About Altiplano Insulation, Inc.

History

Altiplano Insulation was started in 1989 by Stan and Dianne Ebel. The clothing produced by Altiplano Insulation is born of the same pioneering spirit that has marked the Ebel family’s involvement with llamas since 1977.  Recognition and appreciation of the llama’s unique traits and their practical relevance to the U.S. culture and economy has been the driving force of the Ebel’s  llama-based businesses.  Just as their breeding operation, Great Divide Llamas, and their wilderness packing business, Buckhorn Llama Co., Inc., have lead the way for the utility applications of llamas in the U.S., Altiplano Insulation is leading the way in producing llama fiber clothing.

The concept of outerwear made from llama fiber is the by-product of the Ebels’ 30 plus years using llamas as wilderness pack animals.  The hardy and adaptable animals are always comfortable, whether toiling in the heat of the Utah desert or wintering in the subzero nights of the Colorado foothills.  This phenomenon is attributable to the fact llamas are always dressed appropriately wearing llama fiber coats.  After the Buckhorn crew, guides, and clients began wearing vests made of llama fiber on the ranch and mountain trails, it was apparent this product was special.  The garments’ lightweight warmth and wide comfort range, as well as their resilience and durability, made them year round favorites. The response to those first vests was so positive and the possibilities created so numerous, that commercial production seemed not only warranted, but demanded.   

 

Philosophy

In 1999, the Ebels formed Altiplano Insulation, Inc. The focus of the new company was the production of llama fiber outerwear in traditional, functional styles that endure as long as the fabric they are made from. Emphasis has been placed on producing high quality fabric that meets exacting specifications, designs that are comfortable yet fashionable, and construction that is durable. Our fabric and design consultants set high standards and closely monitor the quality of our production. Their standards have us dealing domestically and internationally for the best materials and production.

Additionally, we place a great deal of emphasis on the sustainability of our product.  Llama fiber is an all natural product with innate properties that impart phenomenal performance, maintenance, and durability at a very low cost to the environment.  We have organized our production processes, distribution, and sales to meet the sustainability standard set by the fiber itself.  We continue to look for new trims, production processes, and systems that reduce our environmental footprint and increase the sustainability of our product.  It is also important to us that the growers and artisans of the Altiplano producing and processing the fiber share in the success of this product.  Their experience, knowledge, and expertise make our product a reality.   Read More .

Our company strives to limit our environmental footprint and improve our sustainability in practical ways in our daily operations.

• Cool season thermostats are set at 60 degrees in the office and the warehouse is unheated.  We wear Altiplano clothing so we work comfortably while saving fuel.  We have no air conditioning and employ natural ventilation during the day and evacuation fans at night during the warm season.
• We employ natural light and low consumption fluorescent lighting in the office and warehouse.
• We reuse shipping cartons, plastic bags, hangers, and office supplies whenever possible to eliminate the energy consumption of recycling.
• We recycle metals, electronics and their accessories, plastics, and oil that can’t be reused to eliminate landfill disposal. 
• We sell primarily online to eliminate the impact of creating physical stores and travel involved with brick and mortar retail.

Today

The American market has responded well to our initial production and reinforced our belief that there is a growing demand for our type of clothing.  Americans are moving away from trendy, disposable clothing that is low performing and resource consumptive. They are replacing that clothing with high quality garments that are comfortable, versatile, and fashionable; pieces that endure and become favorites.  Altiplano clothing fits precisely in that mold.  The comments we hear most from our customers is, “I wear it all the time” or “it’s a great value because I wear it so much”.  Repeat customers and referrals generate a significant portion of our present business.  We also depend on input and feedback from our customers for improving our products and service. We sell online and through select specialty retailers to assure personal service and accurate product representation.

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.