The Bird Head Toque in Black/Void is the beanie you see everywhere: on the slopes, in town and on the way to work. Ribbed merino wool with the embroidered bird on the front. We keep it in the shop in Heemskerk, twenty minutes from Amsterdam, so you can try it on before you decide.
What you get
Arc'teryx makes this toque from 50% merino wool and 50% recycled polyester, with a microfleece lining. That mix is exactly why it works: merino keeps you warm and does not start to smell, even after a few days, while the polyester keeps the beanie in shape instead of letting it stretch out.
It weighs 57 grams. You notice that: you put it on and forget it is there. The wool is RWS certified, which sets requirements for animal welfare and land management.
| Detail |
Specification |
| Fabric |
50% merino wool, 50% recycled polyester |
| Lining |
Microfleece |
| Weight |
57 grams |
| Size |
One size, fits almost any head |
| Logo |
Embroidered, not printed |
| Colour |
Black / Void |
| Wool |
RWS certified |
Ordering it, or coming to try it on
Both work. Order before 4 p.m. CET and it goes out the same day, by PostNL or DHL, with a track and trace number in your confirmation email. Delivery normally takes three to five working days. Shipping costs appear at checkout, wherever you are. You have 14 days to change your mind. One size, so there is nothing to get wrong on the fit.
And if you are anywhere near the Netherlands: we keep it in the shop in Heemskerk, right next to the A9, roughly twenty minutes from Amsterdam, Haarlem and Alkmaar, with free parking. Picking up an online order there costs nothing either.
Either way you know you have the real thing. This beanie is copied a lot, and on resale sites there are hundreds of them where you simply have to hope for the best.
How to spot a genuine one
- The embroidery. On a real one the bird is stitched tightly and evenly. On a fake you see loose threads, a crooked bird or a printed logo.
- The care label. It states the fabric composition. If it is missing, or lists something other than merino and polyester, something is off.
- How it feels. Merino is soft and springy, not stiff or slippery. Acrylic feels different straight away.
- The price. Far below the recommended retail price is a warning, not a bargain.
Beanie, toque or muts?
Same thing, three words. Beanie is the common English term, toque is what they say in Canada, where Arc'teryx comes from, and muts is the Dutch word. Within the brand there are genuinely different models though: the Bird Head is this ribbed one with the bird, and the Grotto Toque is another model we also keep in stock.
Washing and care
With a little care this beanie lasts for years. Arc'teryx advises the following:
- Hand wash cold, or machine wash on a low setting
- Use wool detergent, not regular detergent
- Dry flat, do not hang and do not tumble dry
- Do not bleach, do not iron, do not dry clean
- No fabric softener, and do not wring
- Wash dark colours separately
In practice: merino needs washing far less often than you think. Airing it overnight is usually enough, and the less you wash it, the longer it stays looking good.
Who is it for?
Yes, if you...
- want one beanie for the slopes and for town
- quickly get itchy or smelly hats
- want something that lasts years rather than one season
- want black that goes with everything
No, if you...
- want a thick, heavy hat for extreme cold
- plan to wear it under a ski helmet, it is too thick for that
- mainly buy on price
Wearing a helmet? Have a look at our
ski helmets. Looking for gloves or a neckwarmer to go with it? See
gloves and
neckwarmers. All the caps and beanies we carry are under
caps.
Why buy it from us
At Skicentrum Heemskerk
- You buy in a physical shop, so you see and feel what you take home
- You can simply try it on before you decide
- The rest of the Arc'teryx range is here too, from jackets to trousers
- Right next to the A9, twenty minutes from Amsterdam, free parking
- Ordering works just as well: same day dispatch before 4 p.m. CET, see shipping and returns
Frequently asked questions
Can I order it and have it shipped?
Yes. Order before 4 p.m. CET and it ships the same day, by PostNL or DHL, with a track and trace number. Delivery normally takes three to five working days. Shipping costs appear at checkout, wherever you are. You have 14 days to decide whether you keep it.
Where can I try an Arc'teryx beanie in the Netherlands?
At our shop in Heemskerk it is on the shelf, along with the rest of the Arc'teryx range. We are right next to the A9 motorway, about a twenty minute drive from Amsterdam, Haarlem and Alkmaar, with free parking in front of the door.
How do you know if an Arc'teryx beanie is real?
Look at the embroidery, which should be tight and even, and at the care label with the fabric composition. A price far below the recommended retail price is a warning, not a bargain. The safest option is buying from a shop that actually stocks the brand.
Why is Arc'teryx so expensive?
You pay for the materials and for the brand. Merino wool costs several times more than acrylic, and RWS certified wool costs more again. On top of that Arc'teryx has grown from a mountain sports brand into something people also wear in town, which pushes prices up.
What is the difference between a beanie and a toque?
Nothing, they are two words for the same thing. Beanie is the common English term and toque is what they say in Canada, where Arc'teryx comes from, which is why it appears in the product name.
What is the Bird Head Toque made of?
50% merino wool and 50% recycled polyester, with a microfleece lining. It weighs 57 grams and the wool is RWS certified.
What size is this beanie?
One size, which fits almost any head. The ribbed structure stretches with you without losing its shape.
How do I wash a merino wool beanie?
Hand wash cold or machine wash on a low setting, using wool detergent. Dry flat, never tumble dry, do not iron and skip the fabric softener. Often airing it overnight is enough and it does not need washing at all.
Can I wear it under a ski helmet?
Better not. This beanie is too thick to sit comfortably under a helmet and will press on your head. For under a helmet a thin helmet liner works better.
