Blue skies, long days, and bright rays; it’s definitely summertime in the USA. With the advent of the fairest season, it is time to make sure you are protected…do you have a pair of shades worthy of all your summer adventures? Zeal Optics’ aim is to keep your eyes happy, whether on the trail or at the next backyard BBQ. Since January, I’ve been putting the Drifter sunglasses through the full gamut of conditions, where they shined brighter than the orb that keeps us all alive.
I must admit, I’d taken to the Drifter before I even put them on my face. That’s because they are produced with the environment in mind. The Z-Resin frames are made from castor bean resin, and the ellume lens is also plant-based. Forget the petroleum-based frames that make up a large chunk of the sunglasses market and go green, baby! Fortunately, the Drifter sunnies are more than just a diabolical hippie marketing trap; they excelled in all outdoor situations.
Since it was winter when I first donned the Drifters, splitboard tours were the order of the day. During a backcountry adventure near Cedar Breaks, the sun’s harsh rays were magnified by a fresh blanket of powder. The polarized lens on the Drifter kept the UVs out, and the terrain easy to navigate. The frames fit snugly against the back of my head, and I never felt as if the glasses might slip off my face. They are also very lightweight, but that doesn’t translate to a cheap feel. In fact, these shades definitely qualify as some tough SOBs. When it was time to head downhill, I jammed the Drifters in my pack with all of my other items, and never worried about them until the next time I pulled them out.
When the calendar turns toward spring, it’s time for hiking and biking. The Zeal Drifter shades were along with me for several southern Utah adventures. When it comes to mountain biking, they are right at home. No slipping, no fogging, no worries. And, they were just as perfect for chilling at a campsite as they were for knocking out miles on the trail. These glasses are definitely versatile.
If you’re like me, you don’t want your casual sunglasses to look too sporty. No offense to all you triathletes out there, but some sunglasses were meant to stay in the garage when you hang your bike up. The Drifter won’t let you down when it’s time for jeans and flip flops; these were made to be your go-to choice for anytime the sun is beaming. After several months of testing in a variety of situations, I’d recommend them to anyone in the market for a new pair.
The Good: Drifter shades are stylish and capable enough to handle a variety of outdoor activities.
The Bad: No issues whatsoever.
The Verdict: If you need a go-to pair of sunglasses for all things outdoors, and are on the enviro-friendly tip, give the Zeal Drifters a look.