Name: Alpaca Wool Beanie: 160 Ultralight
Rating: 4.70 (40 reviews)

A small layer for a cold start.

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

Warmth that packs down
A soft knit covers your head without taking up much room in your pack.
Breathable on the move
The light knit lets air move through, giving you a comfortable layer as you go from everyday miles to a change of pace.

Perfect for

Outdoor activities
Backpacking
Travel

Product details

What goes into your layer

Fabric100% Alpaca wool
Thread100% cotton
Labels100% organic cotton
DyesNatural or OEKO-TEX certified, depending on the color. Undyed colors have no added dye.
Label inkGOTS certified

Specifications

Fabric weight160 g/m²
Weight36 g / 1.3 oz
ConstructionFitted knit beanie with natural stretch
FitFitted cut with natural stretch
Made inPeru

Size & fit

Use the head measurements below to compare the available sizes.

Size	Full Head	Circumference
One Size	22 in	24 in

Size	Full Head	Circumference
One Size	55 cm	61 cm

Care for your layer

Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle/wool cycle in cold water (50-68°F). Use a mild wool-safe or pH-neutral detergent. Wash with similar colors. Don't bleach or use fabric softener.

Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry. Don't tumble dry, twist, or wring. Cool iron if needed. Store folded in a cool, dry space with airflow; avoid hanging.

Naturally dyed colors can transfer with sweat or friction. Wear them with dark clothing or equipment, wash sparingly, and avoid citric acid, which can lighten the color.

Shipping & Returns

US orders over $200 ship free. Estimated US delivery is 7 to 10 business days, including preparation and transit. You'll receive a tracking number by email once your order ships. International rates are calculated at checkout; estimated delivery is 10 to 20 business days. Customs duties and import taxes are your responsibility.

Eligible unused, unwashed items may be returned within 15 days of delivery. What counts is that you start your request within those 15 days; how long the package then takes to reach us does not affect your refund. Original packaging isn't required. A $5 domestic return shipping fee applies unless Free Returns was purchased at checkout. International return shipping is paid by the customer, except for wrong or defective items under the policy.

Full shipping & return policy

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

comfortable

I needed a head covering with no rubber contents. I use it at night and it keeps my head warm , but not overly warm.

160 light beanie

Got to use it a couple of times on rides . Fit is a tad small , doesn't completely cover my ears . Weight and comfort/temp level was great . A little more warmth than my lightest , less than my heavier ones . Which is what I was looking for . Seems very well made . Seasons will tell

Okay for small heads

The beanie is thin but warm enough for mild weather. However it's of no use for me cause it's too small for my head, there is so little extra material left that it barely covers the tips of ears and slowly unwraps even further from my bald head as I walk around. I've checkd with the sizing guide prior to purchase and I fit the One size category.

I've used other expensive merino wool brands but never had such problems, they always leave some extra material for universal fit, however Arms Of Andes is good only for smaller heads.

This was my first purchase from this brand, I paid more that I usually would for a beaning and I think I will not be back.

Beanie

I like the beanie, but it is not a serious piece of headgear. I would expect something with some substance to it. This is all right as a liner, but not anything I would use when it was cold out. I was looking for something a lot more substantial.

Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad you like the beanie, though we understand you were hoping for something warmer. You might prefer our Alpaca Wool Folded Beanie Hat (420 Midweight), it’s thicker and designed for colder conditions!

nice light weight and warm fits great in c...

nice light weight and warm fits great in coat pocket

1 2 3

5 stars: 34 (85%)
4 stars: 2 (5%)
3 stars: 2 (5%)
2 stars: 2 (5%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

comfortable

I needed a head covering with no rubber contents. I use it at night and it keeps my head warm , but not overly warm.

160 light beanie

Okay for small heads

I've used other expensive merino wool brands but never had such problems, they always leave some extra material for universal fit, however Arms Of Andes is good only for smaller heads.

This was my first purchase from this brand, I paid more that I usually would for a beaning and I think I will not be back.

Beanie

lightweight and nice and warm

lightweight and nice and warm

nice light weight and warm fits great in c...

nice light weight and warm fits great in coat pocket

just enough warmth but not too much

I can keep it on all day, it provides warmth and comfort you hardly know is there. Even in Spring or summer you need it sometimes

Hi Karen,
Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that you're enjoying the comfort and warmth of your garment. It’s great to know that it provides just the right level of coziness, so light and comfortable, you hardly notice it’s there.

Not what I expected

The material although warm enough it's too thin and stretchable. It just doesn't feel substantial. I also don't like the placement of the tag outside that is visible.

Hi Philip,
Thank you for your honest feedback we really appreciate you sharing your thoughts. We're sorry to hear the item didn’t quite meet your expectations. Alpaca fabric is naturally lightweight and stretchy, which can feel quite different compared to heavier materials, and we understand that might not be the feel you were looking for.
As for the tag placement, we totally get how that might not be ideal for everyone, and we’ll definitely share your comments with our design team.

Love it!

It’s light, soft, and cozy warm!

Hi Lindsey,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're so happy to hear you're enjoying the light, soft, and cozy warmth of your item there’s nothing better than that perfect comfort.

