PAKA, a sustainable apparel brand and innovator in alpaca-based clothing, introduces the Huascarán, a retro-inspired jacket built from high-performance fabrics sourced entirely from South America.
Made from an unexpected combination of discarded fishing nets and ethically-sourced alpaca fiber, the Huascarán jacket blends innovation with performance built for harsh conditions. The Pertex shell and lining are made from NetPlus recycled nylon, created from discarded fishing nets, and the jacket is insulated with PAKAFILL, PAKA’s patented and award-winning insulation blend of 50% alpaca and 50% recycled polyester.
“The Huascarán has been years in the making — shaped by a lot of ideas, testing, and collaboration along the way,” said PAKA founder Kris Cody. “Pairing recycled fishing nets with our ethical alpaca insulation is a meaningful next step in our journey towards circularity. Huge thanks to the Bureo and Pertex teams for pushing sustainable performance forward and for being such great partners in bringing this jacket to life.”
The Huascarán reflects PAKA’s commitment to style, performance, and a transparent and equitable supply chain.
PAKA + NetPlus Nylon
PAKA partnered with Bureo and Pertex to bring the Huascarán to life using NetPlus nylon. Discarded fishing nets collected from South American fishermen, who are paid for every kilogram they provide, are transformed into high-performance recycled nylon. Compared to virgin nylon, NetPlus reduces water use by 70%, fossil fuel use by 67%, and energy consumption by 68%, while maintaining the durability required for demanding mountain conditions.
“This collaboration brings together innovation and responsibility through a shared goal to make better products,” said David Stover, the co-founder of Bureo. “By pairing our NetPlus recycled materials with alpaca insulation for the first time, we’re proving that high-performance design and ethical sourcing can coexist – without compromise. Partnering with PAKA underscores our shared belief that the future of apparel lies in recognizing both people and the planet.”
The Huascarán Jacket ($399) features 130gsm insulation in the body and 110 in the sleeves. It is finished with adjustable cuffs, hem, and hood to lock in warmth.
A two-way center front zipper allows for adaptable layering and movement, reinforcing the jacket’s mountaineering roots. The shell has water-repellent coating free of any intentionally added PFAS and a durable ripstop lining designed to prevent tears and stop them from spreading.
The Huascarán Jacket is available in limited quantities.
