As winter loses its grip and spring emerges, the thawed forest trails call to us. Spring hiking offers trails transformed from snow-laden paths to vibrant floral corridors. Explore our spring hiking essentials, and see what we use here at VALLON.
Essential Kit for the Discerning Spring Hiker
- Layering is paramount. Begin with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a warm mid-layer and top with a shell jacket to shield from unexpected precipitation.
- Footwear deserves consideration. The spring trail brings mud, snowmelt, and wet rock. A sturdy sole with good tread is required.
- Pack a thermos of hot tea or coffee. There's nothing quite like pausing at a vista point, steam rising from your cup as you survey the landscape.
- Sunglasses are essential, not optional. Low-angled spring sunshine reflecting off lingering snow and water features creates intense glare. A quality pair of lenses transforms your visual experience, while protecting your eyes from harmful UV.
Premium Eyewear for Keen Hikers
Howlin'
Howlin' represent an unparalleled fusion of style and function—a rounded aviator design crafted from premium acetate fitted with polarized V52® performance optics. These lenses deliver the highest clarity of any sports sunglasses currently available on the market, allowing you to perceive the subtle nuances of spring landscapes with exceptional detail.
Available in Sage, Black, Tortoise, and Dark Tortoise colorways, the versatile design transitions seamlessly from technical trail pursuits to post-hike gatherings at the local pub. Their proprietary V52® lens technology, constructed from nylon polyamide, provides exceptional optical clarity (ABBE value 52) with 100% UV protection (UV400) while remaining 20% lighter than comparative lenses.
What truly distinguishes the Howlin' is their detachable headstrap. Whether you're trail running across the alps or navigating a particularly bumpy section of trail, the headstrap ensures your eyewear remains securely in place. The temple ends contain an adjustable metal core which can be adjusted for a more secure fit if they feel too loose, or create additional space by if they press too firmly behind your ears.
Waylons
Waylons achieve an unrivalled balance of refined aesthetics and technical performance. Handcrafted from acetate, the frame delivers exceptional durability while maintaining a lightweight profile at just 32 grams. The design provides a truly premium feel that complements a classic hiking aesthetic.
Equipped with the same polarized V52® performance optics (Category 3) as their Howlin' counterparts, these sunglasses eliminate glare from spring snowmelt and dewy surfaces while providing exceptional clarity in variable light conditions. The optional headstrap transforms these sophisticated frames into technical equipment capable of withstanding active pursuits.
Available in rich Chestnut, classic Black, and distinctive Horn colorways, the Waylons represent the pinnacle of versatility - equally at home ascending a mountain ridge or navigating urban terrain. Their hybrid nature makes them the perfect companion for the spring hiker who refuses to compromise on style or performance.
Heron Mountain
As their name suggests, Heron Mountain sunglasses were specifically designed for alpine environments. These classic mountaineering frames minimize glare, block wind, and provide superior protection from harmful UV rays - reducing eye strain during long days on exposed ridgelines.
The distinctive design features protective leather side shields and a detachable centerpiece inspired by traditional alpine eyewear. These elements block peripheral light and protect against glare, dust, and wind - conditions frequently encountered during spring hiking when weather patterns remain unpredictable.
Equipped with ultraclear Category 3 lenses with 12% Visible Light Transmission (VLT), they offer optimal visibility in varied mountain conditions. The frame itself is constructed from Swiss-invented TR90® polyamide, delivering exceptional durability with minimal weight. Perhaps most ingenious are the fully adjustable temples that can be shaped entirely to your liking, ensuring perfect comfort during extended wear.
Available in classic Black, Green, and Brown, these frames pay homage to the mountaineering tradition while incorporating modern technical elements. For those planning extensive time exploring Heron Mountain's higher elevations, the companion Heron Glacier model offers darker Category 4 lenses for extreme light conditions.
Ventures
Ventures embody minimalist design optimized for performance. With a flexible, super-lightweight frame constructed from Bio-TR90 (containing 45% organic materials), these sunglasses weigh a mere 26 grams, so you'll barely notice them during long days on the trail. Rubber nose pads ensure they remain securely positioned during strenuous activity, while sport hinges enhance durability in demanding conditions.
Like their counterparts, Ventures feature VALLON's proprietary V52® lens technology that has become the gold standard for optical clarity in performance eyewear. The impressive range of colorways - including Dark-Tortoise-Silver, Black-Blue, Brown-Orange, Sage, Brown, and Black - ensures there's a perfect match for every hiker's personal aesthetic.
What distinguishes the Ventures is their sustainability credentials. The Bio-TR90 frame material delivers unrivaled performance benefits while significantly reducing environmental impact - an important consideration for those who seek to help conserve the natural landscapes they explore.
Classic Hiking: An Ethos
There's something deeply satisfying about approaching spring hiking with a nod to tradition. In an age of synthetics and GPS-enabled everything, embracing the classic styles reconnects us with the hikers who blazed these trails before us. The tools may evolve, but the experience remains timeless.
The spring trail awaits - Classic in style, endless in possibility #theVALLONway.
