Alpaca fiber has inherent qualities that make it great for clothing. It’s naturally sourced, odor-resistant, lightweight, insulates well, and can be extremely soft. PAKA, an alpaca fiber apparel company from Peru, is now combining it with an efficient moisture-wicking and cooling technology called Coolplus in the brand’s new Ultralight Crew.
PAKA uses alpaca fiber in all its garments — from socks to base layers, fleeces, and even insulated winter jackets. But this is the first time the brand has teamed up with Coolplus, which makes fast-evaporating fiber to create a “cool effect.” Paka said this collaboration makes the Ultralight Coolplus Crew a perfect midlayer for warmer weather.
The PAKA Ultralight Coolplus Crew is made with 50% baby alpaca, 30% organic cotton, and 20% Coolplus fibers. It is available in men’s and women’s sizes for $135.
Coolplus + PAKA: How It Works
Coolplus is a German company that makes a special type of viscose fiber. Coolplus fibers have greater surface area than standard moisture-wicking textiles. That helps move sweat away from the skin faster and speeds up evaporation. Coolplus claims its textiles also don’t stick to your body like cotton or polyester.
In its Ultralight Coolplus Crew, PAKA is combining its own alpaca fiber expertise with the Coolplus viscose fiber. Together, the fibers’ complementary attributes should work in concert.
Paka said that when Coolplus yarn technology is applied at the fiber level, it expands the alpaca wool fiber structure to allow for more room and better breathability. With baby alpaca wool’s super-softness and low moisture retention weight, this crew knit sweater should keep you comfy, cozy, and moisture-free — even in spring and summer temps.
Besides the technological features, the Ultralight Coolplus Crew also looks good. It sports articulated rib stitches at the side seams for a form-flattering fit. So when you leave the trail and head for a well-earned cold one, you don’t have to waste time changing into town clothes.
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