Cap – Merino or Synthetic?

That merino cap is going to be much warmer than the synthetic one. Merino will also handle a bigger range of temps.

Don't over look a well-made synthetic fleece like PolarTec, either.
From the same site as you linked:
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/MensClothing/Headwear/PRD~5015-053/mec-penitentes-toque-unisex.jsp

You might also consider a down hat. I have a BlackRock Gear hat that I wouldn't trade for nothing. I love it. http://www.blackrockgear.com

What kind of temp range are you planning on? Since you say "when you're not expecting to use it," I'll assume that this will be for maybe 20F or warmer? Days where you may or may not need a hat but want to be prepared in case the temp drops a hair lower than expected? My fiancee and I both carry Icebreaker Pocket 200 beanies. They weigh nothing, pack down to nothing, and provide warmth and comfort in a surprising range of temperatures. I don't hit the trail without it, year round.

http://www.backcountry.com/icebreaker-pocket-200-beanie

That pocket 200 beanie was the hat I planned on buying for a long time, but when it came time to checkout, all that was in stock anywhere was the black and purple (horizon), the java/fiesta (baby pink) or the baby blue/grey heather (stream/blizzard) versions. Despite what the pictures on the net show, 'stream' is indeed a light sky or baby blue.

I contacted Icebreaker directly and was told, along with several color shade confirmations, that the pocket 200 was a seasonal item, and would be back with the winter season.

Even if you could find them in stock, I'd be cautious that it'd be heavy enough for your purposes as I understand them. But then again, I don't know what you consider 'emergency' conditions. Here in CO, that's likely a blizzard with temps in the single digits. To a Floridian, emergency might be below 50F, in which case the pocket 200 is probably perfect.

In regards to the Stream/Blizzard color, this is the color that I have. It is most definitely NOT baby blue. It is like an electric blue. It's almost obnoxiously bright. It's all good though because they are reversible, so I just wear it with the heather color on the outside.

As for temp ranges, I am admittedly a very warm person. This hat is good for me in active pursuits such as running, summit pushes, etc down to single digits depending on wind, as the hat is not windproof. For sitting around in camp, this is good for me to mid-20s depending on how insulated the rest of me is.

STP has them in stock now for $17.50…

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/icebreaker-pocket-200-beanie-hat-merino-wool-reversible-for-men-and-women~p~3291r/?utm_source=GooglePLAs&utm_medium=PaidSearch&utm_term=Icebreaker_Pocket_200_Beanie_Hat_-_Merino_Wool_Reversible_For_Men_And_Women&utm_campaign=PMGOOG2&gclid=CJmpwJafjbECFUlN4AodTwq3Cw&codes-processed=true

I, like probably most everyone here, have too many hats. I have a thin merino (Smartwool), a thicker merino (Smartwool), a Windstopper beanie (MH), a down beanie (Black Rock Hadron: excellent hat, just haven't had a chance to use it much). They are just to easy to collect.

I would pick a different hat for different weather situations, but, right now, as my go-to hat in the PNW, I use this MH Power Stretch (bought it at STP, in the same color):

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountain-hardwear-power-stretch-beanie-hat-for-men~p~3580f/?filterString=s~mountain-hardwear-hat%2F&colorFamily=02

So, I guess my answer is synthetic. I'm really liking Power Stretch for the PNW; perhaps MEC has a Polartec Power Stretch hat in their line-up.

Easy, start with a merino buff. It is probably the most flexible option available. It can be used as a beanie, balaclava, and neck gaiter. It is long enough to double up on itself, creating a cap twice as thick for colder temperatures – flexible, eh? I have used mine comfortably to freezing, though it was not windy. If you expect temperatures colder than that, bring the buff and another cap like fleece or down. With this system, you even get the flexibility of materials: for example, down cap for warmth/weight, paired with merino buff for backup/wet trip and use as neck gaiter, balaclava for your cap.

Peace,
Arch

Interesting. and slightly disappointing.

Stream was one of the colors I specifically asked about when emailing IB. I included links from BC as well as STP. The response I got was that neither photo was accurate, and that it was a 'lighter sky-blue'. I was really hoping for the slate blue pictured on the STP page, but obnoxious electric blue would have been pretty cool in its own right.

Oh well. Maybe this fall when it's back in season. For now the single-layer 200 gm/m^2 of my 'chase' model works fine for the 3-season.

Merino buff seems like the way to go. I have a half sized polypro one that I had forgotten about. I use it for skiing in the winter.

Definitely very flexible. A merino one should be even better. I think I will have to try adding one of these to my collection for all round versatility & warmth. Then maybe add some other cap to use with it for colder situations.

Thanks for the great suggestions everyone.

whatever is cheap and onsale … i use a cheap synth EB FA one i that i picked up on sale for 5$ .. and a NHL montreal canadien one i got for 3$ …

they all work basically the same given a similar material weight … other than how you want to look …

ALLEZ CANADIENS =P

sounds to me like Merino-Possum is an option as well! New Zealand gets into this stuff, and it is super light, super warm and comfortable. The downside is durability, but if it is mostly packed and only used when you weren't expecting it, I'd consider this!

http://www.chocolatefishmerino.co.uk/merino-possum/mpbeaniestripe.html

(don't ship to the US, they say! Sorry…).

I have the double layer beanie, and it is way to warm for just about anything if you are moving. But great for camp and safety!