Arc'teryx makes four toques specifically designed for hiking. Each targets different temperature ranges and output levels on the trail.
Satoro Merino Toque — High-Output Hiking
Price: $50
Material: High-performance wool blend (Merino/synthetic)
Fit: One size
Temperature: 25-40°F
The Satoro Merino Toque is Arc'teryx's most breathable hiking option. The high-performance option uses merino's natural moisture management, combined with synthetic fibers, for enhanced durability and faster drying.
This toque excels on steep climbs and fast-paced hikes where you're generating significant body heat. The lightweight jersey knit construction allows excess heat to escape while maintaining warmth around your ears and forehead. Low-profile stitching means no pressure points under a climbing helmet or hood.
The reversible design gives you two styling options, but more importantly, the minimal seam construction reduces bulk when layering under technical shells. The Satoro stays comfortable during high-output activity in the 25-40°F range—warmer than that, and you'll overheat, colder, and you'll want more insulation.
The wool blend provides natural odor resistance for multi-day trips. The fit runs slightly more forgiving than Arc'teryx's tightest toques, like the Bird Head. If you maintain a fast pace on ascents or run hot during activity, the Satoro handles hiking in cold conditions well, making it a good choice for
Word Head Toque — All-Around Hiking Beanie.
Price: $50
Weight: 52g
Material: 50% Merino wool, 50% acrylic
Fit: One size
Temperature: 15-35°F
The Word Head Toque offers the most versatile performance among Arc'teryx's hiking beanies. The 50/50 merino-acrylic blend balances natural warmth with synthetic durability and faster drying times than pure wool.
This toque handles moderate-paced hiking in colder conditions than the Satoro, thin conditions where you need consistency but aren't generating a lot of heat. The six-dart construction creates a secure, close-fitting profile that stays in place when you're scrambling or moving your head frequently to check route finding.
The reversible design features Arc'teryx's word logo on one side and a solid color on the other. The 52-gram weight makes it light enough to stuff in a pocket but substantial enough to provide real warmth. The acrylic component helps the toque retain its shape and provides more wind resistance than pure merino.
Arc'teryx markets this toque for training, mountain running, hiking, and everyday wear. That versatility makes it a solid choice if you want one beanie that works across multiple cold-weather activities. The fit runs snug; check the Arc'teryx Beanie Sizing Guide if you're concerned about the one-size-fits-all fit.
I reach for the Word Head on shoulder-season hikes and winter days where temps sit in the low-to-mid 20s. The blend material breathes adequately on ascents while providing enough insulation for breaks at the summit.
Ribbed Toque — Winter Hiking Warmth
Price: $65
Material: Tech Wool fleece (Merino/recycled polyester blend)
Fit: One size
Temperature: 10-25°F
The Ribbed Toque uses chunky knit construction for maximum warmth on winter hikes. The rolled cuff locks in heat around the ears. Tech Wool fleece combines merino's natural warmth with polyester's moisture-wicking properties.
This is the warmest option among Arc'teryx's hiking beanies. Low-profile fit works for technical mountain activities. The recycled polyester draws sweat away when you increase pace on switchbacks. The merino component provides natural temperature regulation and odor resistance across multiple days.
The heavyweight construction means more bulk and weight than lighter options like the Satoro or Word Head. This makes it less packable but provides serious insulation for winter hiking, where cold is the primary concern. The chunky ribbed pattern adds texture and visual interest.
The fit runs snug like most Arc'teryx toques. The one-size design works for heads in the 55-59cm range. The thicker construction can feel restrictive if you have a larger head or prefer a looser fit.
The Ribbed Toque hana looser fit°F winter hiking. Below 10°F, and you might want even more insulation. Above 25°F, the Satoro or Word Head provides better breathability. This is the beanie for deep winter trail days where warmth matters more than ventilation.
Colour Block Toque — Shoulder Season Hiking
Price: $55
Material: Tech Wool fleece (Merino/polyester blend)
Fit: One size
Temperature: 35-50°F
The Colour Block Toque is designed for shoulder-season hikes. The midweight Tech Wool fleece uses the same merino-polyester blend as the Ribbed Toque but in a thinner knit construction.
This toque works in the 35-50°F range, about October/November or March/April hiking when it's cold enough for a beanie but not deep winter. The Tech Wool fleece wicks sweat while providing enough insulation to keep you comfortable during morning starts or shaded sections of the trail.
The merino component provides natural temperature regulation and odor resistance. The polyester adds durability and faster moisture transport than pure wool. The color-blocked design and woven patch logo give it a more casual aesthetic than Arc'teryx's technical toques like the Rho, making it work for both trail use and everyday wear.
The fit runs similar to the Word Head, snug but not as tight as the Bird Head. The thinner knit means it packs smaller than the Ribbed Toque, making it a better choice for trips where you might not need a beanie the entire time. If you're hiking in shoulder-season conditions or live in a moderate climate where deep winter rarely hits, the Colour Blockeeps you comfortable on the trail without overheating.
Choosing the Right Hiking Beanie
The temperature range determines which tool works best. The Satoro handles 25-40°F with high output, the Word Head works best in 15-35°F with moderate pace, the Ribbed Toque excels in 10-25°F winter conditions, and the Colour Block targets 35-50°F shoulder seasons.
Output level matters. If you hike fast and generate significant heat, the Satoro's breathability prevents overheating. If you maintain a moderate pace or run cold, the Word Head or Ribbed Toque provides better insulation.
All four toques use one-size-fits-all construction. The fit runs snug across Arc'teryx's lineup. The Satoro offers slightly more room than the Bird Head or Mallow Toque. Check the Arc'teryx Beanie Sizing Guide for detailed fit information if you're between head sizes or concerned about pressure.
Material determines care requirements. The merino-acrylic Word Head needs more careful washing than the synthetic Satoro. The merino-polyester Ribbed and Colour Block toques fall in between. All provide adequate odor resistance for multi-day trips.
