Shemagh, one of the most versatile gears you may carry:

[Kookork]

The keffiyeh, also known as shemagh , or in Persian (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_language) chafiye , and in Kurdish (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdish_language) cemedanî , is a traditional Arab (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_people) headdress (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headdress) fashioned from a square, usually cotton, scarf. It is typically worn by Arab men, as well as some Kurds (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdish_people).

It is commonly found in arid regions to provide protection from direct sun exposure (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_exposure), as well to protect the mouth and eyes from blown dust and sand.( Wikipedia)

Shemagh is one of the most versatile gears you can carry and recently more and more hikers have started to appreciate its versatility. Some hikers believe it is useful just in arid and hot climates but I think it works in every situation , wet, dry, summer,winter and almost every where. Here is the list of potential uses of shemagh:

As a pillow cover

Extra shoulder pad

Warming belt( around the waist)

Covering the food to protect it from flies

Sun protection for the neck and face ( and bug protection at the same time)

Wiping off the sweat from face

Bandage

Arm sling

Keep the hiker cool( by dipping it in the water and wrapping it around the neck or over the head in hot days)

Keep the hiker warm ( wrapping around the neck and head in the cold weather)

Carrying stuff for a short hikes around the base camp( works as a pouch and can be wrapped around the waist)

Helping in collecting fruits and vegetables

Dust mask

Smoke mask( especially when wet)

Works as a towel after a shower or after a dip in a lake( ditching your towel when carrying the shemagh is a wise UL move)

Tourniquet

Works as a small cushion when folded up( hard surface blanket)

Gathering water in the mornings from morning dew

Covering your eyes when light is too much to sleep

As a pot holder

As a water filter

Bug net when having a nap in woods during the day

Drying tent after or during the rain

Works as a rope to help the other hiker up in rocks and boulders when hand is not long enough to reach the other hiker

Ps: I personally prefer the traditional pure cotton for shemagh since many of the uses of shemagh is dependent on the cotton fabric. It is normally around 40X40 inches and weighs around 4 to 6 ounces .

Heavy duty and thick shemaghs are not the best for hiking especially in warmer weathers . My choice is the ones around 4 Oz for summer and 6 Oz for winters. Darker colors work better in cold weathers and lighter color work best in warmer climates.

It is one of the gears that when you start using , after a while you start to think what the heck I was doing when not using them?

Cheap(around 4 to 12 bucks), versatile, light and durable.

Here is how to order…:banana


Kookork

[Slo-go'en]

I use a bandanna - same princable, smaller size.

[Kookork]

With all respect, Bandana is too small to do many jobs that a Shemagh can do.We need to carry our towel when using bandana since it is too small to be able to dry the body after a shower for example but as you said the same principle but not as versatile as a shemagh.

[Namtrag]

Thanks, Kookork. I would like to spend the small amount of money and try one out. Can you recommend a good one? I hear the Pakistani ones are best from what I am reading, but let me know what you think

[max patch]

http://www.valkyrietactical.com/images/howtotie16nj.jpg

[Kookork]

Thanks, Kookork. I would like to spend the small amount of money and try one out. Can you recommend a good one? I hear the Pakistani ones are best from what I am reading, but let me know what you think

You are welcome Namtrag. I recommend this one:


http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Shemagh-Lightweight-Arab-Desert-Scarf-Keffiyah-/290554958371?pt=US_Scarves_Wraps&var&hash=item43a66cd223&_uhb=1

I have had no experience with Pakistani shemagh so I can't be a reliable source about recommending them.

[da fungo]

Any textile item, like a T shirt, that I've ever bought which originated in Pakistan was....less than high quality, to be polite.

[Kookork]

http://www.valkyrietactical.com/images/howtotie16nj.jpg

Nice addition to the thread. Thanks Max.

[Kookork]

Any textile item, like a T shirt, that I've ever bought which originated in Pakistan was....less than high quality, to be polite.

