Paka Alpaca Hoodie Review: Hand-knit Warmth for Winter Travel Days

Paka’s hand-knit alpaca hoodie instantly became my “wear it everywhere” layer for frosty mornings and shoulder-season travel. The alpaca blend feels softer than cashmere, yet it holds up to road trips, red-eye flights and kids’ playground duty in 40°F temps, plus it looks great in photos when we’re shooting winter gear guides.

Why it’s a winter staple

• Alpaca + recycled nylon blend: The knit traps heat without bulk, so I can slip it under a shell when we’re sightseeing in snow or wear it solo on chilly flights while wrangling carry-ons.
• Travel-friendly design: The relaxed unisex cut offers full range of motion for hauling luggage, and the hood is deep enough to double as a sleep mask when I’m grabbing a nap next to our toddler.
• Hand-signed tags: Each hoodie includes an Inca ID stitched by the Peruvian artisan who made it, a small detail that makes the piece feel special and worth capturing for Instagram stories.

Fit & care tips

• Sizes run large for women and slightly small for men. I sized down to an XXS and Dan sized up to L for a relaxed fit.
• Wash cold on gentle in a mesh bag and never tumble dry; lay flat instead. The natural fibers will shrink if exposed to heat.
• Expect a boxy, drapey silhouette that layers easily over base tees and under vests like my Toad & Co Sespe Sherpa Vest.

Where it shines

• Winter flights: Keeps me warm in drafty cabins and folds small enough for my backpack.
• Cabin weekends: Cozy enough to sleep in, but polished enough for coffee runs.
• City errands: Pairs well with fleece-lined or other cozy pants and keeps me warm on stroller walks without overheating once we duck into a cafe.

Quick takeaways

• Hand-knit alpaca blend delivers breathable warmth without pilling.
• Unisex sizing means you may need to size down (women) or up (men).
• Perfect mid-layer for cold-weather itineraries, from ski towns to holiday markets.

If you love cozy layers with a story behind them, this is the hoodie I keep telling friends to try because it’s equal parts heirloom and everyday travel staple.