Tifosi Sunglasses Review: Anti-Fogging and Interchangeable Lenses

The summer of 2012 was so hot and humid that even though I would cycle to various places to run at 6am or so, my sunglasses would fog. So I began to look for a solution. I settled on sunglasses by Tifosi, with which I have been very satisfied.

Envy by Tifosi

Tifosi offers a number of models and lenses designed for different activities and lighting conditions. They include three lenses with the frame purchased, offer them at great prices, and many local bicycle and other sport-related shops carry them.

One of the several factors that led me to choose the 2012 Envy model from Tifosi (at $59.95) was that it was designed for a small to medium face, such as I sport. There are of course models to choose from for different sized faces, but it is not always so easy to find the right fit when you are either smaller or larger than average, so it is helpful that they make it a point to disclose on their web site not only the specific frame and lens sizes in millimeters but also the basic face shape for which the frame/lens is the best match. That is not so readily apparent on their store displays or marked on their glasses, so a trip to the web site is useful even if making your purchase at your local shop, as I did. Many of the models are sportier, but I was looking for something that did not suggest I imagined myself a racer, since that I am certainly not.

As you can see from the photos, the lenses are designed with vents to reduce fogging, which was the main problem I set out to solve. They work when in motion; however, when you stop they may fog, especially when breathing through fabric in cold weather. But they recover quickly when you begin to ride or run again, unless, of course, the moisture freezes on the lens. I find that fogging when stopped or walking after a run can be avoided entirely, or almost so, if I don't breathe through fabric until returning to a more active pace.


The Tifosi Envy Sunglasses come with 3 100% UVA/UVB protection lenses treated with Glare Guard reflective coating to reduce eye fatigue. The Polycarbonate, decentered lenses eliminate prismatic distortion and increase optical clarity for any activity (drawing directly on their advertising pitch here). Lens colors that come standard with the Envy model are Smoke (for bright sunlight, with 15.4% light transmission), AC Red (for all conditions, with 41.4% light transmission) and Clear. I added a fourth lens with my purchase, the GT, designed for Golf/Tennis. They are neutral, with 16.4% light transmission, which is designed for full sun and high contrast so that golf balls stand out.

The lenses are easy to interchange. In the summer I used the Smoke lens almost exclusively, changing it out for night rides. In the winter, I must admit that I have tended to avoid the bother of changing lenses altogether in the low light we get here. Short of choosing ski goggles when it is cold enough to need complete face protection and avoid fogging as well, I am able to use the AC Red lens all the time for riding and running. It works great at night with proper lighting, and all day just fine, even into direct sunrise or sunsets this time of year.

One more nice benefit of choosing interchangeable lenses is the ability to replace them easily if damaged, although I have not yet had to do so (knock on wood!).

The frames are made of durable Grilamid TR-90 with Hydrophilic rubber adjustable temples and nose pads for a no-slip grip.



The glasses come with a great case and cleaning cloth/bag. The case has sleeves for the lenses not mounted on the frame, and there was enough space to store the extra set of lenses I added as well.

Based on what I surveyed in their line and from the experience I have had so far, I highly recommend these sunglasses for fit, protection from sun and elements, interchangeability and variety of specialized lenses, value, and safer enjoyment of the sights without fogging up the view.

Cold Weather Layering with Merino Wool: Icebreaker Jackets Review: Sierra Hood and Quantum Hood

Wow, its cold outside! I have really appreciated the middle layer options from Icebreaker, a company specializing in Merino Wool clothing. I have several base layers (long johns and underwear), socks and a sock liner, a glove liner, a neck gaiter and balaclava, tee shirts (long and short sleeve), and they are all great to wear for cycling, running, and, well, anytime or activity. I've been donning lots of them together lately, at the same time I mean, to commute in Kansas City's recent sub-freezing temperatures: each outing with a Merino glove liner, sock liner and sock, long johns, short tee shirt, long tee shirt, mid-layer as discussed below, even a second mid-layer a couple of times when wind chill below 0F (it takes a little planning and time at each end of trip, at least twice a day, but it allows for the pleasure of a ride!).

