Name: Women's Alpaca Wool Base Layer: 300 Lightweight Half-Zip
Rating: 4.62 (13 reviews)

Zip up for the start. Open up on the climb.

Your layer starts with Alpaca wool from Peru. Its smooth fiber surface gives the knit a soft feel, while the knit structure allows air to move through as you do.

Product info

Adjust without changing layers
The half zip lets you open the neckline as your effort increases, then close it when you stop.
Warmth in the knit
The knit holds air close to your body for insulation, while its open structure allows air to move through as your effort changes.

Perfect for

Outdoor activities
Backpacking
Cold-weather travel

Women's Alpaca Wool Base Layer: 300 Lightweight Half-Zip

The benefits

Why Alpaca wins

Andes-adapted for changing temperatures

Alpacas evolved where days run warm and nights turn cold. Their semi-hollow fibers trap insulating air, helping you stay comfortable as the temperature changes.

Softness starts in the fiber

Alpaca’s smoother scales give the fabric a soft feel against your skin. Comfort comes from the fiber’s structure.

Wear more, wash less

Alpaca wool naturally resists odor. Air your layer between wears, then wash it when it needs cleaning. Less time doing laundry. More time outside.

Single origin

Peru, start to finish.

Arms of Andes is a family company with roots in the Peruvian Andes. “Arms” brings together the initials of four siblings. That connection to Peru shapes what we make and where we make it.

From fiber sourcing and yarn spinning to knitting and sewing, production stays in Peru. One country, with the people and knowledge behind your gear close together.

Learn our story

Customer reviews

No substitute for Alpaca

I’ve been wearing and sleeping under Alpaca fabric for years, so when a baselayer needs to be replaced there’s only one fabric choice to make: Alpaca.

Worth every penny.

Love the fit and comfort and warmth.

great layering piece for cooler weather

This top has a shaped, athletic fit that’s more tailored than boxy. I find the sizing runs small — I’m 5’1″ and 117 pounds and usually wear a small, but sized up to a medium for a more comfortable fit. Most outdoor tops run long on me, both in the body and sleeves, but this top hits just the right length in both. The fabric’s natural stretch lets it move comfortably with me on the trail, and the slim zipper provides easy ventilation without adding bulk or interfering with layering.

The construction and fabric feel very high quality, with clean lines and flat-lock seams for a smooth feel. It has a lightweight yet substantial feel, with a silky softness from natural lanolin in the alpaca fiber. It can still feel a bit itchy next to skin for those sensitive to wool (like me). Due to this, my preference has been wearing it as a mid-layer with a thin synthetic base underneath. I find this method adds warmth without the weight of a bulky fleece, and I don’t get overheated as easily.

Overall, I really like the way this top performs, and from now on, this will be my one of my top layer picks for hiking and camping in cooler weather.

So comfy and warm!

Love it. Love the color. Love the half zip.

Hi Nimai,
Thank you so much for your feedback!
We’re glad to hear you’re loving it. Enjoy every comfy moment!

Like it except for some issues

I am revamping my performance clothing, moving towards wool and away from plastics. Unlike other wool topss I have, this one is unfortunately itchy. But seemingly less so the more I wear it (perhaps I'm merely getting used to it?). My biggest complaint is that it is too short. It comes untucked in back when I sit. And I have a short waist. Otherwise, it performs well. It kept me warm on a vigorous hike in 30-degree weather. I like the long zip neck which helps ventilate and the sleeve length is perfect. It is a quality product, just don't like the itch and length, as other posters have stated.

Hi there! Thanks so much for your thoughtful feedback, we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience as you transition to more natural performance fabrics.

We're glad to hear the zip neck and sleeve length worked well for you, and that it kept you warm during your hike, that's exactly what it's built for! That said, we're sorry to hear the fabric felt a bit itchy and the length wasn't quite right for your needs. Some people do find alpaca softens over time with wear and washing, but sensitivity varies.

