There was a time when the Arc’teryx Bird Head Toque was the thinking man’s beanie. A quiet signifier of good taste, technical know-how and an appreciation for the finer points of outdoor gear. That time has passed.
Now, the oversized skeleton bird has become the cold-weather calling card of TikTok’s most algorithm-friendly dressers – a badge of honour for those who’ve just discovered gorpcore but haven’t quite mastered subtlety. If you still like the idea of the Arc’teryx beanie but don’t fancy looking like you got dressed by an Instagram moodboard, there are other ways to get the look.
The key? Oversized branding, technical fabrics and a slight whiff of performance credibility – but with a bit more originality. From mountaineering classics to streetwear heavyweights, these are the best Arc’teryx beanie alternatives that don’t make you look like you’re following the herd.
The best Arc'teryx beanie alternatives by brand
ROA
The outdoor gear revival has produced plenty of high-low mashups, but few get the balance right like ROA. Its beanies take the oversized logo trend and make it feel considered – bold lettering on thick ribbed wool that looks just as good under a shell jacket as it does with a tailored overcoat. The branding is confident but not performative, which is key.
Ostrya
Ostrya proves that serious outdoor gear doesn’t have to be, well, that serious. The oversized logo beanies are a case in point – playful but practical, often stitched onto contrast patches or woven straight into the knit. It’s all very retro alpine in the best way possible, which makes it ideal for those who like the Arc’teryx aesthetic but prefer to sidestep the uniform.
Rab
Rab doesn’t chase trends, which is probably why its oversized logo beanies work so well right now. The branding is big, yes, but it’s been big for years – no sudden reinvention, no cynical marketing pivot. Just solid, functional mountain gear with a legacy to back it up. If you want the same graphic appeal as Arc’teryx but with a bit more credibility, this is it.
Marmot
There’s a certain effortlessness to Marmot’s oversized logo beanies. They feel like something you might find at the back of a drawer in a chalet – a piece of forgotten ‘90s ski gear that turns out to be weirdly perfect. Thick ribbing, tonal lettering, just the right amount of retro. The same graphic-heavy appeal as Arc’teryx, but slightly more subtle.
Cole Buxton
Cole Buxton’s beanies come from the same school of thought as its heavyweight hoodies – bold, stripped-back and built to last. The oversized, all-over print gives them the same statement-making impact as Arc’teryx but with a sportier, old-school gym gear feel. Less technical, more timeless, which is arguably the better investment.
Awake NY
Awake NY doesn’t do subtle, and that’s precisely the point. What it does do are some pretty solid Arc'teryx beanie alternatives. Its oversized logo beanies take the same in-your-face approach as Arc’teryx, swapping out the mountaineering energy for something altogether more urban. Think big collegiate-style fonts, bold contrast stitching, and a general sense that it looks better when slightly over-worn.
Parel Studios
Parel Studios rarely leans into heavy branding, but when it does, it makes it count. The oversized type treatments on its beanies stand out against a backdrop of muted, technical fabrics, which makes them feel like a deliberate design choice rather than an exercise in brand recognition. If Arc’teryx is too obvious but minimalism feels too dull, this is your middle ground – solid Arc'teryx beanie alternatives all round.
Mountain Equipment
Mountain Equipment’s beanies wouldn’t look out of place in a 1980s alpine documentary, which is why they feel so relevant right now. The branding is unapologetically big, wrapping around the hat in thick block colour. There’s a no-nonsense quality to them – they’re warm, well-made, and look the part whether you’re in a blizzard or just pretending to be.
The North Face
Big logos are what The North Face does best, and the oversized beanies are no exception. The classics work well enough, but the more interesting versions come from collaborations and special collections. They have the same outdoorsy credibility as Arc’teryx but without the overexposure, which, at this stage, is a selling point in itself.
Next up: The OPUMO guide to gorpcore.