Merino wool from Icebreaker--or Ibex or Smartwool, its two competitors with which I have experience, and of course the Bosun jacket from Mission Workshop discussed in an earlier post-- feels great, wears nicely, conducts moisture and heat well, etc., etc. One of its attractions for a commuter for sure is that it does not stink even after getting sweaty, and it dries relatively fast, making it great for storing or wearing at work and on the return ride. It is expensive, yes, but so far I have found that it has been worthwhile, allowing for more wears between washings and thus prolonged life and less overall pieces required. It is wrinkle free, there is far less to pack for travel, and it is not bulky compared to cotton, thus the added bonus of smaller luggage. This is well designed apparel that looks great, solves problems like the need for each item in layering to work together but also to be able to stand alone well, and, not without importance, it is fun to wear. Oh, and there is lots of black, my favorite--for all but safety's sake.

Icebreaker's photo of Sierra Long Sleeve Full Zip Hood, 

model is 6'1" wearing medium

I have two jackets with hoods from Icebreaker that are terrific as mid-layers under a windbreaker or rain type jacket. The Sierra Long Sleeve Hood (I see there is an end of season sale offering 30% off as I write; significant for such expensive pieces, no?) is a fabulous piece. It is from their Realfleece collection (hence, RF also on the label), made from midweight 260gm pure merino. The fleece texture feels fabulous, and the garment is really nice and warm (dare I say "cozy"?). It has zipped hand and sleeve pockets, and raglan sleeves to provide freedom of movement. The collar zips up snugly with the fitted hood on or off. I have the full zip; there is a half zip alternative.

Obviously the Sierra Hood is designed to be an outer layer, and it works well that way, for sure. But when it is cold or cool and windy, it is great under a layer designed for those conditions because it fills the need to cover the neck, ears, and head with just one piece. Combined with the pockets and its stand-alone good looks and other apparel benefits it is then also a great outerwear piece after arrival at one's destination.

Since I wear a helmet when I ride, the fit of the hood is good even though it is a bit loose because, well, I have a small head. When I wear it to run I find it is helpful to wear a neck gaiter to make the fit snug enough. I suspect most people will find the fit of the hood is great without such concerns.

I bought a large (as I do with all of their tops) because I like a relaxed fit, which is a little long and also contributes to the fit issue with the hood. If one likes a closer fit on a frame close to mine (5'7" 150lbs), and especially if one has the athletically contoured body for whom it seems that Icebreaker designs its clothes overall (and my major disappointment with the selection offered, solved in part by buying a size larger), then the medium would be a choice worth considering. Oh, and I have to roll up the sleeves on all these pieces, but I do not find that a bother, and it means the garments will fit the taller folks well.

Icebreaker's photo of Quantum Long Sleeve Full Zip Hood,

model is 5'8" wearing a medium

The Quantum Long Sleeve Zip Hood is a little different, offering a few alternatives. I got this piece first, and it is lighter (not fleece-like)--and tighter in fit, but it also offers front-side reflectivity when used as an outer layer. It is designed to perform well for activities such as running and cycling, with several features such as eyelet panels for ventilation and thumb loops. It has a chest zip pocket, and another on the back, centered just above the hemline (approx. 6 3/4 in. sq.), but no hand pockets, creating a slimmer profile. It is a slimmer fit than the Sierra, and I once again chose the Large for that reason, that is, to avoid the look of the body-hugging athletic-fit styling (oh, that I could look good in that style!). One more thing to note: the hood fits well, so that I do not have to worry about wearing a piece to make the fit snug when choosing this as the outer layer to cycle or run. I expect that the stretchability of the textile would provide a good fit for just about any head size.

This garment is also made from midweight 260gm merino (hence, GT260 on label), but it is blended with 2% Lycra for stretchability; it thus has a different feel than the Sierra line, although I do not find the Sierra restrictive in the least. Because it is less bulky than the fleece in the Sierra, it is a better choice as a mid-layer when I am going to wear the ColdAvenger mask and ski goggles for sub-freezing temperatures, because I want a good snug seal all around, and that is a lot to layer under a helmet and strap.

A feature I especially appreciate is the two-way zipper, so that one can unzip the lower half and keep it zipped up at the neck and chest, which is really helpful when one who has asthma gets hot. I can unzip this from the bottom and keep the outer wind/rain shell layer fully zipped. The front zipper is also lined with reflective trim, as is the logo on the upper arm, which is great; however, there is none on the back zipper, which is kind of important for runners and riders; yes?

I really appreciate these pieces, reach for them often, and recommend them without reservation.