The Hoodie is PAKA’s best-selling hooded pullover that’s good for a variety of outdoor adventures, providing comfort and warmth on and off the trail.
Overview: PAKA Hoodie
MSRP: $149
Fabric: 65% Royal Alpaca fiber, 35% recycled nylon
Weight: 15.5 ounces
About the PAKA Hoodie
The Hoodie started it all for PAKA in the Peruvian mountains, where local women weave alpaca into sweaters, hoodies, socks and hats. The Hoodie is next-to-skin soft and is good at blocking wind. I’ve worn it on cold days and nights on Vermont’s Long Trail and on day hikes closer to home. It’s a versatile midweight top good as an outer layer in moderate temperatures and under a heavier layer in cold weather.
Hoodie Features
Materials: The Hoodie’s strength is the material’s alpaca/nylon blend that’s good at wicking and resisting moisture.
Comfort: I can wear the Hoodie as a first layer against my skin, with flatlock seams that don’t chafe and fabric that doesn’t itch. Or I can pull it on over a light layer for more warmth.
Moisture Management: Alpaca fiber is naturally water-resistant and highly breathable, and tolerates sprinkles of rain.
Odor Resistance: Sweat passes through the breathable alpaca fiber 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.
Warmth: When the temperature is in the 50s and above I wear the Hoodie over a lightweight layer. In lower temperatures I put a layer over the Hoodie, usually a light shell that holds in heat.
The Hood: The hood fits loosely on my head, without a drawstring to close it tight. The neck opening is large and comfortable
Pockets: None.
Fit: I’m 5 feet, 10 inches, 160ish, and a size medium is a good fit for me. PAKA has a fit guide to determine your size.
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.
About PAKA:. The company sells a wide range of clothing made sustainably and ethically, woven by more than 300 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. Each woman signs the clothing she makes; my Hoodie was signed by Katherine A. Read here for more about PAKA’s story.
Hoodie Pros
Simple and Light: The Hoodie is a lightweight layer without frills.
Comfort: Soft against my skin with no itch or chafe.
Warmth: I wear the Hoodie as a base layer in low temperatures and as an outer layer when the temperature climbs.
Peruvian Sourced and Made: PAKA clothing is sourced and woven in Peru, and PAKA’s sales help support Peruvian families.
Hoodie Cons
Collar: The loose open neck is easy to slip over my head, but lets in cold air when it’s windy.
Overall Value
The Hoodie is a versatile layer that’s soft and comfortable, and good for wearing in a range of temperatures. I wear it for everyday and on-trail use, making it more than clothing that I leave in my closet when I’m not on trail. The price is on the low end of comparable natural fiber Hoodies, making it a good dollarwise choice.
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Arc’teryx Delta Pullover Hoody
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This product was donated for purpose of review.