Paka, the maker of alpaca apparel, launched its “ethically-insulated” jacket—the Apu Parka—and ISPO award-winner. The men’s and women’s jacket features Paka’s proprietary Pakafill, patent-pending alpaca insulation that “outperforms synthetics in warmth and goose down by ethicality,” said the brand.

Pakafill tests warmer than all synthetic insulators on the market, according to IDFL Laboratory and Institute, is naturally antibacterial and odor resistant and stays warm when wet.

Alpaca fiber’s medullated air pockets make Pakafill an insulation “powerhouse.” Air pockets retain heat by reducing heat transfer. The insulation in the jacket offers warmth from renewable, natural fibers without harming animals.

“In Peru, ‘Apu’ is the spirit of the mountains and protector of the local people,” said Kris Cody, Paka founder and CEO. “We wanted to do the same with our Apu Parka, keeping people safe and warm in the most extreme conditions, but with natural technology. Our patent-pending insulation is fully traceable, ethically sourced from local ‘alpaqueros’ and proves a more sustainable future for the clothing industry.”

Connecting the Apu Parka to Peruvian roots, each jacket features Paka’s signature Inca ID, handwoven by Quechua weavers “employed at four times the living wage in Peru.” Their weavings are included on the chest pocket of the men’s Parka and around the cuff of the women’s Parka. The alpaca fiber used in the Apu Parka’s Pakafill insulation is also part of Paka’s Traceable Alpaca program. Each Parka features a hangtag with a QR code that takes the consumer to the exact coordinates of the farm where the fiber was sourced.

The Apu Parka features a high-stretch, PFAS-free DWR rainproof shell that repels moisture and wind while remaining durable. A helmet-compatible hood, zip vents for breathability and internal cuffs with thumb holes all help to keep the wearer comfortable in the most trying alpine conditions.

Paka’s signature Pakafill keeps the wearer comfortable down to -20F without relying on fossil fuels or unethically sourced goose down.

The Apu Parka is available in men’s (Black, Navy, Wood) and women’s (Black, Ivory, Forage). The Apu Lightweight Puffer, a lighter weight alternative to the Parka at 80gsm of insulation, is available in men’s (Black, Navy, Desert, Storm) and women’s (Black, Rose, Storm).

Photo courtesy Paka