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The Wonders of Alpaca Wool for Backpacking

Alpaca wool is an organic material with many features that make it a great insulator. It is a bit of a wonder material because of its natural warmth, softness, and durability. The fabric doesn’t unwind at the first sign of a hole and retains its insulating properties even when wet. It doesn’t leave behind the microfibers of plastic that fleece does, and it is hypoallergenic. People who are allergic to down insulation and other fibers often do not have a problem with alpaca. The list of alpaca wool goes on, but here is the start.



Pros of Alpaca Fabrics

Cons of Alpaca Fabrics

​-Warmth: Alpaca wool is known for its excellent insulation properties -Softness: Alpaca wool is one of the softest natural fibers available -Durability: Alpaca wool is strong and resistant to pilling -Hypoallergenic: Alpaca wool is naturally hypoallergenic -Sustainability: Alpaca wool is a natural, renewable resource that is biodegradable. -Breathable: Alpaca wool is a highly breathable material.

​-Difficult to clean and the garments shrink in the drier -The wind often blows right through the knit alpaca wool fabric -Holes are tough to patch -Some people find Alpaca wool garments itchy, but they grow softer with wear.

Alpaca Products

Men's Alpaca Hoodie for backpacking and thru-hiking

Men’s Alpaca Hoodie






Where does alpaca wool come from?

Alpaca wool comes from alpacas. But, to be more specific, most of the alpaca farms that supply the wool are from Peru. Most of the companies that make Alpaca Wool Products weave garments in the United States.


Who makes alpaca wool clothing?

Appalachian Gear Company: Appalachian Gear Company offers a range of alpaca wool clothing for outdoor activities, including hiking and backpacking. Their alpaca wool clothing is lightweight, durable, and sustainable.


Paka: Produces Alpaca wool-based clothing and apparel, but much of their product is blended or using alpaca fibers as insulation rather than making the clothing out of 100% alpaca product.


About Appalachian Gear Company

Appalachian Gear Company is a U.S.-based outdoor apparel brand that specializes in creating high-quality, sustainable clothing for outdoor enthusiasts. The company’s mission is to provide customers with gear that is durable, functional, and environmentally conscious, and they have built a reputation for producing innovative and sustainable products that are loved by their customers—all with Alpaca fibers.


Appalachian Gear Company Products

Appalachian Gear Company Hoodie for backpacking and thru hiking

  1. Hoodies: Mens, Womens

  2. T-shirts: Mens, Womens

  3. Sun Shirts: Mens, Womens

  4. Long Sleeve Shirts: Mens, Womens

  5. Pancho

  6. Sleeping Bag Liner

  7. Blanket

  8. Beanie


Their most popular item is their alpaca hoodies. They are 100% alpaca and extremely durable and functional for the outdoors. They hold up better than Melanzana hoodies for a thru-hike and are also more packable, and perform better in inclement weather.


Appalachian Gear Company also implements environmentally-friendly practices in their manufacturing process. They are committed to minimizing their impact on the environment, and they use recycled materials wherever possible, such as recycled polyester for their packaging and shipping materials.


Sustainability

Another notable feature of Appalachian Gear Company is their dedication to giving back to their community. They are involved in several initiatives to support local communities and preserve natural resources, such as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. They also donate a portion of their profits to various environmental organizations and outdoor education programs.

Conclusion

Overall, Appalachian Gear Company is a company that is dedicated to producing high-quality, sustainable outdoor apparel with all-natural fibers. Their commitment to using environmentally-friendly practices and supporting their community sets them apart from other outdoor apparel brands, and makes them a great choice for anyone looking for sustainable and functional outdoor gear that is straight from the source in Peru.



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