Gear Review: Trail-Tested Essentials By PAKA
PAKA's Essentials line blends performance and comfort in all the right ways. From the buttery-soft Essential Tee to the breathable socks and underwear, these are everyday staples that can hold their own on the trail and beyond.
PAKA has earned a reputation for combining comfort, sustainability, and performance in their gear. Their Essentials 2.0 collection is no exception. Whether you're hiking, lounging, or somewhere in between, these core wardrobe pieces are made to feel good and perform even better.
Standout Features
- PAKA's Signature Alpaca Blend: Ultra-soft, breathable, naturally antimicrobial.
- Minimalist Everyday Design: Feels like loungewear, functions like activewear.
- Temperature-Regulating: Keeps you cool when it's hot, warm when it’s cold.
- Sustainably Sourced: Ethically made with alpaca wool and planet-friendly practices.
Our Favorite Essentials
PAKA Essential Tee
This isn't your basic tee. The Essential Tee is made from a buttery-soft alpaca and TENCEL™ blend that feels like a hug but performs like your favorite technical layer. It’s incredibly breathable, dries quickly, and resists odor even after a long day on the trail or a few too many days on the road.
Why we love it: Great for travel, daily wear, and hiking in variable conditions. It’s comfy enough for adventures, cool enough for city strolls. If you have a backpacking trip coming up, this is a great top for hiking and camp life.
PAKA Trail Ankle Socks
Lightweight and trail-ready, these ankle socks have quickly become a favorite for warm-weather hikes. They hug your foot with just the right amount of compression, wick away sweat, and stay stink-free for miles. Reinforced heel and toe areas provide durability without bulk.
Why we love them: These socks don’t quit. Comfortable, breathable, and never soggy, making them perfect for desert hikes or humid conditions.
PAKA Essential Boxer Brief
These boxer briefs are so soft, you’ll forget you’re wearing them (in a good way). The Essential Boxer Briefs feature a form-fitting cut that doesn’t bunch or chafe and holds up during active days. Like the rest of the Essentials line, they breathe great and resist odor.
Why we love them: Ideal for thru-hikers, trail runners, or anyone who wants their base layer to feel like a cloud.
PAKA Essential Mid-Rise Brief
For women who want everyday undies that keep up with their lifestyle, these are hard to beat. Soft, stretchy, and breathable with just enough hold. They don’t ride up and they dry quickly after a rinse at camp or on the road.
Why we love them: Merino-like comfort with a sleeker look and feel. A no-brainer for backpacking trips and extended travel.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ridiculously soft and breathable | Pricey for basics (but worth it) |
| Temperature-regulating + antimicrobial | Limited color options |
| Performs well for hiking, travel, and everyday wear | They sell out very fast |
| Made with sustainable, ethical practices |
Packing It Out
If you’re tired of your gear only being functional on the trail and never quite comfortable enough for everything else, PAKA’s Essentials are what you’ve been waiting for. These are pieces you’ll find yourself reaching for day after day, whether you’re heading into the mountains or just lounging at home. Soft, strong, and nice looking. The Essentials line lives up to the name.
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.
