Norwegian brand Sweet Protection’s origin story begins well before their launch in 2000. Founder and designer Ståle Møller started clandestinely crafting skateboards by hand in the 80s as Norway, if you can believe it, banned skateboarding until 1989.
What started as a counter culture flowed into the mainstream as Møller perfected his designs. Avid adventurers, Ståle and his compatriots spent their days kayaking and skating, biking and skiing. A dearth of quality gear lead to more and more prototypes and tinkering; prototypes and tinkering lead to the eventual formation of Sweet Protection.
Image by Drew Zieff
After Sweet Protection was official, Ståle & Co. didn’t hesitate to hit up one of the world’s most respected outdoor athletes: Norway’s most mythological snowboarder, the legendary Terje Håkonsen. With Terje’s input, the company’s products became better and more refined, and, subsequently, outdoor athletes began to regard Sweet Protection as the real deal.
Though still relatively new in the U.S., this brand is here to stay. Active Junky tested Sweet Protection’s Monkeywrench Jacket and the Supernaut R Pant in Chile this summer and Colorado this winter, and we were beyond impressed by the strength, weight and warmth of these versatile pieces.
Image by Drew Zieff
Tester Quote: “The shell was actually really warm for how light it was. I can wear this anywhere—with the right layering, at least. Hiking, skinning, skiing, sending cliffs. It was all fair game in this sweet, Sweet Protection.”
Bottom Line: If you rely on a combination of a puffy and a shell both at the resort and in the backcountry, the waterproof and windproof Monkeywrench is a solid, versatile choice.
Best For: Alternating between resort and backcountry skiing
Image by Lio DelPiccolo
Tester Quote: “These were so light, I didn’t think I’d be warm enough. But even with a single pair of long john’s underneath, the Gore-Tex Pro kept me warm when it was 12 degrees out. Scrambling above cliffs, climbing couloirs with crampons, skiing waist deep pow—these pants are primed for all of my favorite action in the mountains.”
Bottom Line: Once you try this bib, you won’t be going back to your old ski pants. Ultra light, strong and waterproof, this smart design is perfect for those who love the uphill as much as the downhill.
Best For: Backcountry skiing, ski mountaineering, deep powder days at the resort.