The Ultimate Backpacking Fabric - Alpaca, Fiber of the Gods

Are you looking for the ultimate natural backpacking fabric? Something that will keep you warm when wet, fights the funk and is lighter and more resilient than Merino wool? Well, you've come to the right place. In this video we cover all of the benefits of Alpaca fiber and why it's referred to as "The fiber of the gods".
Trips and I love our Alpaca apparel. Below are some links to companies we love and some deals to save you some serious $$$
🌟🌟🦙🦙🦙 🌟SPECIAL OFFER🌟🦙🦙🦙🌟🌟
For a limited time, get a $20 e-gift certificate from the company PAKA (Trips is wearing her PAKA sweater in the video)
paka.refr.cc/bradleyfriend
Offer expires Feb.28, 2023
🌟🌟🦙🦙🦙 🌟SPECIAL OFFER🌟🦙🦙🦙🌟🌟
Prize Items are from ARMS OF THE ANDES. In our opinion this company has the some of the best quality Alpaca base layers and accessories.
armsofandes.com?sca_ref=3075318.7wOaBLsHht
Alpaca 3-Pack T-Shirts
armsofandes.com/products/3-pa...
Alpaca Beanie Hat
armsofandes.com/products/alpa...
Alpaca Men’s Base layer Top
armsofandes.com/products/mens...
🌟🌟🦙🌟🌟 🌟🌟🦙🌟🌟
Our fluffy expedition grade Alpaca hats in the video are available from Now Outdoors Expeditions
🦙NOW OUTDOORS EXPEDITIONS
www.nowoutdoors.org/product-p...
Our treasured Alpaca hoodies featured in the video are available from Appalachian Gear Company
🦙APPALACHIAN GEAR COMPANY
appalachiangearcompany.com/
ADDITIONAL ALPACA COMPANIES
🦙 PACAS
www.pacas.com/
🦙 HOLLOW
hollowsocks.com/
🦙 SHUPACA
shupaca.com/
🦙 ALPACA DIRECT
www.alpacadirect.com/
🦙 PAKA
www.pakaapparel.com/
🦙 HOLLOW FLEECE
hollowfleece.com/
🦙 PATAPACA
patapaca.com/
🦙 GAMBOA
www.gamboafashion.com/
🎅🎅🎅🎅 MERRY CHRISTMAS! 🎅🎅🎅🎅
🎄🎄🎄 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY CHANNELS 🎄🎄🎄
DECEMBER
🎁 26th: All Terrain Coffee and Camping - • CLOSED 3rd Annual 12 D...
🎁 27th: Robert Pelton - • 12 Days Of Christmas G...
🎁 28th: Andy Parrish Outdoors - • Backpacking Gear MEGA ...
🎁 29th: Huck Outdoors - • 3rd Annual 12 Days of ...
🎁 30th: Everyday Backpacker - • **CLOSED** 3rd annual ...
🎁 31st: John Kelley - • Over $200 in FREE BACK...
JANUARY
🎁 1st: In Our Element - • 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS G...
🎁 2nd: Miyagi & Trips - / @miyagionthetrail
🎁 3rd: Lost Again with Jim - • Video
🎁 4th: Southern Hike - • (CLOSED) 12 Days Of Ch...
🎁 5th: Kuehl Kuest - • 12 Days of Christmas G...
🎁 6th: Backcountry Pilgrim - • 3rd Annual Twelve Days...
💖💖💖 Please show our sponsoring companies some love by visiting their websites:
⭐⭐HILLTOP PACKS⭐⭐
Ultra-Custom backpacking gear!
www.hilltoppacks.com
⭐⭐PIKA OUTDOORS⭐⭐
All-purpose, natural powdered soap for backpacking, camping & hiking!
pikaoutdoors.com/
⭐⭐APEXS GIANT⭐⭐
For all your USA made backpacking Titanium gear!
apexgiant.com/
⭐⭐FOSSIL OUTDOORS⭐⭐
The easiest way to maintain hydration gear!
fossiloutdoor.com/
⭐⭐HILLTOP PACKS COFFEE COMPANY⭐⭐
Globally sourced, locally roasted, widely enjoyed!
hilltoppackscoffee.com/

[@tsoonklah]

I live in Alaska, I fell in love with alpaca yarn so much that I started designing & making knitted crafts with it & use the fluffy alpaca boucle lace yarn in place of mohair. :)

[@chipkk7868]

Congrats Doc, and what an outstanding video. You real;y have a talent for this. Many thanks for particpating again in the 12 days of Christmas and I look forward to seeing uour adventures as we move through 2023

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Thanks much Chip KK! It’s gonna be an exciting 2023!

[@krystenmerten2021]

Miyagi and trips make more videos!!! We are planning our spring/ summer hikes! I’m late to finding this channel! Love love love it!!!

