Re-cap
Toques (Canadian for beanie) would have to be the most underrated piece of kit. With Christmas and the festive season since the last article in September, there’s been a few new additions to the collection. A re-cap may be in order here: https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/stations/macquarie-island/2025/26-september/ and yes, the pun is intended.
It’s a bit like Goldilocks finding the one just right, with the right fit and thickness for the task at hand. Then there’s the all important air permeability, as Macquarie Island is windy if nothing else. So let’s dive a little deeper into the rabbit hole of air permeability. Air permeability is the windproofness of the fabric, or in this case the critical hook or needle size and tension plied to the wool during the knit or crochet. So if the wind is whistling through these puppies, there’s high air permeability and a really cold head underneath it, and we don’t want that. Low air permeability keeps the wind at bay and translates to warmth, which is a good thing. But if it gets too warm, that can lead to moisture build up, and that’s bad. It’s got to be just right. Hopefully that helps with the Goldilocks analogy?
Anyway, getting back on track here. These suckers have been multiplying like rabbits with several new models on display. Got one for each day of the week now, and some. And with the colour schemes on selection, all set for all moods and seasons, and of course permeability. And speaking of models, Brian has again selflessly donated his time in modelling the additions to the collection; but he’s still not speaking to me. I call the latest editions to the collection Fire, Ice, and of course the Aurora.
Keep your head warm out there, and firmly attached to the body!
Dave Bone, Senior Field Training Officer
