Nathan Summit Sunglasses Review
I’ve had Nathan Summit sunglasses for almost a year now, but since I’ve been a bit busy, I only managed to write this review now. Nevertheless, I’ve worn the Summit sunglasses regularly since receiving them, primarily for sports like running and hiking as well as for everyday use. The Nathan Summit sunglasses were developed specifically for running and are thus super lightweight and the frame is designed so that the sunglasses stay firmly on your head during high-impact activities. Nevertheless, the sunglasses are also stylish so they’re perfect for everyday use.
Nathan specializes in running gear and is especially known for producing top-notch hydration vests. I have previously tested their products (Nathan VaporAir 3.0 and 2.0 hydration vests) and was super happy with them. Consequently, I was curious to see how their sunglasses would perform. Below is my review of the Nathan Summit sunglasses.
Table of Contents:
Frame and Quality
The frame is somewhat flexible to prevent damages if sunglasses fall on the floor
When I unwrapped the Nathan Summit sunglasses, I was immediately impressed by their quality. Every component of the sunglasses felt robust, and there were no loose parts or squeaking hinges or similar problems. The frame is made of rubber-like material and is somewhat flexible. I was happy to see that. The rubber-like material prevents the sunglasses from falling from your head and the flexible construction ensures they don’t break if they do fall on the ground. However, I did also quickly notice that the frame is not very curved. This is not optimal because if the frame doesn’t wrap nicely around your face, sunlight can reach your eyes from the sides.
When I started wearing the sunglasses, I was initially very satisfied. However, the not sufficiently curved frame became a problem. The sun would sometimes reach my eyes from the sides which was slightly annoying, especially when hiking at high altitudes. However, for running and everyday use this issue wasn’t that bad.
Lenses
The sunglasses have category 3 lenses which are perfect for sunny days
The polycarbonate polarized lenses on the Nathan Summit sunglasses are really good. They are category 3 lenses which means they allow from 8 to 18 percent visible light to enter your eyes. Category 3 lenses are perfect for running in very sunny conditions and hiking in open mountain ranges because of their great protection. Only category 4 lenses block more light, but category 4 lenses are designed for very specific activities such as glacier walking, and you’re not allowed to use them for driving. So, I’m really happy that Nathan chose category 3 lenses for these sunglasses. The Nathan Summit sunglasses come with polarized lenses which means they reduce glare from reflective surfaces. That’s especially useful when you’re doing activities near water, snow or ice.
Comfort and Fit
The sunglasses fit really well and don’t bounce during sports activities
The sunglasses weigh only x oz. (x grams) and are thus super comfortable to wear. You literally forget you have them on your head. The flexible frame, which is made of rubber-like material is also really amazing. It keeps the sunglasses in place during high-impact activities such as running and trail running. So far, I haven’t experienced any issues with comfort or fit. I have a relatively narrow head and sometimes I have problems finding a pair of well-fitting sunglasses. Nevertheless, the Summit sunglasses fit me perfectly. I think they would also suit individuals with wider heads well, as the frame is not overly curved.
Suitability for Sports
The sunglasses have poor coverage on the sides
Now, since the Nathan Summit sunglasses are designed for sports, it’s important to explain how they perform during sports activities. I used these sunglasses for running, trail running, hiking, mountaineering and even climbing via ferratas. What I appreciate the most about them in terms of sports performance is that they stay firmly in place on my head without bouncing even during high-impact activities such as running. They also have really good lenses which are not too dark or too bright. The only thing that’s a bit problematic is that they don’t provide very good coverage on the sides as the frame is not sufficiently curved. However, a positive side effect of this design is that they don’t fog up. I experienced no issues with fogging throughout the testing period.
Gallery
Packaging: The front side
Packaging: The rear side
The Nathan Summit sunglasses include a bag that doubles as a cleaning cloth.
Unboxing Video
Verdict
So, are the Nathan Summit sunglasses worth buying? If you can overlook the sunlight occasionally sneaking in from the sides, then absolutely! That’s the only real downside of these sunglasses. Otherwise, the sunglasses have amazing lenses and a very durable frame. They are also stylish and don’t move around when you’re engaging in activities like running. Another good thing about the Summit sunglasses is that they’re relatively inexpensive. So, if you’re looking for sunglasses like this, go for them!
If you have any questions about Nathan Summit sunglasses, drop me a line in the comments below.
Rating
| Design |  |
| Functionality |  |
| Quality |  |
| Comfort | |
We field tested this product. The rating shows its overall performance.About Rating
Pros:
- Lightweight
- They stay firmly on your head during sport activities
- Flexible frame
- Amazing polarized lenses
- Stylish
- No fogging
Cons:
- Poor coverage on the sides
