AMGA Rock Guide Lindsay Fixmer Reviews the Julbo MonteRosa Sunglasses
AMGA Rock Guide Lindsay Fixmer field-testing the Julbo MonteRosa sunglasses. Photo: Lindsay Fixmer
Bringing the Spectron 4 and Camel (Category 2–4) lens to the sunglasses and glacier-glasses market, Julbo is at the forefront of versatility. And the good news is, you can use either lens with the women’s-specific MonteRosa sunglasses. The Camel lens adjusts to different environments, changing according to the intensity of brightness and glare. Whether I was on a glacier or a rock face, I got the appropriate amount of eye protection. Having one pair of sunglasses do it all is pretty amazing. The MonteRosas are not too dark on the rock and thus don’t rob you of depth perception; meanwhile, they’re not too light on a glacier, where insufficient protection could cause snow blindness. No one likes to squint or feel they are in the dark when wearing sunglasses. That being said, I think the MonteRosas are best suited for sunny glaciers.
While sunglasses frames fit differently on each individual, the MonteRosas are ideally and ergonomically shaped for a woman’s face shape. They fit like a glove with no movement when you smile, sweat, or frown. The “legs/stems” glide perfectly over your ears and don’t rub against the back of your head even when wearing a hat or helmet—the sort of irritation that notoriously causes headaches.
The frames are incredibly durable and tough, too. I’ve gone well over two years with one pair of Julbo shades, using them each season in various conditions. My latest pair will surely last that amount of time, if not longer. That said, I always keep them in their plastic container or cloth bag when stored in the top lid of my pack; I don’t allow them to be crushed.
With an array of colors to choose from, everyone looks stylish in at least one pair of Julbos. I like the MonteRosas in white and blue frames personally.
Specs:
• Price: $100–190
• Removable wings and nose shields
• Spectron 4 or Camel lenses
