Episode 90 | Alpaca Wool Base Layers
Episode Sponsor
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 ALPACALIGHTÂ at armsofandes.com.
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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.
In this Episode:
What’s new at Backpacking Light?
- Upcoming Live Event – November Office Hours
- October 23, 2023 Newsletter – 4 Season Ultralight Shelters, Outdoor Vitals, and more!
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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.
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Featured Products
- Arms of Andes Alpaca Wool Baselayers
- Tarptent Notch Li with Solid Inner
- Tarptent Dipole 1 DW with Solid Inner
- Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 ABC Watch
- Ombraz Armless Sunglasses
Related Content
- Gear Testing and Research: Why is my Base Layer Soaked?
- Gear Testing and Research: By the Numbers: What’s the Best Baselayer?
- Wilderness Skills: How to Choose and Use Ultralight Baselayers
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Credits
Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
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Disclosure
Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content. Some (but not all) of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links. Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.
Discussion
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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.
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:
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?
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.
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.
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.
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