Hiking in the woods is peaceful, but sometimes I really miss having music to keep me moving. Carrying bulky over-ear headphones is a pain, and earbuds often fall out or block out too much noise when I need to stay aware of my surroundings.
I recently decided to try out some Bluetooth hiking eyewear smart glasses to see if they could solve this problem. After wearing them on several long trails, I have some thoughts to share in this Bluetooth hiking eyewear smart glasses stereo listening wireless headset UV-protection polarized lenses sunglasses headphones review.
What are these hiking glasses?
These glasses are essentially sunglasses with tiny speakers hidden in the arms. They connect to your phone via Bluetooth so you can listen to music or podcasts while keeping your ears totally open.
The best part is that they are very budget-friendly compared to big-name tech brands. I found a seller on AliExpress that offered free shipping, which made the deal even better for my wallet.
Real world performance
The audio quality is better than I expected for the price. It is not going to replace high-end studio gear, but it sounds clear enough for a podcast or some relaxing hiking tunes.
Because the speakers sit just outside your ear, you can hear birds chirping or hikers approaching from behind. This safety feature is a huge plus for anyone who spends a lot of time on public trails.
The polarized lenses also do a solid job at cutting the glare on sunny days. My eyes felt much less tired after a three-hour hike compared to wearing my cheap standard plastic sunglasses.
Honest pros and cons
Buying tech from overseas sites can be a bit of a gamble, so here is the reality of what you get.
- Pros
- Much safer than traditional earbuds because you can hear your environment.
- Very light on the face so they do not slip down during sweating.
- The battery lasts through my longest weekend hikes without needing a charge.
- Free shipping options make these very affordable for the average hiker.
- Cons
- The plastic frame feels a bit thin and not as tough as expensive designer brands.
- Shipping can take a few weeks depending on where you live.
- People standing very close to you might hear a faint sound of your music.
- No local warranty means if they break after a month, you are likely on your own.
Who should buy these?
If you are a casual hiker or a cyclist who wants to stay safe while listening to audio, these are a fun purchase. They are perfect for people who want a bit of tech without spending a fortune.
You should skip these if you are a professional audiophile. If you need deep bass and perfect sound isolation, these are not going to satisfy you.
What other buyers say
I checked in with a few others who grabbed these online. One guy mentioned he uses them for lawn mowing, saying he likes that he can hear his kids calling him while he works.
Another person noted that the fit is a bit wide for smaller heads. They had to use a little silicone grip on the arms to keep them from sliding off, but they still feel the purchase was worth it for the price.
My final thoughts
These glasses are a neat piece of gear that adds a little fun to my outdoor hobbies. They are not perfect, and you have to be patient with the shipping time from AliExpress.
However, they offer a lot of utility for a low price point. If you want to listen to your music while keeping your ears open on the trail, they are worth a look.
