Journal

Stories from the Andes and guides to wearing alpaca wool, from the people who make it.

OriginThe history of Alpaca herding in the Sacred Valley Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz May 15, 2025Discover the ancient practice of alpaca herding in Peru’s Sacred Valley—a story of resilience, reciprocity, and sustainable tradition high in the Andes.
TrailAlpaca wool for extreme weather | sustainable high performance gear Jordy Munarriz Sep 4, 2025 ImpactThe colors you’re wearing: natural dyes and GOTS-certified colors Jordy Munarriz Aug 29, 2025 TrailThe art of layering clothes: how to layer for the outdoors Jordy Munarriz Aug 18, 2025 OriginWeaving time: the Peru you don’t see in the picture Alonso Sánchez Bastarrachea Aug 12, 2025

All articles

FiberWhat is a micron in wool clothing? Jordy Munarriz Aug 5, 2025Learn what a micron in wool means, how it affects softness, durability, and price, and how to choose between alpaca, merino, and cashmere.
FiberAlpaca vs merino: which wool offers better UV protection? Jordy Munarriz Jul 24, 2025Discover how alpaca wool naturally outperforms Merino in UV protection. Learn about UPF ratings, fiber properties, and how to choose sun-safe clothing without chemicals.
ImpactPlastic-Free July: single-use plastics and synthetic clothing Jordy Munarriz Jul 16, 2025Understand the impact of single-use plastic and synthetic clothing, and find out how choosing natural fibers like Alpaca wool helps you achieve a truly...
FiberSuperwash vs Alpaca wool: environmental & health impacts Jordy Munarriz Jul 10, 2025 Discover what Superwash means, why it’s used in wool, its environmental and performance trade-offs—and why alpaca wool stays chemical-free at Arms of Andes.  
OriginInti Raymi: history, traditions and what to wear in Cusco Jordy Munarriz Jul 8, 2025Discover the meaning and history of Inti Raymi, Peru’s ancient Incan Sun Festival. Learn how it's celebrated today and what to wear for an...
ImpactHealth risks of synthetic fibers: microplastics & clothing Jordy Munarriz Jun 19, 2025Discover how synthetic fibers affect your lungs, gut, skin, and hormones—and why natural fabrics like alpaca wool are a safer choice for everyday wear.
ImpactSustainable fashion for World Environment Day Jordy Munarriz Jun 5, 2025Discover how fashion can support ecosystems, protect animal welfare, and uplift Indigenous wisdom. A World Environment Day reflection from Arms of Andes.
FiberAlpaca wool GSM guide Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz May 29, 2025Discover how our Featherweight, Ultralight, Lightweight, and Midweight alpaca layers work—so you can pack smart, move light, and stay ready for anything.
OriginCelebrating biodiversity in Cusco: a living treasure of Peru Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz May 22, 2025Explore Cusco’s rich biodiversity, from cloud forests to sacred wetlands. Discover why protecting nature in Peru is a daily choice, not just a celebration.
OriginMarcahuasi: a hidden Andean sanctuary above the clouds Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz May 6, 2025Discover Marcahuasi, Peru’s mystical stone forest near Lima—perfect for slow, soulful travel above 4,000 meters. A journey into stars, silence, and spirit.
OriginHow to travel sustainably in Cusco: respect the Andes and Amazon Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz Apr 29, 2025Discover how to travel sustainably in Cusco, Peru—respecting sacred sites, supporting local communities, and protecting the Andes and Amazon ecosystems.
OriginEarth Day every day: lessons from Peru’s living landscapes Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz Apr 22, 2025From misty coastlines to the Amazon rainforest, Peru honors the Earth daily through ancestral traditions. Discover what the world can learn from the Andean...
OriginSacred textiles of the Andes: stories, symbols, and meaning Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz Apr 15, 2025Woven by hand, these sacred threads carry the stories, symbols, and worldview of the Andes—celebrating Earth Month through ancestral memory.
Origin10 practices from Cusco that celebrate harmony with nature Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz Apr 4, 2025From terracing mountains to planting by the stars, these 10 practices from Cusco reveal a deep-rooted culture of sustainability that still inspires today.
ImpactWool rethinking outdoor gear Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz Mar 28, 2025Outdoor apparel is designed to help us explore and connect with nature, but ironically, much of it ends up harming the very landscapes we...
ImpactIs wool sustainable? Rethinking livestock-based textiles for a greener future Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz Mar 26, 2025The hidden environmental costs of livestock-based fibers like wool, alpaca, and cashmere, focusing on water use, waste, emissions, and the future of regenerative practices.
