Arc'teryx Nordiq Hat
I picked up the Arc'teryx Nordiq Hat (Model #12900) because I wanted something with more visual character than the usual minimalist Arc'teryx pieces. This beanie weighs 75 grams (2.6 oz) and uses 50% wool and 50% acrylic in a Nordic-inspired pattern that references traditional Scandinavian textile designs. The six-dart construction creates a secure fit across different head sizes through the one-size-fits-all approach. Arc'teryx sold this model as the Nordiq Toque (Fall 2015, Model #15224, 75g) before renaming it the Nordiq Hat in later seasons under Model #12900. It has since been discontinued, though retailers occasionally have remaining stock. I wear mine during casual winter activities and morning coffee runs when temperatures sit between 20-40°F, and the blend handles these conditions effectively.
The F15 product page described it as "inspired by classic hat patterns from the north of Europe, the Nordiq is a modern take on an old world classic." Arc'teryx categorized it as an All Round activity beanie with breathable, lightly insulated construction.
The Nordic Pattern Sets It Apart
Most Arc'teryx beanies stick to solid colors or simple logos, but the Nordiq uses bold geometric patterns inspired by northern European textile traditions. The sweater-style details create visual texture rather than just printing a bird logo on knit fabric. I appreciate this design approach because it offers something distinct from the Word Toque's minimalism while maintaining Arc'teryx's construction quality.
The pattern work reminds me of traditional Norwegian ski sweaters, with interlocking geometric shapes and contrasting color blocks. Arc'teryx adapted these classic elements into modern beanie construction rather than slapping Nordic-inspired graphics onto generic knit fabric. The result sits somewhere between technical outdoor gear and casual streetwear aesthetics, which makes it versatile for both trail and urban environments.
How Does the Wool-Acrylic Blend Perform?
The 50/50 wool-acrylic split balances natural insulation with synthetic durability. Wool naturally regulates temperature and resists odor buildup better than pure synthetic materials, while acrylic adds shape retention and reduces the itching that sometimes occurs with 100% wool beanies. I've worn this during morning walks when temperatures hovered around 25°F, and the blend provided adequate warmth without overheating during brisk walking.
This beanie sits snug without creating pressure points, and the six-dart construction prevents the bunching that occurs with simpler beanie designs. At 75 grams, it's lighter than heavily insulated winter beanies like the Mallow Toque but heavier than ultralight options like the Word Toque.
The breathable construction works well for variable activity levels. During casual wear the beanie maintains comfortable temperature without excessive heat buildup, while light hiking generates enough body heat to stay warm without needing heavier insulation. For extended cold exposure below 15°F or high-wind conditions, this blend doesn't provide enough protection. I use this for moderate cold rather than dedicated winter mountaineering.
Fit and Six-Dart Construction
Yes, the six-dart construction accommodates different head sizes effectively. I tested this on friends with notably larger and smaller heads than mine, and the beanie adjusted to each without feeling too tight or too loose. The six-dart construction distributes fabric tension evenly rather than creating single pressure points that cause discomfort during extended wear.
The fit sits close to the head without the slouchy excess fabric that characterizes some fashion beanies. This creates a cleaner profile when worn with technical jackets, though people preferring looser fits might find it too snug. The beanie covers ears completely while avoiding the ski-mask aesthetic of extended-length designs like the Castlegar Toque.
All 11 Arc'teryx Nordiq Hat Colorways
The Nordiq comes in eleven colorways featuring Nordic-inspired patterns: Golden Poppy (bright orange-yellow tones), Hydda (blue-gray shades), Rustic (earthy brown combinations), Inuksuk (arctic-inspired colors), Monteverde (green tones), Pharaoh (rich gold and earth colors), Red Dragon (bold red patterns), Red Sea Coral (coral-pink combinations), Nackross (traditional Nordic color schemes), Snoflinga (winter white patterns), and Syksy Spice (autumn-inspired warm tones). The Fall 2015 launch offered Golden Poppy, Inuksuk, and Rustic as the initial colorway selection.
These patterns create more visual interest than solid-color options while maintaining versatility with everyday jackets. I wear mine with the Atom LT and Beta LT without clashing, though the bold patterns work better with neutral jacket colors than competing patterns.
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. These restrictions match the Rolling Stripe Hat's wool-acrylic care routine, which is stricter than the machine-washable synthetic beanies in the Arc'teryx lineup.
Smartwool and Patagonia Compared
The Smartwool Traditional Snowflake Beanie at $32 offers similar Nordic-inspired aesthetics with 100% Merino wool construction. The Smartwool provides softer feel and better temperature regulation, but shows wear faster and requires more careful handling than the Nordiq's acrylic-reinforced blend.
Patagonia's Lined Beanie at $39 uses recycled polyester with fleece lining for comparable warmth. The Patagonia costs less and dries faster, but lacks the Nordiq's natural wool benefits and pattern complexity.
Arc'teryx produced this at $55-65 retail before discontinuation. Model #15224 (F15 Nordiq Toque) / #12900 (later Nordiq Hat). Material is 50% wool, 50% acrylic. Weight 75 grams (2.6 oz). Six-dart construction. One-size-fits-all. Eleven Nordic-inspired colorways. Best for casual winter wear and light outdoor activities in moderate cold.
Check Arc'teryx for current options and secondary markets for remaining stock.