Australia’s heritage shines through the names of Akubra’s hats. Many are named after places (Coober Pedy, Stony Creek, The Territory) while others are named after notaries such as the Lawson and the Banjo Paterson.

Banjo Paterson was a poet, author and journalist. Like most writers, he had a paying career and wrote on the side. At age 16 he began as a clerk in a law firm and became a lawyer when he was 22.

At age 21 he began submitting his work to the Sydney edition of The Bulletin under the pen name, “The Banjo”—the name of a favorite horse.

His poetry focused on Australian life, especially on the Bush and Outback. In 1890 he wrote, “The Man from Snowy River”, which inspired the movie by the same name. Five years later he wrote, “Waltzing Matilda”, Australia’s most famous bush ballad which was set to music in 1903. “Clancy of the Overflow”, another well-known poem was written in 1889.

Two novels include, “An Outback Marriage” and, “The Shearer’s Colt”. He also wrote many short stories.

Lyrics to Waltzing Matilda:

 

Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong
Under the shade of a coolibah tree,
And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boiled
"You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me."

 
Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
"You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me"
And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boiled,
"You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me."

 

Down came a jumbuck to drink at that billabong,
Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee,
And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag,
"You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me."

 

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
"You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me"
And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag,
"You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me."

 

Up rode the squatter, mounted on his thoroughbred,
Down came the troopers, one, two, three,
"Who’s that jolly jumbuck you’ve got in your tucker bag?"
"You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me."

 

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
"You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me"
"Where’s that jolly jumbuck you’ve got in your tucker bag?",
"You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me."

 

Up jumped the swagman and sprang into the billabong,
"You’ll never take me alive", said he,
And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong,
"You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me."

 

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
"You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me"
And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong,
"You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me."

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Some customers find it difficult to find the chinstrap hooks on our Akubra hats. This video below will help you not only find the hooks, but to attach the strap.

Chinstrap hooks are found on all of our hats except those in our Heritage Collection along with the Sydney, Stylemaster and Hemp Range. If you would like to have a chinstrap for one of these hats, we recommend a Stampede String.

We received an email from Kerry Thomas, horse training expert and founder of the Thomas Herding Technique. Kerry’s program manages equine behavior and stress management through better human/horse communication.

Kerry is a long-time wearer of Akubra hats and finds Akubra’s quality the best in the world.

“For many years I have been wearing Akubra hats. Whether developing a TV Show or working in the international horse industry; I’m in the outdoors on a daily basis. From wild horse research expeditions in Wyoming and Montana, along the Eastern Seaboard, to racing venues, dressage, eventing, reining and even developing emotional wellness programs for children by way of the horse. No matter where I have been or where I go it’s me and my “Boss” Akubra through it all, sharing the journey, making the memories.

 

I buy most of my gear at David Morgan including my Akubras and own several different styles. I find the quality of Akubra the very best in the world, and the quality of service and all products from David Morgan, second to none. It’s an honor to say this, as I demand high quality and rugged, long lasting products. It’s quite simple for me, when I’m under my Akubra, I know I’m covered.”

Kerry M Thomas/Author of “Horse Profiling: The Secret To Motivating Equine Athletes” and Founder of Thomas Herding Technique

Below are a few of the pictures Kerry sent us. Thanks again, Kerry for your kind words!

We’re often asked if you can wear an Akubra in the rain. The answer is a definite, “Yes”! There are no powders on an Akubra, so you don’t have to worry about streaking. Nor do you need a plastic rain cover—that merely keeps the felt from breathing properly and makes your head uncomfortable.

When you first buy your hat, you’ll notice that the water beads on the felt. Akubra treats the felt, which makes it water resistant for several years. After the treatment fades, you will still have a quality, water-resistant hat. The rain will soak into the felt, but it will not leak.

David has had his Bushman for about thirty years. He usually wears this hat on his daily walks. And with Seattle boasting 158 days of rain per year, he needs one.

Below are a few shots of David’s hat before and after a walk. You can be certain that your Akubra will hold up just as well!

David’s, “Bushman”, about 30 years old.

Water will still pool at the top, but at this age, it will get wet, but not leak. Newer hats which still have the treatment will not soak into the felt.

Back from a walk. The hat is soaked, but the water did not get David’s head wet.

Care instructions:

If your hat gets wet, do not heat it. Heat will shrink the felt, as well as the leather. Stand the hat upside down on its crown, or hang on a hook in a cool place and let it dry naturally. Wet felt retains the shape in which it dries, so make sure the brim and crown are shaped as you want them before drying.

For other information on hat care, please visit our site.

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