The Arc'teryx Gore 5 Panel Cap uses 3-layer GORE-TEX with C-KNIT backer technology. The 30-denier nylon shell weighs 95 gsm, light enough to crush into a pocket. No other cap in Arc'teryx's lineup uses a full GORE-TEX membrane. Not DWR-treated nylon, not water-resistant fabric. Fully seam-taped, membrane-backed waterproofing. Retail price: $90. Sizes come in S/M and L/XL with an adjustable buckle closure. Colorways include Black, Vitality, Yukon, Solaris, and Rune. Arc'teryx pulled the cap from its US store in early 2025.
What Makes the Gore 5 Panel Cap Different from Other Arc'teryx Hats?
The GORE-TEX membrane is what separates this from everything else Arc'teryx sells on your head. The Calvus Cap gets a DWR treatment that handles light rain for maybe 20 minutes before it starts soaking through. The Sinsolo Hat is built for sun, not storms. This cap doesn't get wet out - the 3-layer construction means water never reaches your scalp, even in sustained downpours. C-KNIT is the same backer technology Arc'teryx uses in their Beta SL Jacket, and it makes the interior feel softer than you'd expect from a fully waterproof shell. The moisture-wicking headband keeps sweat from pooling along my forehead during hikes.
How Does the Cap Fit?
The buckle closure gives me room to dial things in, but the cap runs slightly shallow and looks goofy on me. I wear an S/M, and it sits right where I want it. The five-panel construction follows the shape of my head more naturally than a six-panel baseball cap. It packs flat into a jacket pocket or pack lid without losing shape. Arc'teryx put the bird word logo front and center, with a Gore-Tex wordmark on the back, keeping things clean. If you're between sizes, the beanie sizing guide covers head measurements that translate well to cap sizing, too.
Is it worth $90?
Ninety dollars is a lot for a hat. There's no way around that. The Outdoor Research Swift Cap covers similar ground to the GORE-TEX model at a lower price. Plenty of hikers pull up their hoods when it rains. But here's the thing - I hate hiking in a hood. Hoods kill peripheral vision, trap heat, and the constant rustling drives me up the wall. This cap keeps rain off my face and out of my eyes while letting me hear what's around me on the trail. The taped seams haven't let any moisture through after months of use in Texas rain and PNW drizzle. The DWR finish on the outer face of the beads water-hardens, and a quick shake sends most of it flying off.
Should You Buy the Gore 5 Panel Cap for Hiking?
If you hike in the rain regularly and can't stand hoods, this cap earns its price. It packs small - 30d nylon compresses to almost nothing, so keep it in your pack year-round. I've taken it on hikes where beanies would be overkill, but sun caps offer zero weather protection, and the Gore 5 Panel fills that gap perfectly. The cap has been discontinued from the Arc'teryx US store, but pairs still show up on eBay and resale sites for around $50-70. At that price, it's a no-brainer for anyone who spends real time outside in unpredictable weather.
