For the past few weeks I've been sporting The Original Crew from PAKA and I have to say, I've been super impressed! In this gear review we'll take a good look at what makes the versatile wool top perfect for hiking.

Quick Rundown of The Original Crew from PAKA

• The Original Crew is a unisex sweater. So men will generally order their regular size and women will want to size down one size. I like this piece oversized, so I went with my typical women's size. I probably still could have sized down.
• Extremely lightweight at 13.6 ounces.
• Exceptional warmth and temperature regulation. As PAKA puts it: The alpaca evolved in one of the most dynamic climates in the world, creating a naturally thermal comfort range of more than 50°F.
• Odor resistant and more soft than cashmere.
• Stretchy side panel and raglan sleeves to create a great fit for being active.
• Natural OEKO-TEX certified dye.
• Hand made by women artisans in Peru. I strongly suggest you read about the very real positive impact PAKA has on humans.

My Experience with The Original Crew

I love being cozy when I hike, but I often times really hate the feel of synthetic fabrics like various fleece. I do not find fleece breathable and I tend to overheat in fleece quite easily. So I love wool; it's highly breathable and wicks sweat in a way that works well for my body.

I began testing PAKA's Original Crew as the snow began to fall here in the San Juan Mountains, towards the end of October. The general temperatures I've hiked with this piece on have been 20-degrees to 50-degrees Fahrenheit. I basically have been using it in place of the typical grid-fleece hoodies that are oh-so-popular. Think Melanzana...

I have hiked with The Original Crew as my only layer, and I've also hiked with a light merino wool t-shirt under it. In both cases, it has been a dream layer. I stay cozy and dry and never feel overheated. I really like that this sweater has such a casual styling. It makes it feel like a go-to sweatshirt. But the little details of the sweater make it much more special. You can see that it's handmade, which is something that is rare these days.

This sweater is quick drying if you get caught in a drizzle or a bit of snow. And you can rest easier knowing that it will still keep you warm even if it gets wet. I don't find The Original Crew itchy at all, in fact, it's as soft as can be.

Over time I was a bit worried it would start to fall apart because of my backpack straps rubbing on the wool, but so far it's holding up really well. All in all I can say that I'm impressed and plan to rock this sweater a ton!

The Original Crew by PAKA: Pros and Cons

The Original Crew by PAKA combines comfort, durability, and ethical craftsmanship. Check out the pros and cons below to see why it’s a standout piece:

Click here to learn more and purchase The Original Crew by PAKA for your next adventure!

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.