Way back in college, I borrowed/stole my friend’s brother’s sweatshirt when I visited her parents’ house over a break. It was a little big, perfectly lived in, and just the exact balance of cozy and cool. That’s what the Appalachian Gear Company’s All-Paca™ Fleece Hoodie is to me: right out of the box it feels and fits like a sweater/hoodie I’ve had for ages.
Naturally Functional
Available in men’s and women’s sizes, the All-Paca™ Fleece Hoodie is made in the U.S.A. out of 100% Peruvian alpaca fiber. Like wool, alpaca fabric is breathable, lightweight, and naturally resistant to bacteria. It provides good moisture management and doesn’t need to be washed that often. These same qualities make the hoodie ideal in a variety of temperatures and outdoor settings. (Check out Appalachian Gear Company’s FAQs for more on their take on merino vs alpaca and useful care instructions.) Appalachian Gear Company claims that alpaca fibers are lighter and stronger than merino, and that it retains less water than merino. Good to know for rainy outings.
The All-Paca™ Fleece Hoodie is heaven to wear because it’s so lightweight. The fabric is quite thin but appears thicker because of its fleece-like texture. The hoodie packs well into my daypack and often lives tied around my waist when I’m out and about without my pack. I appreciate having in one garment a warm-in-cold-weather hoodie and breathable-in-warm-weather cover-up that isn’t bulky. After years of wearing snug-fitting outdoor apparel, I’m enjoying this roomy-but-not-baggy hoodie.
Comfort and Style
I like the All-Paca™ Fleece Hoodie’s curved hem, with a longer back than front, and the stretchy fabric: it feels lived-in comfortable and allows me freedom of movement. I also appreciate the tapered sleeves; I don’t want sloppy sleeves that could get caught on something when I’m active. I like the loose-but-not-baggy fit, with room for a button-up shirt over a t-shirt underneath. The hood seems to be the ideal size. Not snug, not baggy.
At 6′ tall, I have trouble finding women’s garments that are long enough in the sleeves and torso, so I was surprised that the women’s All-Paca™ Fleece Hoodie fit me so well. I tested a size XL, which is my current size, and was happy with the fit. The hem hits below my waistband, so I’m covered even when I move or reach. Even better, the hoodie is quite attractive. The colors are rich. The fabric has a textured feel and the variation in fiber color gives the hoodie a softer and fancier appearance than a uniform color would be. Just because the All-Paca™ Fleece Hoodie was designed for climbers doesn’t mean it’s not also quite stylish.
The only thing this versatile top is missing is a kangaroo pocket! I’m a marsupial, and I’ve been wearing hoodies for decades. I need that pocket for my phone and keys, as well as for a place to put my hands when I’m cold.
Available in women’s sizes XS-XL, in rich colors: Juniper, Red Rocks, Sanguine, Olive, Charcoal, Brindle. Also available for men in sizes S-XXL, same colors.
Bottom Line: The All-Paca™ Fleece Hoodie is one of my new favorite tops. Because I live near a huge lake, a few miles from a bay, and a few more miles to the sea, I often need to cover up at night when I go for walks or hang out at the beach. I appreciate all the function benefits of this natural garment, as well as the easy lived-in feeling every time I pull it over my head.
$153 at appalachiangearcompany.com
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