Arc'teryx Charlie Toque
The Arc'teryx Charlie Toque (Model #15601) weighs 35g and is made of 95% acrylic and 5% spandex in a lightweight single-layer construction. This is one of the lightest knit beanies Arc'teryx has produced, built for high-output activities in cool weather rather than standing around in deep winter. The bold three-stripe pattern gives it more visual presence than its minimal weight suggests.
Arc'teryx's F15 product page described the Charlie as "designed for cooler spring and fall days or high output winter activities" with "a snug, streamlined fit that lies comfortably under a hood or helmet." They categorized it under four activities: Big Mountain Skiing, Ski/Snowboard, Backcountry Skiing, and Nordic/Snowshoeing. That four-activity designation was unique among F15 beanies, making the Charlie the most versatile performance toque in the lineup. At 35g, it was also the lightest beanie in the entire F15 collection.
Specs and Construction
The acrylic-spandex blend creates a stretchy, form-fitting beanie that stays put during movement. Pure acrylic holds shape but doesn't stretch well. Adding 5% spandex solves that problem without compromising the moisture-wicking properties that make acrylic work for active use. The six-dart construction creates a contoured fit that hugs your skull.
At 35g, only the Rho Toque at 30-35g and the Bucket Liner at 33g weigh less in Arc'teryx's beanie history. The single-layer knit keeps bulk to a minimum while the form-fitting cut disappears under hoods and helmets.
Fit and Sizing
The six-dart construction runs snug like most Arc'teryx toques, but the spandex content adds forgiveness. At just over 6 feet and 165 pounds, I find the one-size design works well. The stretchy fabric accommodates heads up to about 60cm without creating pressure points.
The low-profile fit makes this ideal for wearing under hoods and helmets. There's no fleece underbanding like the Bird Head Toque or Classic Beanie, so the acrylic sits directly against your skin. Some people find acrylic itchy, though the fine gauge knit on the Charlie is softer than heavier acrylic constructions.
Best Conditions for the Charlie Toque
The Charlie handles 35 to 50 degrees during active use. I wear mine for spring and fall trail running when mornings start cool but I warm up quickly. The lightweight construction breathes well enough that I don't overheat, and the 35g weight disappears into a jacket pocket when I don't need it.
For snowboarding, the Charlie works under a helmet on warmer days. It's not warm enough for lift lines in deep winter, but on spring days when the sun is out and temperatures climb into the 30s, the thin construction prevents overheating. The snug fit stays put under a helmet without creating pressure points.
For colder conditions, step up to the Charleson Toque with its double-layer wool-acrylic construction at 90g, or the Grotto Toque at 95g with fleece lining.
Lightweight Toque Comparison
The Rho Toque at 30-35g uses Torrent microfleece instead of acrylic knit. The fleece has more stretch and better moisture wicking, but the Charlie's knit construction looks less technical for casual wear. The Rho also comes in two sizes (S-M and L-XL) while the Charlie is one size.
The Rho Lightweight Wool Toque at 30g is made from merino wool for natural temperature regulation and odor resistance. It performs better for multi-day use since wool doesn't hold odor like synthetic materials.
All Charlie Toque Colorways
The Fall 2015 season included five colorways: Amazon, Greenway, Komatiite, Pacific, and Safari Sunset. Additional colorways from other seasons included Blackberry, Altone, Moon Shadow, Tahiti, Ibiza, Saffron Orange, and Magui. The three bold horizontal stripes appear in contrasting colors across all versions.
Care and Washing
Arc'teryx's F15 care instructions require hand washing only with no dry cleaning. Hang to dry and avoid top-loading washing machines or ironing.
Resale Availability
The Charlie Toque is discontinued, but occasionally appears on resale platforms. Some outdoor retailers still have old stock. The Helly Hansen HH Beanie offers similar lightweight construction if you need something currently in production. Expect to pay $20-40 for a Charlie depending on colorway and condition.
For the full Arc'teryx headwear lineup, see the complete beanie list.