Let’s be real, in Oregon we are never more than two months away from needing a sweater. That’s just the way of the world up here in the PNW. While cold weather is their prime time, they serve a purpose year-round, especially in places where temps fluctuate, or adventure takes you into the unpredictable.
Have you ever been to the Oregon Coast in July? Or camped in the Cascades in June? If so, you know exactly what I mean. Even when it’s not freezing, a good sweater can be essential—particularly this one: the Ultralight COOLPLUS Crew from PAKA.
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This new release from PAKA is specifically designed with warmer temps in mind. They even call it “summer-ready.” Sounds like a stretch—until you look at the materials and tech behind it.
Alpaca fiber is naturally thermoregulating, but PAKA takes it a step further by blending it with organic cotton and a new performance yarn called COOLPLUS. The result? A breathable, lightweight sweater that surprised me with how often I’ve reached for it—even during months I didn’t expect to.
Would I wear it for a run? No.
Would I throw it on during a 95°F July heat wave? Probably not.
But during coastal mornings, mountain evenings, or breezy travel days between May and August? It’s been spot on.
Here’s what makes the fabric unique:
COOLPLUS technology uses viscose fiber in a unique spinning process, creating a larger fiber surface area that allows moisture to evaporate more quickly—without added chemicals or synthetics. This rapid moisture absorption and evaporation creates a natural cooling effect. When paired with alpaca fiber’s antimicrobial and low-moisture properties, the result is a high-performance warm-weather layer.
The blend is:
- 50% Baby Alpaca Fiber
- 30% Cotton
- 20% COOLPLUS® Polyester
Like everything from PAKA, the Ultralight Crew keeps things clean and classic. Available in three colorways for men and women, the fit is relaxed and minimal without being boring. And the details matter: each piece features a handwoven PAKA ID tag, crafted by Quechua weavers in Peru—a subtle, beautiful nod to the brand’s heritage.
If you’ve never thought about wearing a sweater in summer, it might be time to think again. The Ultralight COOLPLUS Crew from PAKA challenges the seasonal stereotype—and earns its place in your pack, suitcase, or daily rotation well beyond winter.
