Arc'teryx Color Block Toque
The Arc'teryx Color Block Toque weighs 71 grams and features a bold, horizontally split two-tone design. Made from 48% merino wool, 48% polyester, 3% nylon, and 1% elastane, the midweight Tech Wool fleece delivers breathability in temperatures from 30°F to 50°F. The double-layer, four-dart construction creates a slouchy fit with a wide cuff. Released March 2025 at $55, which is $5 less than the Bird Head or Bird Word. Model #: X000009931. FW25 colorways: Mars/Dynasty, Blaze/Copper Sky, Blk Sapphire/Vitality, Rune/Arctic Silk, and Void Black.
Slouchy Fit with Four-Dart Construction
The four-dart construction creates a more relaxed fit than the six-dart models, such as the Stonecat Hat. One size fits head circumferences up to 58cm, and the elastane blend stretches to accommodate different shapes. At just over 6 feet and 165 pounds with a medium head around 56cm, I get a comfortable fit with a slight slouch.
The wide cuff folds once for extra ear warmth or leaves unfolded for a casual look. This sits higher on the forehead than the snug Bird Head Toque or Rho Lightweight Wool Toque. Skip the Arc'teryx Color Block Toque on helmet days, since the slouch creates pressure points under the helmet.
Best Between 30°F and 50°F
30°F to 50°F is the sweet spot. Below 25°F, this feels too thin. Above 55°F, the double-layer traps too much heat. This fills the spring and fall gap when you need a beanie without winter bulk.
The double-layer holds heat better than single-layer beanies without getting swampy during activity. I use this for slower hikes, casual wear, dog walks, and cold drives. For intense aerobic activity, skip this since the fleece traps too much heat when moving fast. The Rho Toque at 20g handles high-output use far better.
How Does the Tech Wool Blend Perform?
The 48% merino, 48% polyester blend differs from the straight 50/50 in the Bird Head. Adding 3% nylon increases durability, while 1% elastane provides stretch. Tech Wool fleece has a soft handfeel without scratchiness, and the merino provides natural odor resistance during long hikes, while polyester adds structure and faster drying.
The double-layer shows no pilling after months of use, and colors hold up in the wash. For a deeper breakdown of how these material blends compare, the beanie materials guide covers merino, polyester, and acrylic side by side.
Clean Styling for Everyday Wear
The color-blocking offers a cleaner style than logo-forward designs like the Bird Word Toque. The two-tone horizontal split creates visual interest without massive branding, and I wear this for errands and situations where technical outdoor gear feels too aggressive. The woven patch with the bird word logo sits small on the front cuff.
The slouchy fit doesn't compress hair tightly, and the wide cuff provides better ear coverage than low-profile models. Packable enough to stuff in a jacket pocket.
Arc'teryx Color Block Toque vs. Smartwool Reversible
The Smartwool Merino 250 Reversible Beanie offers similar warmth for $30-35 but uses 100% merino without synthetic reinforcement. The Arc'teryx Tech Wool resists pilling better while maintaining thermal properties, and the nylon content adds longevity that pure merino can't match.
At $55, the Color Block sits below most Arc'teryx beanies while delivering double-layer construction and a Tech Wool blend that justifies the price for shoulder-season use. For winter conditions below 25°F, step up to the Grotto Toque at 95g or the Embroidered Bird Toque at 87g. Find the Color Block Toque at Arc'teryx.