Arms of Andes 300 Lightweight Half-Zip Review

Merino wool apparel makes up a large portion (26 items reviewed at this link!) of my running kit, so I was excited when WeeViews reached out to see if I wanted to test this alpaca wool shirt. 

• 👉This comparative analysis of merino wool and alpaca wool, and even cashmere, touts alpaca wool is the superior material for withstanding outdoor exercise in all types of weather. 

After all, alpacas thrive in the high altitude South American Andes Mountains, where their coats withstand sub-zero temperatures and harsh sun and wind.
.
So, if it’s durable enough for those conditions... 

• It’s certainly durable enough for someone like me, who runs at about 1,300-3,000 feet above sea level in temperatures ranging, for the most part, from zero to 100 degrees, and 50 to 100-degree humidity. 
• More often, though, I’m running in the 20 to 80-degree Fahrenheit zone, finding myself on the extreme ends of the spectrum only once in a while. 

Other Observations:

• Too warm for humid and/ or sunny 40-degree Fahrenheit runs with little wind; I’m guessing it would be perfect for hiking or other low-output activities up to a much higher temp.
• Though it’s considered lightweight, the material feels closer to midweight or even thermal, especially when compared to the ridge merino Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck shirt and the Arc’teryx Lana Merino Wool Crew Neck Long Sleeve, both of which have a thinner or lighter weight weave than the Arms of Andes shirt.