I don't know about the Pakistani shemagh quality but about other textiles I am with you all the way.

[waterman1148]

I don't think I'd be able to wear that hiking in the south. For more than one reason.

[Kookork]

I don't think I'd be able to wear that hiking in the south. For more than one reason.

That stigma with the shemagh has been long gone but if you are still concerned you can use the plain white or one color or camouflage shemaghs that are now plenty in the market. About more than one reason , I am clueless unless you enlighten me. But hey HYOH. You will definitely do just fine without a shemagh either.

[hikerboy57]

I don't think I'd be able to wear that hiking in the south. For more than one reason.

That stigma with the shemagh has been long gone but if you are still concerned you can use the plain white or one color or camouflage shemaghs that are now plenty in the market. About more than one reason , I am clueless unless you enlighten me. But hey HYOH. You will definitely do just fine without a shemagh either. the stigma is far from long gone

[Kookork]

I wish it goes sooner than later because it is a great piece of gear to use. I personally have had no bad judgment here in Canada while hiking but if you say it is still there , then it is still there. I trust your judgment HB.

[hikerboy57]

I wish it goes sooner than later because it is a great piece of gear to use. I personally have had no bad judgment here in Canada while hiking but if you say it is still there , then it is still there. I trust your judgment HB. unfortunate but true

[Rain Man]

I don't think I'd be able to wear that hiking in the south. For more than one reason.

I bet it if had the right college football emblem on it (or maybe NASCAR?), that's one reason you'd have no trouble at all in the South!

Give me a deep orange one with Clemson Tiger paws on it! :)

Rain:sunMan

.

[Rasty]

I bet it if had the right college football emblem on it (or maybe NASCAR?), that's one reason you'd have no trouble at all in the South!

Give me a deep orange one with Clemson Tiger paws on it! :)

Rain:sunMan

.

That would do it! Might create a different problem if it's the "wrong" team.

[hikerboy57]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl0DD_MYqZU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl0DD_MYqZU

[Gray Blazer]

That stigma with the shemagh has been long gone but if you are still concerned you can use the plain white or one color or camouflage shemaghs that are now plenty in the market. About more than one reason , I am clueless unless you enlighten me. But hey HYOH. You will definitely do just fine without a shemagh either.

Prolly get you through security at the airport faster with less hassle.

[pelenaka]

Interesting thread I think I'll have to cut me a few since I have less than perfect 100% cotton sheets in my fabric stash. I'm assuming that the fringe help drip water away much like the fringe on buckskin jackets.

Kookork, shemaghusefulness reminds me how handy a sarong is when you live on a beach. Towel, beach blanket, sunshade, privacy screen, & paired with the right flip flops fashion statement ;).

[Old Hiker]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/186-4523863-1808964?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=shemagh

[Kookork]

Interesting thread I think I'll have to cut me a few since I have less than perfect 100% cotton sheets in my fabric stash. I'm assuming that the fringe help drip water away much like the fringe on buckskin jackets.

Kookork, shemaghusefulness reminds me how handy a sarong is when you live on a beach. Towel, beach blanket, sunshade, privacy screen, & paired with the right flip flops fashion statement ;).

Good comparison Pelenaka.Sarong on a beach, machete in a tropical forest and shemagh on a trail are all multipurpose.

[MuddyWaters]

For the desert, yes.

For the AT, no.

[Wise Old Owl]

Will it work as a Kilt?

http://static1.puretrend.com/articles/7/55/92/7/@/575540-tradition-oblige-le-prince-charles-a-637x0-3.jpg

[Kookork]

Will it work as a Kilt?

http://static1.puretrend.com/articles/7/55/92/7/@/575540-tradition-oblige-le-prince-charles-a-637x0-3.jpg

Why not? whatever floats your boat WOO.

[RCBear]

I don't think I'd be able to wear that hiking in the south. For more than one reason.

