Head cover

Joined
Aug 7, 2005
Messages
4,741
Hello

I'm spending more and more time in the woods (yay) and I think I should get something to cover my head. I'm not really into hats or caps. I always have sunglasses though (and sunscreen).

Maybe a simple headwrap/Doorag? Or a Recon Wrap?

I know I should get a Boonie hat for long hikes or very sunny days... but only in last resort.
 
Dont know what the terrian is like where you are Canuk but agree that using a shem or recon wrap is a good idea. my head dosent have much hair left and UV boiling down on the pate and the back of the neck is kind of unpleasing. if your're going outdoors you should wear something that sheilds or shades your head and neck, if it doesnt have a bill then wear sunglasses of some kind too.
 
Best place to get a shemagh? I'm looking to get a boonie or a tilley, but I've heard shemaghs are very versatile.
 
Buffs and Recon Wraps are great, but nothing beats a cotton bandana for versatility (sling, pre-filter to make your water filter last longer, pot grip, bandage/pressure bandage, soak with water and wrap around your neck or head for cooling, get a bright color for signaling, get one with directions for first aid, knots, survival instructions, etc. on it, hand towel, tuck under a ball cap to protect the back of your neck from sun/insects, etc. etc. etc.)

I find shemaghs too large and bulky to really be useful, personally. If you're going to go with something that large, consider a rayon sarong, which will be about as bulky but is much larger, but has a billion uses (like a gigantic bandana). I like to carry one when traveling because it can be used as a light hammock for rest stops, towel, cover up, etc. and if you're a woman then it can also be used as a skirt, shawl, etc. Truly versatile.
 
... what's the diff between the buff and the recon wrap? They look quite similar to me.
 
They are about the same. The Buff has a few models with extra features, like cold weather versions. I always carry a Recon Wrap. Even in summer it's not too heavy to use as a non-slip mask in smoke situations,.
 
I find shemaghs too large and bulky to really be useful, personally. If you're going to go with something that large, consider a rayon sarong, which will be about as bulky but is much larger, but has a billion uses (like a gigantic bandana). I like to carry one when traveling because it can be used as a light hammock for rest stops, towel, cover up, etc. and if you're a woman then it can also be used as a skirt, shawl, etc. Truly versatile.


The Sarongs are awesome, truly versatile indeed :thumbup: I had a lavalava a close Samoan friend of mine gave to me, somehow I lost it:grumpy:. I should ask my GF for one of her pareu's ...I don't mind the pretty patterns and colors :D

Those Buffs do look useful, might have to pick one up. Thanks for the link Pit :thumbup: ETA: Damn, I couldn't resist buying one when I saw a "Mokupuni" Buff :p:D
 
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I own a TAD gear Shemagh. I use it in the winter as a scarff. I like it, just a bit too bulky for a headwrap. For me anyways..

I stick to a bandanna, or I have a sweet Patagonia boonie that folds up in itself and is lightweight, and dries quick.

Tilleys are nice, but Ive never owned one b/c I dont like the way they look on me.

Those Buffs are sweet. I think im gonna order one to try out. Looks handy for mountain biking under my helmet.

ETA: just ordered me the cashmere kaky!
 
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From what I saw, recon wrap seems to be a "tactical" buff. I see some local stores carry Buffs, I'll take a look.
 
I prefer a broad brimmed hat when in the field, liking the extra protection it offers me.

I often wear a Tilley Hemp Hat, or other broad brimmed felt or straw hat, depending on the weather conditions.





Big Mike

”Scaring the tree huggers.”


Forest & Stream
 
I have a surplus GI boonie as well for the outdoors.

For general wear though, here in my country we have a native kerchief orginally used by the Maranaw and T'Boli tribes of Southern Philippines called a "tubaw". It's about the same size as the regular kerchief used as head wrap but the cloth is of a rougher material and the designs are usually squarish, almost Scottish tartan-like in design but with varied colors.


Tboli-siblings.jpg



Kerchief, sweat band, head wrap, tie, packaging and water filter if needed.
 
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The Sarongs are awesome, truly versatile indeed :thumbup: I had a lavalava a close Samoan friend of mine gave to me, somehow I lost it:grumpy:. I should ask my GF for one of her pareu's ...I don't mind the pretty patterns and colors :D

Those Buffs do look useful, might have to pick one up. Thanks for the link Pit :thumbup: ETA: Damn, I couldn't resist buying one when I saw a "Mokupuni" Buff :p:D
A Good idea.
 
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