It might be different story if I was going on a specialist excursion, say hiking or climbing, but for trotting around the local woods, all I really need is something to keep warm and relatively dry.

Starting from the top down, my winter hat of choice is a thermal fleece hat which pulls down over your ears. Great for cold, dry weather conditions, but not particularly waterproof. When it’s raining, more often than not, the Tilley T3 goes on. The Tilley is the most expensive single item retailing at £45, but despite initial skepticism, I can confirm it’s one of my best all round hats. (“How many do you have then?” I hear you cry…Well that’s another story for another post!) I’m still amazed at the Tilley’s waterproof properties and it’s very comfortable to wear in summer or winter.

You should already know that layering clothing is essential for cold weather. I usually wear a T-shirt that wicks away moisture with a thin fleece-type under-shirt that zips up to the neck as a base and first layer. It’s important to cover the neck area because nearly as much heat is lost here as is lost through the top of the head. I usually wear a cotton neck scarf or bandana or, in colder weather, a thick shemagh type scarf. When the temperature really drops, a second fleece jacket acts as the mid-layer. I buy these fleeces at our local market and they don’t amount to much more than £15 each. Although made of man-made material, they have several uses: I normally use mine as a pillow at night but have also used it for extra insulation under the hammock. They are light enough to be stashed away in a pack when you get too warm. They’re not really windproof but they will take the chill off the wind when you’re working (as opposed to just sitting around.)

On top of this I wear what I’ve come to consider is the most practical Bushcrafting coat. This is a wax jacket. Not the expensive Barbour ones, but a cheap imitation, again not costing much more than £25. Mine is a little lighter in weight than some I’ve seen and not quite as thick, which means that movement isn’t constrained and you’re not weighed down by the heavier material (some can be quite heavy). The wax material is quite waterproof although certainly not 100%. I’ve actually never re-waxed my jacket but as I’m never too far away from a tarp or poncho, I don’t consider that 100% waterproofing for a jacket is all that necessary. I’m certainly not afraid of pushing through thorns or doing knife work in the jacket, and of course, not afraid of sparks from a fire.

The trousers I wear are the cargo type. I like the vast amount of pockets. I buy these cheaply on-line at Surplus and Adventure, so again I’m not frightened to put a couple of knife nicks in them. During colder weather, thermals are worn under these.

Winter footwear usually consists of Wellington or rubber boots with insulating boots socks. Again, I wouldn’t wear these on any excursion where walking any distance was necessary as there is absolutely no air-flow or ventilation, but for tramping about soggy woodland, ‘Wellies’ are ideal. The price is quite attractive too. £8-50!

Total cost of kitting out – no more than £100 from top to bottom. That’s not to say if you gave me a few spare dollars I wouldn’t go out and buy a Swanndri Ranger shirt, Mosgiel Bushshirt, Fjallraven trousers and Tahr anorak (total cost approx. £555).

Pablo

… 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.