The ultimate mountaineering sunglasses, but does the Oakley Clifden stand up the hype? We’ll review everything you need to know before you buy!
Table of Contents
What are Oakley Clifden Sunglasses?
Released in Fall 2019, the Oakley Clifden Sunglasses are Oakley’s first Mountaineering eyewear.
Merging the mad scientist designs of the past with protection for the mountain, the Clifden will certainly get a double-take on the street. These are definitely not an everyday wear pair, but instead, they’re purpose-built for mountaineering.
Continue reading for our complete review and breakdown of everything you need to know about the Oakley Clifden.
Clifden Features
- The ultimate mountaineering glasses with a full frame design built to protect against the elements
- Made of lightweight and durable O Matter frame material
- Interchangeable and removable bridge blocker made of Unobtainium to block out light
- Side shields provide maximum UV and glare protection at high altitudes
- No slip Unobtainium nosepads for increased grip with perspiration or rain
- Integrated leash helps to keep these sunglasses on your head during your next adventure
- Impact-resistant Plutonite lenses are designed and tested under high mass and high velocity circumstances
- Available in a wide range of Prizm and Prizm snow lenses for uncompromising protection
Oakley Clifden Sunglasses Review
Our Gear
For this review, we got our hands on a pair of Oakley Clifden sunglasses in Polished Black with Prizm Snow Sapphire lenses (Product Link) and took them on a trip to the mountains.
And we have to say; these sunglasses packed way more surprises than we could have ever imagined. Find out why in our review below.
Initial Impressions
The Clifden frame is, first and foremost, a mountaineering design, so we knew we had to try these on a hike. And as we put them on to start the day, it felt like we were getting ready to conquer mars.
The side blinders, leash, and overall design of the Clifden definitely got some looks on our casual Sunday hike. I’m sure on Everest or other serious climbs, the Clifden would fit right in, but below that level of mountaineering, most people just aren’t used to seeing such serious sunglasses.
And they definitely are serious! The Clifden delivered across every aspect of the frame, protection, and lenses!
Keep reading as we dive into this frame and whether we’d recommend it for you!
O Matter Frame and Unobtainium Side Shields
The standout feature of this frame is the blinders or side shields designed to protect you from high light exposure that’s common at high altitudes.
But if you’re someone who loves a good dark lens and don’t want sun sneaking in the side of your lenses, these equally are great!
On the pair we tried on, the side shields worked to block out 99% of peripheral light.
And since the Unobtainium side shields are removable, we decided to see the difference they make. Overall, it was noticeable. With the side shields, it feels much more like you’re wearing goggles than sunglasses.
Integrated Leash
Another cool mountaineer feature in the Clifden is a removable and integrated 20″ leash.
But this isn’t the same $5 straps you’d find at your local gas station. Instead, the Clifden features a coated woven steel leash design to securely hold your sunglasses no matter what.
If you’re a serious mountaineer, this likely will help you with crosswinds on the summit of a mountain. For us, it was useful to keep the sunglasses around our necks during water breaks.
If you’ve ever had a pair of classic Croakies (popular in the boating scene), then the leash is a similar idea on steroids!
Overall, this was a great feature and very useful on our Clifden sunglasses!
Prizm Lenses and Lens Options
As the Clifden is geared towards mountaineering, it’s no shock that all the pairs currently include Prizm Snow lenses.
As we’ve covered in our Prizm guide, these lenses are focused on maximizing contrast and clarity so you can spot changes in terrain.
The Prizm Snow Black Iridium, Prizm Snow Sapphire, and Prizm Snow Torch lenses are all fantastic options for winter conditions.
Specifically, Oakley advertises that the Clifden Prizm lenses available are category 4 lenses (below 8% VLT) designed to block more UVB rays and intense light. For less bright light, Category 3 lens is an effective solution for both protection and visibility in cloudy or partly cloudy conditions.
Additionally, all the lenses are made of the company’s impact-resistant Plutonite lens material.
For the range of different Prizm lenses we tried in the Clifden, our favorite lens color was Prizm torch.
It’s a phenomenal all-around lens built for Sunny and Cloudy conditions with a 17% light transmission. Not to mention, the red iridium lens color of Prizm torch looks absolutely wild!
Final Thoughts – Are They Worth It?
We’d recommend Oakley Clifden sunglasses for serious climbers, hikers, or outdoors enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a best-in-class mountain, hiking, or climbing pair of sunglasses, this is it!
But the Clifden is a welcomed newcomer to the Oakley sports range.
It’s interesting to see Oakley designing for new sports like mountaineering and gaming. These are clearly the pairs that are driving innovation from the brand. And we are all for it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Prescription Clifden Lenses Available?
If your vision is less than perfect, you’re in luck. The Oakley Clifden is available with prescription lenses through Oakley and other outlets.
You can even order the Clifden with prescription Prizm lenses, offering the highest quality contrast and performance.
They’re currently available for measurements of a sphere: 4.0 to -6.0 and cylinder: 3.0 to -3.0. If you’re unsure of these measurements, learn how to read your prescription or reach out to your eye doctor.
Like most other Oakley frames, you’ll pay a premium to add your prescription. Currently, Clifden prescription lenses, including the frame, cost $400 and up.
Where to Buy Clifden Replacement Lenses?
As we mentioned, Oakley doesn’t currently sell replacement lenses for the Clifden, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find them.
Several aftermarket lens suppliers offer replacement lens options. However, none of these will offer Prizm lens technology since these lenses are patented by Oakley.
For a complete comparison of aftermarket replacement lenses, be sure to check out our guide to the Best Oakley Replacement Lenses.
How to Replace Clifden Lenses?
Despite Oakley not currently selling replacement Clifden lenses, you can still easily change out your lenses.
The process is the same as most Oakley sunglasses. Simply apply pressure towards the inside of the bridge area, and the lenses should pop out. To put them in, just reverse the process – pressing on the outside then bridge area.
For more information, check out our complete guide to changing Oakley lenses.
Where to Buy Clifden Sunglasses?
If you’re looking to buy Clifden sunglasses, your easiest option is Oakley’s website or a retail store. And as we mentioned before, you can find the frame on Oakley Standard Issue as well as the brand’s custom program.
But if you don’t want to pay retail, you’ll want to look around.
You can easily save 20-30% off new Oakleys like the Clifden through aftermarket sites like our Oakley Forum Exchange Area or eBay.
For more information, be sure to check out our complete guide to never paying retail for Oakleys.
Colorways and Pricing
Currently, the Oakley Clifden is available in 7 colorways with most pairs retailing for $196.00 including Prizm lens options.
If you’re eligible you can also find the Clifden at a serious discount through the Oakley Standard Issue Program – the companies exclusive government and military program.
Currently, Oakley offers the following color options:
- Matte Black / Prizm Snow Black Iridium
- Polished Black / Prizm Snow Sapphire
- Matte Black / Prizm Snow Torch
- Matte Olive / Prizm Tungsten Polarized
- Matte Translucent Blue / Prizm Deep Water Polarized
- Black Ink / Prizm Shallow Water Polarized
- Matte Black / Prizm 24K Polarized
In the United States, the Clifden is also now a part of the Oakley Custom Program, allowing you to customize your frame, lenses, and icons.
Through the OCP, the Clifden starts at $191.00 with standard clear lenses and can go up to $251.00 with Prizm Polarized.
Be sure to also check out our complete guide to customizing your Oakley sunglasses here.
Want More?
So will you be buying a pair of Clifden sunglasses? Join the largest online Oakley community and let us know in the thread below.
Because you have a beautiful personality.
