Boulder, CO (November 9th, 2023) – Paka, the leading innovator in alpaca apparel, is excited to announce the launch of the warmest ethically-insulated jacket: the Apu Parka. The jacket was just awarded an ISPO this week – the most prestigious international award in the outdoor industry. It features Paka’s proprietary Pakafill, a patent-pending alpaca insulation that outperforms synthetics in warmth and goose down by ethicality.
The Paka team spent years developing and refining Pakafill to revolutionize the way people stay warm outdoors. 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 even when wet. Alpaca fibers’ unique medullated air pockets make Pakafill an insulation powerhouse: air pockets help retain heat by reducing heat transfer. The insulation in the jacket offers warmth from renewable, natural fibers without harming any 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 proof that there’s a more sustainable future for the clothing industry.”
To connect the Apu Parka to its roots in Peru, each jacket features Paka’s signature Inca ID, handwoven by Quechua weavers that are employed at 4x the living wage in Peru. Their unique weavings are included on the chest pocket of the men’s Parka, and around the cuff on the women’s Parka. The alpaca fiber utilized 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 you 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 you comfortable in the most trying alpine conditions. Paka’s signature Pakafill makes the Apu Parka the warmest ethically-insulated jacket, keeping you comfortable in down to -20F temps 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 80 GSM of insulation, is available in Men’s (Black, Navy, Desert, Storm) and Women’s (Black, Rose, Storm). You can read more about the launch here: https://www.pakaapparel.com/blogs/basecamp/the-apu-outerwear-series-pakafill-2-0
