The 10 Essentials of Hiking are a list of important items that you should never leave home without when setting out into the wilderness. The now-firmly established list first appeared in the fourth edition of Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills, which was published in 1974. That original 10 essentials included such things as a map, compass, and extra layers of clothing. But also earning a prominent spot on the list is sun protection, both in the form of sunscreen and sunglasses. That is because climbers and hikers have known for decades just how important it is to keep our eyes well protected while at altitude. As such, mountaineering sunglasses have been mandatory gear for a very long time.
One of the most popular models of eyewear ever designed, specifically with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, comes from a company called Julbo, whose Vermont (sometimes referred to as the Julbo “Round”) sunglasses were a staple amongst a whole generation of climbers and backpackers. Those glasses were often lauded for being comfortable and durable, while also providing plenty of eye protection at the same time. Last updated back in 2013 to celebrate the company’s 125th anniversary, the Vermont is making a comeback in 2017 in the form of the all-new Julbo Vermont Classic, which retains the famous look of its predecessors that helped make them popular with climbers for more than six decades.
First introduced back in the 1950s, the Vermont has been in and out of Julbo’s vault numerous times over the years. In 2017, these iconic outdoor shades are making yet another comeback, this time with some new color combinations to match its traditional design. In this latest iteration, Julbo is outfitting the Vermont Classic with traditional leather nose pieces and side shields, as well as a variety of different colored lenses. Those lenses are available in chrome, blue, white, and brass tints, and will consist of either Category 3 or 4 Spectron polycarbonate materials, which have been specifically designed for use in the outdoors. The Category 3 models are made for use during pretty much any outdoor activity, while the Category 4 version is meant for climbing in unusually bright places, such as when traveling across a glacier.
Julbo unveiled this latest edition of the Vermont Classic at Outdoor Retailer last week, much to the surprise and delight of old school mountaineers and fashion conscious outdoor enthusiasts alike. The new version of the Vermont immediately went on sale on the company’s website for $150, bringing a look that is a deft blend of both retro-cool and modern sensibilities. One look at these and it is clear why sunglasses remain an important part of the 10 essentials list.
Find out more at julbo.com.
Related Posts
Take $724.50 off this quiet portable inverter generator for home backup and camping
If you’ve been thinking about adding a small generator for power outages, camping trips, or tailgates, this discount is a serious nudge. This 2250W portable inverter generator is currently down to $275.49, a steep drop from its original $999.99, which means you’re saving $724.50 on a compact unit built for quiet, efficient backup power.
This app makes hiking so much easier — and it’s 50% off
Winter is the perfect time to audit your gear locker and plan for the season ahead. While we typically focus on upgrading physical items like boots, packs, and layers, digital tools have become just as essential for modern outdoor recreation. If you are looking to upgrade your navigation setup for 2026, this deal offers a very low barrier to entry. Right now, the AllTrails Plus membership is available for 50% off, dropping the price from $35.99 to just under $18 for the entire year when you use the code CYBER2025.
Go further, ride freely: How TENVELS is giving rise to the new leisure rider
This is exactly the moment TENVELS was made for.