PAKA Lands in Boulder—with Purpose, Heart, and the Cutest Alpacas

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Oct 19

PAKA Brings Purpose, Cozy Alpaca Gear, and a Few Adorable Alpacas Along for the Ride

This fall, PAKA unveiled its love story right here in Boulder—starting with a cozy pop-in at The Rayback, followed by a community hike alongside alpacas on the Flatirons Vista Trail. The weekend embodied everything the brand stands for along with live music, hands-on fiber demos, and a chance to meet the alpacas behind the product. It was more than a pop-up—it was a celebration of craftsmanship, connection, and community. Every detail reflected PAKA’s purpose-driven spirit, weaving together locals, nature, and the story behind every thread.

The towns on PAKA’s From Peru to a Town Near You tour were handpicked for their sustainability values, community spirit, and love for the outdoors. In three of the four stops, the brand partnered with outdoor retailers to host official launch events. Boulder, however, was different—without a retail partner but with deep roots as PAKA’s home base, the team brought the celebration home, inviting the community to connect in their own backyard. Designed to unite outdoor-loving, sustainability-minded people across the West, the tour found its perfect match in Colorado—where authenticity runs deep, adventure is a daily ritual, and sustainability isn’t a trend but a way of life.

Where Adventure Meets Intention: Kris Cody’s PAKA Story

When Kris Cody launched PAKA, it wasn’t born in a boardroom—it began on a backpacking trip through Peru. After buying a hand-woven alpaca sweater from a local artisan, Kris noticed how people back home couldn’t stop asking where it came from. That simple question sparked a movement: one that now connects traditional Quechua women weavers in the Andes with a global audience seeking clothing that feels as good in spirit as it does on skin.

PAKA’s mission runs deeper than apparel. Each garment carries an Inca ID—a hand-woven signature from the artisan who made it—symbolizing traceability, cultural preservation, and dignity in craftsmanship. The brand donates 1 percent of revenue back to Peruvian communities, funding education, nutrition programs, and initiatives that keep local traditions thriving.

Performance With a Conscience (and the Comfort of an Alpaca Hug)

Trying on PAKA’s clothes was an experience in itself—like getting a real hug from the alpaca it came from. The collection strikes that rare balance between luxury softness and technical performance, made to move effortlessly through Colorado’s quick-change weather. Their fan-favorite Alpaca Hoodie and Lightweight Crew are warm, breathable, and naturally odor-resistant, while the thermoregulating alpaca fiber keeps you cozy without overheating. Each piece feels high-performing yet deeply human—crafted for the mountains but made to live in every day.

Yes, the garments come at a higher price point—but they deliver on every promise: comfort, durability, and purpose. Every purchase supports Peruvian communities where the fibers are sourced, making it more than just clothing—it’s a connection.

We were lucky enough to test some of PAKA’s current favorites—including the Trail Socks, Women’s Hoodie, Aire Longsleeve, and Breathe Full Zip—and believe us when we say they’re some of the softest, most breathable pieces out there. It’s light but substantial, smooth against the skin, and easy to wear all day. The breathability stands out too: it regulates temperature, resists odor, and keeps you comfortable whether you’re out on a hike or winding down after. It’s the kind of gear you put on once and don’t want to take off. Perfect for the hike itself and for coffee in the sun afterwards.

Beyond The Brand

For Cody, PAKA isn’t about selling sweaters—it’s about reshaping what “ethical” looks like in outdoor apparel. By building direct partnerships with artisans, championing traceable supply chains, and reinvesting profits where they matter most, the brand has become a model for conscious creativity.

As the fall chill settles over the Flatirons, PAKA’s story feels right at home here: rooted in warmth, driven by purpose, and woven with intention.

You can shop the entire PAKA collection at https://www.pakaapparel.com