Ombraz Releases The Refugio: Our Evaluation of the Retro Wraparounds
Operating Equipment • July 15, 2025
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Armless design, TR-90 frames, non-polarized Carl Zeiss optic lens, built-in nostril pads, non-compulsory facet shields and nostril guard, made in Italy

The place We’re Going, We Don’t Want Arms
If me, I’ve been preaching the gospel of Ombraz for the previous a number of years, ever since my conversion to their distinctive armless type of eyewear design. As somebody who loves to have interaction in a wide range of actions, from working to climbing to metropolis biking to fishing, they’re my go-to shades for actually all the things. I sometimes roll with the Viale or Dolomite, however it could be time to change.
As a result of Ombraz simply elevated the complete lineup with The Refugio, an all-new wraparound type that gives superior protection with the identical consolation and dialed-in match of its predecessors.
If you happen to’re new to the Ombraz (‘ombra’ is Italian for ‘shade’– wild, I do know) ecosystem, then chances are you’ll be skeptical. A sun shades design with out arms? You simply tighten the twine round your head? How is that comfy? I don’t understand how else to let you know this, however this design– it’s the most comfy, and presents essentially the most superior non-slip efficiency of any sun shades I’ve ever owned.
Once more, I assumed it couldn’t get higher, however they someway took all of the information gained of their different fashions (all made in Italy, by the way in which) and put collectively their greatest design but in The Refugio.
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Full protection defend type (picture courtesy of Ombraz)

Yeah, there’s bikes (picture courtesy of Ombraz)
Shelter From The Storm
You’d by no means guess, however The Refugio takes its identify from the Italian phrase for “shelter” or “refuge.” Loopy, I assumed it stood for “Rufiooooo.” Correct preparation goes hand in hand with shelter, and for that, you want the most effective gear. Fortunately, The Refugio falls into that column.
The TR-90 aerospace-grade nylon frames are ultralight and nearly indestructible, in order that’s begin. After all, this can be a shield-style wraparound body, so the entire lens protection comes by means of Carl Zeiss optics with non-polarized tints.
Let’s speak in regards to the non-polarized lenses for a second. On shiny, sunny days with nothing however miles of street forward of you, sure– it’s your decision a polarized lens for decreasing glare. Identical factor for those who’re out fishing on the water.
Nevertheless, for those who’re a path runner or navigating your means by means of metropolis streets with altering gentle situations, then it’s important to succeed in for a non-polarized lens just like the one in The Refugio. Which is sensible, since The Refugio is explicitly designed for “singletrack, alpine ridgelines, desert scrambles, or the uncovered shoulder of a mountain freeway.” It adapts to any situation, offering top-notch readability wherever you go. And since we talked about readability, it ought to be famous that Ombraz is without doubt one of the greatest on the market.

Pup authorised (picture courtesy of Ombraz)
Even so, the actual star of the present is the match. Once more, I’m an enormous fan of the corded, no-arm type that Ombraz has championed. For starters, I lose issues greater than I discover them, so with the wraparound twine, I can relaxation assured these are staying with me after they’re off my face. I can put on these for any exercise they usually don’t budge, from swimming to biking to on a regular basis use.
The nostril pads on this model are model new and totally built-in into the body (up to now, nostril pads had been an add-on). They’re each comfy and grippy on the similar time, and preserve the frames simply far sufficient from the face to remove any potential fogging whereas aiding in air flow. I took these on just a few tremendous sweaty and humid summer season runs they usually carried out flawlessly in all these departments.

For all seasons (picture courtesy of Ombraz)
How To Purchase
All the setup supplies ample safety from the solar whereas offering very good readability to the complete sight view. Whereas I went with the usual sizing, XL sizing can be obtainable for these with greater faces. For excessive adventurers (i.e. alpine climbing, backcountry snowboarding, overlanding, and so forth.), Ombraz additionally supplies the choice of including on detachable Aspect Shields in addition to a UV Nostril Defend.
If you happen to’d like to choose up your individual pair, you should buy The Refugio for $195 at ombraz.com or through the use of the store hyperlink beneath.
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Operating Attire • July 15, 2025