Updated 12/09/2025

Paka’s Thermal Baselayers combine alpaca fiber with merino wool and Tencel, creating lightweight, warm, and breathable layers. Natural stretch and odor resistance make them a reliable choice for cold-weather adventures.

Baselayers are one of the most important pieces of a winter kit, providing the foundation for warmth and comfort during cold-weather adventures.

I’ve been testing Paka’s Thermal Baselayers for a few weeks, and they really made an impression for their warmth, comfort, and overall performance. The blend of alpaca, merino, and Tencel creates layers that are soft, breathable, and provide more warmth for the weight than synthetics or 100% merino. Just make sure to follow the washing directions — these baselayers will shrink considerably if washed in warm or hot water or put in the dryer — instead they need to be washed in cold water and laid out to dry.

About Paka: A Peru-based brand that collaborates directly with Andean artisans and alpaca herders, Paka focuses on natural fibers and transparent sourcing, keeping production closely tied to the communities that make their clothing possible. To learn more about how Paka’s business model connects consumers directly to the people, animals, and ecosystems behind their clothing, view their 2025 Impact Report.

Specs

• fabric: 40% Royal Alpaca, 40% Merino Wool, 20% Tencel (eucalyptus-derived)
• fit: slim
• sustainability: fully traceable alpaca fiber location
• returns/exchanges: free returns and exchanges within 30 days, no questions asked
• price: hoodie $155; bottoms $135

View Thermal Hoodie at Paka   View Thermal Bottoms at Paka

How They Performed

On a recent winter camping trip at the Oregon Coast — where I often camp in my car during the cold, rainy months — I tested these layers with a specific goal: to find baselayers that would keep me warm overnight without needing extra layers, while also performing well under additional layers during time spent at camp. On both nights the temps dipped to the high 30s and I slept warm all night, and they also kept me comfortable under layers on the shorter days as temps hovered in the low 40s.

The ribbed knit gives the fabric its stretch without relying on plastic-based fibers, and I noticed the fit hugs my body without ever feeling tight. Compared with other snug-fitting base layers I’ve tried, these felt much more comfortable and allowed me to move freely, whether hiking or just hanging out at camp.

I also appreciated that the natural fibers resist odor far better than synthetics, so they didn’t hold onto smells. That said, I did notice the fabric can feel a bit itchy at times. Some days it doesn’t bother me at all, but other times it’s noticeable enough that I’d rather switch to something softer.

Hoodie Features

• Thumbholes for extra hand coverage and easier layering
• Shaped hood that offers coverage without feeling bulky
• Raglan sleeves for unrestricted movement

Bottom Features

• Gusseted crotch for a better, more comfortable fit

Overall, I’ve found Paka’s Thermal Baselayers deliver lightweight warmth, comfort, and versatility, making them a top choice for cold-weather hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.

Gear Reviews: My goal is to share clear, unbiased information about outdoor gear. I am not sponsored by any gear companies and I don’t accept paid posts or links. I regularly receive products from brands for review, with no expectation of a positive review and no compensation for my opinions. As an independent gear reviewer, I only review items I’ve personally used on multiple trips and that I believe are high-quality and worth recommending.

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