By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff

If you’ve spent any real time in the alpine, desert crags, or backcountry trails, you already know: traditional sunglasses are kind of a joke. Hinges break, sidearms snap, and if you’re sweating out a skin track or hanging halfway up a granite face, they’re either sliding down your nose or launching into the abyss below. It’s a weak link in your kit — and Ombraz, the armless sunglass brand beloved by climbers, guides, and backcountry dirtbags, has been quietly revolutionizing how we protect our eyes.

Now, Ombraz has dropped their most performance-focused frame yet: The Refugio.

A Throwback Silhouette with Hardcore Function

The Refugio takes the iconic wraparound silhouette — think ‘90s ski patrol meets modern endurance athlete — and updates it for high-output pursuits. It’s retro-inspired, but purpose-built, featuring a snug fit and integrated nose pads designed to improve both ventilation and grip.

Let’s talk ventilation: that’s a huge deal when you’re pushing uphill, and Ombraz knows the pain of fogged lenses in exposed terrain. Add in their signature adjustable cord system, and you get the anti-slip, no-bounce security that has made Ombraz the unofficial eyewear of campfire circles, summit selfies, and impromptu alpine naps alike.

Built for the Wild, Backed by the Community

This isn’t just marketing speak. Ombraz has a cult following in the climbing, trail, and paddling communities for a reason. Their design strips away everything that breaks or fails in traditional sunglasses — no sidearms, no hinges, no pressure points. Just lightweight, polarized lenses anchored with a comfortable, dialed-in cord.

It’s the kind of innovation that makes you wonder: why didn’t anyone do this sooner?

And now, with the Refugio, they’re dialing up the intensity — built not just for the crag or the river float, but for long days on the move, ridge-running epics, and sweaty, sun-baked sessions where failure isn’t an option.

Check out the new Refugio from Ombraz and upgrade your kit with armless sunwear that actually keeps up with your adventures:
👉 Shop the Refugio at Ombraz

Disclaimer: We haven’t tested this specific model in the field yet, but we’ve been tracking Ombraz’s evolution for years, and their community cred runs deep. This post contains affiliate links — if you make a purchase, Sierra Rec Magazine may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. That said, we only partner with brands we believe bring real value to the outdoor experience.