Arc'teryx Skaha Toque

The Arc'teryx Skaha Toque weighs 60 grams and is made from 60% cotton and 40% Coolmax polyester in fisherman's rib-knit construction. Built for warm weather, this beanie handles temperatures from 50°F to 75°F with breathable fabric that wicks moisture without bulk. Features a fully-fashioned crown, a stretch fit, and a one-size design. Model #: X000006987. SS24 colorways: Tatsu, Daybreak, and Canvas. Retail price $43-47. Made in Indonesia.

How Does the Arc'teryx Skaha Toque Fit?

The Skaha fits one-size-fits-all with stretch rib-knit construction that accommodates different head sizes. I have a medium head (around 56cm), and this beanie creates a secure fit without feeling tight or uncomfortable. The fisherman's rib pattern provides natural elasticity without elastic bands, so the fabric naturally adjusts to your head shape.
The fully-fashioned crown eliminates the top seam found on sewn beanies, creating a cleaner profile that sits close without slouching. The vertical ribbing allows the beanie to stretch horizontally while maintaining shape vertically, accommodating ponytails and longer hair better than smooth-knit designs.

Is the Skaha Toque Good for Summer?

The Skaha excels in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F, making it ideal for spring, summer, and fall use. I wear this during early morning hikes in 55°F weather when it's too cool for bare head but too warm for winter beanies. The cotton-Coolmax blend provides enough warmth for stationary activities without causing overheating.
This is not a winter beanie. Below 45°F, you'll need something warmer like the Arc'teryx Rho Toque with microfleece insulation. Above 80°F, skip the beanie unless you're climbing at altitude where sun protection matters.

What Makes Cotton-Coolmax Better Than Pure Cotton?

The 60% cotton provides natural softness and breathability against the scalp, while 40% Coolmax polyester adds moisture-wicking properties that pure cotton lacks. Cotton alone absorbs sweat and stays wet, creating discomfort during activity. Coolmax fibers move moisture to the fabric surface, where it evaporates quickly.
The blend weighs 60 grams compared to 85 grams for the Rho Toque or 100+ grams for winter synthetics. This material combination feels more like a traditional beanie than a technical polyester option, while performing better in heat.

Does the Skaha Toque Breathe Well?

The fisherman's rib-knit construction creates airflow channels between the raised ribs, allowing heat to escape while maintaining coverage. I've worn this during summer alpinism, which starts when temperatures climb from 55°F at dawn to 70°F by mid-morning, and the breathability prevents sweat buildup.
The loose-knit structure contrasts with tight-weave winter beanies that trap heat. For comparison, the Arc'teryx Vestigio Beanie uses merino wool in a tighter construction that provides more insulation but less breathability in temperatures above 60°F.

How Do You Clean the Skaha Toque?

Hand wash cold or machine wash gentle cycle, then air dry flat according to Arc'teryx care instructions. I hand-wash mine every 3-4 wears using mild detergent, gently squeezing out excess water without wringing, then laying flat on a towel. The cotton-Coolmax blend maintains shape and color through repeated washing.
Avoid hot water, bleach, fabric softener, dry cleaning, and machine drying, as these damage the Coolmax fibers and cause cotton shrinkage. The rib-knit construction holds its elasticity better than smooth knits when properly cared for.

What Activities Work Best with the Skaha Toque?

The Skaha excels during shoulder-season outdoor activities and casual warm-weather wear. I use this for spring backpacking trips where morning temperatures sit in the 50s, trail running in April and October when you need light head coverage, and evening beach bonfires after sunset.
The clean design with a subtle Arc'teryx logo works for casual wear with everyday clothes, looking less technical than performance beanies like the Arc'teryx Covert Beanie. This fills the gap between bare head and winter beanies for three-season use without taking up pack space. Not present in the FW25 accessories catalog.

How Does the Skaha Compare to Winter Beanies?

The Skaha weighs 60 grams compared to 85-150 grams for winter models, offering significantly better packability. The rib-knit collapses flat when not in use, compressing into jacket pockets without bulk. I can carry this on summer hikes without noticing the weight.
Winter beanies like the Arc'teryx Bird Head Toque use thicker materials with fleece linings for cold-weather insulation. The Skaha prioritizes breathability and moisture management over thermal retention, making it unsuitable for temperatures below 45°F but ideal for 50-75°F.

Is the Arc'teryx Skaha Toque Worth $43-47?

At $43-47 retail, the Skaha costs less than most Arc'teryx toques while delivering three-season versatility instead of single-season use. The cotton-Coolmax construction and fisherman's rib-knit justify the price through durability and performance that basic cotton beanies can't match.
The improved fit mentioned in recent product descriptions addresses earlier sizing complaints. If you need lightweight head coverage for warm-weather activities, camping trips, or casual summer wear, the Skaha delivers solid value.
Shop current colors at Arc'teryx or the Smartwool Merino 150 Beanie at REI.