I bet it if had the right college football emblem on it (or maybe NASCAR?), that's one reason you'd have no trouble at all in the South!

Give me a deep orange one with Clemson Tiger paws on it! :)

Rain:sunMan

.

Sorry, none in stock. Very happy to send you one with Garnet and Black.

...And an angry Cock on it :-)

[max patch]

...And an angry Cock on it :-)

Thats what all the pink blazers should wear.

[Rain Man]

Sorry, none in stock. Very happy to send you one with Garnet and Black.

...And an angry Cock on it :-)

Is there any other kind?! :D

Rain:sunMan

P.S. Truly, a blaze orange Shemagh would be great for hunting season!

.

[TwoSpirits]

+1 on a shemagh. Great piece of kit, although I can understand how some people will still consider it just a bandanna on sterioids. But it really is extremely versatile. I winter camp and day-hike quite a bit, and love this to protect my face from wind. Surprisingly warm, too (even though it is just cotton.) I also wrap it around my face at night to keep my wee little nose from getting cold, so I don't stuff my face down into my bag and fill it with my moist breath....

[Dogwood]

Momentarily forgetting what website I was at, and quickly reading your thread title, I thought you were promoting a new type of porno mag.:banana

[Kookork]

Momentarily forgetting what website I was at, and quickly reading your thread title, I thought you were promoting a new type of porno mag.:banana

LOL,You mean Shemagh for shemale?

[Namtrag]

It's funny that people assume you are a Muslim terrorist if you have a shemagh, but if you wear a bandana, no one assumes you are a bank robber

[Kookork]

It's funny that people assume you are a Muslim terrorist if you have a shemagh, but if you wear a bandana, no one assumes you are a bank robber

You are right.Hollywood has shaped many of our believes that some has no merit.

[Dogwood]

It's funny that people assume you are a Muslim terrorist if you have a shemagh....

It's only uniformed(ignorant) people. It's similar to saying people that wear a yamika are all wealthy or involved in the diamond cartels or entertainment businesses.

[Odd Man Out]

If you are looking for traditional head coverings from hot, desert countries, you can't do better than a Telpek.
The ignorant bigots don't hate you - they just laugh at you.
I actually have one of these - never had the guts to wear it hiking though.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TURKMEN-TRADITIONAL-SHEEPSKIN-HAT-TELPEK-TELPAK-PAPAKHA-56-61-size-/271223787495


22519

[Namtrag]

I think that guy Rocken Rollen wore one of those when he used to hold up the John 3:16 sign at the football games. lol

[Dogwood]

Just when I thought I've seen it all. An AT thru-hiker hiking with a sleeping sheep atop his head. Gives a new meaning to counting sheep.

[Odd Man Out]

... hiking with a sleeping sheep atop his head. ...

That's a pretty accurate description. Mine is even shaggier.
22520

[hikerboy57]

It's funny that people assume you are a Muslim terrorist if you have a shemagh, but if you wear a bandana, no one assumes you are a bank robber

unless you have it pulled up over your mouth and nose and are carrying a six shooter

[Wise Old Owl]

Ok Kookork how big is it in inches Left x Right?

[Kookork]

Ok Kookork how big is it in inches Left x Right?

Left x Right??

40 inches by 40 inches and some of them( and not all) are thick enough to work as a Kilt.

[Rocket Jones]

Versatile but way too heavy. I can do the important stuff with a Buff.

[Kookork]

Versatile but way too heavy. I can do the important stuff with a Buff.

A buff( I have one buff and 2 polarbuff) is over an ounce and a towel is around 3 Oz. So if you ditch the towel(and buff) and just carry a shemagh there is no weight penalty.

[Gray Blazer]

Thats what all the pink blazers should wear.

Milk coming out my nose. Thanks.

