This post is sponsored by PAKA Apparel. All opinions are always my own and are never influenced by any free product I receive or relationship I may have with a company.
What I am Reviewing
Today, I am reviewing the PAKA alpaca ankle running sock, the PAKA alpaca everyday crew sock, and the Women’s Everyday Baselayer.
Specs at a Glance
SOCKS
Made with 41% Alpaca Fiber, 50% recycled nylon, 8% tencel, and 1% spandex.
Ventilation Mesh
Triple-Sole Cushion
Tightened Compression Arch
Supportive Back Tab
Zero Odor
Dries Fast
Machine Washable
Handmade in Peru
Lifetime guarantee
BASELAYER TOP
Made with 80% Tencel / 20% Royal Alpaca
Machine Washable
Form Fitting / Flexible
Testing Conditions
I received the items at the end of March and began testing them in April. I ended the test in September after hiking 25 miles of the 80-mile Greenbrier River Trail in West Virginia, where I wore the same pair of socks AND base layer top for two days. Temps during my testing period ranged from 50 to 110 degrees (thank you, Central Texas Summer).
What I Liked
Buttery Softness – I really don’t know how else to describe how soft the PAKA socks are other than they are smooth like butter and feel like a cloud next to your skin.
Quick Dry – It poured like cats and dogs during our first day on the Greenbrier River Trail. My shoes and socks were both soaked. I wrung the socks out when we got to camp and hung them up in my tent. I did not expect them to dry at all, as it was 50 degrees and super humid. While they did not dry completely, they did dry more than I expected them to. The baselayer top actually dried by the time we got to camp despite ranging from being very damp to wet in places that my umbrella did not cover. I was super surprised!
Odor Control – Despite hiking in some gnarly conditions, any odor wasn’t noticeable. I actually found them to have more odor control than Merino wool. This was true for both the socks and the baselayer.
Warmth – Despite feeling thinner than what I am used to, the everyday crew socks, which I kept dry to wear while sleeping, kept my feet super warm. The base layer top did a great job of keeping the chill away during the cooler temps and rain.
No Holes – Even after months of use, I have yet to be able to wear a hole in the socks or base layer!
Lifetime Guarantee on Socks – They have a lifetime guarantee on their socks!
What to Improve
SOCKS – Y’all, there is nothing. I can’t think of one thing I’d improve with the socks! I absolutely loved the socks 100%.
BASELAYER TOP – I also love the baselayer top, but I would like to see thumb holes added for easier layering.
PAKA Apparel Overall Impression
Overall, I am super impressed with both the socks and the base layer. Both had an incredible amount of odor control, and the socks’ softness is almost indescribable. While I wish the top had thumb holes for easier layering, it performed well and was long enough for my 5′ 9″ self! This brand will definitely be a staple in my hiking gear.
Where to Buy
You can buy directly from their website.
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