[@spartywarriors]

Hey buddy. Great video! So I've come to the conclusion that Appalchian Gear company pullovers do not last. Had 7 and every single one has failed at the elbows. Simply wears put after a few months. Kind of pissed actually. That's alot of money. Now the Paka is very durable! Much beefier. Now my go to. 👍

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Paka definitely has some beefy sweaters. I have one I wear on my cold weather trips. I’m willing to bet the sturdier construction comes from the fact that they blend it with other materials along with a heavier weight yarn. Appalachian Gear Company uses 100% alpaca 🦙 which is definitely more delicate than the blends. There’s always a trade off unfortunately. Alpaca as a base layer & accessory pieces (buffs, hats, liner gloves) in my opinion is where true gold is found using this material. As an abrasive resistant outer layer you have definitely found its limitations. I appreciate all your support my friend!! Happy New Year! Give that pup a hug for us.

[@spartywarriors]

totally agree. I use AGC for beanie and gaiter. Check out Zpacks bushtail socks. Been wearing year round for 3 years. My first pair still like new! Did your AGC hoody hold up? Take care buddy.

[@svravenflintlock7526]

Congrats, Doc!

[@HarshmanHills]

heard lots of good things about alpaca fabric. and congrats to the winner

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Base layers, hats, gloves and buffs are definitely where Alpaca 🦙 excels.

[@KevinFryAdventures]

I am bummed that I didn't win, but you outdid yourself with this video! It was so good & informative. Damn good job Miyagi.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Thanks so much Kevin! Much appreciated. Happy New Year!

[@homeiswherewepitchit4994]

Thank you for all the great information on Alpaca! Looking forward to crafting some of my own hats and scarves with some Alpaca!

[@alexwbanks70]

Darn! Congrats Winner!

[@kyridgejumper]

Great information that doesn’t get put on you tube thanks for such a informative video

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

I appreciate you tuning in and commenting. Have a happy new year! Fist bumps ~ Miyagi

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Congratulations Doc!!!

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Lucky guy!

[@InOurElement]

Great informational video! We love our paca socks and app gear co hoodies! Congrats Doc!

[@AllTerrainCoffeeCamping]

Congrats to the winner!!!! Awesome video as always, thanks for being awesome!

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Thank you my friend!!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

It was nice meeting you and Trips up at the Wisconsin Frozen Butt Hang. Great informational video. I’m going to be checking out alpaca wool.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Great to finally get a little time together in the piney woods. Thank you my friend! Was a pleasure meeting you!

[@MtnWanderer-TieDye-]

Congrats! Great job on the video.

[@adelekhagna]

Thank you for this throughout video !

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

I appreciate the support Adele. Happy New Year!

[@BP-dm8ev]

Cool video! I didn’t realize the Alpaca hair benefits. Congrats Doc! Enjoy the stuff!

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Alpaca 🦙 Rules!!!

[@cachemacstrailtime]

Love your opening. You have some mad editing skills!

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Much appreciated!! Fist bumps ~ Miyagi

[@SalmondOutdoors]

Great information and congrats Doc!!

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Thanks Salmond!

[@loaferx5409]

This is great information. I have a bunch of alpaca socks and would love to have a couple other garments. Thanks for putting this together. This channel should have 100,000 subscribers.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Thanks LoaferX! Much appreciated. I too have a few pair of Alpaca socks & love them. My go to socks for deep winter camping with my Mukluks.

[@hattiespring1419]

Love the video! I was wondering about alpaca, just hadn't done a deep dive yet... now I don't need to! Thanks!

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

It’s sooooo warm! You’ll love it Hattie! Fist bumps ~ Miyagi & Trips

[@MaryTravels53]

Congrats Doc Watson! Can I borrow a pair of socks?

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

😂. Alpaca socks 🧦 are so soft and fluffy.

[@brodiereed2574]

Congrats Doc and thanks for the content!!! Look forward to the next video

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Thanks Brodie!

[@gracemartin7797]

Just ordered some paka socks, so even though I didn't win, I kinda did. Ty for the discount code! But now I want an alpaca, they're so cute!

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

That’s funny Grace! Trips and I have been trying to figure out how to start our own Alpaca 🦙 herd. I don’t think our neighbors would be happy. 😂 😂

[@karyn4875]

Thanks for this great information about alpaca wool. I have Appalachian Gears sleeping bag liner and hoodie and socks and sweaters from Alpacas of Montana. I highly recommend giving alpaca a try. I love it.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

I’m curious to know how you like that sleeping bag liner. I’m very interested in purchasing one myself.

[@karyn4875]

@@MiyagiontheTrail I love the liner. It is soft and stretches for side sleeping. I don't feel tangled up in it like I did in a silk liner. I've used it over my shoulders as a wrap when sitting in camp. It's not light weight but it is versatile. The company says it adds 10 degrees to your sleep system.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Sold!! Thanks so much Karyn. Sounds like just the thing I’ve been looking for!

[@stonedapeadventures]

great video!! extremely well done.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Thanks much! This was a fun one to put together. Learned a few things myself along the way.

[@alexwbanks70]

Dude you should have a show on Discovery Channel. I'm watching this right now and really hope I won.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Thanks Alex!! Much appreciated!! Fist bumps ~ Miyagi

[@AndyParrishOutdoors]

Congrats Doc!!! Those Alpaca have some big teeth!!! and yes Maude seems to be a fan favorite... I'm not going to ask how you measured Rob's Stache, although there is a rumour floating around about a hot tent and Jif Peanut butter... Happy New Year and Great job on the video. Top Notch!!! 👏

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

😂 😂. Thanks Andy! Rob’s mustache hairs are like Walrus whiskers.

