Arc'teryx Beanie 2004
The Arc'teryx Classic Beanie evolved significantly between the Fall 2004 and Fall 2006 catalogs. The 2003 acrylic version gave way to 100% wool construction with improved fleece underbanding and four-dart shaping. This was Arc'teryx refining their headwear after the first year, and the wool versions remain among the warmest beanies they've ever produced.
The Fall 2004 catalog lists the Classic Beanie with "100% wool, soft thermal fleece underbanding, 4 dart design" in Black, Gumbo, and Bluebird colorways. Arc'teryx kept the same basic silhouette but upgraded the materials substantially. The wool traps heat better than acrylic and regulates temperature during high-output activities.
Full Specs: 85g Pure Wool Construction
The Fall 2006 catalog confirms the full specifications: 85g in 100% Wool with soft thermal fleece under-banding and four-dart construction. Seven colorways by 2006: Brown, Linen, Blueberry, Cherry, Black, Charcoal, and Olive. The catalog describes it as "The classic," with no additional marketing language.
Four-dart construction creates a contoured fit that hugs your head without pressure points. The fleece underbanding sits against your forehead and ears for moisture-wicking and itch prevention. Pure wool against skin can irritate, but the fleece barrier eliminates that problem. At 85g, this sits in the midweight range for Arc'teryx beanies.
How Does the 2004-2006 Classic Beanie Fit?
The four-dart design runs snug like most Arc'teryx toques from this era. At just over 6 feet and 165 pounds, I find the one-size construction works well, though people with larger heads (60cm+) might find it tight. The wool has some stretch, so it breaks in after a few wears.
The 85g weight feels substantial on your head compared to lighter models like the Rho Lightweight Wool Toque at 30g. This beanie is built for warmth first, not packability. The thick wool construction handles temperatures from 10-35°F during moderate activity.
The Complete 2004 Headwear Lineup
The Fall 2004 catalog expanded Arc'teryx's headwear significantly. The Bird Head Toque debuted with its iconic jacquard-knit bird logo in a 50/50 merino wool-acrylic blend. The D'Weave introduced crocheted construction in stretch acrylic. The NordNøggen brought Scandinavian fair-isle patterns in 100% Australian Wool Eurolight. The Roam Dome added earflaps and tie cords for backcountry use.
Arc'teryx also introduced the Bucket Liner in 2004, a 33g helmet liner in microfleece with acrylic mesh top. The catalog described it as "for those who want to protect their noodles from high-speed impact and want protection from Jack Frost." This was Arc'teryx's first purpose-built ski helmet liner.
Arc'teryx Classic Beanie vs. Bird Head Toque
Both appeared in the 2004 catalog, but they serve different purposes. The Classic Beanie is made from 100% wool, weighing 85g for maximum warmth. The Bird Head uses a 50/50 merino/acrylic blend at 66g (2006 weight) for a balance of warmth and durability.
The Bird Head became Arc'teryx's flagship beanie and remains in production today. The early 2010s discontinued the Classic Beanie, though a LEAF version (Model 4307) continued through at least 2013 in Black and Blue Onyx colorways. The pure wool construction of the Classic Beanie hasn't been replicated in Arc'teryx's current lineup, which uses mostly wool-polyester or wool-acrylic blends.
Resale Value and Authentication
For pure warmth, the 100% wool construction outperforms most current Arc'teryx toques. The 85g weight and thick knit trap more heat than the recycled polyester models that dominate today's lineup. The fleece underbanding solves the itch caused by pure wool.
Resale prices range from $30 to $60, depending on colorway and condition. The Bluebird and Cherry colorways are harder to find than Black or Charcoal. Check the interior tags for "100% Wool" and "Canadian manufacturing" to confirm you're getting the genuine 2004-2006 version rather than a later overseas production.
For the full Classic Beanie history across all production years, see the dedicated review. The beanie timeline maps every Arc'teryx toque from 2003 to present with catalog-confirmed release dates.