Bike Forums - Winter eyewear

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I guess I should have asked my fellow commuters before going ahead and ordering a pair of snowboarding/ski goggles for commuting in really, really cold and windy days. I found last year when I just wore clear glasses it was not sufficient protection for my eyes against the blowing cold. My concern with the goggles is that they may fog up easily and that my peripheral vision might be limited.

Has anyone tried using goggles for winter commutes? What's been your experience with them? Are some types better than others?

Or have I just wasted my money?

I haven't tried full goggles, but I've never had trouble with using clear glasses. I usually buy clear safety glasses, not just clear cycling lenses, as they provide a little more coverage from the wind and cold. My commute is only two miles each way, so maybe you have more demanding needs. I'm interested to hear if you feel they are a significant improvement and worth the cost.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcours2006 (Post 18212411)

I recently started wearing goggles. They don't fog up unless I'm stopped at a traffic signal. However, I have not used them in anything under 38 degrees yet. My issue with the goggles is that my helmet comes down low enough on my forehead that it makes me wear the goggles lower than I would like. In fact, the nose bridge on the goggles ends up nearly at the tip of my nose. It seems like I may have to try shaving off 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the lower edge on the front of my helmet. I'm not entirely sure how that's going to work out.

It's rarely needed here, but when it is, I use my snowboard goggles (with a pin vent and adjustable vents) and helmet (which has a cloth liner, vents that can be closed, ear warmers, and a clip for the goggles). Fogging is not a problem as long as you keep moving to keep the air going in the goggle vents. I see they now have a version with electric fans! That's a bridge too silly, at least for me and for here.

Here's the hard sell http://www.smithoptics.com/us/techgoggle?lang=en

Living where your at and depending on what kind of weather you're riding in. They should come in handy. I mean if you're riding in snow or extremely low temperatures then I don't think you wasted your money. I use two types of goggles myself. The first pair are Visorgogs that I've used for years. I use those when it gets below 40f/4c. They start fogging up at 10f/-12c or thereabouts. Below that I'll switch to your typical ski goggle. They don't fog up as much when it gets below 0/-17c. Both are inexpensive. The Visorgogs will last about 3 years before the ultraviolet rays wear out the lens. But they only cost $6US. So I buy three at a time. And they're great for using in the rain.

I have tried using goggles and clear safety glasses and they all fog up on me. I got so frustrated with fogging and I don`t use anything anymore. My eyes and face seems to acclimatize itself to extreme cold, the problem is when there are ice pellets falling , they really hurt my face and eyes...If anybody knows the secret to keep your goggles fog free, please share your secret.

I've used ski goggles with clear lenses. They're hard to find, but Scott makes them. They don't fog up, but I wear them over glasses, and my glasses fog up. I can ride OK without my glasses on, so that's what I do when it's really bitter cold (below zero). I am going to mess around with the vents on the goggles this winter to see if I can improve matters.

One important thing is to arrange your muffler so your breath doesn't enter your goggles. I'm thinking of getting a neoprene balaklava.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gresp15C (Post 18213090)

I ordered one of these too. I'll let you know how it works once it arrives,..well, once it gets cold enough for me to use it. I'd been using a thinner balaclava, It's a game of trial and error with this winter commute thing. This time last year I had no intention of riding through winter, but did it, and for the most part was okay. I'm trying to get an early start with the preparation this year and hopefully it will make it a less unenjoyable experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gresp15C (Post 18213090)

I'm thinking of getting a neoprene balaklava.

Hope you're not talking about the diving type one. I have 2 of them and they are too warm for anything but Antarctica or Mars. Waiting for the next ice age :lol:

It doesn't matter what I get on it always gets foggy here where I live. I have tried plain safety glasses and anti fog goggles they always get bad.

I use a snow helmet and goggles (same ones I use for downhill skiing) when it gets below 20F or so. They usually don't fog up too bad if I'm careful.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcours2006 (Post 18212411)

.... I found last year when I just wore clear glasses it was not sufficient protection for my eyes against the blowing cold. My concern with the goggles is that they may fog up easily and that my peripheral vision might be limited.

Has anyone tried using goggles for winter commutes? What's been your experience with them? Are some types better than others?

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfchild (Post 18212943)

I have tried using goggles and clear safety glasses and they all fog up on me. I got so frustrated with fogging and I don`t use anything anymore. My eyes and face seems to acclimatize itself to extreme cold, the problem is when there are ice pellets falling , they really hurt my face and eyes...If anybody knows the secret to keep your goggles fog free, please share your secret.

