Founded by Canadian climbers back in 1989, Arc’teryx has become known for its high-quality technical outdoor gear – its Goretex jackets being a cult staple among the Gorpcore community – but in the year of our lord 2026 it’s mostly known for its beanies. The Arc’teryx Bird Head Toque hit the top of the Lyst Index charts for 2025’s Q4, being the third hottest product of the season and rising by 1,058% in Lyst’s searches. As much as this vibrant graphic beanie is a solid staple that will keep your head warm in the trails and beyond, if you don’t want to be like other guys and you want to stand out in a sea of Arc’teryx beanies, we’ve rounded up the seven best alternatives. 

The Denim Tears Libertas Skully

Former creative director of Supreme and industry consultant Denim Tears founder Tremaine Emory knows how it’s done. The brand’s Libertas Skully beanie features a broken shackles print, referencing sculptor Fréderic-Auguste Bartholdi’s original design for Lady Liberty holding shackles in her left hand to honour the end of slavery. If you don’t buy it for its art and historical nuances, buy it for its 10/10 design.

The ICECREAM Crystal beanie

Founded by Pharrell Williams and Nigo, ICECREAM is an extension of the duo’s Billionaire Boys Club label. This crystal beanie can bring a bedazzled edge to any fit with its sleek black shape and silver rhinestone embellishments.

The Denim Tears Cotton Wreath beanie

Denim Tears is primarily inspired by the relationship between fashion and the African diaspora, fuelled with politically driven storytelling of Black American oppression. For those that prefer the classic folded beanie shape, this pink beanie uses the brand’s Cotton Wreath motif, inspired by the work of artist Kara Walker and referencing cotton’s deep-rooted associations with slavery.

The Cherry LA Flying Cherry Skull cap

For the ones out there who prioritise good materials, this graphic beanie by Cherry LA is made of a 70% wool, 30% cashmere blend, guaranteed to keep your skull warm in sub-zero temperatures. 

The Butter Goods Shout Skully beanie

Australian streetwear brand Butter Goods is heavily inspired by ‘90s skate and hip-hop culture – self-proclaimed 100% skater-owned – and their hard graphic prints really capture that essence. This Shout Skully beanie features a spray paint artwork that will hopefully get your street cred score up.

The Stüssy Waffle Skullcap

If you want the skullcap silhouette without the extravagant logos and prints, this one’s for you. With a more demure logo and a waffle texture, this Stüssy beanie is a solid go-to for the colder days.

The Dime Mohair Skully

If you’re looking for the same shape as the Arc’teryx but with more texture, we got you. This skully by skate-inspired brand Dime is made from a soft mohair blend fabric that will keep your head protected.