Gear Review: Thermal Crew & Bottoms by PAKA
The PAKA Thermal Crew and Bottoms redefine what base layers can be: ultra-soft, naturally warm, and sustainably made from alpaca fiber and TENCEL™. Perfect for hikers, skiers, and anyone seeking luxurious comfort and reliable cold-weather performance.
When the temperature drops and the layers start stacking up, few base layers feel as naturally warm and breathable as the PAKA Thermal Crew and Bottoms.
Made with a thoughtful blend of alpaca fiber and TENCEL™, these thermals deliver comfort that’s lightweight, soft, and impressively warm, all while keeping sustainability at the heart of their design.
First Impressions
Right out of the package, the PAKA Thermal Crew and Bottoms feel luxurious and classic. The fabric is unbelievably soft! No itch, no stiffness, just pure comfort. You can tell instantly that this isn’t your average wool base layer. This makes it awesome for more casual use on top of epic adventures.
PAKA’s combination of Royal Alpaca fiber and TENCEL™ gives these thermals a silky drape and thermoregulating warmth that adapts to your body and activity level. They’re ideal for hikers, backpackers, skiers, and anyone who spends time in cold environments but hates feeling clammy or restricted.
They’re also some of the most sustainable base layers on the market, made from renewable alpaca fiber sourced responsibly from Peru, where PAKA maintains direct relationships with herders and artisans.
Key Features & Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | 65% Royal Alpaca Fiber, 35% TENCEL™ |
| Fit | Form-fitting yet non-restrictive |
| Weight | Lightweight warmth ideal for layering |
| Breathability | High — naturally moisture-wicking |
| Odor Resistance | Excellent, even after multiple wears |
| Sustainability | Ethically sourced alpaca + biodegradable materials |
| Intended Use | Hiking, backpacking, skiing, everyday cold-weather wear |
The Thermal Crew and Bottoms feel like technical gear disguised as loungewear — capable enough for alpine trails, yet so comfortable you’ll end up wearing them around the house all winter.
Performance in the Field
During testing in cold mountain mornings and frosty desert nights, the PAKA Thermals kept an ideal balance of warmth and breathability. Alpaca fiber naturally traps body heat without holding onto moisture, so even when hiking uphill or setting up camp, they regulate temperature well.
The TENCEL™ component adds stretch, quick-drying performance, and a cooling effect when you start to heat up. It’s the kind of base layer that adjusts to your activity rather than trapping heat like traditional synthetics or heavy wool blends.
After days of use, there’s little to no odor, obviously a huge plus for multi-day trips or anyone living the minimalist travel life.
Comfort & Fit
Comfort is where these layers really shine. The Thermal Crew has a flattering cut that hugs the body without clinging too tightly, and the Pants have a wide waistband that stays in place without digging in. Overall I find them true to size and flattering.
Both pieces stretch easily and feel buttery-soft against the skin; no itching, no rubbing, no cold drafts. Even after long wear, the fibers maintain their softness and shape. The flatlock seams add to the comfort, minimizing friction under backpack straps or when layering multiple pieces. It’s the kind of warmth that feels natural, not bulky.
Warmth-to-Weight Ratio
The PAKA Thermals are designed for cold-to-very-cold conditions, performing on par with midweight merino but at a lighter weight. They’re perfect for:
- Alpine hikes and backcountry ski trips
- Cold morning trail starts
- Layering under shells or insulated pants
- Cozy camp or cabin wear
The Royal Alpaca fiber’s hollow core creates superior insulation for its weight, while the TENCEL™ ensures the fabric doesn’t trap heat excessively when you start moving.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Silky-soft, itch-free comfort | Premium price point (but justified) |
| Excellent temperature regulation | Slim fit may feel snug for some body types |
| Ethically sourced and eco-friendly materials | |
| Naturally odor-resistant | |
| High warmth-to-weight ratio |
Field Notes
The PAKA Thermal Crew and Bottoms easily transition from outdoor performance to everyday comfort. They’re equally at home on a backcountry trek, a road trip, or a lazy winter morning with coffee in hand.
In the field, their performance rivals or exceeds high-end merino layers, but the alpaca blend gives them a softness and durability that’s hard to beat. These are the base layers that make you rethink what thermal comfort can feel like! Natural, breathable, and luxuriously warm.
Packing It Out
The PAKA Thermal Crew and Pants deliver everything you could want in a premium base layer: warmth, softness, performance, and purpose. They’re built for cold weather but versatile enough for year-round layering, and they embody PAKA’s commitment to responsible production and functional design.
If you’re ready to invest in layers that work as beautifully as they feel, these are worth every penny.
This article 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.
