Shemagh uses

marthinus

marthinus

Joined
Dec 10, 2006
Messages
5,951
It seems to me that a Shemagh might be something very handy to have when in the outdoors,protection from sun, something warm around the head, but I have limited experience with these, nor have really seen any.

Any thoughts/opinions on the usefulness or un-usefulness of this when hiking or camping?
 
dust mask, cold wind mask (think cowboys)
sun shield when worn under your hat to protect your neck
scarf to keep yourself a little bit warmer.
Triangle bandage
pot holder


Those are the uses I find myself utilizing the most, I'm sure others will chime in soon.

For backpacking though, to save weight, I can generally get most of those capabilities out of a 3' by 3' silk handkerchief.
 
stingray4540

Thanks. The dust mask idea sold me and I ordered one. I never thought about dust and that is a major concern for me.
 
Maybe it's all about creativity. I have one, mostly have used it as a scarf. The individual threads are larger than those in a bandana. Based on that, there will be many differences in uses.
A bandana is better for some, cowboy dustmask works for most, but is not a scarf. Nor can a bandana cover your head and face, and keep you as warm.
The shemagh is large enough to be a towel, a pillow, a belt, and many other things.
 
stingray4540 said:
dust mask, cold wind mask (think cowboys)
sun shield when worn under your hat to protect your neck
scarf to keep yourself a little bit warmer.
Triangle bandage
pot holder


Those are the uses I find myself utilizing the most, I'm sure others will chime in soon.

For backpacking though, to save weight, I can generally get most of those capabilities out of a 3' by 3' silk handkerchief.
Click to expand...

I will add face cloth, toilet paper, neck warmer, fire starter, cleaning rag, rope, adequate water filter, tornique, multiple medical uses, as above protection from the elements, bag for holding dtuff and anything else you could imagine

I wear one whenever Im in the field for work and they are great, very handy peice of kit if its exposed and windy or cold, If Im not wearing it it goes in my pack. they are worth every cent, not the lightest or compact item out there but very versatile and handy and can take the place of other peices of kit in a survival situation
 
If dust is an issue, you can pick up a face mask free from your local hospital or for a couple of dollars at your drug store. They don't weigh anything and can come in handy.
 
I've used mine for allsorts, but my favorite has to be stretching it out over my head as a sort of small portable sunshade.
only problem I've ever had is the endless fun of finding the best way to wear it. there are so many, I can't decide!
 
can be used as a bag for carrying fruits,berries ,stuff like that
 
I use mine to make me look like an Arab. :rolleyes:

Come on, what does shemagh do that you can't do with a scarf or towel? :confused:

How about a babushka?

497
 
I use mine mainly as a scarf but it is also useful when trying to blend in at pretentious coffee shops or other places frequented by hipsters.
:D
 
I bought my first one in Saudi Arabia back during the Gulf War. I recently rediscovered my original handmade keffiyeh (aka shemagh) while going through my military gear box. I used it for everything from keeping dust out of my face to an arm sling. It's cool during the summer and warm during the winter. I don't know how or why it happens but it really does change with the season. Very versatile.

I had to dye mine when I found it. It was stained terribly so rather than bleach it I dyed it green/grey. Looks a lot better.
 
I have one, but don't use it much. I typically carry a recon wrap or a buff. The shemagh is great, but I like something I can tuck in a pocket.
 
I totally thought this was about cigarettes, I've been calling them shemaghles for years.

I think most of the uses have been stated, filter, carrying device, strips for stuff, cordage maybe, fires, all you need to do is lay it across your thigh and scrap it with your knife, instant cotton balls.

Signals, brace, net, that's all I can think of now.
 
Its one of those "duct tape" wonders. You can use it for just about anything, from bandages and slings to sun protection and hobo-sacks. I keep one in my pack all the time, and wear it to protect my neck playing Paintball. Its just so damn versatile, and its pretty fashionable too.
 
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