Simplification is the way forward, and to do that, I need a hat I can put on and leave on all day long, even under a helmet on both the ascent and descent. Enter Passage Hat Co.: technical hats designed specifically for the skin track, sewn in Vancouver, and built to be worn on the skintrack or under a helmet on the descent, on the trail or to Chieftan.
Passage Hat Co. Key Specs
- Monashee 5 Panel: 72.5 grams
- Monashee Trucker: 75.4 grams
- Tantalus 5 Panel: 62.8 grams
- Crown Material: 94% Poly, 6% Spandex
- Brim: 100% Recycled Polyester
- Origin: Vancouver
Who is the Passage Hat Co.?
Passage Hat Company started on the skin tracks of coastal and interior BC, Canada. Frustration with headwear failing to keep pace with modern backcountry gear led Steven, Chris, and Chris to launch the company in November 2022. Their original offering, the Monashee, is now joined by newer models: the Tantalus and the Kluane.
All of their softshell hats feature a PFAS-free DWR treatment and are sewn locally in Vancouver, BC, making it a rare treat to test gear made right here at home.
The Core of Passage Hats
All three models of Passage Hats share a core set of features built for high output mountain adventures. Most importantly, each hat is crafted from a two-way stretch softshell fabric with a PFAS-free DWR finish. They breathe exceptionally well under heavy exertion while shedding light winter precipitation.
At the front, all three models feature a flexible EVA foam brim. This allows them to bounce back to shape effortlessly should they get crushed in a backpack. The underside of the bill features dark fabric to eliminate any chance of glare, and the entire profile is tailored to fit comfortably on its own or flush beneath a ski or climbing. The fit is dialled in using an adjustable, elasticated rear snap closure.
The Monashee
The Monashee is the flagship original offering from the team at Passage Hat Company. It features the signature stretchy softshell exterior and flexible brim that all the models have and includes a mid-weight fleece lining inside. This thermal layer provides just enough warmth for freezing winter ascents without causing you to overheat.
Despite having a thermal layer inside the Monashee breathes quite well. It is more than comfortable on ski touring missions that push up to 10 degrees c and a bit more. After that you might want to look into its more breathable cousin, the Tantalus.
The Tantalus
While fleece-lined caps are ideal in deep winter, warmer spring conditions call for something lighter. Named after the rugged Tantalus range just outside Squamish, the Tantalus eschews the fleece liner for maximum breathability. It’s the ultimate cross-over cap for spring ski touring, summer hikes, and alpine climbs.
It can be worn in the winter for sure but definitely lacks the warmth of the Monashee. I found this hat to be the best once temps kick above 10 degrees celsius.
5 Panel vs Trucker
The original 5 panel cut fits somewhat shallow, in fact, it didn’t fit my head particularly well. Fortunately, Passage now offers both the Monashee and Tanatalus in a Trucker shape designed specifically with larger heads in mind.
The Trucker is the one that fits me perfectly. Unlike traditional trucker hats with rigid front crowns, the Passage Trucker uses soft shell material up front so it doesn’t stand proud or bunch up under helmets.
The Kluane
New for last winter was the Kluane. This hat is named after the park that is home to Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan. With that as its heritage, you know it is designed for the cold. The Kluane takes the fleece lined 5 panel version of the Monashee and adds substantial ear flaps. The adjustable elastic snap on the back of the Monashee is replaced with a shock chord.
We’ve been told this hat is being updated for winter 2026/27 and are looking forward to getting our hands on the updated model soon. We will update this review when we do.
Passage Hats on the Skin Track
Out on the snow, Passage Hats deliver where it matters most. The breathed really well on the skinner while the DWR treatment did a fantastic job fending off light snow and drizzle. The softshell fabric and the adjustable snap closure allow the hats to mould to different head shapes. The flexible brim packs away nicely when not needed. Most importantly for me, they eliminate transition hassle by sitting comfortably under a helmet all day long.
Looking for a Passage Hat, head on over to Passage Hat Co. to pick one up!
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BlackSheep was provided with a free sample of The Monashee and The Tantalus for this review. This in no way affected our review.
