A burly, trustworthy freeride companion. Ski edges failed to distress shoulders when sending bootpacks, while the Gore-Text fabric shielded gear testers on rickety chairlifts in swirling storms. In the backcountry, the Monkeywrench performs well. It’s not the lightest weight shell in the Sweet Protection line, but it’s light enough to stash in your pack on sweaty skins and heavy enough to provide ample protection when you transition to the downhill. While the fabric itself is breathable, testers relied on the pit zips when postholing through waist deep snow. As for features, Sweet Protection has stocked this beast with the works: a helmet-compatible, adjustable hood; a powder skirt and a bomber AquaGuard zipper. Sweet Protection didn’t skimp on pockets, either, supplying the Monkeywrench with a chest pocket, internal audio pocket, two cavernous front cargo pockets and a handy pocket on the shoulder perfect for a scannable season pass.
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
Key Features:
Size: S - XL
Weight: 805 g
Materials: GORE-TEX