[willysguy]

You should know that there is an americanized version of the shemagh/keffiyeh from company called Hobo Hanky. Apparently early pionerrs, trappers and cowboys carried big kerchiefs much like arab shemaghs. Theirs is 42x42 like shemaghs but solid colors and even blaze orange for hunting! Also a version like a giant banadana thats red or blue with polkadots. The web site has pictures, list of uses, a blog, historical article etc. www.hobohanky.com


The keffiyeh, also known as shemagh , or in Persian (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_language) chafiye , and in Kurdish (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdish_language) cemedanî , is a traditional Arab (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_people) headdress (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headdress) fashioned from a square, usually cotton, scarf. It is typically worn by Arab men, as well as some Kurds (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdish_people).

It is commonly found in arid regions to provide protection from direct sun exposure (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_exposure), as well to protect the mouth and eyes from blown dust and sand.( Wikipedia)

Shemagh is one of the most versatile gears you can carry and recently more and more hikers have started to appreciate its versatility. Some hikers believe it is useful just in arid and hot climates but I think it works in every situation , wet, dry, summer,winter and almost every where. Here is the list of potential uses of shemagh:

As a pillow cover

Extra shoulder pad

Warming belt( around the waist)

Covering the food to protect it from flies

Sun protection for the neck and face ( and bug protection at the same time)

Wiping off the sweat from face

Bandage

Arm sling

Keep the hiker cool( by dipping it in the water and wrapping it around the neck or over the head in hot days)

Keep the hiker warm ( wrapping around the neck and head in the cold weather)

Carrying stuff for a short hikes around the base camp( works as a pouch and can be wrapped around the waist)

Helping in collecting fruits and vegetables

Dust mask

Smoke mask( especially when wet)

Works as a towel after a shower or after a dip in a lake( ditching your towel when carrying the shemagh is a wise UL move)

Tourniquet

Works as a small cushion when folded up( hard surface blanket)

Gathering water in the mornings from morning dew

Covering your eyes when light is too much to sleep

As a pot holder

As a water filter

Bug net when having a nap in woods during the day

Drying tent after or during the rain

Works as a rope to help the other hiker up in rocks and boulders when hand is not long enough to reach the other hiker

Ps: I personally prefer the traditional pure cotton for shemagh since many of the uses of shemagh is dependent on the cotton fabric. It is normally around 40X40 inches and weighs around 4 to 6 ounces .

Heavy duty and thick shemaghs are not the best for hiking especially in warmer weathers . My choice is the ones around 4 Oz for summer and 6 Oz for winters. Darker colors work better in cold weathers and lighter color work best in warmer climates.

It is one of the gears that when you start using , after a while you start to think what the heck I was doing when not using them?

Cheap(around 4 to 12 bucks), versatile, light and durable.

Here is how to order…:banana


Kookork

[Kookork]

You should know that there is an americanized version of the shemagh/keffiyeh from company called Hobo Hanky. Apparently early pionerrs, trappers and cowboys carried big kerchiefs much like arab shemaghs. Theirs is 42x42 like shemaghs but solid colors and even blaze orange for hunting! Also a version like a giant banadana thats red or blue with polkadots. The web site has pictures, list of uses, a blog, historical article etc. www.hobohanky.com (http://www.hobohanky.com)

Thank you for the link. It seems exactly like Shemagh to me just with solid colors. I like the blaze orange option though.

[Puddlefish]

A bit of cloth is a bit of cloth. I'm going with an $8 buff, that I can wear in several ways without worrying about tying/arranging it into artful or useful shapes. I'll also carry two bandanas I got for $2 each. One for vaguely clean purposes, one for mostly dirty purposes. Cheap, functional and easily replaceable.

If you want to limit yourself to a single bit of cloth for all purposes, that's entirely up to you. I'm color blind as well as fashion blind, so wear whatever color, shapes and sizes of cloth you like, it's not like I'll notice.

[ChuckT]

Tried the bandannas more than once found them too small. Just ordered 2 of the hobo hankys. Thanks for the URL!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T217A using Tapatalk

[TwoSpirits]

For winter, my merino Buff is okay...but I would sure love to find a merino shemagh someplace. Invaluable.

