11 Best Alpaca Wool Travel Style Essentials

Known for its remarkable warmth, durability, soft feel, and moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties, alpaca wool is a powerhouse fabric that works hard for travelers navigating varying temperatures. Keep your feet warm on a long-haul flight in a pair of cozy socks, or throw on a pullover to feel snug while hiking through the Andes mountains on a multi-day trek. 

So, what makes alpaca wool different from Merino wool (a kind of sheep wool)? Alpaca wool is softer and hypoallergenic, so it doesn’t share the itch that some sheep wool yarns have. It’s also more lightweight thanks to the uniquely hollow core of the yarn, which traps air and helps retain body heat while allowing moisture to escape. In this way, it regulates body temperature, so you can wear it in various seasons — not just during winter. However, the cozy and soft feel of the fabric is ideal for chillier temps. Scroll on to shop for some of our favorite styles of this travel-ready fabric, including wool sweaters, shirts, socks, hats, and more, starting at $24.

Quince Baby Alpaca Wool Diamond Stitch Crew

Quince says that its alpaca wool is long-lasting and resistant to pilling, making this slouchy and effortlessly chic crewneck sweater a no-brainer for its high quality and fair price. The alpaca-Merino blend is a combination of two powerful fibers to keep you toasty in cold temps.

Fuzzy Textured Alpaca Blend Crewneck Sweater

This sweater has a medium to heavy weight, according to Nordstrom’s stylists, so it’s made to keep you super warm — especially when layered with a long coat, snug leggings, and knee-high boots. The soft brown color easily fits into a neutral-toned capsule wardrobe. 

Paka Apparel Everyday Baselayer

If you’re hiking through the mountains on upcoming travels, you’ll want this lightweight garment to keep your core warm. Since chances are that you’ll find yourself sweating in this a lot, you’ll appreciate that the odor-resistant, moisture-wicking fabric is also machine-washable.

Arms of Andes Ultralight Alpaca Wool Crewneck Base Layer T-shirt 

This lightweight T-shirt is beloved by a self-proclaimed “alpaca fan” at REI who reviewed the product, writing, “This shirt has a beautiful texture, is soft and lightweight while somehow also substantial enough to not be sheer in this light color.” This short-sleeved option can be worn in all seasons or layered under a sweater for extra insulation in the winter.

GoWith Alpaca Wool Socks

Ever find your feet getting a little sweaty and overheated in your winter boots? That happens when socks aren’t made with a breathable fabric. One Amazon shopper said these socks “are warm but not too hot,” adding that they are “comfortable to wear in boots or in slippers” The reviewer, who lives in a cold climate, claims they’ve already ordered more pairs to have on hand. 

Madewell Marled V-neck Sweater

This slouchy V-neck sweater makes for the ultimate effortlessly chic look. Wear it tucked into a pair of jeans for a put-together look, or with joggers to be cozy and stylish on a flight. Right now, it’s 57 percent off when you use the extra 50 percent off discount code LASTCHANCE.

Hyer Goods Upcycled Alpaca Wool Chunky Rib Beanie

This hat is made with pure alpaca wool and comes in four neutral, versatile colors: black, off-white, charcoal, and brown. Pack this for your next ski or mountain trip where the 100 percent wool beanie will keep your head and ears warm and not sweaty or itchy.

Ribbed Alpaca-blend Crewneck Sweater

Reviewers love how this crewneck is delightfully oversized for a cool look you can dress up with a cute mini skirt and boots or wear casually with your favorite leggings. Or, layer it with a white collared button-down shirt underneath, so it can peek out of the crew neckline. Get it now in six colors on sale for $30 off.

Paka Trail 3/4 Crew Socks

These durable hiking socks are embedded with arch support and a mesh upper to help with breathability. One avid hiker said they were “absolutely amazing” while on a trek through Texas’ heat, where they walked through many wet puddles. They were “so impressed” that they bought two more pairs, plus another two for their wife. “I’m wearing them on a three-night backpacking trip in a couple of weeks and I look forward to my feet staying dry, and having dry socks the next day. Don't get one pair. Get two or three.”

J. Crew Alpaca-blend V-neck Cardigan

This cardigan inches just below the $200 mark, but it has dozens of five-star ratings from people who rave about its warmth and comfort. This soft, fuzzy find is a great layering piece that would work well under a denim jacket or on top of a simple tee. The simple silhouette could easily be a unisex style, too.

Gamboa Alpaca Sweater for Men

One reviewer said this sweater “was made to last a lifetime if you care for it properly.” The 100 percent alpaca wool sweater is loved by Amazon shoppers who write that it’s softer than Merino wool options they’ve tried before. Get it now while it’s marked down to $70.

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