Goggles fog when the temperature of your face is significantly warmer than the air or water around you. The cold and hot coming together causes condensation to form on the inside of the lenses, giving them a fogged appearance. There are steps you can take to prevent your goggles from fogging, and certain features you should look for when shopping for a pair.
Anti-fog Treated
Most goggles on the market, whether made for swimming or skiing, have lenses that are pretreated with an anti-fog chemical. As long as you don't scratch or rub off this protective coating, your goggles will remain fog free. You can also purchase an anti-fog product that you apply yourself to the lenses, usually in the form of a spray or cream.
Anti-fog Design
Goggles intended for cold weather usage often feature top side vents. These are air vents built into the frame of the goggles which allow air to circulate against both sides of the lenses, equalizing the temperature so fog won't form. This design can be hampered by snow accumulation covering the vents so be sure to check periodically that the vents are clear.
Body Heat
The warmer your body, the more likely your goggles will become fogged as the temperature of your face becomes hotter than the temperature of the outside air or water. For cold weather, dressing judiciously in layers should help you avoid becoming overheated. Also check how your clothes around the neck area fit. Neck gaiters and scarves can funnel body heat up to your face.
Temperature Equalization
Put on your goggles indoors before you experience cold weather, or before you enter the water. This will bring the temperature of your lenses up to the temperature of your body, preventing fogging on the inside surface. To maintain this temperature balance, it's important not to remove the goggles until you're indoors again. If swimming, don't remove your goggles until you're finished.
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