The perfect blend of alpaca fibers and EcoWool®
You may have noticed that alpaca is having quite a moment, with it popping up in apparel, home goods, and outdoor gear. And for good reason! As a cousin to wool, it’s just as amazing for so many reasons, but it’s got an extra benefit that sheep’s wool doesn’t, making it an ideal material for certain applications.
It’s even showing up in one of our newest products—meet the Ultralight Alpaca Comforter!
Curious? Let’s learn more.
All About Alpaca
Alpaca can do everything wool can do:
- Breathability & Moisture Wicking. Alpaca fibers create a wonderful loft in wool batting, allowing airflow and preventing heat build-up. When alpaca wool encounters moisture, the fibers quickly go to work, wicking it toward the core and away from the surface, keeping you drier.
- Allergies & Sensitivities. As with our all wool comforters, there are zero chemicals and zero allergy or sensitivity concerns. And anyone with a dust mite or down feather allergy can rest easy—this is a fantastic hypoallergenic down alternative.
- Durability & Longevity. Our handmade alpaca wool comforter will retain its loftiness for years to come. Just be sure to give it a good refluffing when you change the bed.
- Humane Animal Treatment. The alpaca fibers come from USA-raised alpaca farms, and they are treated just as humanely as the sheep who give us our regionally-sourced EcoWool®.
- Maintenance & Cleaning. Easy peasy! The Ultralight Alpaca Comforter only requires a quick spot cleaning when needed, a quick fluffing when changing the bed, and an occasional sun bathing session once or twice a year. Unlike synthetics, this comforter won’t take on dust mites and other allergens over time.
So what’s the difference between wool and alpaca?
Alpaca fibers are hollow, allowing for even greater moisture wicking and, believe it or not, even better insulating power than wool. Alpaca is indeed warmer per gram of fiber than wool! That’s why this comforter is lighter in weight, but not in insulation.
However, given alpaca’s silky smooth fiber surface, it’s not quite as durable as wool. That’s why we use a blend of alpaca and EcoWool for the ultimate in lightweight, durable insulation.
The Ultralight Alpaca Comforter
We take layers of the luxuriously soft alpaca-EcoWool blend batting and then wrap it up in smooth, undyed, organic cotton sateen fabric. We stitch it lovingly by hand and when it’s finished, we measure it and give it a good lookover to make sure it’s just right.
To protect your investment, we recommend covering your alpaca comforter with an organic cotton duvet cover—check out our selection, with several options from Coyuchi and one made right here in house.
The Ultralight Alpaca Comforter is perfect for the person who loves a lighter weight comforter, but doesn’t want synthetic poly fill or the allergies and inhumane animal treatment karma of down feathers. But don’t forget—just because it’s lighter in feel, doesn’t mean it’s a lightweight when it comes to keeping you at just the right level of toasty warmth all night long.
Along with all of these benefits, this comforter is also eco-friendly with its renewable fibers, organic and responsibly managed materials, and biodegradability. Plus, it’s made right here in the USA, so you’re helping us support home team workers and farmers, and you’re supporting our small business too.
The Ultralight Alpaca Comforter is the choice for savvy folks looking for a touch of luxury while honoring their health and aligning with sustainable values.
Experience Naturally Better Sleep
You won’t find the Ultralight Alpaca Comforter anywhere else—it’s exclusive to Shepherd’s Dream! It might just be the sleep sanctuary upgrade you’ve been looking for, though we won’t tell if it also finds its way to the couch for snuggly movie nights.
Thanks so much for joining us today! If you’re looking for more earth-friendly, wool-loving content, we’ve got you covered:
- Made in the USA, and Why It Matters
- Letting Your Bed Breathe: A Case for Not Making the Bed
- It’s a Whole Vibe: Why You Need All-Natural Mattresses in Your Life
Be sure to give us a follow on Instagram, and sign up for our Ewe’s Letter below if you’re not already a Dream Team insider. Until we see you again—sweet dreams!
