Designed as a second layer, the Alpaca Hybrid 190 will be one of the warmest natural fiber garments that you own. Alpaca fiber has a hollow core which means that it will hold heat more efficiently and dry faster than merino while having a feel that is similar to traditional wool. The Hybrid 190 is warm! When worn over a quality merino base, the combo is extremely efficient in maintaining warmth and wicking moisture. The Hybrid 190 is an ideal option to be worn over a quality merino base when temps drop below freezing. This product is not to be worn as a base layer with next to skin properties.
We have combined two of the finest natural fibers into one ultra efficient fabric. Thlete Alpaca Hybrid 190 contains 70% baby alpaca fiber and 30% merino wool. Alpaca is a relatively underutilized fiber due to its price and low availability in comparison to merino. Alpaca is superior to traditional wool in warmth, dry time, moisture wicking and it is innately easier to wash. Alpaca fleece has a hollow core which makes it warmer, lighter weight and also allows increased moisture wicking capabilities.
Warmer than sheeps wool: Alpaca is a hollow fiber, where sheep wool has pockets of air. Much like Polar Bear fur, the hollow fibers allow for heat to be trapped, creating greater thermal capacity. Thus, alpaca does tend to be warmer than wool.
Resists water: Yes, if you pour water on alpaca, it will get wet. However, it does offer excellent wicking capabilities. Wool will absorb up to 50% of its body weight in moisture, but after the maximum saturation point, the sweat will sit next to the skin, in turn, increasing discomfort. Because alpaca is hollow, it traps in more heat and mechanically pushes the water away, very little moisture is held next to the skin. Essentially, the water evaporates because of the hollow fiber's resistance to absorb water.
Merino is superior in tensile strength/flexibility which is why we made this garment out of a blend. The result is a combination of durability with greater warmth and faster dry times in a single fabric.
Specifications:
- 1/4 zip feature to regulate body temperature
- Warmer and lighter than traditional wool
- Hollow alpaca fiber promotes superior wicking
- Faster dry time than Merino
- Naturally odor resistant
- Form fit, Interlock knit
- Machine washable
Fabric:
- 70% Baby Alpaca/30% Merino Construction
- 190g fabric weight
**We are working diligently to resupply the alpaca lineup. Covid has caused some tremendous issues in our supply chain surrounding this product**