Paka is a Certified B Corp that makes outdoor clothing using fully traceable, certified OEKO-TEX-100 alpaca wool from wild-roaming alpaca in Peru, along with organic Pima cotton, TENCEL lyocell, bluesign® Certified recycled nylon, and PAKAFILL—a proprietary blend of alpaca wool and recycled polyester. Garments are dyed with OEKO-TEX and GOTS-certified non-toxic dyes. The brand emphasizes ethical sourcing, fair labor, and positive community impact by providing a fully traceable supply chain from raw materials to finished product and by uplifting traditional Andean weaving communities with higher pay and training opportunities. Alpacas are cared for and shorn using a special technique (Inca Esquila) by traditional Peruvian herders once per year to minimize alpaca stress and maintain optimal health. Most recently, Paka expanded its “Traceable Alpaca Program” to include its entire product line, meaning customers are linked directly to the precise coordinates where the alpaca fiber is sourced through a QR code on each product hang-tag. Besides Paka giving 1% of all revenue directly back to the Peruvian communities who make their products, they also provide scholarships, nutrition, gardening, and education programs to the communities they work with. With a current rating of “Rising”, Paka is rated within 40% of the leading brands in the fashion category.
About Paka
After a backpacking trip to Peru in 2015, animal and nature lover Kris Cody founded Paka two years later out of love for the Andes and a desire to transform the clothing industry. After a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised 1700% of their original financial goal, Paka began to ethically source almost all textile fibers from free-roaming alpacas in the Andes Mountains. The brand’s range has since expanded to incorporate activewear styles with recycled nylon and organic cotton materials, all of which come highly rated and well-reviewed by their North and South American customer base. Today, the brand employs over 200 Quechua women weavers via their collaboration with a Peruvian NGO, who are paid at least four times the local rate to hand knit and hand sign every sweater they create.
Product Categories
AccessoriesClothingOutdoor
Attributes
Compostable
All or some products are compostable, either in an industrial facility or at home
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.
Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.
Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materials
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.Certifications / Memberships
B Corp
GOTS
OEKO-TEX®
B Corp
The B Corp Certification, administered by the nonprofit B Lab, recognizes companies that meet high standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Certified B Corps balance profit with purpose, committing to responsible practices that benefit workers, communities, customers, and the planet while embedding sustainability into their business model.GOTS
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is the world’s leading standard for organic fibers. It covers every step of production, from harvesting raw fibers to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, and prohibits toxic dyes, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices.OEKO-TEX®
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures that every component of a textile product (threads, buttons, zippers, and fabrics) has been independently tested for harmful substances. Managed by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology, it guarantees products are safe for human health, meeting strict global limits for chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and PFAS.Location
Peru
Pricing
Ships from
United States
Rating Summary
Nature & Animals
Communities & Wellbeing
Values & Governance
Product Performance
Reviews & Testing From Our Team
The Hoodie
I have been testing ‘The Hoodie’ (made by Sandra G) in Light Grey over the last few months. Despite it being summer (so I’ll be back to update this review in winter to comment on its thermal credentials), I have found it to be THE item that I reach for in those early chilly mornings and on cool evenings. It’s incredibly soft and comfortable and ideal for summer or winter camping trips. I’ve found it to be breathable and if I hang it up after wear, any odor seems to dissipate which has meant less washing. I’ve also tested Paka’s trail crew socks which have decent compression and moisture management - great for hiking our nearby trails - I look forward to running in them this year!
Joy McConnochie, SJ Co-Founder
The Original Crew
The Original Crew I own from Paka was made by Marta H and is super soft and comfortable. The oversized fit makes it great for layering or just relaxing around the house. It’s well-made with solid attention to detail, and the color is a gentle, calming hue (I’ve been testing this crew in Sky Blue). Definitely a go-to piece for me and I see me living in this all winter.
Lyall Mabin, SJ Co-Founder
Review Summary From Other Customers
Pros
- Customers typically say that PAKA’s products are well-made and highly functional, with many customers referring to the attractive product styles and colors.
- PAKA’s alpaca-based products are praised for being especially soft and comfortable and additionally, customers say they love the thermal regulation and breathability of these materials.
- In addition to customers enjoying the alpaca material, customers also enjoy PAKA’s use of innovative materials such as recycled nylon and TENCEL.
Cons
- Some customers report PAKA’s prices to be a barrier; however, many customers also realize they are necessary to address their fair labor practices and quality materials that are ethically sourced.
- A small segment of customers mention inconsistent sizing, with their joggers reportedly running smaller and too tight for some buyers.
- PAKA currently doesn't offer specialty sizes like Petite or Tall, which is a drawback for a select few customers of those size ranges.