[Mtsman]

Prolly get you through security at the airport faster with less hassle.

Thanks for making me spit my coffee all over my workstation. It was well worth the cleanup~!

[Mtsman]

I agree with a few of the posts here.

I was a soldier in a few arid climates and used these. They were great for multi uses. However, I can not and will not agree with these in any sort of rain or misty climate. A few reasons these worked well in those types of climates was they kept the dust off and the sun off and took your sweat (or added water) and cooled you off via evaporation. If it is cold, rainy, or not windy, I don't see a great benefit for these. The AT doesn't provide those types of environments almost at all until late summer and only in a few spots.

In the right environments these work great. In the wrong environments these could be a real detriment. Choose wisely.

YMMV HYOH

[Traveler]

I got a half Buff a few years ago and find it very useful. I typically will wear it loosely around my neck and am constantly amazed at the warmth it provides in cold conditions. When wind is really screaming, I will pull it up over the top of my head, anchored under my chin to provide face protection for chin and cheeks. Most anything that covers the full face doesn't work well for me due to condensation saturation.

[kenforbus]

Many of our veterans have brought their usefulness back from the Middle East and yes there is no stigma about them in be south. I have lived in Ga. most of my life and wear/use them extensively. Great multipurpose year round tool.

[NY HIKER 50]

Gotta bump this one. After a few days a cotton anything will reek, especially one of those. Can you imagine it being wet for a week? I don't see anyone mentioning this so if you did...soooorry.

[jefals]

It's funny that people assume you are a Muslim terrorist if you have a shemagh, but if you wear a bandana, no one assumes you are a bank robber
Depends...if you're wearing a bandana as a do-rag on a hiking trail, no one will think you're a bank robber. If you walk into a bank with your bandana covering your face, well....

[stephanD]

In today's climate, sadly, I would not hike with a Middle eastern garment. no in the south, not anywhere in the U.S.

[stephanD]

And 100% cotton? not practical on the AT.

[Feral Bill]

And 100% cotton? not practical on the AT.. There is a place for cotton in the backcountry. Not suicidal as some say.

[Traillium]

. There is a place for cotton in the backcountry. Not suicidal as some say.

I learned to appreciate a shemagh after hiking with the OP Kookork for seven weeks along Ontario’s Bruce Trail in a hot humid summer. Used it and continue to use it, for many of the purposes Kookork lists.

My present to him when he set off on the PCT last year was a dull greenish shemagh of the colouration used by many American veterans of the Mid-East. He used for five months as he completed the PCT.

[MuddyWaters]

I got a couple while working in middle east.

I wouldnt wear them hiking.

There are cooler options, and haboobs are rare on AT.

[fiddlehead]

I once met a Finnish man in the outback of Australia who had one of these and a toothbrush.
That was ALL he was carrying.
Had been traveling about 8 months he said.
Blanket, something to wear while he washed his other clothes, as well as all the stuff you said in the OP.
This was before 9/11 so the terrorist look wasn't feared back then.
But I agree, it might raise more than eyebrows in some parts of the USA.
Handkerchief is good though.

[Leo L.]

I do my desert hikes in Shemagh country. Still I don't use one, but usually wear a cap and add a buff if needed.

At home I carry a balaclava too (at least in rough weather), but dont take it to the Middle East: A black balaclava down there would have the same effect as a Shemagh in the USA.

[zelph]

I bet it if had the right college football emblem on it (or maybe NASCAR?), that's one reason you'd have no trouble at all in the South!

Give me a deep orange one with Clemson Tiger paws on it! :)

Rain:sunMan

.

Alabama Crimson Tide

42690

[K-dub]

In merino wool here: northxnorth.co

[Malto]

I wore one on my Sierra hike this week. Great when it was cooler but I switched back to my tried and true cut up capliene 1 version which I still prefer in the Heat.