Open main menu

Native Eyewear Hardtop Ultra

photo: Native Eyewear Hardtop Ultra sport sunglass

The native Hardtop Ultra sunglasses have worked really well backpacking, hiking, and paddle boarding. They are lightweight, stay on your head well, and have excellent Polarized lens.

Pros

  • Great polarized lens
  • Lightweight
  • They stay on your head

The Native Hardtop Ultra model is, as the name suggests, a top-frame-only sunglass style. They come in a crush proof case with an extra set of interchangeable lenses and a handy cleaning cloth. The lenses provided are dark grey and brown, allowing you to change the lens depending on the brightness of the sunlight.

The frames are co-injection molded. This provides a smooth plastic outer frame bonded to large Cushinol temple boots. The boots provide a non-slip grip to keep the sunglasses secure during activities. In addition, the Hardtop Ultra frames are extremely light-weight and feature cam action hinges, adjustable Cushinol nose pieces, and exhaust vents to avoid fogging of the lens.

Field Test

During a recent backpacking trip to the Cordillera Blanca in South America, I wore a pair of the Native Hardtop Ultra sunglasses with matte colored frames and dark grey lens every day. Weighing in at just 7/8 of an ounce I could barely feel them on my head. The adjustable nose piece and temple boots allowed for a comfortable fit that felt very secure.

The frames are vented along the top and that provided a fog free viewing experience even during very humid conditions. The N3 polarized dark grey lens provided me with crystal clear vision while eliminating any glare. The Ultra Hardtop lens is a wrap-around style that I felt gave my baby blues extra protection from damaging UV sun rays and wind during my many activities at altitudes reaching above 15,000 feet.

While I own numerous pairs of sunglasses I have been so impressed with Native’s Ultra Hardtop glasses that they have become my go-to sunglasses for outdoor sports that include hiking, biking, snow and water sports. A side benefit to the lightness of the glasses is when dropped they don't break. They are both sporty in appearance and supply great function.

After two years of use they still look almost new. All Native eyewear come with a lifetime warranty if for any reason your sunglasses are damaged they will be replaced for $30, quite a deal.


IMG_8908.jpg

Information

  • Frame colors: Matte black, Charcoal, Red frost, Maple tort, Metallic fern, Gunmetal
  • Lens colors: Grey, Brown, Silver reflex
  • Cost: $129-$149 depending on frame and lens

Source: tested or reviewed it for the manufacturer (I kept the product after testing.)

Disclosure: The author of this review received a sample of the product from the brand or its representative in exchange for a review.

Your Review

Where to Buy

Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the links above. Click a link, buy what you need, and the seller will contribute a portion of the purchase price to support Trailspace's independent gear reviews.

You May Like

Specs

Price Current Retail: $32.50-$78.95
Historic Range: $32.50-$149.00
Product Details from Native Eyewear »

Recently on Trailspace

Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants Review

Insect Shield Easy Packs Review

Big Agnes Gold Camp 5 Tarp Review

Xero Shoes Mesa Trail II Review