The first fog bloom always comes at the worst time. It spreads until the entire lens is covered. No matter when, eventually we all have to stop to clean our lens. Unfortunately, fogging is bound to happen, but there is technology and maintenance to help you keep ski & snowboard goggles from fogging up. Stay on the slopes longer this winter with the right gear and a little bit of care.
Without giving an overly scientific answer, fogging happens when the hot air inside the goggles comes into contact with the chilled lens. The moisture inside turns into tiny beads of water, producing fog. Our best chances for preventing this is normalizing the temperature inside the goggles and regulating the moisture.
Right now there isn’t a single technology that can stop fogging, but it’s on everyone’s watch list. Until then, we’ll have to shop smart and look at the options available today.
First, look for snow goggles with this type of lens. The concept is similar to double pane windows for homes. Air between the two lenses acts as a buffer for the temperature difference. It won’t solve the fogging issue, but it goes a long way in keeping the lens clear.
However, don’t buy just any set of goggles with a double pan lens. Inspect the design first. Like a home, your goggles are an investment, and you want to make sure the design works. Having a double pane is useless if air can come in from either side.
3) ANTI-FOG COATING
Next, look for a lens with an anti-fog treatment on the inside. It’s a hydrophilic coating. Yes, a moisture-loving coating on the lens. The treatment works by spreading the moisture into a thin film across the lens evenly so light can still filter through. We’ll talk about lens care later.
Once you find a good lens design with an anti-fog coating, try the goggles on. A great pair of snow goggles is only great if the fit is too. Look for the foam lining creating a perfect seal around your eyes. Then you’ve got a match. Move on to the next pair if there are any gaps. If you’re finding a gap every time, especially above your nose, you may want to look for Asian Fit snow goggles.
Even perfect snow goggles need love and attention. Take extra care with anti-fog coating. A vigorous buffing can remove it from the surface leaving the lens exposed. If anything gets on the lens use a microfiber cloth to gently clean it. The key here is removing the obstruction with as little force as possible to preserve the coating. You should also keep the vents clear. Most snow goggles have them for air management. Brush them off if in the middle of a run, and let them air dry for use the next day.
Don’t couch your goggles on top of your head or helmet, trapping hot air inside. Let them breath on your way up the slope. Take every opportunity to give them a chance to cool to decrease the likelihood of fogging.