I put the Zeal Optics Nucla sunglasses through a serious first test: trekking to Everest Base Camp.
I wore them daily during the trek. They handled intense high-elevation sunshine, dusty trails and strong wind without slipping, fogging or becoming uncomfortable.
My first pair was the color Ocean with Horizon Blue lens. My second pair I still wear in 2026 is in Tortoise.
UPDATE 9/7/26: Nucla has been retired, but you can still find inventory. The Snapshot is the updated version that is available.
Lightweight Comfort and Coverage
The Nucla sunglasses weighed less than an ounce. I rarely adjusted them, and they didn’t leave an annoying mark on my nose after hours of wear.
Their oversized lenses provided excellent coverage. During windy stretches, they also helped keep dust out of my eyes. Wider sides added protection around my temples.
I tested the Ocean frame with Horizon Blue lenses. The bold blue color stood out without looking overly sporty.
Plant-Based Frames and Polarized Lenses
Zeal made the Nucla frame with its lightweight, plant-based Z-Resin material. The polarized Ellume lenses were designed to reduce glare while enhancing color, clarity and contrast.
The lenses also had an anti-fog treatment, impact resistance and a scratch-resistant coating. That durability mattered because I have a bad habit of pushing sunglasses onto my head instead of immediately returning them to their case.
Zeal continues to use renewable and recycled materials throughout its sunglasses collection. Its current Z-Resin frames contain at least 45% plant-based bio-resin, according to the company’s sunglass technology guide.
From Hiking Trails to City Streets
After Nepal, I wore the Nucla sunglasses beside a pool in Texas and while running errands around Denver.
That versatility was one of their best features. They offered the coverage and performance I wanted for hiking but still looked stylish enough for brunch or a day in the city. Several fashion-savvy friends asked who made them.
Are Zeal Nucla Sunglasses Still Available?
The Nucla is no longer part of Zeal Optics’ current collection, but you can still find remaining inventory through other retailers, but color and lens choices will be limited.
The closest current alternative is the Zeal Optics Snapshot. It has a medium fit, bold styling, lightweight plant-based frames and polarized Ellume lenses. While not an exact replacement for the Nucla’s wraparound shape, the Snapshot offers a similar trail-to-town personality.
My Final Take
The Zeal Optics Nucla sunglasses delivered the comfort, coverage and durability I needed for a trek to Everest Base Camp. They were lightweight enough for all-day wear and stylish enough to keep wearing once I returned home. The Snapshot continues the Nucla’s blend outdoor performance, sustainability and style.
For more reviews on sunglasses, check out posts on Spy Optic Happy Lens and Costa Del Mar.
