My paddleboard was deflating, and the waves were getting bigger. As I navigated the whitewater of the Roaring Fork River, my feet wobbled and bounced on the unstable surface. I turned a corner, my eyes growing wide as the next swell came into view.

　　I felt my board being pulled into it, turning sideways, and I knew I was going in. My SUP tilted, I braced myself for the cold, and then, splash.

　　I was fully submerged for a few seconds. When I popped back up, my hat was gone (never to be seen again), and my board was trying to escape. But my sunglasses still clung snugly around my head. I could see clearly and swam to my board, climbing back on before the next section of rapids.

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) Ombraz released the Refugio, its first wraparound-style sunglasses, in July 2025. I tested them SUPing, hiking, and biking for several weeks across Colorado. Like all Ombraz models, these shades are armless, hugging your head with a comfortable cord and cinch system.

　　The Refugio is Ombrazs first single-lens style of sunglasses, though, and I was curious how the brand would pull off the new look.

　　In short: The Ombraz Refugio Sunglasses ($195) are armless windshield-style sunglasses that fasten to your head with Ombrazs unique cinch system. Theyre lightweight, have fewer pieces to bend/break, and stay on your head tenaciously. The lens clarity and fullness of the Refugios coverage are impressive. The Refugio is perfect for mountain bikers, river rats, and trail runners who prefer the cylindrical, single-lens look.

　　Ombraz Refugio Armless Sunglasses Check Price at Ombraz

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) 8.8 How we rate products Specifications Lens: Mirrored Zeiss optics Polarized: No Scratch-resistant: Yes Smudge-resistance: Oleophobic-coated Frame: Hand-painted, indestructible TR-90 Cord: 100% recycled abrasion-resistant Sizes: Regular and XL Pros No arms Built-in Croaky tether Extremely clear lens w/ great coverage Lightweight Cons Not polarized Pretty big on the face Will Brendza Ombraz Refugio Sunglasses Review

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) I have used Ombraz for around 3 years. So far, Ive tried the brands Camina, Viale, and Teton styles. The Classic aviator Ombraz are my everyday shades. They have no arms and use an adjustable cord to hold onto your head securely. For more background and greater detail, check out GearJunkies previous Ombraz review.

　　When I learned that the brand was coming out with a sportier, wraparound-style pair of sunglasses, my ears perked up. I wear wraparounds whenever Im running, biking, or paddling. Its a retro look compared to the classic styles Ombraz has made in the past.

　　But if this new pair was anything like Ombrazs past models, I was confident theyd be rad.

　　Clarity

　　Ripping the singletrack with my dog and Refugios; (photo/Will Brendza) Sunglasses come in all styles, but if the lenses arent clear, none of the aesthetic stuff matters. My previous experience with Ombraz lenses has been great. The brand uses Zeiss optics lenses that offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, are oleophobic (so they dont smudge as easily), and are scratch-resistant.

　　While the coating seems to have worked in testing, two editors noted that cleaning moisture off the lens (sweat, for example) took extra effort to fully clean off relative to other lenses.

　　The Refugios lenses are just as clear as the previous Ombraz Ive tried. The view is really sharp, and I have yet to notice any clarity distortions. Its a crisp, clean lens.

　　What jumped out at me about the Refugio is the field of coverage. The wraparound cylindrical single lens covers your peripherals like a glacier goggle and rests squarely on the bridge of your nose. I cant wait to get these sunglasses on the skin track this winter.

　　The Refugio is only available in nonpolarized lenses. I like polarized lenses for skiing and water activities because they reduce glare. But some people like unpolarized lenses while skiing because they make the terrain easier to see in flat light.

　　Either way, it doesnt affect UV protection. Its just something to be aware of if youre spending $195 on a pair of sunglasses.

　　Comfort

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) Ombrazs rubber nosepiece on the Refugio is very comfortable. Its nonadjustable but soft enough that it bends in the middle to accommodate differently shaped noses. Its grippy, too. Ive had no issues with these sunglasses slipping, even when wet.

　　If you havent worn Ombrazs sunglasses before, the armless cord design might take some getting used to. With the Refugio, I found it particularly comfortable. Compared to regular armed wraparound sunglasses, these dont pinch or squeeze the sides of your head at all, even under a helmet. During active sports like mountain biking, I barely noticed these shades on my face.

　　Be careful not to cinch the Refugios too tightly to your face. The cord is supposed to gently hold the back of your head, not squeeze it. If these shades are cinched too tightly, the frames brow pulls into your forehead, and the lens tilts at an odd angle.

　　The pair weighs 30 g, a smidge over a single ounce.

　　Style

　　Biking from Glenwood to the Carbondale put in on the Roaring Fork; (photo/Will Brendza) The wraparound-style Refugios are definitely a departure from Ombrazs other, more classic sunglasses. But if you like the sporty, cylindrical lens look, youll like the Refugio.

　　Consider yourself warned, though: The lens is huge. I got the regular (theres also an XL version), and theyre hands down one of the largest sunglasses I own.

　　Durability I have yet to damage a pair of Ombraz. You cant bend or break the arms (of which there are none), and the frames are made of indestructible TR-90.

　　So far, the Refugios have lived up to that claim, although Ive only had them for about a month.

　　Ombraz Refugio Sunglasses: Who Are They For?

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) The Ombraz Refugio is a sporty wraparound pair of shades that holds onto your head well, doesnt come loose or shake off during activities, and offers full peripheral single-lens coverage. These sunglasses are great for mountain biking, road cycling, trail running, hiking, or paddling; theyre comfortable under a helmet and offer a clear, undistorted field of view.

　　The Refugios have found a permanent home with my bike gear. Theyre a staple of my riding accessories with my gloves and my helmet. When I hit the river again, Ill be taking this pair of shades (and hopefully a SUP that isnt deflating). The name in Italian means shelter or refuge, and thats exactly what these retro-looking sunglasses offer.

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