Basecamp

Our New Ultralight Crew: The Ultimate Midlayer

This new Ultralight Crew is soft, highly packable, and light as a feather at 11oz.

Since our Original Alpaca Crew appeared in 2016 on our Kickstarter, we've distributed tens of thousands around the globe. It's served our community whether as a travel companion, whether a casual mother-daughter trip or a summit in the Andes. As our goal at Paka is to enable travel and adventure, we built this new Ultralight crew to be even more versatile and packable. Check out the features below!

The Ultralight Crew is your single-layer answer for comfort in all temperatures (excepting only the most extreme heat and cold). From chilly morning dawn patrols to midday trail walks to evening dinners with friends, the Lightweight Crew hugs you in a feather-light, naturally thermoregulating, absurdly soft layer — so comfy and weightless it’s like it’s barely there. With 18-19 microns of Royal Alpaca softness, it’s undershirt-optional. And weighing under 11 oz., or less than half of a paperback book, it keeps your pack blissfully light on the go.

At nearly half the weight of our Original Crew, with a tighter knit gauge and breathable mesh, the Lightweight is the ultimate midlayer. Knit from our signature thermoregulating, moisture-wicking, and order-proof alpaca fiber, this versatile piece works straight from trail to table, so you can stay out longer and still make those plans on time. Put simply, it’s the ideal multipurpose travel layer. And because it's made from a sustainable and traceable source, you can feel good about your environmental footprint too.

Crew Redesign: Versatility and Protection Across Seasons

  • Ventilation mesh under arm and at upper back
  • Stable hem that doesn't stretch out
  • Flatlock seams for ultimate comfort and added durability 
  • Rib knit V at the neck so it's easy to slip over your head and remains a snug fit
  • Handwoven Inca ID at wrist to always remind you where your crew came from
  • Mesh knit underarm gussets improve mobility
  • Ideal layering piece

Discover What Makes This Crew A Standout

Inspired by treks thru the andes, we created this piece as your lightweight companion. Perfect for everyday wear and outdoor adventures, It's a must-have for anyone constantly on the go. The Minimal and classic style lines make this piece your go-to for everything from travel to hikes and even business dinners.

Ventilated Comfort:

The new Lightweight Crew features ventilation mesh strategically placed under the arms and at the upper back for extra breathability. And a gusseted armhole adds ergonomic design that removes restrictions for ease of movement. Stay cool, dry, comfy, and nimble — no matter how sweaty your trek.

Slip-on Structure:

With a rib-knit V and a stable hem, the Lightweight Crew slips effortlessly over your head without losing its structure, so it’s easy to wear, but hard to stretch out.

A True Original:

Everything we build is a handmade original, with the Lightweight Crew no exception. Each features a unique Inca ID at the wrist, handwoven in the mountains of Peru, as well as a bespoke leather hem tag, distinguishing your crew from any other.

Lightweight, Heavy Duty:

Experience free motion in an ultra-lightweight layer that doesn't compromise an ounce of durability. Wear it everywhere, pack it with ease, and let it follow along to your life story.

From Chilly Dawns to Warm Days:

Our crews are wrought from alpaca fiber, which evolved to survive the radical temperature swing of the Andes Mountains, from scorching days to freezing nights, adapting ingenious hollow air pockets that insulate and ventilate at once. Wear the Lightweight Crew all day and feel it adapt with the air around you.

Get Dirty, Smell Fresh:

The Lightweight Crew is not just breathable, but also naturally odor-resistant, so you can go straight from your evening hike to those dinner plans while saving time and skipping the shower.

One Layer - Unlimited Places

We’re very excited to share this new Ultralight Crew with you. We’ve spent years designing the most versatile, adaptable, ethical trail-and-travel layer on the market, and we can’t wait for you to enjoy it. See you out there!

Shop Now

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Charcoal Blue Ultralight Crewneck Alpaca Blend Sweater for Outdoors and Casual - PAKA Apparel Charcoal Blue Ultralight Crewneck Alpaca Blend Sweater for Outdoors and Casual - PAKA Apparel
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Why you'll love this

