Gear Review: Pocket Tee By PAKA
Review: The Paka Pocket Tee blends Royal Alpaca and organic cotton for an ultralight, odor-resistant tee perfect for hot hikes, travel, and everyday wear. Naturally breathable, quick-drying, and sustainably made.
Paka Pocket Tee: Lightweight Luxury for Trail and Town
If you’re the kind of hiker who values comfort as much as performance, the Paka Pocket Tee deserves a serious look. Made from a buttery-soft blend of 65% Royal Alpaca wool and 35% organic Pima cotton, this shirt walks the line between lifestyle piece and technical layer. It’s breathable, odor-resistant, and light enough for hot hikes—while still stylish enough for grabbing coffee afterward.
Whether you're putting in trail miles, road tripping, or just living your day-to-day, the Paka Pocket Tee is a versatile shirt perfect to do it all! And do it sustainably. I find myself reaching for this top during cool desert days, casual days boppin' around mountain towns and road trips.
What Makes It Trail-Worthy
Alpaca wool is one of those under-the-radar fabrics that’s perfect for active use. It’s softer than merino, naturally odor-resistant, and offers excellent moisture management without the itch factor. The addition of organic Pima cotton gives it structure and durability without sacrificing breathability.
On trail, this shirt shines as a hot-weather hiking layer or a lightweight baselayer under a midlayer or sun shirt. It dries quickly, resists funk after days of sweat, and doesn't cling to your skin when you're working hard. The fit is streamlined but unrestrictive—ideal for backpacking, hiking, travel, or bikepacking.
And unlike some tech tees, the Paka Pocket Tee looks good off trail too. The minimalist chest pocket adds a functional, casual touch, and the overall aesthetic is clean, not crunchy.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 65% Royal Alpaca wool, 35% Organic Pima Cotton |
| Fit | Regular fit with a classic crew neck |
| Features | Odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, natural UV resistance |
| Weight | Light (exact oz not listed, but comparable to merino tee) |
| Best Uses | Hiking, backpacking, travel, everyday wear |
| Care | Machine washable; lay flat to dry |
| Origin | Ethically made in Peru from ZQ-certified Royal Alpaca |
| MSRP | $58 USD |
Pros and Cons
Paka Pocket Tee: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredibly soft feel with zero itch | Not designed for heavy pack rub (i.e., hip belt pressure) |
| Natural odor control makes it perfect for multi-day hikes | Fabric is light—best for warm to mild temps |
| Moisture-wicking and breathable in heat | May wrinkle more than synthetics when packed tight |
| Sustainably made with ethical sourcing | No built-in UPF rating (but alpaca naturally resists UV) |
Final Thoughts
The Paka Pocket Tee is a simple layer that punches way above its weight class. It’s the kind of shirt you can wear on a hot hike, sleep in at camp, then wear again the next day, and it still feels fresh.
While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of more “techy” shirts, the comfort, odor control, and nice design make it a killer piece for hikers who want gear that works and feels amazing. If you’re building a quality, high-comfort hiking kit, or just want a go-to tee for everyday life. You really can’t go wrong here.
My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
