Julbo: From High Mountains to 2025 Performance

A French brand born in the Jura in 1888, Julbo has established itself as a benchmark in sports sunglasses: impeccable UV protection, REACTIV photochromic lenses, lightweight and wraparound frames for mountaineering, trail running, cycling, sailing, or skiing. Discover its history, technologies, and the iconic models updated in 2025.

1 From "Crystal Hunters" to Modern Outdoor

It all began in Morez (Jura) in 1888. Asked by the "crystal hunters" of Chamonix who sought effective eye protection at high altitudes, the company designed robust protective eyewear. Throughout the 20th century, Julbo refined its "technical sun" specialization and made its mark with the Vermont glacier glasses, which became a symbol of mountaineering... and an heritage piece worn far beyond the peaks.

The following decades expanded the playground: high mountains, sailing, endurance sports. The brand developed wraparound, ventilated, stable, helmet-compatible frames, and high-performance lenses for clear vision in all conditions.

Key Takeaway Alpine heritage, continuous innovation, and a culture of protection: three pillars that still guide the 2025 collection.

Glacier / Vermont: Mountain DNA, side shields, mineral or polycarbonate lens depending on use.
Explorer 2.0: Modern evolution, lighter and more ventilated for high altitudes.
Nautic / Regatta: Polarized to reduce glare on water.

2 Iconic Models & 2025 Novelties

In 2025, Julbo consolidates its proven values and pursues a more refined aesthetic, highly performing in racing and cycling. An overview of the major families:

Density: Large cylindrical lens for XXL field of vision, malleable CustomFit temples, Grip Tech inserts. A benchmark for running and cycling.
Fury: Aggressive and ultra-light silhouette, ideal for high intensity. Compatible with REACTIV 0–3 or 1–3 depending on your terrain.
Ultimate: Minimalism, precise fit, adjustable 3D nose pad; perfect versatility for running/triathlon.
Rush: Wraparound frame and optimized ventilation for prolonged effort (cycling, trail running, ski touring).
Explorer 2.0 / Shield M: Modernized alpine heritage for altitude, detachable side shields depending on exposure.
Regatta: Nautical specialty with polarized lenses to neutralize surface reflections.

Tip: choose a REACTIV 0–3 lens if you start at night/dawn (ultra-trail, gravel); REACTIV 1–3 for forest and changing weather; REACTIV 2–4 for glacier and strong light.

3 REACTIV Lenses & Treatments

REACTIV photochromic lenses automatically adjust their tint according to the light. Advantages: very wide photochromic range, fast transition, internal anti-fog, and stable performance regardless of temperature. Result: a single pair covers multiple usage slots, without changing lenses during an outing.

0–3 Light Amplifier: Maximum visibility in low light (dawn, undergrowth, bad weather).
1–3 High Contrast: Improved terrain reading for trail/MTB.
2–4: Protection for very strong light (high mountains, glacier).
Polarized: Reduction of glare on water/snow, lasting visual comfort.

Comfort & Fit

Grip Tech temples that don't snag helmets/hair, adjustable 3D nose pad, wraparound and ventilated frames to limit fog and pressure points.

Anti-scratch and hydrophobic treatments on several models.
Helmet compatibility and stability in motion (trail, sprint, descent).

4 Athletes & Recent News

Field involvement remains central: notable presence in trail running (Golden Trail Series, ultra-endurance), cycling, and winter sports. Leading athletes wear the production models (Density, Fury, Ultimate), validating their fit, ventilation, and optical quality in real conditions. In 2024–2025, the brand also distinguished itself on Nordic circuits and at major international events.

Trail & ultra: Density, Fury, and Ultimate models highly visible at major events.
Winter sports: emphasis on photochromic lenses for variable weather, and goggles inherited from these technologies.
Cycling/Gravel: optimized ventilation, wide field of vision, contrasted lenses for reading terrain.

5 How to Choose Your Julbo Glasses?

Main activity: mountain/glacier (Explorer 2.0, Shield M), trail/road (Density, Fury, Ultimate), nautical (Regatta), urban versatility (sport lifestyle lines).
Lens: REACTIV 0–3, 1–3, or 2–4 depending on usual light conditions. Polarized for sailing/fishing.
Fit: CustomFit or Grip Tech temples, adjustable 3D nose pad, bridge adapted to your morphology.
Ventilation: Favor open lenses and air channels if you sweat a lot or ride uphill.

Need quick advice? Compare Density (maximum field) and Ultimate (minimalist/ultra-light) for racing; switch to Explorer 2.0 if you're heading to high altitudes.

To go further

6 FAQ

What is the difference between REACTIV 0–3, 1–3, and 2–4?

0–3 for low light and night starts, 1–3 for versatility in changing/wooded weather, 2–4 for very strong light (high mountains, glacier).

Polarized or photochromic?

Polarized lenses eliminate reflections on water/snow; REACTIV photochromic lenses adjust tint according to light. Choose according to terrain and frequency of use.

Which models for ultra-trail?

Density, Fury, and Ultimate: lightweight, ventilated, wide field of vision; opt for REACTIV 0–3 for night starts, 1–3 for versatility.

Which models for glaciers?

Explorer 2.0, Shield M, or glacier glasses with side shields, ideally with REACTIV 2–4 for intense sunlight.

Updated on October 23, 2025 — Editorial: Visionet.