A breathable hoodie for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities

By Henry Howard

I’ve been testing the PAKA Full Zip Hoodie during some downtime from training, due to injury. And while I would not recommend this hoodie for running, it is definitely worth a look for hiking, camping, commuting, traveling and hanging out.

The PAKA Full Zip Hoodie, made with traceable alpaca fiber, is soft and thermoregulating with 100% natural fibers. The alpaca activewear combines traceable alpaca and eucalyptus-based TENCEL™ Lyocell on the outside with ultra-soft organic cotton on the inside.

Not only is it super comfortable, the hoodie is thermoregulating, lightweight and built to last — all day, every day, every adventure. I have worn the hoodie while hiking, walk-commuting to work on a cool fall morning and around town.

Its versatility really came through during a recent trip. I wore it as an outer layer when we departed on a cool morning, went on hikes and also ventured out to grab a cup of coffee early in the morning.

This updated version is part of PAKA’s Breathe Collection, the first alpaca activewear ever made. The hoodie comes in a slimmer athletic silhouette, meaning a refined fit for extra mobility.

What makes the PAKA Full Zip Hoodie special

• It’s a breathable hoodie made for hiking.

• The addition of zippered front pockets for stashing your keys or phone securely.

• An extra interior pocket.

• Thumbholes to keep hands warm in the cool nighttime air.

• Inca ID on side panel and branded logo pull.

Best for

• Hiking, camping and casual wear.

• Eco-conscious travelers looking for a versatile, lightweight layer. 

• Its versatility. Bring it with you for multi-purpose use: an extra layer while traveling, a comfortable top for hiking and an outer layer for dining at an outdoor cafe.

Quick hits

• Price: $159

• Material: Exterior: 70% Baby Alpaca, 30% TENCEL™ Lyocell. Interior: 100% Organic Cotton.

• Wash: Machine wash cold gentle cycle, do not bleach, do not wring

• Dry: Lay flat to dry, cool iron if needed

Frequently Asked Questions: PAKA Full Zip Hoodie, a breathable hoodie for hiking and more

Question: Why alpaca instead of merino wool? Answer:  Both alpaca and merino wool are natural fibers that help regulate temperature, but they feel different. Alpaca is naturally soft and contains no lanolin, the waxy substance in sheep’s wool that some people find irritating. On the PAKA Full Zip Hoodie, the interior is organic cotton, so the alpaca and TENCEL™ Lyocell stay on the outside and the cotton is what touches your skin. The hoodie felt nice and soft while wearing it. Merino is still a great choice for high-output activity, but for hiking, travel and everyday wear, I like having an alpaca option.

Question: What does “baby alpaca” actually mean? Answer:  It’s a fiber grade, not the age of the animal. “Baby alpaca” describes very fine, soft fiber, typically from an alpaca’s first shearing. Alpacas are sheared like sheep and grow new fleece. The exterior of this hoodie is 70% baby alpaca, which is a big part of why it feels so soft.

Question: What does “thermoregulating” mean in real life? Answer:  Natural fibers like alpaca trap warmth when it’s cool and let moisture vapor escape as you heat up, so you’re less likely to swing between chilled and clammy. In my experiences, whether on a cool fall morning walk or hiking on a trail as the day warmed, I didn’t feel the need to peel it off as the temperatures changed.

Question: If it’s breathable, why wouldn’t you run in it? Answer:  Breathable and fast-wicking aren’t the same thing. This hoodie is built for comfort and versatility, and the cotton lining and natural fibers hold moisture and dry slowly (the care label says lay flat to dry). Technical running fabrics move sweat away faster. As a runner, this hoodie could be used as a post-run layer, travel to and from a long weekend run and a race.

Question: Is it warm enough for cold weather? Answer:  It’s lightweight, so think cool-weather layer rather than winter parka. It was right for me on cool fall mornings. For colder days, I’d wear it as a mid-layer under a shell or over a base layer.

Question: How does the slimmer athletic fit run? Answer: The updated version has a slimmer silhouette for more mobility. If you plan to layer over a thick base layer, consider sizing up, and check PAKA’s size chart before ordering.

Question: What can I put in each pocket? Answer: The zippered front pockets are for items you don’t want to lose on the trail, like keys, snacks and/or a phone. The extra interior pocket is a good spot for small valuables.

Question: Does alpaca pill, and how do I keep the hoodie looking good?

Answer: Any natural-fiber knit can develop light pilling where there’s friction, such as under backpack straps or along the sides. To keep it looking its best, wash cold on a gentle cycle as the label says, turn it inside out, skip bleach and fabric softener, and lay it flat to dry. If pills appear, remove them with a fabric shaver or comb rather than pulling them off.

Question: Is it a good travel layer? Answer: YES! I wore it as an outer layer on a cool departure morning, then on the trail and for trips to the coffee shop. Natural fibers also tend to resist odor, so I was able to wear it on and off throughout the six-day trip. One practical note: because it needs to lay flat to dry, plan ahead on longer trips since you can’t toss it in a hotel dryer.

Question: Is it vegan or ethically made? Answer: It is not vegan, since the exterior contains alpaca fiber. PAKA describes the fiber as traceable, and this hoodie includes an Inca ID on the side panel.

Question: Is it worth $159? Answer: It’s a premium price for a hoodie, but it can replace several pieces: a hiking layer, a travel layer and a casual outer layer. If it would only live on the couch, I’d say no. If you’d wear it across hiking, camping, commuting and travel, the math looks better.

Question: How does it compare with other PAKA pieces you’ve reviewed?

Answer: The Sol Hoodie is a soft outer layer for warmth or sun protection. This Full Zip adds zippered pockets, thumbholes and a slimmer fit that make more sense on the trail. If you need something warmer for commuting, my Mayu jacket review covers a much heavier layer.

Like with previous PAKA gear I have tested, I love the hoodie’s natural colors, subtle branding and overall feel. Previously, I have had the opportunity to try out other items from PAKA, including:

• The Sol Hoodie, an ideal solution for those wanting a soft outer layer that can offer a bit of warmth when it’s cool outside or serve as protection against the sun.

• The Mayu jacket, which I used almost daily during the winter on my biking and walking commutes to and from work. Its warmth, durability and other qualities make it ideal for commuters, hikers and others.

• The Mountain Crew sweater, designed for rugged outdoor adventures, is the first PAKA sweater offered in unique women’s and men’s designs. 

• A pair of PAKA underwear, which offer a soft, cashmere-like feel.