This is my first posting this year of my perennial post about the fogging problem:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston (Post 16323439)

I perennially post about my winter eyewear for my 14 mile year-round commute, from about 35° down to as low as 0°. I must wear my prescription eyeglasses, and fogging is one of the worst dangers of winter riding. I am entirely satisfied with my system:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston (Post 16278268)

…for eye protection is a pair of simple, wide, plastic industrial goggles that I suspend from my cycling cap using Velcro around the nosepiece. The goggles sit very comfortably on my face securely in place even though my ears are covered. The earpieces then provide a secure mount for my eyeglass-mounted Take-a-Look mirror. The goggles allow sufficient room for my prescription eyeglasses, and are widely ventilated to carry away the exhaled moisture preventing fogging.

[Some manipulation of the face covering is necessary. For example I lower the mask when at rest or riding uphill. After a few minutes cycling, usually I don't need a full face cover.] These goggles have made winter cycling entirely possible because all other attempts to avoid dangerous fogging have been nowhere as successful…

SEE ALSO POST #18 BELOW.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=480531 http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=480530

I have also often suggested that any recommendations for winter riding include description of the conditions in which they are employed, i.e. lowest temperature and distance.

Addendum:
This morning (12/14/13) I did my 14 mile commute at 11° F with no fogging problems. After about one mile I was comfortable with lowering my face mask below my lower lip. When going fast on windswept downhill runs of about a few hundred yards, I raised my face mask to below my nose. The warm, moist exhaled air kept my exposed nose and cheeks warm, and the onrushing air dissipated the moisture before it could fog up the goggles. With a slightly forced exhalation, I could even warm my eyebrows, with no fogging.

I realize now that my goggles and face mask are actually an integrated system of heating and ventilation that keeps my face warm and my vision unencumbered by fogging. The windscreen of the goggles is so effective in keeping my eyes warm that my eyelids actually perspired because my central core body was so warm, and my eyes never got cold, even on those fast windswept downhill runs.

Sometimes brief fogging does occur, literally with each breath but is then immediately swept away. One has to be careful though, that condensation does not linger at particularly cold temperatures less than about 15°, or it can quickly turn to frost and will not go away unless scraped off. This happened on a ride at about 0° at about mile 11 as shown below. Nonetheless it only occurred on the lateral half of the right-hand lens, and I still had enough forward vision, and left-hand peripheral vision so I could use my rearview mirror, and I felt comfortable riding the last 3 miles.

Finally, last Monday I rode in a sleety, wintry mix, and wore a billed baseball cap under my helmet. My prescription eyeglasses stayed dry and clear, and my vision was good with occasional swipes of the goggles with a gloved finger.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=480533

Quote:

Originally Posted by erig007 (Post 18213139)

Hope you're not talking about the diving type one. I have 2 of them and they are too warm for anything but Antarctica or Mars. Waiting for the next ice age :lol:

Thanks for that pointer. Right now I have a fleece muffler, the problem is that my breath goes up into my glasses. So I'm thinking of one of those things with the little beak for my nose, to direct my breath downward.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gresp15C (Post 18213452)

Try the techno mask. It has 2 things necessary for this to work : something that allow you to tightening up at will at the nose area and also at the back of the head.
Plus you get an "anti pollution" mask.
I have tried different products and this type of mask (not necessary this one) seems to be the most efficient at preventing fogging glasses/goggles.
This mask is not enough by itself but when combined with a (wool) balaclava to act as a seal (balaclava under the facemask) and some anti-fog goggles, it does it for me.

Wondering if glasses/goggles could stop fogging with a nose warmer under a facemask....

LISTEN to [MENTION=124426]Jim from Boston[/MENTION]

he knows his $hit!

Quote:

Originally Posted by chefisaac (Post 18213693)

LISTEN to @Jim from Boston

he knows his $hit!

Except that the facemask on his pics is not the best against fog i have had one like this for a while before throwing it away (doesn't allow a good seal around the nose)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston (Post 18213387)

This is my first posting this year of my perennial post about the fogging problem:

Thanks for sharing, Jim. I have a couple of pairs of clear glasses like the one you have on in the picture, both of which are large enough to give good coverage, and fogging up has not been a problem.

The pair of goggles that I recently purchased are the ski-type that encloses the entire area around the eyes. The reason for this is to keep the wind and cold air from circulating behind the glass/plastic. I do realize this actually helps clear up any condensation on the inside, but that cold air also is, well, cold.

If my breath doesn't get to the inside of the goggles, which it shouldn't since it's closed off, then in theory, it should work. We'll see.

Quote:

Originally Posted by erig007 (Post 18213730)

Except that the facemask on his pics is not the best against fog. I have had one like this for a while before throwing it away (doesn't allow a good seal around the nose)

IME, and from reading numerous posts on the subject, there are three basic methods for preventing fogging, caused by exhaled moist air onto the cold surface of the eyeglasses and goggles:

Provide ventilation for the exhaled air, as described in my post; an advantage to the exhaled air is that it keeps the face warm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston (Post 16278268)

….The goggles allow sufficient room for my prescription eyeglasses, and are widely ventilated to carry away the exhaled moisture preventing fogging… When the going fast on windswept downhill runs of about a few hundred yards, I raised my face mask to below my nose. The warm, moist exhaled air kept my exposed nose and cheeks warm, and the onrushing air dissipated the moisture before it could fog up the goggles. With a slightly forced exhalation, I could even warm my eyebrows, with no fogging.

