ProView – Native Eyewear Vigor AF

Sunglasses are an intimate item – reflecting both personal style and comfort preferences. With a fair amount of technology to choose from, a variety of options exist for different outdoor pursuits. For those preferring a performance-driven model, the Native Vigor AF offers impressive technology and all-day comfort. As my first pair of performance eyewear, I was thoroughly impressed with the fit and breathability of the Vigor, having previously relied on fashionable but ultimately disposable sunglasses and intentionally refusing the investment based on principle: a fear of commitment to a piece of gear costing more than $50 that is all too easy to scratch, lose, or break. Cheap(er) shades have their place, certainly, but when it comes to comfort while moving in the mountains, reliable performance eyewear is worth their (very little) weight in gold. 

The Vigor AF’s accompanied me on several long-distance trail runs and an alpine climb in the eastern Sierra; despite not having the conditions to test them ski touring I am confident they would perform well. I would highly recommend them to runners and mountain bikers based on their exceptional fit. These are the first pair of sunglasses I’ve owned that don’t fall off my face, don’t squeeze my temples under a helmet, and actually vent well enough to wear while sweating in cold temps. 

Performance

The lens technology of the Vigor AF is common throughout most of Native Eyewear’s lineup. It features 99% polarization efficiency and 100% UV protection in a fully oleophobic and hydrophobic coated ophthalmic-grade polycarbonate. The Vigor AF is sold with either Green Reflex (mirrored, polarized, 12% VLT), Violet Reflex (mirrored, polarized, 13% VLT), or Brown (polarized, 13% VLT) lenses WITH a set of Sportflex lenses included (non-polarized, VLT 65%). Lense swapping is simple – although somewhat nerve-racking due to the feeling you are about to snap your nice new sunglasses while working the lenses out of the frame the first time. I tested the Violet and Sportflex lenses and was impressed by the contrast and visual performance of both. Violet isn’t too dark to lose shadow detail and Sportflex is crucial for low-light conditions – i.e. cloudy ski tours. 

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Features

The Vigor AFs are made from a blend of acetate and nylon with a plant-based resin, and feature chushinol™ temple and nose pads, which grip even when sweaty. The Vigor AF frame is extremely light – to the point that you forget you are wearing sunglasses. The cam-action hinges ensure a secure fit without squeezing your temples over time, and also keep the Vigor on top of your head well, should you choose to store them to look at a phone or camera screen. The Flex-Metal adjustable nose pads let you customize the fit even further and easily bend into the shape you want without pinching your nose after extended wear. Side-venting and a low profile lens framing breathe exceptionally well, even when hiking and running in brisk morning temps. The only time they would fog is when drinking out of a wide-mouth bottle. 

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Fit

The combination of a lightweight, grippy, and well-designed frame keeps them on your face while looking down, running, jumping, and performing various other erratic motions such as throwing the stick for the dog. The most impressive feature of the Vigor was how comfortably they fit underneath a hat or a helmet – no temple aches after two hours with them on under a baseball hat on a long run, and the integrated seamlessly underneath my climbing helmet (this is unusual for me; having a smaller head ALWAYS leads to the frames sticking out off the back of my ears and messing with the fit of hats and helmets). According to Native’s size chart, the Vigor’s run right down the middle as far as sizing, even more refreshing for someone who shops for ‘narrow’ or ‘slim’ sunglass frames. 

The Vigor AF sit close to your head and don’t generate a lot of glare when the sun is directly overhead, making them significantly less annoying than a square-framed model. The edge of the frame next to the hinge does tend to catch hair, but lets it go if you ask nicely. They don’t snag when hastily dawning or doughing garments, which contributes to the user again forgetting they have sunglasses on and ultimately lowers the chances of losing them in the snow and or rock scree. The only downside to the curved lenses is the frame does not compress flat, preventing convenient pocket storage and/or necessitating a bigger pocket, but the fit is a worthy tradeoff and carrying the nice case they come in is easy and smart. They also attach easily to most running vest trekking pole loops thanks to the nose pads. Like all of Native’s performance eyewear, they come with a lifetime warranty. 

Final Word

Vigor AF performance sunglasses are a highly user-friendly piece of equipment and a worthy investment. The low profile frame, comfortable and customizable fit, and interchangeable lenses eliminate most of the downsides to wearing sunglasses during fast-paced or dynamic days outside, and the durable construction and lifetime warranty add up to a product promising quality and longevity.   

Shop the Native Eyewear Vigor AF on Outdoor Prolink. Not a member? Apply today!