Podcast Episode November 6, 2023

Episode 90 | Alpaca Wool Base Layers


Episode Sponsor

a computer generated image of a man in a suit and tie
This episode of the backpacking light podcast is sponsored by ARMS OF ANDES, manufacturer of premium base layer apparel made with alpaca wool. Backpacking Light podcast listeners can enjoy 15% off with the coupon code ALPACALIGHT at armsofandes.com.

Listen

Summary

In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to talk about four season tents, a new ABC watch that could dethrone the Garmin Fenix, and alpaca wool fabrics used for next-to-skin base layer apparel.

a man wearing a beanie and a backpack

In this Episode:

What’s new at Backpacking Light?

Interview with Arms of Andes

Our guests this week are Meli and Rensso Hinostroza, co-founders of the alpaca wool apparel manufacturer Arms of Andes. We have a wide-ranging conversation about alpaca farming, alpaca fiber characteristics, the performance benefits of base layer apparel made with alpaca wool fabrics, and the sustainability of alpaca wool vs. merino wool and synthetic apparel.

Submit a Tip, Trick, or Question

Share your tips, tricks, and questions on the podcast – submit it via email to [email protected].

Featured Products

Related Content

About the Backpacking Light Podcast

Subscribe

More Episodes

Feedback, Questions, Tips?

Credits

  • Backpacking Light - Executive Producer
  • Ryan Jordan - Director and Host
  • Chase Jordan - Producer
  • Look for Me in the Mountains - Music

Sponsors

  • This episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is supported and kept advertising-free by Backpacking Light membership fees. Please consider becoming a member which helps support projects like this podcast, in addition to a whole slew of other benefits!

Contact

You can contact us at [email protected], or follow us on social media -

Disclosure

(Updated April 9, 2024)

  • Product mentions: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content.
  • Some (but not all) of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and visit one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently place an order with that retailer, we receive a commission on your entire order, which varies between 3% and 15% of the purchase price. Affiliate commissions represent less than 15% of Backpacking Light's gross revenue. More than 70% of our revenue comes from Membership Fees. So if you'd really like to support our work, don't buy gear you don't need - support our consumer advocacy work and become a Member instead.
  • Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.
Free Handbook

Get ultralight backpacking skills, gear info, philosophy, news, and more.

Home Forums Episode 90 | Alpaca Wool Baselayers

Viewing 6 posts - 26 through 31 (of 31 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #3794610
    Terran Terran
    BPL Member

    @terran

    Arms of Andes did send me an invoice. It says I owe them $23. This is nonsense. I would not advertise for them. I would not buy from them. There are better products out there from reliable sources.

    #3794611
    Terran Terran
    BPL Member

    @terran

    They raised the price after I bought it. Now they want to charge me the new price. I understand small business and getting overwhelmed. I come to BPL to support small business. Every mistake they make seems to be in their favor.
    TOTAL
    Subtotal : $135.00 USD
    Discount : -$20.25 USD
    Subtotal after discount : $114.75 USD
    Shipping : $5.95 USD
    Total : $120.70 USD
    Paid by customer : $97.75 USD
    Net Payment : $97.75 USD
    Outstanding (Customer owes) : $22.95 USD
    Description Qty Unit Price Subtotal Tax Total
    Men’s Alpaca Wool Base Layer:

    #3794621
    Ryan Jordan
    Admin

    @ryan

    Locale: Central Rockies

    Terran, this sounds like an ecommerce software glitch, not an Arms of Andes customer service issue. If they’re using Shopify, this is a known error in the platform when it comes to reconciling price increases after pre-sale or backorders. These email invoices are all automated and triggered by events, like adding inventory to the system. Why don’t you just contact them and find out what’s going on?

    #3794623
    Terran Terran
    BPL Member

    @terran

    She sent an e-mail this morning and did mention the Shopify. Gave me a prompt refund which was cool. Perhaps it is the whole Shopify thing. There’s no notifications. No tracking. I avoided pre ordering and it was treated as a preorder. She’s very nice. I’m used to long wait times. They need to inform you. It seems like nobody is overseeing anything. It’s too much hassle. Too many surprises.

    #3794666
    NoCO-Jim
    BPL Member

    @noco-jim

    Locale: NoCO

    Like you Terran Terran, I’m like the up-front notice of the terms of sale….Timmermade’s multi-month  lead time was OK with me on a couple of orders.  EnlightenEquipment’s weeks lead time is fine with my current order.  Surprises in the terms like “pre-orders”, and additional invoices suck.  I’m not looking forward to further surprises with my pending shipment with Arms.

    #3794677
    Terran Terran
    BPL Member

    @terran

    It sounds like they are getting their shipments in. Like Ryan said, it was probably a problem with Shopify that I had. Or is it “Shop”? The tracking app they want you to download. I notice Garage Grown Gear is using the same app. I’ve used it before with other companies and have found it often to be rather worthless. I canceled my order. Got a fast refund. I have a feeling they’ll be shipping out in a few days though. Hopefully. I wish them well.

Viewing 6 posts - 26 through 31 (of 31 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

Join Our Community

Become a Backpacking Light Member


Forum Access

Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads.

Premium Content

Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more.

Community Posts

Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more!

Online Education

Get unlimited access to all our online education (*Unlimited membership required).

Pack less. Be more. Become a member today!

Get Started

Loading...