ImpactPFAS: the "forever chemicals" hidden in your clothes Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz Mar 19, 2025PFAS are a group of synthetic compounds used to make materials water-repellent, stain-resistant and non-stick, and most of the clothes we wear contain them.
OriginCochineal dye: the ancient red that defined tradition and sustainaibility Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz Mar 17, 2025Discover the rich history of cochineal dye, from its pre-Columbian origins to its modern role in sustainable textiles. Learn how this natural red pigment...
OriginWomen artisans in the Peruvian Andes: weaving legacy, resilience, and identity Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz Mar 6, 2025Discover the legacy of Andean women artisans who weave history, resilience, and tradition into every thread. Explore their role in preserving Peruvian textile heritage.
TrailWinter camping | what to sleep in for cold weather Lesia Tello and Jordy Munarriz Feb 25, 2025Planning a winter camping trip? Learn how to stay warm while sleeping outdoors with the best gear and expert cold-weather tips so you can...
TrailEverything you need to know before your next ski trip Feb 17, 2025Get slope-ready with the ultimate ski trip guide! Discover what to wear, how to prepare, and why alpaca wool is the perfect sustainable layer...
OriginThe story of indigo dye in ancient Peru Feb 6, 2025Discover how this ancient dyeing tradition originating in Peru connects with modern outdoor adventures, crafted into Arms of Andes’ 100% alpaca wool gear.  
ImpactWorld Wetlands Day Feb 2, 2025On February 2, World Wetlands Day is celebrated globally to take action, acknowledging that wetlands are crucial not only for the natural world but...
ImpactWorld Environmental Education Day Jan 26, 2025Every year on January 26, World Environmental Education Day reminds us of the crucial role education plays in shaping a community striving for a sustainable...
TrailClothing for snowboarding & skiing Jan 18, 2025Snow sports like skiing and snowboarding are not only exciting, but they are also a great way to stay active, but what you wear...
ImpactNew Year, new habits Jan 10, 2025If living more sustainably is on your radar for 2025, we’ve got you covered. Here are simple, manageable ideas to help you make a...
FiberIn search of the perfect base layer Dec 31, 2024In this article, we look at what base layers are and why you should consider alpaca wool for your next layer, taking into account...
ImpactFrom wardrobe to garden: how to compost wool clothing sustainably Dec 19, 2024Unlike synthetic fabrics that take centuries to degrade, organic wools, such as alpaca wool, are biodegradable and can enrich the earth as they decompose.
TrailWhat makes Alpaca wool best for hiking? Dec 3, 2024Alpaca wool has unique qualities that make it the best choice for hiking clothing, being a relatively new concept in an outdoor industry accustomed...
FiberAlpaca wool vs merino vs cashmere: which is the best? Nov 26, 2024Alpaca wool combines the best properties of wools such as merino and cashmere, from the fineness of its fiber to the partial medullation it...
ImpactBiodegradable vs. Compostable what is the difference? Nov 18, 2024Global warming, carbon footprints, and eco-friendly are terms we see everywhere. With our planet changing rapidly, we as individuals want to know how we can...
ImpactEarth Day: what is the impact of the fashion industry on the environment? Apr 21, 2022The textile and fashion industry uses about 2,000 different chemicals, many of them are known carcinogens. Out of these thousands, a mere 16 of them have...
OriginWhat did hikers wear before synthetics were invented? Dec 13, 2021Nowadays you barely have to think twice before pulling on a synthetic jacket and heading out into cold weather. But what outdoor clothes did...
FiberWhy are natural fibers better than synthetics for sports? Nov 22, 2021You might be thinking: “My functional synthetic clothing works great so why should I wear alpaca wool?” We hear you, but we are here...
Impact5 ways to have a green Christmas this year Nov 18, 2021As 2021 draws to a close, the excitement starts to build as we approach Christmas. For most folks, it is the favorit time of...
ImpactEco Black Friday 2021: 11 tips to shop sustainably Nov 8, 2021Getting a discount is exciting and rewarding but have you considered the impact your shopping has on the environment? How can we sustainably shop...
Impact7 tips for more sustainable shopping Nov 2, 2021In this day and age, when many companies lack transparency, how can we be sure we are shopping eco-friendly? Let’s explore some ideas to...
TrailAlpaca wool: keeping you and the planet cool this summer Jul 8, 2021Not only is alpaca wool one of the most sustainable fabrics, it’s suitable for all-season wear (even summer!). From the way it feels and...
TrailWhat to bring to the Amazon rainforest Jun 22, 2021You’re planning a trip to Peru, and you want to pack just right for your whole adventure.  You will probably do some hiking in...
ImpactWhat are microplastics in the fashion industry? Jun 14, 2021Common fibers used in clothing are produced from petrochemicals and, as such, are classed as plastics. This means that these synthetic textiles release microplastic...
