PAKA redefines durability in alpaca fiber with new sweater and sock options

By Henry Howard

PAKA has me covered from neck to toe.

I had the opportunity to try out the Peru-based brand’s new sweater line, the Mountain Crew line, designed for rugged outdoor adventures; as well as a pair of their crew socks. Previously I tested a pair of PAKA underwear. In each of these, I found the durability in alpaca fiber to be exceptional.

PAKA Mountain Crew sweater

PAKA, a sustainable apparel brand best known for its performance-based alpaca fiber gear, uses alpaca yarn in a unique plaited construction for the Mountain Crew, making it PAKA’s most durable sweater to date.

The Mountain Crew blends alpaca fiber, fine merino wool, and nylon for a durable, comfortable and environmentally friendly garment. Alpaca fiber is hypoallergenic, non-toxic and OEKO-TEX certified.

As a frequent traveler, I was glad to see how well the double-stitched seams made the sweater resistant to wrinkling after a long day in a suitcase. The Mountain Crew boasts a soft hand feel, antimicrobial properties, and exceptional thermoregulation of alpaca’s medullated fiber with the durability provided by its innovative knit construction.

It’s also notable that the Mountain Crew is the first PAKA sweater offered in unique women’s and men’s designs. The women’s cut offers a standard fit with flattering stitch lines, and the men’s fit leans more relaxed. In line with PAKA’s sweater collection, the Mountain Crew includes a signature handwoven Inca ID from Peru, showcasing the craftsmanship behind each piece.

The Mountain Crew is available in eggplant and wood for women and forest and wood for men, at $145 at www.pakaapparel.com.

PAKA Crew socks

It was easy to understand why PAKA socks are a standout gift. They are soft, comfortable but warm enough to wear during even cold mornings when temperatures are low. They are dressy enough for wearing to work. But honestly, I’d wear them regardless since they are so light and comfy.

The crew and other styles are available for $59 at www.pakaapparel.com.

Here are some more reasons to consider adding these socks to your wardrobe:

• Softness: Royal alpaca is softer than cashmere, without the itch, as alpaca is naturally lanolin-free and hypoallergenic.

• Lightweight: Alpaca fiber is 3 times lighter than traditional sheep’s wool.

• Thermoregulating: Thanks to its unique hollow-core fibers, alpaca naturally regulates temperature, insulating warmth when cold and allowing breathability when warm.

• Moisture wicking and odor resistant: Alpaca fiber has the lowest water retention rate of all natural fibers and uniquely contains keratin protein for natural antibacterial properties.

Here’s another good reason to support PAKA: It employs more than 200 Quechua weavers at four times the living wage in Peru, makes upwards of 90% of products locally, and donates 1% of its revenue to Peruvian Hearts, an NGO dedicated to the education and empowerment of young women in Peru.