Skip to main content

Your Next Slope Sweater Should Come from Peruvian Alpaca Llamas

paka
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Every once in a while Kickstarter comes through with a product that literally anyone can get behind. Paka , the alpaca wool sweater knitted in Peru, is one of those products.

While taking a year to work and travel through South America, Paka founder Kris Cody came across a beautiful alpaca wool sweater, hand-woven by a grandmother high in the Peruvian Andes, that he bought and brought back with him to the U.S. Every time he would wear the sweater out, Cody says, “People would come up to me and ask where it was from — where they could get one. The response was amazing, and I realized that alpaca wool wasn’t really used in the States. I saw functionality in this new fiber for the lifestyle I was living. I remembered this grandmother, her wrinkled hands and open heart, and saw the potential to bridge this gap.”

Shortly after, Cody bought a one-way ticket to Peru and Paka was born.

Perfect for hitting the slopes or a little apres ski, the Paka hoodie and crewneck sweaters are some of the lightest, softest, and thermo-regulating pullovers in the world. Known as la lana de los dioses, (“the fiber of the gods”), alpaca wool is the second-warmest wool on the planet (just behind polar bear fur), moisture-wicking (it has an 8 percent water-retention rate, whereas other wools are typically between 16-20 percent), and extremely durable (there are stories that tell of the Inca using alpaca wool to weave bridges across Andean valleys). All of these features coalesce to create a sweater that is just as at functional on the hiking trail or slopes as it is at home. Given that alpacas evolved high in the Andes, it makes sense that they would possess the most appropriate fur to create clothing from. Mountain sweaters that come from mountain animals — a match made in form-meets-function heaven.

alpaca
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The sweaters themselves are all hand-woven and dyed (with all-natural dyes) by Peruvian weavers. Cody and Paka chose to have their sweaters woven in Peru to not only be close to the free-roaming alpaca from which they source their fur, but also to help women in this developing nation increase their yearly income (by up to eight times), which in turn reduces chronic malnourishment in one in three Peruvian children.

According to Cody, employing these Peruvian women has more than monetary and health benefits. “It’s allowing women to move from manual, unskilled labor to skilled, passionate work. It’s sustaining their heritage and the Inca culture. It’s a tradition that they pass down with pride and respect, carrying on the Inca knowledge and ways,” he says.

And it’s also a damned comfortable sweater. The Paka hoodie is woven with an extra large hood and with flexible side panels that provide more breathability, comfort, and freedom of movement than your typical wool or cotton sweater. Having been given a pre-production hoodie, we have to say that our time with the sweater has been one of supreme comfort and satisfaction. The sweater never gets too hot, never allows you to be too cold, and, because they are woven to be slightly oversized, it surrounds your entire body like the world’s softest cocoon.

If you’re looking to back the Paka sweater or simply want to learn more, head on over to the Kickstarter page, where you still have almost a month to pledge. For $99 you can back the crewneck sweater, and for $109 you can snag one of the remaining hoodies. Delivery of the completed sweaters is slated for January 2018.

Topics
Chase McPeak
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Chase McPeak is the former Lifestyle Editor. Chase regularly appeared on Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast where…
Overland is the king of ski towns: Celebrating 50 years of American mountain west outerwear
How did Overland win over the mountain town
Taos Storefront 2023

Every industry has its mainstay brands that only get stronger with more competition. There will always be some new and fresh idea that challenges all those before it and tries to change the industry. Then there are those brands they face, who have been around for decades, weaving in and out of competition and outlasting every challenge thrown their way. For every new and exciting watch brand, there is a Rolex standing strong. While there are plenty of explanations for why a brand outshines every other around it, Overland Sheepskin Co. has an explanation all its own. On this, their 50th year, we look back and try to understand how this family-owned business became the King of the Mountain towns and what keeps them on top.

Back in 1973, the flagship store in Taos, New Mexico, took a bale of sheepskin and a sewing machine and began creating coats, hats, and mittens for the surrounding area. As word began to spread about their quality, the whole family had to pitch in to help out to meet the growing demand. Five decades later, with 17 stores throughout the Rocky Mountains and across the country, they have become a mainstay in the mountain and ski towns for their quality and dependability. We got a chance to sit down with Monty Goodson, manager of the Santa Fe store and a buyer for the company, to find out how they did it and how they maintain the culture that has made them who they are today.

Read more
Bell & Ross BR-03, its flagship watch, updated for first time in almost 2 decades
A classic design gets a much-deserved update
BR 03 Military Ceramic watch Bell & Ross

In the realm of luxury watches, Bell & Ross holds a unique place. The brand is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and innovative designs, which have consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking. One of their most iconic watches, the Bell & Ross BR-03, recently underwent a significant update, marking a milestone in its nearly two-decade history.

Founded in 1992 by Bruno Belamich and Carlos A. Rosillo, Bell & Ross quickly gained recognition for its dedication to producing professional timepieces tailored to specific needs. Their watches are often inspired by aviation and military aesthetics, characterized by a perfect blend of form and function. Over the years, the Bell & Ross BR-03 has become a symbol of precision and reliability, earning its place among the finest luxury watches.
The timeless design of the BR 03
The Bell & Ross BR 03 has always been celebrated for its distinctive square case design, paying homage to cockpit instruments. Its robust and bold appearance sets it apart from traditional round watches, and the BR 03 has been a favorite among those who appreciate a timepiece that makes a statement. The signature square case, clear numerals, and luminescent hands make it not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly legible.

Read more
Apple doesn’t sell the Hermes Apple Watch leather band anymore – and we think we know why
Leather is not exactly "sustainable"
apple watch hermes leather band

 

In the realm of luxury, Hermes is a distinguished name known for (amongst other things) its collaboration with Apple in creating exquisite Apple Watch bands. In recent days, Hermes appeared to remove all leather Apple Watch 8 bands from its site, sparking intrigue and raising questions about the underlying reasons; many even wondered if Hermes and Apple were ending their partnership. All Apple Watch Series 9 bands are listed on the Hermes website – including leather bands. Still, Apple isn't selling the leather bands on its website, and there's an excellent reason why.

Read more