[@CharlesBlank]

Well I sadly didn’t win. But I just ordered some of those paka socks.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Your gonna love them Charles!!

[@justinw1765]

You said that science says that alpaca is up to 3x warmer than merino. I would like to see the study/research that shows this.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

References ANTONINI, M. (2010): ‭ ‬Hair follicle characteristics and fiber production in ‭ ‬South American camelids. Animal 4, 1460- 1471. DOI: 10.1017/S1751731110001035 CENA, K., J. A. CLARK (1973): Thermal radiation ‭ ‬from animal coats: coat structure and measurements of radiative temperature. Phys. Med. Biol.‭ ‬18, 432-443. CENA, K. (1974): Radiative heat loss from animals and man. In: Heat Loss from Animals and Men: Assessment and Control. (Monteith J. L., L. E. Mount, Eds.), London, Butterworths, pp. 33-58. CZAPLICKI, Z. (2012): Properties and structure of polish alpaca wool. Fibres Text. East. Eur. 20, 8-12. FRANK, E. N., M. V. H. HICK, C. ‭ ‬D. GAUNA, H. E. ‭ ‬LAMAS, ‭ ‬C. RENIERI, M. ANTONINI (2006): Phenotypic and genetic description of fiber traits in South American domestic camelids (llamas and alpacas). Small Rumin. Res. 61, 113-129. DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2005.07.003 GERKEN, M. (1997): Application of infra-red thermography to evaluate the influence of the fiber on body surface temperature in llamas. European Fine Fibre Network, Occasional Publication‭ ‬6, 65-71. GERKEN, M. (2010): Relationships between integumental characteristics and thermoregulation in South American camelids. Animal 4, 1451-1459. DOI: 10.1017/S1751731109991443 Vet. arhiv 89‭ (4), 519-528, 2019‬ M. Soroko et al.: Thermal insulation of alpacas and sheep McARTHUR, A‭. ‬J., J‭. ‬L. MONTEITH (1980): Air movement and heat loss from sheep. II. Thermal insulation of fleece in wind. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B. Bio. Sci. 1980; 209: 209-217. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.1980.0091 McCAFFERTY, D‭. ‭ ‬‬J. (2007): The ‭ ‬value of infrared ‭ ‬thermography for research ‭ ‬on mammals: previous applications and future directions. Mamm. Rev‭. ‬3, 207-223. DOI‭: 10.1111/j.1365-2907.2007.00111 ‬ McGREGOR, B. A., K‭. ‭ ‬‬L. BUTLER (2004): Sources of variation in fiber diameter attributes of Australian alpacas and implications for fleece evaluation and animal selection. Aust. J. Agric. Res. 2004; 55: 433-442. DOI: 10.1071/AR03073 MOORE, K‭. ‬E., D. BLACHE, S‭. ‬K. MALONEY (2011): Fibre diameter and insulation in alpacas: The biophysical implications. Small. Rumin. Res. 96, 165-172. DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.01.01 POLISH STANDARD PN-72/P-04900 (1972): Methods of textile raw materials tests, wool (in Polish). REIS, P., J. T. SAHLU (1994): The nutritional control of the growth and properties of mohair and wool fibers: a comparative review. J. Anim. Sci.‭ ‬72, 1899-1907. SCOBIE, D. R., A. J. GROSVENOR, A. R. BRAY, S. K. TANDON, W. J., ‭ ‬MEADE, A. M. ‭ ‬B. COOPER (2015): A review of wool fiber variation across the body of sheep and the effects on wool processing. Small. Rumin. Res.‭ ‬133, 43-53. ‭ ‬DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2015.10.025 SHAKYAWAR, D. B., P. C. PATNİ, N. P. GUPTA (2007): Studies on animal fiber blended handmade felts: Part II- Frictional, compressional and thermal properties‭. J. Fibre Text. Res. ‭32, 301-305.‬‬ SHARMA, A., ‭ ‬S. PANT (2013): Studies on camel ‭ ‬hair - merino ‭ ‬wool blended knitted ‭ ‬fabrics. Indian J. Fibre Text. Res. 38, 317-319.

[@justinw1765]

@@MiyagiontheTrail you just threw a bunch of random studies at me. Which one of these actually compares specifically sheep wool and alpaca hair and saw a three times thermal resistance difference?

[@Wondering_Fireball]

They don’t have the color or my size. Contacted company.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Danngit!!

[@Wondering_Fireball]

@@MiyagiontheTrail, they said there working on it.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

I just picked up some Alpaca underwear and midweight gloves from Arms of the Andes and I’m incredibly impressed with the quality and tight knit of the items. This is definitely my favorite new company by far.

[@atgirl]

Oh come on...doc watson?Watson?! Doesn't he already have everything he needs? This was staged! Lol...just kidding...and just jealous. Congrats doc!

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

😂 😂. I know right!!?

[@Qb7deepsea]

Congrats, Doc!