Down ‘N Dirty: Rudy Project Klonyx Snow Goggle

On a recent trip to a backcountry trip, we found ourselves in the middle of a windy blizzard, and I was so grateful to have a pair of the Rudy Project Klonyx snow goggles. I was testing the style in Frozen Blue with Impactx photochromic lenses.

It was cold and the light was bad, but the lenses adjusted just right. I was skinning toward the hut pretty rigorously, but the vents kept the goggles from fogging, and the foam stayed contoured to my face so the winter air didn’t slip in.

The feature that was most welcome was one I have never had before with a pair of goggles. The foam-lined nose piece clips on the  outside of the goggles and helps to protect from wind chill. It saved me on this cold November day on Shrine Pass in Colorado.

I’ve taken the goggles on a sunny lift-served day on Vail Mountain as well, and an overcast day in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and I love how lightweight and versatile they are, and also how well they fit comfortably around my face and paired with my helmet.

I don’t enjoy changing lenses when temperatures changes, and the photochromic lenses on the Klonyx adjust as needed to the conditions you’re facing.

These goggles are worth the investment in terms of versatility and convenience. They also have a clip-on prescription piece that goes right inside the lens — I wear contacts, so I didn’t try it, but for those who wear prescription glasses I’m sure it’s a game changer when you’re skiing or snowboarding.

Pros:  These lightweight goggles don’t fog when you’re skiing, and the photochromic lenses adjust as needed when conditions change. Add the nose attachment for extra protection on cold days.

Cons: Aesthetically, the goggles aren’t the most fashion-forward when you’re wearing the nose guard, but style seems to take a backseat once you see how protective and comfortable this feature truly is.

Where I Took It: Ski touring through a whiteout blizzard in the Shrine Pass area in Colorado, and lift-served skiing in variable terrain in the Swiss Alps and on Vail Mountain in Colorado.