The Arc'teryx Arc Mountain Toque is a reversible beanie weighing 80 grams with a bold Arc Mountain graphic on one side and the classic bird logo on the other. Made from wool-acrylic blend with double-layer construction and six-dart fit, it handles 15-40°F. Original retail $50. Discontinued but available on resale in 18 colorways: Loam/Desert Sun, Triton/Dark Moss, Oak Barrel/Macaw, Sangria/Autobahn, Legion Blue/Bourbon, Kingfisher/Rooibos, Matador/Pilot, Katalox/Centaur, Dew Drop/Heron, Dahlia/Kingfisher, Antilles Blue/Lime Fizz, Magnet/Tungsten, Oceanus/Halcyon, Black/Anvil Iron, Corvo Blue/Antilles Blue, Phoenix/Azul, Oxblood/Frost, and Arctic Fog/Blue Smoke. I wear this constantly because the reversible design gives two looks without carrying multiple hats.
What Makes the Arc Mountain Toque Reversible?
The reversibility comes from Arc'teryx knitting two distinct graphics into opposite sides. One side features the Arc Mountain graphic with mountain silhouette and "ARC'TERYX" text wrapping around. The other side displays the classic bird logo centered on solid color background. I flip between sides depending on whether I want bold branding or subtle style, and the double-layer construction means both sides look intentional rather than inside-out.
The wool-acrylic blend prevents graphics from distorting when I stretch the beanie over my head. Pure wool would felt over time and lose definition, while pure acrylic pills excessively. This blend maintains sharp contrast between graphic elements and background colors. The six-dart construction creates a close fit that keeps both graphics properly positioned rather than rotating.
How Does the Double-Layer Construction Affect Warmth?
The Arc Mountain Toque is warmer than single-layer beanies I own. The double knit traps air between layers, creating insulation without bulk. At 80 grams, it weighs more than the Fortrez Beanie at 27 grams but less than the Grotto at 95 grams.
I wear this toque in temperatures from 15-40°F. Below 15°F, I need something heavier like the Bird Head with brushed fleece lining. Above 40°F, the double layers trap too much heat. For standing around at ski resorts or walking between heated buildings, the Arc Mountain hits the sweet spot between warmth and breathability.
The wool content wicks moisture from my scalp when moving, while acrylic provides structure and durability. Pure wool beanies stretch out and lose shape after repeated wear. This blend maintains fit even after years of use without sagging.
Does the One-Size Fit Work for Different Head Sizes?
The Arc Mountain Toque fits my 55cm head comfortably with slight room. The six-dart construction creates a snug profile without pressure points. Friends with heads up to 58cm report good fits, though snugger. Beyond 58cm, this beanie runs tight, and some users report headaches after extended wear.
The stretchy knit accommodates different head shapes better than the Bird Head Toque's restrictive fit. The lack of folded cuff means the beanie sits higher on my head compared to cuffed styles, which works well under helmets.
How Should I Care for the Arc Mountain Toque?
Hand washing in cold water preserves the wool-acrylic blend best. I fill a sink with cold water, add mild detergent, submerge the toque, and gently squeeze for five minutes. Rinsing in fresh cold water removes soap residue. I press excess water against the sink rather than wringing, which prevents stretching.
Air drying flat maintains shape. Hanging stretches the beanie, and machine drying shrinks the wool component while leaving acrylic unchanged, creating uneven texture. The toque dries within 12-24 hours at room temperature. A fan pointed at the beanie speeds drying without heat damage.
Machine washing on gentle cycle with cold water works in a hurry, but I always use a mesh laundry bag.
Is the Arc Mountain Toque Worth Buying on Resale?
Arc'teryx discontinued the Arc Mountain Toque, so resale platforms are the only option. Prices range from $30-60 depending on condition and colorway. At $30-40, this represents good value for a reversible double-layer beanie. At $50-60, you're approaching new retail prices for current Arc'teryx toques like the Bird Head or Bird Word at $60.
The Patagonia Fisherman's Rolled Beanie offers similar wool-blend warmth for $35 new but lacks reversibility. The Arc Mountain's discontinued status makes specific colorways harder to find. I searched two months before finding the Sangria/Autobahn colorway.
Check the Real vs Fake Arc'teryx Beanie guide before buying to avoid counterfeits, which are common for discontinued items.
