Review: Alpacas of Montana Extreme Warmth Layers
All it takes is a couple frostbit toes and white-tipped ears for a guy to swear off hunting in eastern Montana. If only there was a way to stay as warm as the critters out there. Well, Alpacas of Montana is paving—er… weaving, the way. Alpaca fur—similar to deer and elk hair—is hollow, meaning it traps heat, helping these four-legged creatures survive some of the harshest conditions on earth, eastern Montana be damned. This Bozeman-based company’s Extreme Warmth Base Layer Bottoms stand up to the cold, and are thicker than just about any other long underwear on the market. They’re made for the coldest of all cold days, when it hurts just to step out of the truck.
In terms of materials the leggings are 52% alpaca, 32% cotton, and 16% Lycra, which gives them a good amount of flexibility when hiking uphill or crawling around over logs. Alpacas of Montana takes pride in the fact that their alpaca fibers aren’t chemically washed, like Merino wool, so the individual fur strands still have microscopic barbules that help to retain heat and wick away moisture. As far as the cotton goes, I wouldn’t know there was any in these skivvies if it wasn’t on the label. They’re naturally water resistant (another quality of alpaca fleece), so unless it’s raining—which has been known to happen during Montana general rifle season—I’m not concerned about trudging around in the woods with them.
Materials aside, the long underwear are thoughtfully designed, with four-way stretch panels in the glutes, tapered cuffs, and a snug, stretchy waist band. All said and done, though, they’re pretty heavy. I wouldn’t bring them backpacking, but have no hesitations taking them on a day-hunt, especially if I know I’m going to be sitting for a long time—be that in a boat, a tree stand, or an exposed field waiting for a flock of geese.
In terms of overall fit, the sizing is a bit unusual. I’m 6’ 2” and typically wear 33x34 in pants, and a size medium fits me perfectly. I usually wear a large in leggings from other brands, but was swimming in an Alpacas of Montana large. Before purchasing a pair, it would be well worth swinging by the storefront off S. Cottonwood Road to try on a few sizes.
While you’re out there, check out the Extreme Warmth WindStopper Hat as well. When the temperatures drop, this two-layer cap is a necessary companion. A PolarTech Fleece lining provides wind protection, while the alpaca-fur outer is water resistant, so I can wear it in a snowstorm. My favorite feature is the foldable ear flap, which I can flip up when creeping through timber and want to hear the faintest of noises. When the November prairie wind is whipping, though, and I’m trudging back to the truck, I can flip them down for serious warmth. A shallow brim also provides some protection, and is nice for blocking glare on sunny winter days as well. Finally, an adjustable drawstring in the rear pulls everything snug. The hat is available in four colors, including a blaze-orange scheme specifically for hunters.
$220 for the leggings; $98 for the hat. Both are available at the Alpacas of Montana storefront off S. Cottonwood Road in Bozeman, or online at alpacasofmontana.com.
