How can I stop my goggles steaming up?

Jason Berry, Stoke

Rob Johnson MIC

A qualified International Mountain Leader, Rob’s led groups all over the world via his company www.expeditionguide.com

Most of us carry cheap (and usually old) goggles for winter

walking. We wear them infrequently and they get bashed around in our rucksack, so it’s not worth the expense of a decent pair with anti-misting lenses. With that in mind we have to be a bit canny with how we use them to avoid getting steamed up. I tend to avoid putting mine on until I really need them, to minimise the time that I spend wearing them. They are essential in strong wind that is moving snow around as you just won’t be able to see without them. You will know when you need them, but my advice is don’t put them on until then. Once they are on, keep them on. If you frequently take them on and off they will get covered with snow on the inside and will be a devil to clear again. Don’t sit them on top of your hood or helmet when they are not in use; put them somewhere warm and dry like an inside pocket, otherwise the damp conditions we get in the UK in winter will render the inside of the lenses useless. When you put them on with a hood up, which is 99 per cent of the time, place the elastic on the outside of the hood. This will make it easier to turn your head and still see, and it will also help with the steaming-up issue as it keeps them outside the hood where your hot, steamy breath is gathering. Finally, try not to funnel that hot breath upwards into your goggles via the top of your jacket or a scarf. Allow a small amount of ventilation to avoid that happening. Happy goggling!