Beanie

I like the weight of this beanie- can wear it under a helmet easily. My husband wears them around all day, everyday. Great hat!

Hi Anne,
Thank you for your feedback! We're so glad to hear you're enjoying the beanie and that it's versatile enough to wear under a helmet!
It’s awesome that your husband loves it too and gets so much use out of it.

LOVE IT!

Hi Larry,
We're so glad to hear that you loved it! Thanks for your support—it means the world to us!

Nice Comfortable Lightweight Beanie! Alpaca is the Best.

I like the beanie as it is really good material, lightweight, and I believe will be the best material for a beanie. The issue I had for this user is the head size is smaller, and with it being a non fold over type, it fit a bit large. I tried to order the Fold Over style, but it was Backordered. I found another Brand. It was late in the season to be buying a beanie. Thanks for producing a good product.

Hi Brian,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're glad you enjoyed the quality of the beanie. We appreciate your feedback on the fit and truly value your support!

Beautifully made.

Excellent smooth feel, light weight enough for summer, which is why I bought it, and warm enough for winter. Very happy to have found Arms of Andes.

Hi Kenneth,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying your piece—it means a lot to us that it’s keeping you comfortable year-round.

Welcome to the Arms of Andes community—we’re so glad you found us too! Let us know if there’s anything else we can do for you.

Best Beanie Ever

This might be the best winter hat I have ever owned. It is incredibly light and thin for how warm it is. It breathes great. I have worn it shoveling snow, on walks, and every day commuting. I have used if down to -5F and it was good. If I was sedentary outside I would get the heavier weight beanie but I am not sitting outside when it is that cold!!! Great purchase.

Hi Eric,
We're thrilled to hear this might be the best winter hat you've ever owned! It's great to know it's keeping you warm and comfortable in all your activities. Stay cozy out there, and thanks for your support!

Nice alpaca wool hat comfortable.

Nice alpaca wool hat comfortable.

The perfect Beanie

Soft, warm, fashionable, it goes great with my leather jacket.

Hi David,
That sounds like a perfect combination! We're so glad you’re loving the softness, warmth, and style of your piece. Thanks for sharing, and we hope you continue to enjoy it!

Outstanding beanie

This beanie is both incredibly light and warm at the same time. I wore it in sub zero Canadian, and it still kept me quite warm. Portable and practical definitely define it. Well done!

Hi Christopher,

We're so glad to hear you're enjoying your new beanie! It sounds like the perfect companion for those chilly Canadian days. Stay warm and cozy!

Beanie

It’s A-ight! 😂

Hi Tamara,

Thanks for your feedback! Glad to hear you’re enjoying it—hope it keeps you cozy!

Nice beanie

A little thinner than my other alpaca beanie. Not as itchy. I'll probably order another color. I like it.

Hi there,

Thanks for your feedback! We're glad you like the beanie and are considering another color. Hope it keeps you warm and comfy!

Very nice beanie

Very light weight but warm enough for me. Quality stitching, good design and fit. I am taller, thinner and better looking because of this cap.

Hi Phillip,

Thanks so much for the great review! We’re thrilled to hear you’re enjoying the beanie – it’s always awesome when something lightweight can still keep you warm. We’re glad the quality and design stood out to you!

We appreciate your support and hope you continue to love it!

Sizing

Well constructed , warm but light . Warmer than Marino for its weight . However , sizes should be standard and x - large for people with head size 71/2 and larger .

Hi Curtis,
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear you're happy with the warmth and construction of the garment. We also appreciate your suggestion about the sizing, it's definitely something we'll keep in mind for future designs!

Great little item

Good fit and handy item to be able to wear under a helmet or even ball cap.

Hi Donald!
Glad to hear it fits well and works perfectly under a helmet or cap! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Beanie

Very nice, comfortable (not itchy) and very packable in the backpack too

Great

Warm and soft, don’t know it’s there as the temperature increases. Very pleased!

Warm and comfortable

I wear my ultralight beanie every night to sleep when it's cold. It has held its shape quite well. I used to have to wash my merino wool beanie about once a week for it to stay on my head, but I haven't had to wash this one yet and it's been several weeks. This makes me think it's going to last much longer, as frequent washing is what did my old beanie in.

It's wonderful to hear that you're finding your ultralight beanie warm and comfortable, especially during those chilly nights! :D

Comfortable, versatile beanie

So light it's almost not there, but still warm and comfy. Works by itself or as a layer under a baseball cap or the hood of a light jacket. Construction is sort of like a double layer of soft fuzzy handkerchiefs. Easy to put into a small or regular pocket when not it use. For really cold and windy days I'd want something heavier, but this ultralight version really covers a lot of bases.

Making it an indispensable accessory for your outdoor adventures, glad you liked it :D

Beanies

Purchased light weight beanie very comfortable & warm for such a lightweight fabric
was so impressed I bought the heavier weight for the really cold days , also very pleased with purchase

Works Fine

my sisters wear them under their baseball caps as they are very thin They like them so they must be good as they know everything

Amazing

This beanie is really lightweight and surprisingly warm. I wear it alone until about 30F, and below that temp I wear this under another hat. Both ways are very comfortable and incredibly warm. Fabric is very soft also.