We tested a variety of clothing for this alpaca review, including hoodies, base layers and more, from Arms of Andes. Here's what we thought!
Are you interested in leaping into the exciting world of alpaca clothing?
In this alpaca clothing review, we tested clothing from Arms of Andes to see if it was worth the hype and cost. We'll also delve into what makes alpaca wool special, as well as some frequently asked questions about wearing it!
September 2024 update: This was originally a comparison post between two of our favorite alpaca brands. Sadly, Appalachian Gear Company seems to have gone out of business earlier in 2024. However, we still recommend their clothing, so if you can find it used or from a third party, it's a great find!
For thoughts on even more brands, see my alpaca shopping guide.
What’s the Deal With Alpaca?
The reason you might choose alpaca wool is a similar idea for wearing merino wool: it's a sustainable natural fiber that is naturally moisture wicking and odor resistant.
This makes it a compelling option for multi-day backpacking trips, like the ones we've taken on the Art Loeb Trail in North Carolina or the Elk Park to Needleton loop in Colorado.
We've been testing out some alpaca options over multiple seasons (hot and cold), and have been thoroughly impressed. We wore lots of alpaca on a recent backpacking trip to Iceland, and stayed both warm and dry.
How Does Alpaca Compare With Merino Wool?
On the pro side, it is even more odor resistant than merino. As in, almost mind-blowingly odor resistant. It also dries more quickly than the already quick-drying merino.
If you have an allergy to the lanolin in merino wool, alpaca may work for you since alpacas don’t produce lanolin.
What about cons?
Alpaca is definitely more delicate than merino. One of our Arms of Andes shirts got holes because of friction caused with a too-sharp belt buckle. One of the hoodies we tried got minor pilling on the fabric where it rubbed against a hiking daypack.
It's also more expensive than merino and – a biggie – can be MUCH itchier than merino. The itch factor varies a lot from person to person, but it’s definitely a thing.
We’ve also noticed that (in general) alpaca clothing seems to stretch out of shape more easily than merino.
Also, there are fewer companies currently producing alpaca clothing (compared to merino), so it can sometimes be difficult to find items in stock.
Arms of Andes Alpaca Review: Pros + Cons
Arms of Andes is a small business based in Peru. In general, we were mostly happy with the items we tried.
Pros:
- Soft fabric (much less itch than other alpaca brands we tried)
- Tops can easily double as casualwear
- Offers both ultralight and heavyweight items
- Incredibly odor resistant
Cons:
- While the men’s line is true to size, the women’s line runs small
- Some issues with the fabric snagging, developing holes or pilling
- Limited color options (most colors seem to always be out of stock). This may be changing though, we recently were able to order a really pretty turquoise women's shirt, but didn't see that color option in the men's shirts or short sleeve women's shirts
Arms of Andes Favorite Items
We tried a selection of Arms of Andes clothing items. Here were our favorites!
Arms of Andes Clothing Sizing
The men’s clothing seemed to run true to size. The long sleeve men’s shirt sleeves were long enough for my long-armed husband.
The women’s clothing seems to run small, at least one size smaller than average. If you carry weight in your stomach, it might seem like it runs even smaller, as the women's tops are a fitted cut.
I tried the women’s half-zip and women's t-shirt in large (one size larger than normal for me). Both fit well but were on the snug side.
However, I ordered my usual unisex t-shirt size from the men’s line: a men’s small. It fit perfectly. If the women's line seems too tight for you, try ordering a men's cut, one size smaller than your usual women's size.
So far we haven’t noticed significant stretching from this clothing line. There was minimal stretching, particularly around the neck opening, after multiple wears, but the garments seem to go back to their initial shape (or close to it) after washing.
Alpaca Review: The Look
This line could easily double as casual wear and does not have a distinctive “alpaca“ look. Some other alpaca wear we tried looked distinctively fuzzy.
I particularly love the Arms of Andes items as travel-wear, because I can use it both while hiking and while exploring a town without feeling either under or over-dressed.
Alpaca Review: The Feel
The base layer tops were in fact much softer than other alpaca tops we ordered for review, and less itchy! I'll still say they were SOMEWHAT itchy (to me) at first, but not unbearably so.
They reminded me of the texture in Icebreaker's merino base layer tops, but perhaps slightly softer.
The half-zip was extremely thick and soft! It would be a great top in frigid weather. The hoodies were the same weight as the half-zip, and were also incredibly warm yet breathable.
The boxers and undies (happily) were not itchy at all, and their extreme odor resistance makes them perfect for multi-day backpacking trips. (Because the fabric is a bit more delicate than merino, I'd hesitate to use these undies daily.)
Was It Comfortable in Both the Cold and Heat?
Yes! The ultralight shirts were incredibly comfortable and breathable in the heat.
Recently my husband wore the ultralight t-shirt on a 3-day backpacking trip in North Carolina, and found it comfortable even in the 90-degree heat. (Well, as comfortable as someone can be in 90-degree heat.)
I’ve also found the Arms of Andes ultralight shirts to be cool and breathable, even in the heat. I wore an Arms of Andes t-shirt recently on a day where the heat index reached 106 degrees Fahrenheit, with high humidity, and not only did it not feel too hot, but the shirt did not stink the next day! (And I definitely sweated.)
The ultra-light shirts also make perfect base layers in colder weather. The thicker half-zip and the hoodies are definitely a cold-weather items and not for heat.
Arms of Andes Items We Liked But Didn't Love
The leggings are more base-layer style as opposed to workout leggings. They're great as pajamas or as a base layer in very cold temperatures. They're also opaque enough to wear as casual-wear with a tunic top. However, I have noticed mild pilling between the legs after light wear.
The women's sports bra was the same comfortable fabric, but probably best if you're an A-cup (or possibly a B-cup), but definitely not any larger. It was not supportive and I absolutely would not wear it on a trail run.
I hope this alpaca review has made your shopping a little easier! Do you still have questions about wearing alpaca? Let me know in the comments.
k says
I can't support Arms of the Andes because they coat their clothing with a chemical or silicone resin, essentially the same as microplastic. I tried Paka instead, which is free of those fabric treatments and so far has held up well. I still miss and prefer Appalachian Gear Company. Their sleeping bag liners were the softest, warmest ever.
Sarah Trenalone says
Hi k! We also miss Appalachian Gear Company 🙁
To be fair, from what we understand, all machine washable wool has been treated in some way (most just don't disclose), it's only the felted/"fuzzier" wools that aren't (like Appalachian Gear Co). Most commercially available wools use "super washed" wool, which isn't eco-friendly and uses a chlorine rinse. (This is a nice article on super washing.)
Arms of Andes has stated that they feel the silicone rinse is a better, more eco-friendly alternative but that they're still searching for other options. I appreciate that they disclose the rinse on their fabric information when so many other brands don't, and the quality of their fabric is still far and above any merino I've tried when it comes to odor, temperature regulation and how quickly it dries. (I enjoyed an interview I heard with them on the Backpacking Light podcast.)
I looked into Paka but was unhappy with the low percentage of wool and the high percentage of cotton/tencel/synthetic fibers, and it seemed like it wasn't worth the high cost with such a low percentage of wool. Maybe we'll give them a chance though!