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Checklist for Choosing Epic Anti Fog Ski Goggles

by Grant Draper
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Planning an epic trip skiing or snowboarding and ready to start buying gear? You’re going to need goggles. And, you’re going to need ones that don’t steam up. 

One of the most annoying when hitting the slopes is having a set of ski or snowboard goggles that fog up. 

Below, we’ll be explaining the most important things to focus on to make sure you buy the perfect set of anti fog ski goggles, and how much they’re likely to cost.

4 Factors To Consider When Buying Anti Fog Ski Goggles

1. Brand

anti fog ski goggles in white from oakley

Typically, you’ll get what you pay for. We suggest only sticking to leading brands. There are tons of cheap (and mostly, useless) ski goggle brands on the market. Avoid them.

Not only are you going to be disappointed in terms of durability, comfort, fit and lack of anti-fog properties, their so called “CE” rating on UV protection is usually non-existent, which means your eyes could be at risk of damage. If you want a quality set, we’d be looking at a budget of $100-200.

Our suggestion? Oakley and Smith are leaders, and we love the Oakley Flight Deck (pictured above). But all of the following goggle brands produce quality anti fog ski and snowboard goggles:

  • Bolle
  • Dragon
  • Electric
  • Giro
  • Oakley
  • Smith

2. Anti-Fog Lens Properties

One of the main things you should be checking out when buying anti fog ski goggles, is the technology used in the lens. Not all ski and snowboard goggles (and especially not cheaper ones), have any anti fog properties at all, and that’s going to cause you a world of pain on the slopes. 

If you check out goggles like the Oakley Airbrake, you’ll find plenty of tech integrated into the goggle lens. For example the Oakley Airbrake utilize a dual pane lens, which is completely ventilated. Alongside that, you’ll get their F3 anti fog coating, meaning steamed up lenses on the slopes are going to be a thing of the past. 

The Oakley Airbrake uses a spherical lens. Typically, this is the lens used in the majority of anti fog ski goggles, as it sits around the curvature of your face, keeping steaming to an absolute minimum.

3. Foam Technology

The coating on the lens of your ski goggles helps dramatically reduce the chance of them steaming up. Alongside this, you’ll want to look at the ventilation on offer from the foam that fits around your face (i.e. the foam that’s surrounding the goggle frame).

Using the same example as above (Oakley Airbrake), these anti fog ski goggles use triple layer foam with a fleece liner. That allows moisture to be trapped and vented via the dual lens vents. The moisture wicking foam captures moisture before it enters the inside of your goggles, as well as wicking sweat from your forehead, keeping fogging down to an absolute minimum.

4. Goggle Type & Fit

Now, this isn’t an anti fog ski goggle property so to speak, but you need to look at the different fits available. Buying ski or snowboard goggles that are the correct fit, is the first line of defense against fogging.

For example, manufacturers now produce specific products that are “Asian fit” (yes, that’s an actual thing) for specific riders. Other popular fit types include XL which offer a much larger goggle and lens, meaning there’s less chance of steaming. And finally, there are OTG anti fog ski goggles on offer from leading manufacturers such as Oakley and Smith. OTG stands for over the glasses, so are specifically designed for those using glasses when skiing or snowboarding.

In Summary

So, when picking anti fog ski goggles, make sure you stick to leading brands such as Smith and Oakley (our favorites), as well as Bolle, Electric, Giro and Dragon. And, if you're looking for a suggestion for the best anti fog ski goggles, we like the Oakley Flight Deck.

Check the ski goggles you’re buying have a lens that incorporates anti fog properties (such as an anti fog coating, and lens vents), as well as a breathable, layered and moisture wicking foam. These things combined help to achieve minimal fogging, if not remove fogging altogether!

And of course, make sure you buy goggles that fit you correctly. 

Currently, the set of anti fog ski goggles that fit all four points covered above are the Oakley Airbrake.

Anti Fog Ski Goggles FAQ

We’re always being asked questions about anti fog ski goggles. Still got questions? Check out our most frequently asked questions below.

What are the best anti fog ski goggles?

With dual vented lenses and a spherical fit, moisture wicking and vented foam and not to mention their epic design, the best anti fog ski goggles on the market are the Oakley Airbrake.

Why are my ski goggles steaming up between lenses?

The lens isn’t sealed correctly into the frame of the goggle. Either the frame is worn and needs to be replaced, or the lens needs to be removed. Clean the part of the frame where the lenses fit, and refit the lenses.

Does anti fog spray work for ski goggles?

A good anti fog ski goggle shouldn’t need anti fog spray. However, fog spray does work for all types of goggles. 

What can I use to stop my glasses steaming up when skiing or snowboarding?

Purchase some OTG goggles. These are specifically designed to fit over your glasses, and are less likely to steam up in comparison to typical ski goggles.

Is there a DIY and homemade solution to stop ski goggles steaming up?

If you’ve got a cheap pair of ski goggles that keep steaming up, there is a DIY fix. You can smear a small layer of washing up liquid on the inside of the lens, and work it in until it is dry with a paper towel. 

We’d not suggest doing this with expensive lenses (like Smith and Oakley), as it could react with the anti-fog coating.