The best freezer sock – Always interested in finding better ways to keep freezer store workers feet warm, Vector Logistics Manager Jurie Schoeman and Warehouse Controller Shafiek Isaacs contacted Barpro to spearhead our search for the ultimate cold storage sock. For a week, Keith Bosman, a 27 year old cold store picker at Vector Logistics in Bellville, Cape Town, wore 5 different types of sock and provided us with feedback after each shift. Specific factors which he had to comment on included comfort, warmth, dampness and smell. The socks trialled were: Cape Mohair wool mix New Zealand Possum wool mix A sock with a mixture of acrylic and nylon which is supplied by Delf Coldwear Cape Alpaca fur And a typical woollen safety sock Keith found the woollen and possum socks were shorter than required but all were easy to put on, soft and comfortable. Wearing a standard cold store safety boot Keith’s feet were still slightly cold at the end of every shift after being in the cold store for approximately 8 hours. His feet were also slightly moist from perspiration but did not smell. Interestingly, feet and hands continue to perspire even in cold temperatures. Something that is also challenging to soldiers in combat situations. It is a good idea to change your socks at about lunch time to give your socks time to dry. In 3rd place was the Cape Mohair sock In 1838 Sultan Mahmad II of the Ottoman Empire sent twelve neutered rams and one female to Port Elizabeth. He neutered the rams to prevent breeding in South Africa but the female was pregnant with a kid ram which is how the South African mohair industry began. Now the Karoo produces the most Angora goat mohair in the world. Mohair is an antibacterial and insulated fibre which prevents moisture from clinging to the skin. For more information visit www.capemohair.co.za or call +27 21 534 4134 In 2nd place was the New Zealand Possum sock The Australian bushtail possum were released in New Zealand from 1837 to develop a fur industry but it was not long before it became a noxious pest. Its hair is hollow and reported to be the warmest in the world after the polar bear and arctic fox. It is also very durable. Fairly new to the market and manufactured in Hawkes Bay New Zealand, the possum sock is a combination of possum fur and wool making it soft, lightweight and naturally breathable. Although a bit shorter than he would’ve liked, Keith found the possum sock to be easy to put on, comfortable and warm. The possum sock can be purchased from $NZD17.50 excluding freight and duties. A minimum order amount is required. For more information contact Peter Scott at Pacific Consumables (NZ) Ltd on +64 6 8421468 or via peter@pacconnz.co.nz The winner is….The Cape Alpaca sock The first herd of alpaca was imported to South Africa in November 2000 by a Capetonian dentist who had developed a love for the alpaca whilst on holiday on a farm in Australia. Originally found in South America, about 5000 years ago the alpaca were thought to be a gift from the Sun-God Inti and their wool was only used for godlike kings and their kin. The luxurious and fine quality fibres of almost 200 alpaca are farmed and processed in the agricultural farm town of Wellington in the Western Cape by Stephen and Linda Nessworth. Using milling machinery the fleece is spun and used to make a range of knitwear including scarves and blankets with the production of their socks being done by a local sock knitter. The alpaca fibres are smooth yet strong making it extra soft and breathable, superior in strength and resilient. The cost of alpaca socks is approximately R190.00 per pair excluding delivery and can be purchased from Cape Alpaca Products on 021 873 6242 or email stephen@quenti.co.za and linda@quenti.co.za Barpro Storage would like to thank the team at Vector Logistics for their assistance and use of their time and feedback.
