… hats! I’m quite busy upgrading kit and have ordered a couple of things which should be in the post. This means that I will have a couple of items that will be duplicated and will most probably sell or swap the excess items if I’m sure I won’t need them. I have to mention that I’ve also upgraded my hat, but unlike the other items I probably won’t do away with the surplus. I can see the furrows of your brow deepening even now, so let me explain.

Most Bushcrafters duplicate Bushcraft items at some time or other (don’t we?) They (we) upgrade them and then they see something better, thus purchasing that item. On and on it goes until the duplication is, shall we say, a little out of control. The polite term is ‘Collector’ or even ‘Connoisseur’. Some call it Kleptomania!

Everything from cooksets to tarps are collected but particularly all things shiny. Yes – nice, bright shiny things which are often sharp as well. (The twitching commences). I’ve seen a suitcase full of knives brought to a Bushmoot and a collection of torches that would keep Duracell in business for ever.

Me? Nah! I just collect hats. Are you sitting comfortably? Good. My names Pablo and I’m a Hat-a-holic. This appears to be a known term if not an absolutely correct one. Millinery-a-holic just doesn’t seem right and infers women’s headwear. No offence, but these are no good for use in the woods.

It all started with a simple boonie hat that I took with me from the Army. A standard woolly hat followed and a couple of bush-type hats after that. Soon after came the big discovery. I discovered The Ozzy style hat and I was hooked. Perfect for Bushcrafting; but I just couldn’t manage with the one. Oh no. That ‘one’ was okay for winter, but it was too thick for summer. So inevitably, a summer version followed (and spring and autumn versions). And, ah yes… one for work. But they weren’t too waterproof. A Tilley? Definitely not. Too expensive for what it is. Or maybe I should just try it on. Yes it fits; I’ll have it, thank you. How much was that? Now, what about a fleece hat for sleeping … oh and one of the ones that goes over your ears in really cold weather. I do like the look at that Jacaru Explorer on Ebay. Maybe this will be the last one. I’ll just do a quick bid on this Snowy River. Well, what do you know? I won it! What’s that he’s wearing on TV? Looks like a Rogue Fox. I wonder how much that is?

Excuse me. I must go and and take my medicine.

Pablo.