Overview: Paka Mountain Crew
The PAKA Mountain Crew is a comfortable midweight alpaca sweater that’s at home on and off the trail.
Mountain Crew Specs
MSRP: $145
Fabric: 60% baby alpaca, 15% fine Merino wool, 25% nylon
Weight: 12.3 ounces
About the Mountain Crew
The PAKA Mountain Crew is a midweight layer that’s good as an outer layer in the 50s and 60s and as an under layer when the temperature dips lower. The stretchy alapaca/Merino/nylon fabric is soft against my skin and blocks a light wind. And it’s comfortable and stylish enough for everyday use off the trail.
Mountain Crew Features
Materials: The Mountain Crew’s alpaca wool is good at wicking moisture and resisting moisture.
Comfort: The fabric keeps its shape while allowing easy movement. Flatlock seams rest comfortably against my skin, with no itch or chafe.
Moisture Management: Alpaca fiber is naturally water-resistant and highly breathable, but don’t expect to wear it in the rain.
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.
Warmth: I wear the Mountain Crew as an outer layer with a lightweight layer underneath when the temperature is in the 50s and above. If it’s colder than that I put on a layer over the Mountain Crew.
Collar: The crew neck collar is comfortably loose around my neck, but a high-collar outer layer is a good idea if the wind is cold and biting.
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 Mountain Crew flat to dry.
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. Each woman signs the clothing she makes; my sweater was signed by Leonor P. Read more about Paka’s story here.
Mountain Crew Pros
Simple and Light: The Mountain Crew is a lightweight layer without frills.
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.
Peruvian Sourced and Made: PAKA clothing is sourced and woven in Peru, and PAKA’s sales help support Peruvian families.
Mountain Crew Cons
Collar: The crew neck collar lets in cold air when it’s windy, making it necessary to put on a top layer with a high collar.
Durability: The Mountain Crew snagged on branches and pulled a thread when I was clearing a trail blowdown, so I’m sticking to clear trails when I wear it.
Overall Value
The Mountain Crew has become my layer of choice because of its soft feel, warmth, and versatility for a range of temperatures. It’s a quality sweater that’s good for everyday and on-trail wear. (My wife says it’s stylish enough that I should wear it only off-trail.) But the price is higher than comparable wool sweaters, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for the least-expensive wool sweater.
Similar Wool Layers
Smartwool Sparwood Crew Sweater
MSRP: $105
Material: Nylon, Merino wool mix
Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Crew
MSRP: $115
Material: Merino wool
Royal Robbins Westlands Crew
MSRP: $130
Material: Wool, polyester mix
This product was donated for purpose of review.