Arms Of Andes Alpaca Wool Hoodie Review

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Arms Of Andes Alpaca Wool Hoodie during a mix of outdoor activities, from quick errands to longer hikes with the family.

With its promise of lightweight comfort, moisture management, and sustainable production, I was curious to see how it would perform in real-world conditions.

I’m no stranger to Alpaca wool apparel, and have have the opportunity to review a lot of products made from it, so I’ll be bearing that experience in mind when reviewing my first product from Arms Of Andes.

In this review, I’ll share the key specifications, share how it fits and feels, and give an honest look at its performance, including both its strengths and a few areas that might need a bit of improvement.

Key specifications

• Price: $145 from armsofandes.com
• Material: 100% Alpaca Wool (300g/m², 18–19 microns)
• Design: Lightweight half-zip with thumb holes, extended sleeves, and a fitted cut with natural stretch
• Moisture Management: Excellent moisture-wicking, quick-drying, naturally antibacterial, and odor-resistant
• Sustainability: Ethically produced in Peru using eco-friendly processes (natural dyes, organic cotton labels, low environmental impact)
• Intended Use: Ideal for hiking, and everyday wear

About Arms Of Andes

Arms Of Andes is a brand that places a strong emphasis on ethical production and sustainability.

They source their alpaca wool directly from local farmers in Peru, ensuring that traditional practices are respected and that the production process has a low environmental impact.

I appreciate their commitment to transparency, from fiber sourcing to garment finishing, all being managed locally. This approach supports small-scale manufacturing and results in products that feel responsibly made and genuinely comfortable.

Initial impressions on fit

Wearing the hoodie, the first thing I noticed was how soft the alpaca wool is against the skin. It’s comfortable without any of that typical itchiness you sometimes get with other natural fibers, although it’s still not 100% itch free so I’ve been wearing mine with a thin layer underneath.

The Alpaca wool fabric also handles moisture well, keeping me feeling fresh even after a long day outdoors.

The fit is true to size with a slim / athletic fit, and the extra sleeve length is a welcome detail if you’re on the taller side.

The thumb holes are practical for maintaining warmth and controlling ventilation, making it a versatile option for varying conditions.

Performance review

In everyday use, the hoodie makes for a good mid-layer on cool days; the alpaca wool’s natural properties let the fabric manage moisture effectively, which means I don’t have to worry about lingering odors after a sweaty hike or a brisk run.

This is something I love about my favorite socks from PAKA right now, I can literally wear them 4 days straight, with no smell arising.

It also dries quickly and feels light, allowing for freedom of movement during more active pursuits. I found the overall comfort level , great too – there’s something reassuring about a natural fabric that feels gentle on the skin yet stands up well to outdoor conditions.

When it comes to warmth, the hoodie performs well on moderately cool days, offering a nice balance between being lightweight and providing sufficient insulation. However, when the temperature drops significantly, it won’t match the warmth of down or synthetic down outer layers.

In those situations, you’ll find that an extra layer is necessary to stay comfortable, so, something to consider if you’re planning to use it in very cold weather.

The thumb holes and the half-zip setup make it easy to adjust for temperature regulation, which is a practical touch for outdoor activities where conditions can change quickly.

I did notice, though, that the quarter zip section would be improved by a zipper garage to keep everything neat. These are minor issues, but they did catch my attention during more active use.

One of the things I appreciate most about this hoodie is its versatility. I’ve worn it on everything from casual days around town to multiple hour hikes with my family.

Its packability is a big plus; it rolls up nicely and doesn’t take up much space in your backpack, if you need to take it off when temperatures rise.

On the quality front, the construction feels robust and premium, and the ethical production in Peru is a detail that resonates if you value supporting sustainable and responsible manufacturing, like I do.

My verdict

The Arms Of Andes Men’s Alpaca Wool Hoodie is a solid option for anyone looking for a comfortable, versatile mid-layer.

The softness of the alpaca wool and its ability to handle moisture make it a great companion for various outdoor activities. It works well on cool days, and its packability means it’s easy to bring along on your adventures.

While it’s not for extremely cold conditions, and a few design tweaks could improve its overall functionality, the quality and ethical production behind the hoodie make it worth the purchase.

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