Paka Breathe Zip Hoodie
The Paka Breathe Zip Hoodie is a comfortably soft and warm midweight layer for all seasons and activities. It’s made of Peruvian alpaca fiber handwoven by women artisans in Peru.
Breathe Zip Hoodie Specs
MSRP: $139
Fabric: Alpaca fiber
Intended Use: Good for a midweight inner layer or as an outer layer worn over a lightweight layer.
About the Paka Breathe Zip Hoodie
I wear the Breathe Zip Hoodie for running and hiking, and depending on the temperature and activity I wear it as an outer layer with a base layer underneath or as a next-to-skin layer underneath a down coat. The Hoodie’s thumb holes make it easy to slip on an outer layer, and the zippered side pockets hold snacks and my phone. The Hoodie has become my favorite winter layer because of its versatility and soft feel against my skin.
Breathe Zip Hoodie Features
Materials: 100% natural fabrics: breathable exterior alpaca fiber and organic Pima cotton lining. Pima cotton, native to Peru, adds to the Breathe Hoodie’s soft and smooth feel.
Comfort: The Breathe Hoodie, with flatlock seams, rests comfortably against my skin, with no itch or chafe. The hoodie is available in men’s and women’s sizes.
Moisture Management: Alpaca fiber is naturally water-resistant and highly breathable. But water resistant doesn’t mean waterproof. The hoodie soaked through in spots while I was wearing it as an outer layer in a snowstorm and was slow to dry, presumably because of the cotton lining. I’ll be putting a raincoat over the hoodie now when it rains or snow.
Odor Resistance: Because of alpaca fiber’s breathability, sweat passes through the material and away from my body. I’ve worn it over and over for outdoor activities without washing and have yet to notice a dirtbag smell.
Wind Resistance: The Hoodie blocked the wind when I wore it with a lightweight layer underneath on several windy-day hikes.
Warmth: I wore the Hoodie as a base layer under a down puffy while hiking with the temperature in the teens. I also wore it as an outer layer over a lightweight shirt while running when the temperature was in the 20s and 30s.
Thumb Holes: A generous, almost invisible thumb hole on each sleeve makes it easy to pull on an outer layer.
Zipper: The wide zipper guard keeps out the wind and a chin guard seals in the zipper pull so that it doesn’t scrape my neck and chin.
High Collar: The Hoodie zips up to the bottom of my chin, providing protection from cold air and wind.
The Hood: Wraps loosely around my head. Wearing a hat anchors the hood to my head, and pulls the collar up enough to cover my chin.
Two Side Pockets: I can fit a cellphone, snacks, and lightweight gloves inside the two zippered pockets.
Fit: I’m 5 feet, 10 inches, 160ish, and a size large is loose on me, which I like because it lets me wear layers underneath. Paka’s fit guide suggests a medium hoodie for me.
Cleaning: Paka says hand washing with cold water is best, but if washing in a machine set it at delicate with cold water. Lay the Hoodie flat to dry.
Colors: Black, Andean moss, timber, and charcoal blue.
About Paka: The company sells a wide range of clothing made sustainably and ethically, woven by Peruvian artisans using Peruvian alpaca fur. 1% of sales supports regenerative agriculture and farming families and another 1% funds the education of young Peruvian women. Read here for more about Paka’s story.
Paka Breeze Zip Hoodie Pros
Simple and Light: The Breathe Zip Hoodie is a warm, versatile coat that that isn’t weighed down by extras.
Comfort: The lining is soft against my skin and doesn’t itch or chafe.
Warmth: Good for a base layer in low temperatures and as an outer layer when the temperature climbs.
High Collar: I like that the collar reaches to my chin, keeping cold air and wind from slicing into my neck.
Locally Sourced and Made: OK, Paka clothing isn’t made in the U.S. But it is sourced and woven in Peru, and Paka’s sales help support Peruvian families.
Breathe Zip Hoodie Cons
Small Things: The hood and hem aren’t adjustable to seal in heat and keep out the wind and cold, but I prefer the Hoodie’s simple design to those features.
Slow to Dry: The cotton lining is slow to dry when it gets wet.
Overall Value
The Breathe Zip Hoodie has become my layer of choice because of its soft feel, warmth, and versatility for a range of temperatures. And the price is lower than similar alpaca and merino wool hoodies, making the Breathe Zip Hoodie a good outdoor layer that won’t break your budget.
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This product was donated for purpose of review.
