The Arc'teryx Castlegar Striped Toque (Model #27407) weighs 120 grams (4.2 oz) and uses 50% wool, 50% acrylic construction with a 100% polyester fleece earband. Made in Canada, this discontinued beanie features an extended slouchy length, bold horizontal stripes, and cuff-less design built for skiing, snowboarding, and cold-weather casual wear. Original retail was approximately $50. Available colorways included Phantasm, Microchip, and Tatsu.
Arc'teryx Castlegar Striped Toque Full Specs
The Striped version shares identical construction with the bicolor Castlegar Toque but adds 10 grams of weight (120g vs 110g) due to the more complex knit pattern. The 50/50 wool-acrylic blend combines natural warmth with synthetic durability. Wool provides breathability and odor resistance while acrylic maintains shape and resists pilling. The 100% polyester fleece earband handles moisture management during active use. Arc'teryx classified this under their "Natural Fibre" line for next-to-skin comfort. Laid flat, the toque measures approximately 9.5 inches wide and 10 inches tall.
Stripes vs. Standard Castlegar
The Striped adds bold horizontal stripes throughout the knit body instead of the bicolor block design. Both use identical materials and construction, including six-dart shaping and fleece underbanding. The striped pattern photographs better in group shots during ski trips while maintaining the same extended length and warmth. I find the stripes lean more casual than the solid bicolor, making it better suited for town wear and resort days rather than technical backcountry use. The Striped version weighs 10 grams more than its sibling.
Does the Extended Length Actually Cover Ears?
Yes, the extended length pulls down far enough to cover ears completely during 10-degree walks without riding up during activity. I wore this for dog park visits in cold weather and never needed to adjust the position. The slouchy fit allows several inches of extra material above the head while maintaining snug coverage at ear level. The fleece earband creates a tight seal around the head perimeter, preventing the toque from shifting upward during movement. However, the interior lining means you can't flip up the bottom band to adjust length like traditional toques without fleece construction allow.
Washing and Care
Hand wash in cold water with wool detergent, then dry flat. Do not wring, dry clean, bleach, or iron. Fabric softener is acceptable. The care requirements match standard wool-blend Arc'teryx beanie materials. Expect some pilling over time, which is normal for this blend. The Canadian manufacturing typically indicates higher quality control than overseas production.
How Does the Castlegar Striped Toque Compare to Other Patterned Beanies?
The Castlegar Striped sits between casual and technical categories with extended slouchy length and fleece earband warmth. The Charlie Toque offers a bold three-stripe design and lighter 35-gram weight but lacks the fleece earband. The Geometric Beanie provides 54 grams with fine-ribbed knit and geometric patterns but uses different construction without fleece lining. For another bold pattern, see the Rolling Stripe Hat. The slouchy appearance ultimately led me to rotate this out of my collection. The six-dart construction wasn't enough to pin it to my head, and the length was excessive for someone without hair.
Resale and Alternatives
Arc'teryx discontinued this model, though the product page may still exist. Check resale platforms like eBay, Grailed, and Poshmark for remaining inventory. Prices typically range from $30 to $50 depending on condition and colorway. The Patagonia Brodeo Beanie offers a similar slouchy wool-blend style if you can't find a Castlegar. See the beanie legit-check guide before buying on resale.
