Photo: Lachlan McKenzie
Carrington Hut has been a base for trampers and climbers for nearly 100 years. Encircled by peaks at the confluence of the White and Waimakariri rivers, it is a great place to draw inspiration for future adventures.
The hut was named for Gerard Carrington, who helped instigate the Canterbury Tramping Club in 1925. The current 32-bunk hut dates from the 1970s and is the third iteration.
From Carrington, opportunities for adventure exist in many directions, including Harman and Whitehorn passes, Barker Hut and Waimakariri Falls.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Here is inspiration to keep you walking for the next 11 months!
Quiz
The word “permolat” is used to refer to old track markers. What is the origin of the word?
A. Brand name of aluminium strips
B. Abbreviation for “permanent latch”
C. After Austrian tramper/inventor, Heinrich Permolatler
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
Current Issue - Jan/Feb 2026
50 Great walks for kids, Walk1200km in 2026, new tramping scholarship, the six best trips in Arthur’s Pass, plus, trip reports, gear guides and dozens more articles!
How stuff works
Why does wool produce heat when it is wet?
After reading a previous ‘How stuff works’ column on whether wool was warmer than synthetics, reader Matt Gumbrell says this cooment by AgResearch textile technologist Stewart Collie caught his attention: “Wool actively produces heat when it absorbs moisture.
Polypropylene has no ability to absorb moisture into the fibre. So in that sense, wool’s warmer.”
Matt wanted to know how that works. When wool absorbs moisture, whether from your sweat or rain, it releases energy called ‘heat of sorption’.
“All absorbent materials do this when they take up moisture, but because wool absorbs more than other fibres, it releases the most heat, often enough to be felt by the wearer,” says Stewart Collie, bioproduct and fibre technology lead at the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
In comparison, most synthetic materials absorb almost no moisture, meaning they have virtually no heat of sorption.
Collie explains that synthetic baselayers are usually hydrophilic, aka water-loving, designed to ‘wick’ away your sweat. “But this isn’t necessarily the best behaviour when there’s nowhere to wick the moisture to, such as when you’re wearing layers over the top,” he says.
Wool, meanwhile, is hydrophobic, aka water-hating, and struggles to displace air trapped within it when it becomes saturated. This isn’t a bad thing, though. “Air is a much better insulator than water,” Collie says. “So, I suspect that most of the time the wool garment still has some air trapped in it, helping to keep you warm, whereas with the synthetic (or cotton for that matter), the air has probably all been replaced by water.”
Want to ask the experts a question? Email [email protected] with your questions!
Featured Book
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With over 400 walks under two hours, this books makes a perfect companion for achieving your Walk1200km goals.
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Tramping calendar
See our list of upcoming tramping events and activities across the motu. Have an event you want to feature? Email us the details!
14 Feb: Outdoor Training New Zealand River Safety
Location: West Melton, Canterbury
Rivers are one of the greatest hazards in the New Zealand outdoors - learn how to read a river and where the best place to cross is. More info.
20 Feb: Ngatuhoa Camping Trip
Location: Ngatuhoa
Join the Alpine Sports club for summer camping at the beautiful Ngatuhoa lodge campsite. They have exclusive use of the campsite over this weekend. More info.
21-22 Feb: Outdoor Training New Zealand River Safety
Location: Karangahake Gorge
This course is designed for hikers to help plan for journeys that may involve rivers and bodies of water; to develop river safety skills, including hazard assessment and river crossing techniques. More info.
27 Feb: Wanaka Crag Fest 2026
Location: Wanaka
The New Zealand Alpine Club and Wānaka Climbing Club are pleased to present Wānaka Crag Fest 2026. This event is a sustainable and inclusive rock-climbing event which promotes community and best practice. Enjoy climbing with new and old friends, learn new skills at the climbing clinics, and enjoy the evenings with events and social gatherings. More info.
28 Feb - 1 March: OTNZ Canterbury Bushcraft course
Location: Craigieburn Trails, Castle Hill
This overnight course will endeavour to develop your personal practical skills and prepare you for tramping safely in the outdoors, led by qualified instructors. More info.
Quiz
Answer A - Brand name of aluminium strips
Permolat was the brand name of aluminium strips used to make Venetian blinds that were repurposed by the NZ Forest Service from the 1960s-1980s to mark bush tracks. The strips were cut into short lengths and nailed to trees at eye level to guide trampers.
Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.
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