We have big news to share! Appalachian Gear Company is thrilled to bring home one of the industry’s most prestigious awards. Backpacker Magazine has chosen us for a 2019 Editors' Choice Award for our innovative All-Paca Fleece Hoodie.
Twice a year, the Backpacker team selects a small number of products that outshine the rest during their extensive testing and presents Editors' Choice awards during the industry’s biggest show: Outdoor Retailer. Editors' recognized the All-Paca Fleece Hoodie for its outstanding performance and versatility.
"We’re never going to call any product perfect, but the All-Paca Fleece Hoodie comes awfully close." -Backpacker editors
“During a week of skiing and camping in Banff National Park, I wore the All-Paca Hoodie day and night because it’s so warm, light and breathable,” says Backpacker Editor-in-Chief Dennis Lewon.
Crafted in the U.S. from 100% Alpaca fibers, the All-Paca Fleece Hoodie is the ultimate layering piece for every season. The patent-pending fabric offers insulation, moisture management, odor resistance, and breathability, with a knit structure that’s lightweight without sacrificing durability. The Hoodie dries quickly and insulates even when wet, with a thoughtful fit that maximizes air flow for peak performance.
“Even though we’ve put years of research into developing this revolutionary fabric, we’re a young brand, so receiving this honor right out of the gate has blown us away,” says Appalachian Gear Company co-founder John Gage. “We’re so excited that a venerated outlet like Backpacker recognizes the sheer innovation that went into our All-Paca Fleece Hoodie.”
12 comments
I just got my AGC hoodie today in 2XL and let me just say it is fan dam tastic. I felt like a lottery winner when I found it available in my size and color, OLIVE. I also got a beanie and they are both incredible. A buddy once brought me an alpaca cap back from Peru and honey bunny confiscated it for herself. I’ve been in love with alpaca since then. If you get the opportunity then get it when you can. Great material.
Awesome!
I just ordered the hoodie in mens xl blue…I am excited to get this item on and use it in the Adirondacks. I am a ADK 46’r but will be wearing this on my NPT thru hike this September.
Congratulations on your award!!!
When will you have more in stock??!!
I’m planning a thru hike of the Appalachian trail this March and I had a question on the hoodie for women..is it good as a mid layer for backpacking in cold or warmer weather or both?
I own the womens hoodie size Large for room to layer. This alpaca fiber works as a base layer, mid layer or only layer for thru-hiking or city living. I’m 5’2, 150 lbs. I sized up to a large but the medium could work as well. Tip: I threaded some DCF lifelock cord through the hood seam and tie the ends with a chord lock, to be able to cinch down the hood and neck like a mellie hoodie instead of a Jedi cloak. Works perfect. This is the softest, warmest, most odor resistant and (water resistant!) garment you will ever own unless you ware traditional Quechia clothing handmade in the Andean highlands which is denser, warmer and more movement restrictive. For most outdoor pursuits, this fabric is the best available in the world…yes better than wool, camel or cashmier -or possum. I own the T-shirt and neck gator too which are a bit warm on a very hot day but perfect for most 3 season days. The Hoddie is pricey but totally worth it. Hypoallergenic too. :)
I own the womens hoodie size Large for room to layer. This alpaca fiber works as a base layer, mid layer or only layer for thru-hiking or city living. I’m 5’2, 150 lbs. I sized up to a large but the medium could work as well. Tip: I threaded some DCF lifelock cord through the hood seam and tie the ends with a chord lock, to be able to cinch down the hood and neck like a mellie hoodie instead of a Jedi cloak. Works perfect. This is the softest, warmest, most odor resistant and (water resistant!) garment you will ever own unless you ware traditional Quechia clothing handmade in the Andean highlands which is denser, warmer and more movement restrictive. For most outdoor pursuits, this fabric is the best available in the world…yes better than wool, camel or cashmier -or possum. I own the T-shirt and neck gator too which are a bit warm on a very hot day but perfect for most 3 season days. The Hoddie is pricey but totally worth it. Hypoallergenic too. :)
I wore this for three days in the Sierra, during a cold snap and a ferocious wind event. It’s every bit as wonderful as claimed. The material is soft and itch-free, and the hood is generous, coming forward to shield your cheeks as well as your ears. The cowl is deep and functions almost like a buff. Plenty long at the hem, too. I slept in it and really liked the warmth of the hood without the sweaty feeling you get when sleeping with a down jacket’s hood. My only caveat: there’s no way to fasten the V-front if you want to cinch it up at the neck. I might get creative and fashion a couple of crocheted strings at the edges, so I can tie a bow and keep the opening closed. Stats: I am 5’6", 128 lbs, with wide shoulders and muscles. I ordered the medium, which is a tad big in the body but just right when wearing a couple of thin merino shirts underneath. The electric blue isn’t as bright as it appears on the website; it’s actually a really nice color.
What colors does this come in, and can I order it direct?
Congratulations! And YES on the plum! The color is universal, meaning it looks good on most women! Either “warm” or “cool” skin tones! (i.e., yellow looks awful on those with a cool skin tone; and navy blue does not complement warm skin tones. Turquoise is more forgiving since it has a touch of yellow and can work for either warm or cool skin tones)
Will you ever make a plum-colored hoodie? Or a long-sleeved tee shirt (in any color)? I would LOVE either or both of those items! Thank you!
Congratulations John Gage and Appalachian Gear!! We are excited about your product and are ordering hoodies and shirts for our son and his fiancé who love hiking!