We're constantly refining fit and feel based on feedback like yours, so your notes on the back length and fabric feel are incredibly helpful as we work to improve. Thanks again!

1 2 3

5 stars: 9 (69%)
4 stars: 3 (23%)
3 stars: 1 (8%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

No substitute for Alpaca

I’ve been wearing and sleeping under Alpaca fabric for years, so when a baselayer needs to be replaced there’s only one fabric choice to make: Alpaca.

Worth every penny.

Love the fit and comfort and warmth.

great layering piece for cooler weather

This top has a shaped, athletic fit that’s more tailored than boxy. I find the sizing runs small — I’m 5’1″ and 117 pounds and usually wear a small, but sized up to a medium for a more comfortable fit. Most outdoor tops run long on me, both in the body and sleeves, but this top hits just the right length in both. The fabric’s natural stretch lets it move comfortably with me on the trail, and the slim zipper provides easy ventilation without adding bulk or interfering with layering.

The construction and fabric feel very high quality, with clean lines and flat-lock seams for a smooth feel. It has a lightweight yet substantial feel, with a silky softness from natural lanolin in the alpaca fiber. It can still feel a bit itchy next to skin for those sensitive to wool (like me). Due to this, my preference has been wearing it as a mid-layer with a thin synthetic base underneath. I find this method adds warmth without the weight of a bulky fleece, and I don’t get overheated as easily.

Overall, I really like the way this top performs, and from now on, this will be my one of my top layer picks for hiking and camping in cooler weather.

So comfy and warm!

Love it. Love the color. Love the half zip.

Hi Nimai,
Thank you so much for your feedback!
We’re glad to hear you’re loving it. Enjoy every comfy moment!

Like it except for some issues

I am revamping my performance clothing, moving towards wool and away from plastics. Unlike other wool topss I have, this one is unfortunately itchy. But seemingly less so the more I wear it (perhaps I'm merely getting used to it?). My biggest complaint is that it is too short. It comes untucked in back when I sit. And I have a short waist. Otherwise, it performs well. It kept me warm on a vigorous hike in 30-degree weather. I like the long zip neck which helps ventilate and the sleeve length is perfect. It is a quality product, just don't like the itch and length, as other posters have stated.

Hi there! Thanks so much for your thoughtful feedback, we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience as you transition to more natural performance fabrics.

We're glad to hear the zip neck and sleeve length worked well for you, and that it kept you warm during your hike, that's exactly what it's built for! That said, we're sorry to hear the fabric felt a bit itchy and the length wasn't quite right for your needs. Some people do find alpaca softens over time with wear and washing, but sensitivity varies.

We're constantly refining fit and feel based on feedback like yours, so your notes on the back length and fabric feel are incredibly helpful as we work to improve. Thanks again!

This is a high quality shirt, thicker than other wool products that I own. It is cozy to wear, I left off one star because I wish it had been longer. I looked at the men’s version due to the length but I would need an extra small which they don’t make.

Worth the wait

It took a couple months for this order to be filled, seems like A of A has production/inventory issues on a regular basis. But they produce high quality clothing. This half zip sweater has a beautiful smooth woven finish, unlike other alpaca sweaters that have a lot of loose fibers that shed a lot. I love the navy blue color also. The reason why I left off one star is that, despite claims to the contrary, I still find the wool to be a little bit irritating. Not enough to stop wearing it, but the sensation is there and I do my best to tolerate it because I like to wear natural fibers.

I love it!

Love the benefits of alpaca wool.

Cozy warm! Size runs small

Great all the way around

Great service and really good product. I will definitely be buying more

It is very soft.

It fits well except for the sleeves. I would like them to taper a little bit. Other than that I like it.

Very warm

At first it was slightly itchy but after a few days it went away. Definitely thinking about getting the leggings.

LOVE

Very good quality and fit! So glad that discovered this fantastic company! There’s really nothing out there like it. I also got the tank top, joggers, plain long sleeve top, and three pairs socks - everything is perfect and I can’t wait to wear it out. Would purchase again and recommend to loves ones!