It’s easy to understand why FKT Gear founder Josh Bryson felt passionate about creating sustainable options in the performance eyewear market.
As a Montana native who grew up romping around his family’s cattle ranch near Three Forks, Montana and fly fishing on the back channels of the famed Madison River, it’s really no surprise he went on to pursue a career in environmental engineering.
“It was our little slice of heaven, and I can’t think of a better way to grow up. It definitely influenced and led me into a profession where I could utilize my love for the outdoors to conserve the landscape.”
Josh has also worn glasses for 36 years.
FKT Gear founder Josh Bryson
“Glasses become a part of who you are, as do sunglasses,” he said. “If you’re going to wear a pair, they just as well look good and perform.”
The year 2020 delivered a great deal of motivation for Josh to pursue his own line of performance eyewear. Like most, it brought on plenty of isolation and free time at home, but Josh also experienced unsettling changes with his job and a scary cancer diagnosis.
“Nothing motivates an individual more than acceptance of their own mortality,” he said.
Sitting down with his wife Krista, as a dad of three, his paternal instinct was to find another way to provide for his family if he was no longer around. “It’s amazing what a precarious and vulnerable position will drive you to do.”
Bound by his own corrective lenses since he was 11, Josh still cherishes the memory of being given the gift of clear vision. “Times change, but the memory of walking outside Dr. Kountz’s office and being able to clearly see the individual aspen leaves from more than a few feet away still sticks with me,” he laughed.
Like any good engineer, before FKT launched in 2024, Josh was fully committed to his research.
“Quality was critical,” he said of the dozens of prototypes. After scrutinizing different coatings, temple tips, and no-slip grips, FKT honed in on six flagship models offering three different color waves.
“You can immediately feel the difference in your hand.”
The grilamid frames and polycarbonate lenses weigh in between 24 and 30 grams, so light you’ll forget you’re wearing them. Its hydro-oleophobic coating sheds water, oil and grease quickly. And, depending on the model, the rubber nose piece and temple tips are adjustable for a customizable fit.
“We’re combining lightweight sunglasses with a super high quality lens, stacking positive attribute upon positive attribute.”
Equally as important as the quality of the sunglasses was the integrity of the manufacturer who makes the sunglasses.
FKT landed on a manufacturing facility in Italy that shares its ethos to be as sustainable and environmentally conscious as possible. “There is a cultural uniqueness about Italy and their craft,” Josh said. Known for design and craftsmanship, especially in the fashion space, the partnership just made sense.
The Italian facility runs on 100% renewable power, reuses process water, and is ISO 14001:2015 certified, simply meaning they have taken the steps to be as green as possible. The frames average 40% post recycled content, meaning the “millings” or bits and pieces of waste are recycled and reintegrated into the next batch of sunglasses. Additionally, FKT has partnered with 5% for the Forest, donating proceeds to beneficiary partners like Leave No Trace.
We wanted glasses designed to perform, but we also didn’t want to contribute to the destruction of the very mountains and trails that we love, Josh said.
Named for the acronym Fastest Known Time, FKT remains committed to just that.
Like the brand, the names of each model give a playful nod to names of the trails we love. Convoluted Bliss, requiring an element of confidence and swagger, according to Josh, are made to stand atop podiums. Lickskillet is another shield-style sports performance option that reached the podium at Desert Rats Trail Running Festival last year. High Lonesome and Mineral King have spring-loaded hinges and adjustable temple tips that can bend to 90 degrees to fit the likes of Sponge Bob Square Pants. The Easy Does It and Beaten Path are adequate for running, but Josh jokes, are also great for day drinking.
“There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t learn something new about myself, our business or the sunglass industry. The best part is speaking to not just athletes, but anyone who enjoys recreating outside. The community of all trail users is so welcoming and supportive. We hope we can return the favor by providing them with the best trail sunglasses on the planet!”
Originally from Alaska, Maria currently resides in Montana with her husband, two young daughters and chocolate lab named Echo. When she’s not chasing her kids or that next running goal, you can find her weekend-warrioring in the mountains or thinking about her next cup of coffee.
