I have been having annoying issues whenever I do some winter winter/hiking. My goggles chronically fog/ice up, even when I never take them off. I have high quality goggles and they are comfortable. But I have a narrower face, so I suspect that there are gaps below my eyes so when its windy/snowing, snow will get in as well as my breath through my neck gaiter.
Any of you have ways/techniques to clean them in case I am in a middle of a hike? Whenever I try to clean them on the go, they just get worse. Do I need to install internal wipers and antifreeze?
Thanks for any ideas.
Goggles fogging/icing up
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ScottS
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Dave B
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Re: Goggles fogging/icing up
Do you really need to wear goggles while hiking? Why not sunglasses. I've never ever needed them except while skiing, and I have sensitive dry-ass post-LASIK eyes.
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nyker
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Re: Goggles fogging/icing up
I have the same issue on really cold days when normal sunglasses/glacier glasses won't do and the goggle helps - some folks say catcrap works but I haven't found it particularly helpful. Saliva works a little but not great and especially not when super cold as it freezes and makes hard to see.
Maybe find one that's better ventilated, also try making sure the seal around your nose is tight so it doesn't fill the goggle with air, fogging it up.
Maybe find one that's better ventilated, also try making sure the seal around your nose is tight so it doesn't fill the goggle with air, fogging it up.
Re: Goggles fogging/icing up
Baby shampoo and water, beats scrubbing the film out with toothpaste/lighter.
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greenonion
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Re: Goggles fogging/icing up
Is THAT what that is?!
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JohnnyLeadville
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Re: Goggles fogging/icing up
It's usually a ventilation issue and not all high quality goggles great at preventing fog. I have some anti-fog stuff for my snorkeling mask but never even thought to use it on ski goggles. I am faithful to Smith goggles for many reasons including their ability to not get fogged up.
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daway8
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Re: Goggles fogging/icing up
I think a lot of it comes down to what gear you use in combo with the goggles - it can be a tricky problem especially for people with glasses.
I have glasses and learned the hard way that mere clip-on sunglasses are horribly inadequate at saving my eyes from painful sun glare off the snow. I've had mixed success with sunglasses that wrap around over my glasses (I've found some that work ok but I tend to break them too easily).
For me the most effective option has been to wear goggles with a jacket that when fully zipped covers my face up to just below the nose, leaving just my nose exposed - for which a have a scarf woven onto a carabiner that I periodically hold over my nose.
I have to be careful with that solution because the other day out hiking with a partner in -26 degree wind-chill I was informed my nose was turning purple, though I quickly resolved that with the scarf.
I've tried every type of facemask/balaclava/etc on the market and everyone one of them - regardless of ventilation - cause major fogging, regardless of the type or quality of eyewear I use.
Final tips: when I tilt my head down I'm more likely to have fogging problems, keeping my head up leads to lesser issues. If the goggles do start to fog, I pull them slightly away from my face and turn to let the wind blow inside them - that tends to clear it up pretty fast.
I have glasses and learned the hard way that mere clip-on sunglasses are horribly inadequate at saving my eyes from painful sun glare off the snow. I've had mixed success with sunglasses that wrap around over my glasses (I've found some that work ok but I tend to break them too easily).
For me the most effective option has been to wear goggles with a jacket that when fully zipped covers my face up to just below the nose, leaving just my nose exposed - for which a have a scarf woven onto a carabiner that I periodically hold over my nose.
I have to be careful with that solution because the other day out hiking with a partner in -26 degree wind-chill I was informed my nose was turning purple, though I quickly resolved that with the scarf.
I've tried every type of facemask/balaclava/etc on the market and everyone one of them - regardless of ventilation - cause major fogging, regardless of the type or quality of eyewear I use.
Final tips: when I tilt my head down I'm more likely to have fogging problems, keeping my head up leads to lesser issues. If the goggles do start to fog, I pull them slightly away from my face and turn to let the wind blow inside them - that tends to clear it up pretty fast.
Re: Goggles fogging/icing up
Ski goggles are designed to ventilate at skiing speeds. Not at hiking speeds. They can work when winds are high and you regulate your perspiration.
I recommend glasses. I wear prescription glasses. People can get script glacier glasses. But, I've always just worn my cheap script sunglasses and normal glasses when it is dark. Ordering from places like zenni are very budget friendly. I can't think of a specific time that I have worn my ski goggles hiking. I know I did at one time because I remember sweating a lot. I rarely pack my goggles unless it is a frigid day.
I recommend glasses. I wear prescription glasses. People can get script glacier glasses. But, I've always just worn my cheap script sunglasses and normal glasses when it is dark. Ordering from places like zenni are very budget friendly. I can't think of a specific time that I have worn my ski goggles hiking. I know I did at one time because I remember sweating a lot. I rarely pack my goggles unless it is a frigid day.
Re: Goggles fogging/icing up
I personally love glacier glasses, they just don’t hold up to 25mph+ blustery conditions. I’ve used the newer Smith style as well as a pair of Julbo. Does anybody own glasses that work in these conditions? Thanks
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pvnisher
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Re: Goggles fogging/icing up
It's ventilation.
Goggles won't do it while hiking, your face is putting out to much vapor.
Glacier glasses, sunglasses, you pick.
If you like the goggles for whatever reason try removing the foam that covers the vents. Yeah, they're not perfectly sealing goggles anymore, and thats the point!
I had trouble even with my glacier glasses fogging up on high output sections. Had to put them lower on my nose to bring in some air.
Whatever you do, if you get fog, and it's super cold, and the fog freezes... You're hosed. So avoid that.
Goggles won't do it while hiking, your face is putting out to much vapor.
Glacier glasses, sunglasses, you pick.
If you like the goggles for whatever reason try removing the foam that covers the vents. Yeah, they're not perfectly sealing goggles anymore, and thats the point!
I had trouble even with my glacier glasses fogging up on high output sections. Had to put them lower on my nose to bring in some air.
Whatever you do, if you get fog, and it's super cold, and the fog freezes... You're hosed. So avoid that.
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Scott P
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Re: Goggles fogging/icing up
If it's going to be really cold, I bring goggles and glasses. Goggles are better if it's really cold, but I sweat inside them if it's not. I have a narrow nose and have the same problem you do. It took me a lot of practice and trying different combinations of glasses, googles, and facemask to figure out what works.
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
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dan0rama
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Re: Goggles fogging/icing up
There are some peaks where it's so cold and windy that goggles are a must. I haven't found those in CO though. Goggles will fog up, no way around it. Keeping your head up is really the best tip. Breathing out through your mouth with force might help too. When I go to those peaks, I usually bring 2-3 pairs. When ones fogs up, I put it inside my jacket, or somewhere between baselayer and midlayer, and switch to another pair.