Ombraz Teton Armless Sunglasses Review

Article by Markus Zinkl

Ombraz Teton ($160.00)

Introduction

Ombraz, a Washington-based eyewear company, has carved a niche in the market by focusing on simplicity and style. Their innovative armless design, which arose from a founder’s experience of breaking his sunglasses and improvising with string, launched successfully through an Indiegogo campaign. Ombraz emphasizes durability, functionality, and a unique aesthetic in their products.

Pros

• Unparalleled hold for any activity

• Unbreakable design

• Carl Zeiss lenses

• Comfortable fit and stylish form factor

• Lifetime guarantee

• 20 trees planted per pair bought

• Additional side shields available

• 100% UV protection

• Available with prescription lenses through Lens & Frame Co.

Cons

• Cord design can create tangles with helmets and is not easy to take on and off

• Lenses are not interchangeable

Ombraz Armless Sunglasses: The Teton

The Teton model brings together elements from the iconic Wayfarer and Clubmaster styles, resulting in a sleek design that balances elegance and functionality. These sunglasses are not just about looks; they are lighter, stronger, and more striking than previous models. Here are some standout features:

Lenses

The Tetons are equipped with thicker, scratch-resistant, and oleophobic lenses crafted by Carl Zeiss. Available in polarized and non-polarized polyamide, these lenses minimize fogging and glare, enhancing visual clarity and comfort.

Cord Mechanism

The signature armless design employs a Japanese-woven, 100% recycled marine-grade cord, ensuring unshakable security in any terrain. This cord is antimicrobial, made from recycled fishing nets, and allows for easy packability without the need for a bulky case.

Speaking of the case, the Teton comes with a very nice and small case with a built-in microfiber cloth. 

It doesn’t add a lot of bulk, which fits perfectly to its small packabilty.

Ergonomic Fit

Designed to fit all nose types, the Tetons feature larger, more ergonomic Asian-fit nose pads, ensuring endless comfort for a wide range of user nose shapes. And I can attest to that. Having a smaller nose, I usually struggle a bit with the fit of a lot of sunglasses, especially during active use. 

The fit is by far the standout feature of the Tetons for me. You don’t want to wear it too tight, though. In my experience, you should leave a finger width of space between the cord and your head to get the perfect fit.

Here from the how-to wear guide from Ombraz’s website.

Colors Available

Charcoal, Tortoise, Honey

Tech Specs/Material

TR-90 Aerospace-grade Nylon Frames

Sizing

• Regular

• XL

Armless Design

The armless design reduces the risk of breakage and enhances portability. The intuitive string mechanism is adjustable, providing a secure fit that stays in place during vigorous activities.

You simply pull on both ends to loosen the cords. 

To tighten the cords, you pull both plastic square apart.

Here you can see it from Omraz’s how-to guide.

Durability

Constructed from nearly indestructible aerospace-grade TR-90 nylon, the Teton sunglasses are built to last. This material ensures that the frames can withstand rough handling and extreme conditions without compromising their integrity.

User Experience

The Ombraz Tetons excel in providing comfort and stability, making them feel almost non-existent on the face. The lenses are almost non-susceptible to fogging even during sustained efforts, which is crucial for outdoor activities like running and hiking. However, the cord is not as easy to use as traditional arms. The cord needs to getting some used-to for putting them on and off, but if you follow the how-to guide here, it soon becomes second nature. 

Aesthetics

The Teton’s square frame is a perfect blend of style and function, drawing inspiration from the Wayfarer and Clubmaster designs. The built-in mini visors not only add to the aesthetic appeal but also reduce peripheral glare, enhancing visual comfort. Available in both Regular and XL sizes, these sunglasses cater to a diverse range of face shapes and sizes.

Environmental Impact

Ombraz is committed to environmental sustainability. For every pair of Ombraz sold, the company plants 20 trees, contributing significantly to reforestation efforts. Additionally, the packaging is completely plastic-free, aligning with eco-friendly practices.

Overall Impressions

Ombraz Tetons are an excellent choice for discerning outdoor enthusiasts who value a combination of style, function, and durability. The armless design not only enhances comfort but also reduces the likelihood of damage during various activities. I highly praise them  for their stylish look, functional design, and positive environmental impact.

Conclusion

The Ombraz Teton sunglasses offer a perfect blend of timeless style, innovative design, and robust performance, making them a standout choice in the eyewear market. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a cyclist, or someone who appreciates high-quality eyewear, the Tetons provide an unmatched combination of comfort, durability, and environmental responsibility. All of that makes them my favorite sunglasses for fast-packing and hiking. The fit, packability and durability make them the perfect choice for me.

Ombraz Teton and other Ombraz Sunglasses are available at Ombraz HERE

The Ombraz Teton that are the basis of this test were provided to us free of charge. The opinions presented are our own.

Tester Profile

Markus Zinkl: I’m 34 years old and live in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. I started hiking and backpacking 5-6 years ago. Coming from trail running and with light and fast in mind, I started hiking and fast packing with ultralight gear. Over the years I tried and tested a lot of gear, always in search of weight savings. Although still trying to stay out of the ultralight rabbit hole. I spend most of my days off from work on the trail, with at least one 2-3 week thru-hike. Among the more well known trails I have hiked over the last few years are the GR221, WHR (Walker’s Haute Route), TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc), TC (Tour du Cervin-Matterhorn) and Via Alpina Switzerland. As you probably notice by now, I’m at home in the mountains. So if I’m not running or thru-hiking a longer trail, I’m probably somewhere in the Alps checking out some shorter trails.

We welcome comments and questions in the comments section below