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Alpaca

T

Tapeworm

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Feb 19, 2018
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John Eberhart said:
I don't know if they are better than merino wool, but they are definitely as good if they are the same weight and heft. I have about 40 pairs of merino wool socks of all weights and they are awesome. I got 2 pairs of Alpaca socks last fall and wore them during season and they are also awesome. They are definitely the best 2 types of socks for warmth. I used to represent Icebreaker which makes the best merino wool socks out there as they own their own herds of merino sheep.

Ever wonder why merino wool doesn't itch and regular wool does???

Merino sheep are raised in New Zeeland at altitudes from 5,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level. Sheep are raised at sea level or slightly higher elevations.

There are no flies at elevations above 5,000 feet where merino sheep are raised.

There are files at the altitudes sheep are raised.

When sheep have dung on their wool fibers from lying in it and down their rear flanks, the flies eat at it and knick or make barbs in the wool fibers. When they are sheared all the wool gets mixed together and the knicks in the fibers cause the irritation and itching.

Because there are no flies at the altitudes merino sheep are raised, their wool fibers do not get knicks and therefore don't irritate the skin and cause itching.

Merino sheep also have different wool fibers due to the -10 degree to 100 degree temperature ranges they are raised in and therefore their fibers insulate in cold weather and actually keep you cool in warm weather. Merino wool fibers are also great at adsorbing odors. You can wear a merino wool garment for several days before you can smell yourself. They are awesome layering garments.
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Thanks for sharing ur merino knowledge

That was pretty cool to learn


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S

Shot thru

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Jan 7, 2019
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Wool has scales on the outside of the fiber shaft. How flat these scales lay against the fiber shaft determines how scratchy the wool feels. The scales on fine merino wool as well as those on alpaca fleece lay almost flat on the fiber shaft where scratchy wool has scales that stand up on the fiber shaft. Damage to the fiber from insects could add to this scratchiness. The warmth of alpaca garments stems from the fineness of the fibers. 10 years ago alpaca fleece was generally finer than merino but I feel the difference today is less due to selective breeding of sheep. Alpaca is probably still finer than most wool on the market. I have been raising alpacas for over 15 years and have tried many garments including socks, sweater, hats, gloves and jackets. There is a wide range of quality depending where you get them. I have found the socks to be warmer and wear better than the wool blends I have tried. I wear an alpaca sweater as a mid layer and a felted hat. This stuff will definitely keep you warm. Whether it is better than wool depends on the particular items. If I could find an alpaca base layer I would definitely give them a try.
 
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D

DaveT1963

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Vendor Rep
Dec 2, 2014
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Shot thru said:
Wool has scales on the outside of the fiber shaft. How flat these scales lay against the fiber shaft determines how scratchy the wool feels. The scales on fine merino wool as well as those on alpaca fleece lay almost flat on the fiber shaft where scratchy wool has scales that stand up on the fiber shaft. Damage to the fiber from insects could add to this scratchiness. The warmth of alpaca garments stems from the fineness of the fibers. 10 years ago alpaca fleece was generally finer than merino but I feel the difference today is less due to selective breeding of sheep. Alpaca is probably still finer than most wool on the market. I have been raising alpacas for over 15 years and have tried many garments including socks, sweater, hats, gloves and jackets. There is a wide range of quality depending where you get them. I have found the socks to be warmer and wear better than the wool blends I have tried. I wear an alpaca sweater as a mid layer and a felted hat. This stuff will definitely keep you warm. Whether it is better than wool depends on the particular items. If I could find an alpaca base layer I would definitely give them a try.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. I have an alpaca sock made by the rancher that is far superior to any merino wool I have ever bought. I wish I could find a really well made, quality vest as I would be all over that. Same for a toboggan hat.
 
USSHornet

USSHornet

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Mar 25, 2018
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DaveT1963 said:
I agree with this. I have an alpaca sock made by the rancher that is far superior to any merino wool I have ever bought. I wish I could find a really well made, quality vest as I would be all over that. Same for a toboggan hat.
Click to expand...

O man I would jump at a vest too...I have a merino vest and I really like it.


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