I realize now that my goggles and face mask are actually an integrated system of heating and ventilation that keeps my face warm and my vision unencumbered by fogging. The windscreen of the goggles is so effective in keeping my eyes warm that my eyelids actually perspired because my central core body was so warm, and my eyes never got cold, even on those fast windswept downhill runs.
Prevent the exhaled air from reaching the goggles:

Quote:

Originally Posted by erig007 (Post 18213506)

Try the techno mask. It has 2 things necessary for this to work : something that allow you to tightening up at will at the nose area and also at the back of the head.

Plus you get an "anti pollution" mask…

I have tried typical, and expensive, double-paned ski goggles, and it seems difficult to keep that exhaled air from entering the seal, especially when forcefully exhaling as when riding uphill. If moisture does get into the tightly sealeld goggles, it can’t get out.

It seems a tight headband would also be uncomfortable. An added benefit to safety glasses is I can mount my Take-a-Look mirror on the rigid earpieces.
Antifogging agents, like Cat Crap, soap, spit etc.: I find that when exhaling forcefully, and colder temperatures, say under 20° F, those agents can be overcome. That’s why I suggest

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston (Post 16323439)

…that any recommendations for winter riding include description of the conditions in which they are employed, i.e. lowest temperature and distance.

I’m not trying to be contrarian about any methods used, but I am zealous because fogging is a difficult and dangerous challenge to winter riding, and would keep me off the bike for about 3 to 4 months during the year. Every year there are many threads on about the problem.

FYA, I was most impressed by this system by [MENTION=190171]TuckamoreDew[/MENTION] of Edmonton, AB:

Quote:

Originally Posted by TuckamoreDew (Post 13751779)

Last year was my first year cycling through the winter and at very low temperatures I constantly struggled with problem of fogging glasses. This year I'm using a combination of a neoprene mask and a half-mask respirator and so far I've been able to ride at -32C with zero fogging. On the first test runs, on the coldest days, I experienced a slight fogging of my glasses inside my goggles but the dishwashing soap trick has taken care of that. It is such a relief to not have to worry about losing visibility during my commute.

I have posted more details here if anyone is interested.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6...9ed4842336.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6...50f76bbae0.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6...1f63c9077e.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston (Post 18213778)

IME, and from reading numerous posts on the subject, there are three basic methods for preventing fogging, caused by exhaled moist air onto the cold surface of the eyeglasses and goggles:

Provide ventilation for the exhaled air, as described in my post; an advantage to the exhaled air is that it keeps the face warm.
Prevent the exhaled air from reaching the goggles:

I have tried typical, and expensive, double-paned ski goggles, and it seems difficult to keep that exhaled air from entering the seal, especially when forcefully exhaling as when riding uphill. If moisture does get into the tightly sealeld goggles, it can’t get out.

It seems a tight headband would also be uncomfortable. An added benefit to safety glasses is I can mount my Take-a-Look mirror on the rigid earpieces.
Antifogging agents, like Cat Crap, soap, spit etc.: I find that when exhaling forcefully, and colder temperatures, say under 20° F, those agents can be overcome. That’s why I suggest

I know about the 3 points and agree with your choice of items just the facemask that isn't the best against fog. I had the same one. This one lack the ability to do a proper seal around the nose. That's all :)

I have these and they work pretty well. Not entirely 100% free from fogging up, but the best I have found so far. Inexpensive, to boot!

Oregon Cycling ? Kroop's

Has anyone tried any of the various anti-fog sprays that are available? Something like this:

Amazon.com: Jaws Quick Spit Antifog Spray, 1-Ounce: Sports & Outdoors

Quote:

Originally Posted by franswa (Post 18214001)

I have these and they work pretty well. Not entirely 100% free from fogging up, but the best I have found so far. Inexpensive, to boot!

Oregon Cycling ? Kroop's

Thanks for the link. Great price point on these.

I wear clear safety glasses but they fog up if I pull my buff over my mouth (for the cold or dust). I'm probably going to invest in a neoprene baklava with the vents as well.

OP'er and the rest of you guys are just awesome!! Here I am looking for cold weather gear including eyewear for Georgia temps and you guys are in Canada and the like. You guys are too cool and remind me to never complain about my cold weather commute.

Very timely. I have some OTG goggles that work great until I hit "that hill" then I lose visibility due to fogging.

I was wondering what I would do this year. Now I know. Cheers.

I'm going to try my ski goggles this year. Unfortunately, they're pretty dark, so I might not like them at night.