make that herring bone track straight up the hill. Then the goggles fog and you have to take them off.

[2manybikes]

If your riding in temps like low teens to below zero.

KEEP YOUR GOGGLES OUTSIDE IN THE COLD AND DIRECT YOUR BREATH AWAY FROM THEM!

Thats what works for me. Above 20F I have no need for them!

What kind of riding? Down to about what temp? Did you have your whole face covered?

How long did you stay out? That's a big one.

Eventually if you are doing the kind of riding that creates enough heat at slow speed and it's cold enough it becomes a factor to deal with. For me, when I am doing technical singletrack in the snow I have to take my goggles off. If it's really cold then it becomes ice. Sometimes I then switch to glasses for good ventilation. Then if I get going fast again I will switch back to the goggles.

[Gojohnnygo.]

What kind of riding? Down to about what temp? Did you have your whole face covered?

How long did you stay out? That's a big one.

Eventually if you are doing the kind of riding that creates enough heat at slow speed and it's cold enough it becomes a factor to deal with. For me, when I am doing technical singletrack in the snow I have to take my goggles off. If it's really cold then it becomes ice. Sometimes I then switch to glasses for good ventilation. Then if I get going fast again I will switch back to the goggles.

I'm talking about commuting. Ride time about 45 minutes to hour and a half. It depends on the conditions (snow, ice you know what Im talking about)

When skiing up to 8 hours. With a pit stop around noon time. I keep the goggles outside.

Yes the whole face is covered. Not a big fan of Frost bite!

When riding snowmobile trails or single track NO WAY , I don't even bring them with me unless its -20F Below.

[2manybikes]

I'm talking about commuting. Ride time about 45 minutes to hour and a half. It depends on the conditions (snow, ice you know what Im talking about)

When skiing up to 8 hours. With a pit stop around noon time. I keep the goggles outside.

Yes the whole face is covered. Not a big fan of Frost bite!

When riding snowmobile trails or single track NO WAY , I don't even bring them with me unless its -20F Below.

Your answer is much better than my questions.Your post is easier to understand than just about all of them.

I was thinking about a way to clarify the different types of conditons while riding that will make goggles work or not work. You pointed out exactly what I was getting at. The original question, and some of the answers, in this thread seems to miss this point. Goggles are great for some types of riding and not for others. I should have said that in the first place, it depends on what you are doing.

:)

[Gojohnnygo.]

Your answer is much better than my questions.Your post is easier to understand than just about all of them.

I was thinking about a way to clarify the different types of conditons while riding that will make goggles work or not work. You pointed out exactly what I was getting at. The original question, and some of the answers, in this thread seems to miss this point. Goggles are great for some types of riding and not for others. I should have said that in the first place, it depends on what you are doing.

:)


You should make a list. You should include. Ways to get rid of fog and frost from goggles while riding.

1. A simple way is to pull the bottom of the goggle out or the whole goggle out from your face to let more air in.

2. Just slow down. Making to much body heat will make them fog up.

3. If it gets bad. You are over dressed or the air temp is way to warm. You have no need for them.

Anyone got more tips on how to get rid of fogging conditions in there goggles while riding?

[2manybikes]

You should make a list. You should include. Ways to get rid of fog and frost from goggles while riding.

1. A simple way is to pull the bottom of the goggle out or the whole goggle out from your face to let more air in.

2. Just slow down. Making to much body heat will make them fog up.

3. If it gets bad. You are over dressed or the air temp is way to warm. You have no need for them.

Anyone got more tips on how to get rid of fogging conditions in there goggles while riding?

Excellent Idea.

4. I carry goggles an sunglasses if the temp is bordreline so I can switch to the glasses if the temp goes up.

5. Sometimes just uncovering more of your face when working harder or climbing a hill is good. Especially when it is so cold that you need to keep your skin covered most of the time. Just not breathing through your face cover by pulling it down for a while is good enough.

[bassplayinbiker]

When i used to play paintball we put a tiny amount of dish soap on the inside of our linses so the condensation or fog wouldent stick. It worked well in hot humid conditions. but it also worked in the cold. Give it a shot.

[nklatt]

I have yet to find double-paned over glasses goggles that offer any peripheral vision.

FWIW, I've been happy with my US$50 Smith Monashee OTG PMT (http://www.smithsport.com/products/snowgoggle/airflow_monasheeotgpmt.html)s. The place I bought them had one other kind of over-eyeglasses goggles and the Monashee was definitely better in the peripheral vision department. You can get three different lenses (http://www.smithsport.com/products/replacementlens/snowgogglesreplacementlenses_monashee.html) for them, including clear, and they switch pretty easily.

[GreyGoat]

smith turbo CAM (constant air movement) goggles have a little microelectronic, 2 speed, fan in them to make air move all the time.. little pack on the strap by temple hold two AAA batteries.. means no fogging when you stop ..