I had the incredible opportunity to wear the Optic Nerve Kingfish polarized sunglasses, during my 8-day Lemosho trek up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in August 2025. These sunglasses were more than just gear; they were a vital companion at altitudes reaching 5 895 meters, where UV exposure is no joke.
Performance Highlights:
• Perfect Fit: The Kingfish model hugged my face comfortably without slipping, even during long, sweaty ascents.
• UV Protection: My eyes felt completely shielded from the intense sun and high-altitude glare. The polarization was a game-changer for visibility and eye comfort.
• Durability: These shades held up impressively against extreme weather—wind, dust, and sudden temperature drops. Built for the outdoors, no doubt.
Minor Challenges:
• Lens Fogging: When I wore my buff over my nose and mouth, fog tended to collect on the lenses. I hadn’t packed anti-fog spray, which would’ve helped—lesson learned!
• Tinted Window Effect: I noticed faint stripes in the corners of my vision when looking through tinted windows. Not sure of the cause, but it didn’t affect performance on the trail.
Final Verdict:
Despite a couple of quirks, the Kingfish sunglasses delivered where it mattered most—protection, comfort, and resilience. If you're heading into high-altitude or rugged terrain, I highly recommend them. Optic Nerve nailed it with this one.