Enjoy Music Without Missing a Step: My Experience with Bose Frames While Hiking

[Viva Terlingua]

When I'm hiking I prefer not to listen to music. I just prefer to be in touch with my surroundings. However, this past year I got a pair of Bose Frames Sunglasses. The really cool thing about them is the music can be in the background while you can still hear what's going on around you. I still do most of my hiking in silence, but sometimes when I'm on the return leg I'll turn on music. I also use them a lot when hiking on streets and sidewalks as there really isn't anything I want to hear (I can still hear approaching traffic just fine). Although I'd prefer not to bring any electronic gadgets on the Camino, I'm tempted to bring these. Has anyone else used them and do they have any thoughts?

p.s. For anyone not familiar with them, I find the sound quality to be very good.

 

[jcat]

When I'm hiking I prefer not to listen to music. I just prefer to be in touch with my surroundings. However, this past year I got a pair of Bose Frames Sunglasses. The really cool thing about them is the music can be in the background while you can still hear what's going on around you. I still do most of my hiking in silence, but sometimes when I'm on the return leg I'll turn on music. I also use them a lot when hiking on streets and sidewalks as there really isn't anything I want to hear (I can still hear approaching traffic just fine). Although I'd prefer not to bring any electronic gadgets on the Camino, I'm tempted to bring these. Has anyone else used them and do they have any thoughts?

p.s. For anyone not familiar with them, I find the sound quality to be very good.

I hear good things about them, but I didn't know that they had different styles. Thanks for the link!

 

[Viva Terlingua]

While the other styles may less obtrusive, I think the Tempos are the clear choice. The Tempos have USB-C charging while the others require a special plug. Plus, their battery life is longer.

 

[C clearly]

These might have similar effect as "bone conduction" headphones - without the sunglasses, fitting around the back of the head. (Edited to correct my comparison.)

I recently got these ones and I love them. I listen mainly to audiobooks and podcasts, only allowing myself to do so when I am walking around home. That motivates me to walk a lot! However, I will probably not take them on the Camino since I don't want that distraction while I'm in Spain, and they are also rather expensive so I don't want to be thinking about them. On the Camino I'll take cheap earbuds for the occasions when I need a bit of inspirational music!

For walking at home, they are excellent - so comfortable and easy to pause or stop.

 

[Viva Terlingua]

These appear to be "bone conduction" headphones attached to sunglasses. They are available without the sunglasses part, and fit around the back of the head.

I recently got these ones and I love them. I listen mainly to audiobooks and podcasts, only allowing myself to do so when I am walking around home. That motivates me to walk a lot! However, I will probably not take them on the Camino since I don't want that distraction while I'm in Spain, and they are also rather expensive so I don't want to be thinking about them. On the Camino I'll take cheap earbuds for the occasions when I need a bit of inspirational music!

For walking at home, they are excellent - so comfortable and easy to pause or stop.

They actually have little speakers that fire towards your ears, no bone conduction. They sound surprisingly good for such small speakers. I have AirPods like your earbuds, but they isolate you more. It would be one more thing to keep track of vs. not caring about a pair of cheap sunglasses.

 

[C clearly]

They actually have little speakers that fire towards your ears, no bone conduction. They sound surprisingly good for such small speakers. I have AirPods like your earbuds, but they isolate you more. It would be one more thing to keep track of vs. not caring about a pair of cheap sunglasses.

Thanks for the clarification. I will edit my post. I am still very happy with the bone conduction type, which allow good ambient sound - not isolating like the earbuds.

 

[Montana Girl]

When I'm hiking I prefer not to listen to music. I just prefer to be in touch with my surroundings. However, this past year I got a pair of Bose Frames Sunglasses. The really cool thing about them is the music can be in the background while you can still hear what's going on around you. I still do most of my hiking in silence, but sometimes when I'm on the return leg I'll turn on music. I also use them a lot when hiking on streets and sidewalks as there really isn't anything I want to hear (I can still hear approaching traffic just fine). Although I'd prefer not to bring any electronic gadgets on the Camino, I'm tempted to bring these. Has anyone else used them and do they have any thoughts?

p.s. For anyone not familiar with them, I find the sound quality to be very good.

Hiya, I like to hike and listen also. But this is a long hike! With stretches that I was happy to have my Bose earbuds for music motivation. Also, I used them for sleeping. My small ears don't tolerate many ear plugs so I would listen to sleep stories instead of snorers. I know they are not the same as what you have but I was happy to have my electronic gadgets!!

 

[mette]

When I'm hiking I prefer not to listen to music. I just prefer to be in touch with my surroundings. However, this past year I got a pair of Bose Frames Sunglasses. The really cool thing about them is the music can be in the background while you can still hear what's going on around you. I still do most of my hiking in silence, but sometimes when I'm on the return leg I'll turn on music. I also use them a lot when hiking on streets and sidewalks as there really isn't anything I want to hear (I can still hear approaching traffic just fine). Although I'd prefer not to bring any electronic gadgets on the Camino, I'm tempted to bring these. Has anyone else used them and do they have any thoughts?

p.s. For anyone not familiar with them, I find the sound quality to be very good.

Won’t people around hear the music too? I think it’s annoying when people listen to music and everybody have to hear the same music

 

[danielgzepeda]

These might have similar effect as "bone conduction" headphones - without the sunglasses, fitting around the back of the head. (Edited to correct my comparison.)

I recently got these ones and I love them. I listen mainly to audiobooks and podcasts, only allowing myself to do so when I am walking around home. That motivates me to walk a lot! However, I will probably not take them on the Camino since I don't want that distraction while I'm in Spain, and they are also rather expensive so I don't want to be thinking about them. On the Camino I'll take cheap earbuds for the occasions when I need a bit of inspirational music!