ImpactWhat is sustainability? Jun 1, 2021Sustainability: “The quality of causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time.”  To us at...
TrailWhy you should wear Alpaca wool clothes for ski touring or splitboard touring Jan 21, 2021Find out why you should wear Arms of Andes alpaca baselayer or alpaca midlayer on your next ski tour or splitboard tour.
TrailSustainable hiking pack Sep 14, 2020We discuss steps you can take to reduce the impact your hiking gear has on the environment and the most eco-friendly brands.
TrailInca Trail packing list Sep 10, 2020Learn about what to expect when hiking the Inca Trail and what key clothes should be in your pack for optimum comfort.
FiberWhy Alpaca - the superior fiber Aug 30, 2020Alpacas and llamas are actually related to camels via a distant common ancestor. Learn more about alpaca wool and why we use it.
TrailAlpaca wool for traveling Aug 25, 2020Alpaca wool makes great travel clothing as it’s lightweight, non-bulky, odor resistant – so you can pack less – and our clothes are super...
FiberIs Alpaca warm? Is Alpaca itchy? Alpaca vs merino Aug 25, 2020Alpaca wool is warm and non-itchy. It’s like merino, but better (in our opinion!), so perfect for your hikes and outdoor adventures.
TrailAlpaca pack: essentials for minimalist backpacking and trekking Aug 24, 2020Alpaca wool is lightweight, breathable and odor-resistant, meaning you can pack less and travel lighter. You’ll love alpaca wool if you’re a minimalist backpacker.
FiberIs Alpaca wool more or less itchy than merino? Aug 13, 2020The outdoor community has embraced merino wool as one of the best fibers for adventures, but some still find it itchy. What about alpaca...
FiberWhat is baby Alpaca? Aug 12, 2020Baby alpaca wool is often thought of as one of the more luxurious fibers, but what is it and is there anything more luxurious?...
TrailThe best Alpaca sweaters Aug 10, 2020An alpaca wool sweater is a perfect part of your outdoor layering system or travel wardrobe and here are the reasons why.
ImpactSustainable clothing checklist Aug 7, 2020Understanding what makes clothes sustainable can get very confusing. Brands are often accused of green washing, cherry picking an ecological benefit in their clothes...
TrailCan we wear Alpaca wool in the summer? Jun 2, 2020The short answer is YES. It sounds crazy, doesn't it?  Contrary to preconceived ideas, wool can be worn all year round.
OriginOpen range Alpacas Mar 11, 2020Alpacas thrive - and produce more wool - in their natural environment, so being able to roam free in the mountains is key.
FiberWhat is Alpaca wool? Mar 11, 2020Alpaca wool can be considered as nature's superior functional fiber, having developed in harsh and variable weather conditions in the Peruvian Andes.
OriginWe won selected brand of ISPO Brandnew! Jan 2, 2020ARMS OF ANDES was awarded the Selected Brand of ISPO BRANDNEW! The jury of ISPO Brandnew, the largest Outdoor Industry Trade Show event, was...
TrailWhat to wear in winter to avoid getting sick Oct 31, 2019In the middle of winter in Europe, it can get very cold! But you will still find you sweat when you are hiking, skiing,...
FiberIs there any better outdoors base layer than merino wool? Oct 22, 2019Merino wool has taken over the natural wool outdoor market as the high functional, natural, performance fiber. But what not many hikers and travelers...
FiberAlpaca vs merino: which is better? Oct 2, 2019Which wool has better temperature regulation, moisture wicking and insulation capacities and is warmer? We find customers often ask us about alpaca and merino...
FiberAn all season wool Aug 12, 2019Extreme Climate Changes make Alpaca Wool: An All Season Wool
FiberTemperature regulated Alpaca garments Jul 2, 2019How Alpaca is naturally temperature regulated and why its important for your hikes.
FiberAlpaca wool makes your trek experience better than merino wool Jun 18, 2019Avoid catching a cold and having to change your sweaty clothes during your hikes. Alpaca absorbs only ~10-11% of its weight in moisture while...
OriginWhat makes Arms of Andes different Feb 27, 2019From Alpaca to Alpaca Wool Clothes to Hikers and Backpackers all over the world, Arms of Andes is there in every step of the...
FiberHarsher environments: better fibers Feb 15, 2019 Harsh weather conditions produce the best performing wool. Find out why Alpacas live in high altitude and what they do survive harsh weather conditions. 
OriginAlpaca: the best eco-friendly animal Dec 28, 2018Through their evolution, they developed fibers that does not retain water, protects against harsh sunlight and keeps you warm during winter. Even mixed with...