Availability: 10 in stock
The Smith Embark sunglasses deliver serious alpine protection in a surprisingly versatile package. Built for glacier travel, high-elevation summits, and spring snowfields, these square-frame glacier glasses handle harsh mountain conditions while looking sharp enough for everyday wear—just pop off the removable side shields and you’re ready for town.
Smith’s proprietary ChromaPop lens technology filters out the specific wavelengths where blue bleeds into green and green bleeds into red—the two spots where your eyes lose track of color. The result is genuinely enhanced contrast and definition that helps you spot terrain features, crevasses, and wind drifts with clarity that standard lenses can’t match. Available in both ChromaPop Polarized (cuts glare from snow, water, and reflective surfaces) and ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic options (automatically adjusts from 45% to 7% light transmission based on UV and visible light, with less temperature sensitivity than traditional photochromic lenses), you get exceptional optical performance across changing conditions.
The lenses feature anti-fog and hydroleophobic coatings for clear optics and easy cleaning, plus 100% UV protection. Reviewers consistently note the brightness and sharpness—one alpine guide described the view as “crisp and clear with enhanced colour and contrast.”
The removable, ventilated TPU side shields block peripheral glare and wind without creating a fogging problem—a critical detail when you’re skinning uphill or navigating exposed ridges. AutoLock hinges snap open for easy one-handed on-and-off (essential when you’re holding trekking poles or ice tools), and the adjustable QuickFit temple arms let you dial in a custom fit. Megol nose pads and temple grips keep the frames secure even when you’re sweating. An optional goggle-inspired retainer strap adds security during technical ascents and high-speed descents.
The frames are made from Evolve bio-based material—lightweight, durable, and eco-conscious. At just 29 grams, they nearly disappear on your face during all-day wear. The 6-base lens curvature offers a modest wraparound fit (medium fit, large coverage) that balances protection with a less aggressive look than full-wrap sport shields.
What sets the Embark apart in Smith’s glacier glasses lineup is its adaptability. The Venture is more compact with a removable nose piece; the Pursuit is oversized and goggle-like. The Embark meets them in the middle—substantial enough for serious alpine use, but refined enough that you won’t look out of place wearing them around town. Owners report using them for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, trail running, mountain biking, fishing, and daily driving.
The Embark is prescription-ready through Smith’s RX program and third-party optical retailers, making it a practical choice if you need corrective lenses. Comes with a hard case and microfiber sleeve.