  • 100% earth-friendly fabric
  • Extremely breathable and odor resistant
  • Moisture-wicking double knit w/ alpaca exterior and pima cotton interior
  • Unique handwoven Inca ID Zipper Pull
  • Flatlock seams for ultimate comfort & mobility
  • Zipper guard to keep out the wind
Sky Blue Crewneck Alpaca Wool Sweater from Peru - PAKA The Original Crew Sky Blue Crewneck Alpaca Wool Sweater from Peru - PAKA The Original Crew
Woman in Sky Blue Crewneck Alpaca Wool Outdoor Sweater in Front of Fall Foliage - PAKA The Original Crew Woman in Sky Blue Crewneck Alpaca Wool Outdoor Sweater in Front of Fall Foliage - PAKA The Original Crew
Grey Crewneck Natural Alpaca Wool Sweater - PAKA The Original Crew Grey Crewneck Natural Alpaca Wool Sweater - PAKA The Original Crew
Closeup of Grey Crewneck Sustainable Alpaca Sweater - PAKA The Original Crew Closeup of Grey Crewneck Sustainable Alpaca Sweater - PAKA The Original Crew
Eucalyptus / Green Crewneck Alpaca Wool Sweater for Outdoors - PAKA The Original Crew Eucalyptus / Green Crewneck Alpaca Wool Sweater for Outdoors - PAKA The Original Crew
Side Shot of Man in Eucalyptus / Green Crewneck Alpaca Hiking Sweater Holding Camera with Mountains in Background – PAKA The Original Crew Side Shot of Man in Eucalyptus / Green Crewneck Alpaca Hiking Sweater Holding Camera with Mountains in Background – PAKA The Original Crew
Charcoal / Dark Grey Crewneck Ethical Alpaca Wool Sweater - PAKA The Original Crew Charcoal / Dark Grey Crewneck Ethical Alpaca Wool Sweater - PAKA The Original Crew
Closeup Side Shot of Charcoal / Grey Peruvian Alpaca Wool Sweater on Woman Wearing Ring – PAKA The Original Crew Closeup Side Shot of Charcoal / Grey Peruvian Alpaca Wool Sweater on Woman Wearing Ring – PAKA The Original Crew
Navy Blue Lightweight Alpaca Wool Crewneck Sweater from Peru – PAKA The Original Crew Navy Blue Lightweight Alpaca Wool Crewneck Sweater from Peru – PAKA The Original Crew
Man in Camping Chair with Coffee Wearing Cozy Navy Blue Alpaca Wool Crewneck Sweater – PAKA The Original Crew Man in Camping Chair with Coffee Wearing Cozy Navy Blue Alpaca Wool Crewneck Sweater – PAKA The Original Crew
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Why you'll love this

  • 100% earth-friendly fabric
  • Softer than cashmere
  • Natural OEKO-TEX certified dye
  • Hand-signed by woman who knit it
  • Raglan sleeves for full range of motion
The Hoodie Light Grey Sustainable Alpaca Wool Sweater Hoodie – PAKA Apparel The Hoodie Light Grey Sustainable Alpaca Wool Sweater Hoodie – PAKA Apparel
Close-Up of Man's Hand Holding Side of The Hoodie Light Grey Alpaca Wool Sweater Hoodie Near Branded Leather Tag – PAKA Apparel Close-Up of Man's Hand Holding Side of The Hoodie Light Grey Alpaca Wool Sweater Hoodie Near Branded Leather Tag – PAKA Apparel
The Hoodie Charcoal / Dark Grey Stylish Alpaca Wool Hoodie Sweater – PAKA Apparel The Hoodie Charcoal / Dark Grey Stylish Alpaca Wool Hoodie Sweater – PAKA Apparel
Man in The Hoodie Charcoal / Dark Grey Alpaca Natural Fiber Hoodie Sweater Feeding an Alpaca in Peru Mountains – PAKA Apparel Man in The Hoodie Charcoal / Dark Grey Alpaca Natural Fiber Hoodie Sweater Feeding an Alpaca in Peru Mountains – PAKA Apparel
The Hoodie Eucalyptus / Dark Green Ethical Alpaca Hoodie Sweater – PAKA Apparel The Hoodie Eucalyptus / Dark Green Ethical Alpaca Hoodie Sweater – PAKA Apparel
Man Sipping Coffee in The Hoodie Eucalyptus / Dark Green Alpaca Hiking Hoodie in Front of Mountains Reflected on Lake – PAKA Apparel Man Sipping Coffee in The Hoodie Eucalyptus / Dark Green Alpaca Hiking Hoodie in Front of Mountains Reflected on Lake – PAKA Apparel
The Hoodie Oat / Light Tan Grey Sustainable Peruvian Alpaca Wool Hoodie Sweater – PAKA Apparel The Hoodie Oat / Light Tan Grey Sustainable Peruvian Alpaca Wool Hoodie Sweater – PAKA Apparel
Close Up of Hands Holding Inca ID on Side of The Hoodie Oat / Light Tan Grey Peruvian Alpaca Hoodie Sweater – PAKA Apparel Close Up of Hands Holding Inca ID on Side of The Hoodie Oat / Light Tan Grey Peruvian Alpaca Hoodie Sweater – PAKA Apparel
The Hoodie Navy Blue Natural Fiber Lightweight Alpaca Hoodie Sweater – PAKA Apparel The Hoodie Navy Blue Natural Fiber Lightweight Alpaca Hoodie Sweater – PAKA Apparel
Woman Hiker with Pack in Mountains Wearing Navy Blue Alpaca Hiking Hoodie – PAKA Apparel Woman Hiker with Pack in Mountains Wearing Navy Blue Alpaca Hiking Hoodie – PAKA Apparel
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Why you'll love this

  • Extra cozy, soft, and durable
  • Flexible knitting on both sides + hood
  • Natural comfort in all climates
  • Our unisex best-seller