For walking at home, they are excellent - so comfortable and easy to pause or st

Are these the Aftershocks brand/model you are talking about? I have these as bone conduction also. The newer and more expensive model is connected magnetically for recharging and last 8 hours. The older and less expensive model is connected differently, I believe a "c" connection. These allow for a clear and unobstructed ear canal path allowing you to carry a conversation at normal level and/or listen to music, podcasts, ebooks, etc along with keeping alert to traffic and surroundings.

When I'm hiking I prefer not to listen to music. I just prefer to be in touch with my surroundings. However, this past year I got a pair of Bose Frames Sunglasses. The really cool thing about them is the music can be in the background while you can still hear what's going on around you. I still do most of my hiking in silence, but sometimes when I'm on the return leg I'll turn on music. I also use them a lot when hiking on streets and sidewalks as there really isn't anything I want to hear (I can still hear approaching traffic just fine). Although I'd prefer not to bring any electronic gadgets on the Camino, I'm tempted to bring these. Has anyone else used them and do they have any thoughts?

p.s. For anyone not familiar with them, I find the sound quality to be very good.

Bose sound quality is outstanding. I purchased the newer model AfterSkokz bone conduction model. Connection is by using magnets. Lasts 8 hours per charge. Like the Bose sunglasses, the AfterShokz leave the ear canal unobstructed so you can carry a normal conversation at the same time you are listening to your choice of music, ebooks, podcasts, etc. They are especially good if the person wearing them is hard of hearing.

 

[Viva Terlingua]

Won’t people around hear the music too? I think it’s annoying when people listen to music and everybody have to hear the same music

Since they are aimed at the user's ear they are hard for people around you to hear them. If we were next to each other in a quiet office, you would hear them. If you walked past me on the Camino you would not hear them.

 

[McGraneC]

I wear Aftershokz when walking. I also use them at my desk when working for hands-free calls. People around me don't hear them, though when I'm in bed with them, my wife can sometimes hear a slight hiss, nothing like earbuds though. I like being able to hear cars coming up behind me when road walking, but I also get to hear the sounds of nature. They are so easy to turn on and off, that I frequently tap them to just immerse myself in the sounds of nature or in my own thoughts. Maybe it's an age thing, but I often go hunting for them only to realise I still have them on my head when they are silent.

 

[Viva Terlingua]

I wear Aftershokz when walking. I also use them at my desk when working for hands-free calls. People around me don't hear them, though when I'm in bed with them, my wife can sometimes hear a slight hiss, nothing like earbuds though. I like being able to hear cars coming up behind me when road walking, but I also get to hear the sounds of nature. They are so easy to turn on and off, that I frequently tap them to just immerse myself in the sounds of nature or in my own thoughts. Maybe it's an age thing, but I often go hunting for them only to realise I still have them on my head when they are silent.

It is very similar with the Bose. Very easy to turn on and off and adjust the volume. I use them for biking and rowing as well. It is very reassuring to be able to hear everything around you since your ears are unobstructed.

 

[danielgzepeda]

It is very similar with the Bose. Very easy to turn on and off and adjust the volume. I use them for biking and rowing as well. It is very reassuring to be able to hear everything around you since your ears are unobstructed.

Yes, I agree with you. I also wear vision glasses, so I opted for the AfterShokz even though I wholeheartedly believe in the Bose quality of sound.

 

[C clearly]

Won’t people around hear the music too?

With the bone conduction type, the sound virtually cannot be heard a few feet away, especially if they are on someone's head (as opposed to sitting on a hard surface, for example, when a faint sound might be transmitted).

 

[koknesis]

Look cool... but you are right, why to bring one more power thirsty gadget on the Camino?
btw, putting cell phone in the flight mode while walking saves its charge considerably.

 

[Terrri]

I have never seen such a gadget but they look interesting. Personally I would stick to your cheap sunglasses that you don't have to worry about misplacing or charging.

 

[jcat]

I ended up ordering some Aftershokz today. Looking forward to trying them out on a hike this weekend. I like to listen to music or podcasts while hiking alone, so hoping these make it easier to stay aware of my surroundings.

I like Bose, but I figured that I don't always wear sunglasses while hiking. I will report my experiences this weekend.

 

[danielgzepeda]

I ended up ordering some Aftershokz today. Looking forward to trying them out on a hike this weekend. I like to listen to music or podcasts while hiking alone, so hoping these make it easier to stay aware of my surroundings.

I like Bose, but I figured that I don't always wear sunglasses while hiking. I will report my experiences this weekend.

Basically anytime the sun is not up is when sunglasses are not worn. Advantage for the Aftershokz is that the sun need not be up. I am currently walking at night with mine every other night. Bose still has the superior sound quality, though. This is what works for me. Hope you enjoy yours.

 

[danielgzepeda]

I ended up ordering some Aftershokz today. Looking forward to trying them out on a hike this weekend. I like to listen to music or podcasts while hiking alone, so hoping these make it easier to stay aware of my surroundings.

I like Bose, but I figured that I don't always wear sunglasses while hiking. I will report my experiences this weekend.

My plan is to take the Aftershokz with me when I walk.

 

[Viva Terlingua]

I like Bose, but I figured that I don't always wear sunglasses while hiking. I will report my experiences this weekend.

You can buy clear lenses and switch them out as you wish. However, it has never been as easy for me as the instructions make it out to be and I'm always worried I'm going to break something.