Alpacas are known for being all-around cute animals. But they probably don’t make a very good Valentine’s Day gift if you don’t have a farm or live somewhere in the Andes mountains. If you want to gift your partner with some alpaca softness, however, all is not lost. Outdoor apparel brand Paka has everything from socks to parkas that utilize the incredibly soft, lofty and waterproof fiber.
As soft as cashmere, Alpaca Wool is thermo-regulating, wicking, odor-resistant and 3 times lighter than sheep’s wool allowing it to be weaved into ultra-fine fabrics that are extremely durable.
We’ve written before about Paka’s insulation pieces, especially long johns and underwear, but I’ve been wearing a couple of other Paka pieces for some time now that would make a great gift.
The Hoodie
The Paka Hoodie ($149) was the brand’s first product and really set the tone for the capabilities of the fabric and how it could be used to craft outdoor wear.
Suitable for hiking, camping, lounging or traveling, the best-selling Alpaca Hoodie blends the unmatched softness of Royal Alpaca with the everyday ease of a classic hoodie. Lightweight, breathable, and temperature-regulating, it’s built to move with you, from slow mornings to long travel days.
While the hoodie feels like it would be a shoulder season piece, or a winter mid-layer, the versatility of the alpaca fabric shines, providing comfort over a 50 degree temperature range.
The Original Crew
Paka’s Original Crew ($149) is crafted with a blend of Royal Alpaca and recycled nylon, weighs less than your coffee mug and is so soft, you can wear it directly against your skin (and without worry of it getting stinky).
Perfect for travel, long hikes, walking the dog, dinner with friends, dawn patrol or just staying cozy, it will exceed your expectations for comfort and durability every time and keep on going.
The fit is long and straight and the crew does not have a gathered waist, so it is likely more forgiving for a range of body types.
The Quarter Zip
One of the newest additions to the Paka line, the Quarter Zip we is made with the same fan-favorite yarn blend as The Hoodie and The Original Crew.
This cozy layer brings alpaca-powered strength and softness to all your plans. It suits activities from backcountry adventures to backpacking and even backyard BBQs. It fits everywhere in between. The double-layer mock neckline has a zip closure, allowing you to adjust your comfort level from hour to hour.
Available in three colors and sizes from XXS to XXL.
But Wait, There’s More
If your budget is a little more modest, Paka has plenty of options for gift giving, from buttery soft undies to socks to base layers and more.
And when you purchase from Paka, you can rest easy knowing that you are supporting Peruvian families and their farming practices, not buying disposable fast fashion that is dependent on third world labor.
Check out the full line on Paka’s website.
All Outdoors 