About Altiplano Insulation, Inc.

Altiplano Insulation is an outgrowth of our ranching operation, Buckhorn Llama Co. Buckhorn raises llamas for wilderness packing and provides outfitting and guiding services using llamas as pack animals, Over twenty five years of working on the mountain trails of Colorado plus daily ranch work, have given us occasion to use about every type of work and mountaineering clothing on the market.

In 1997, we happened upon some vests made from llama fabric. We wore them sparingly at first, supposing them too fragile and expensive to wear for everyday. The superior comfort, versatility, and durability became apparent. From these initial trials, our use escalated to an all out assault to find the limits of the product. We had our outdoor clientele and friends test them and their reports expanded our list of advantages and applications. It is from this hands-on perspective that we have developed designs that provide the ultimate in protection for mountaineering, skiing, hunting, fishing, work and casual wear as well as some fashion designs.

The Performance Fiber

Llama fiber provides comfort and performance superior to sheep's wool and synthetics. Of the many advantages of llama fiber, the preeminent quality is the broad comfort range (50 degrees) provided by this lightweight fiber. A hollow fiber, llama is very warm for its weight and naturally thermostatic. It also has a natural capacity to regulate moisture at a comfortable level (wicking) that is unmatched by other fibers. Llama garments shed moisture and are warm when wet. These traits endow llama fiber clothing with unusual versatility. This versatility is twofold; first in the types of garments that can be made better using llama and second in the number of uses for individual garments produced from llama. The fiber's multi-dimensional function allows the elimination of layers that are foundational to synthetic protection systems. This means fewer pieces of clothing to buy, less bulk to carry and restrict movement, and less hassle constantly adding and shedding layers to regulate body temperature. Your body, daypack, and carryon all travel lighter.