Few pieces of clothing or accessories have as many versatile uses as the simple shemagh scarf. Long a traditional piece of garb that hails from the Middle East, the shemagh has countless uses for preppers, campers, survivalists, and other outdoorsmen. Use this short guide for inspiration.
What Is a Shemagh Scarf?
A shemagh scarf is a traditional clothing accessory that comes from the Middle East. Also known as a keffiyeh, kuffiyah, or ghutrah, the shemagh is a small, fringed, square piece of fabric that is traditionally worn over the shoulders or the head.
Most shemaghs are made from cotton, which is lightweight, durable, and breathable, though some high-quality shemagh scarves may be made from wool.
Nonetheless, they are highly versatile implements with a wide range of different practical uses.
What Are Some Top Uses for a Shemagh Scarf?
Thanks to its versatile nature, a shemagh scarf has a nearly endless array of uses. Some of the best of these are:
- As a head or shoulder covering: A shemagh scarf is great for covering your head and shoulders, to protect from the sun as well as from the wind, rain, and snow.
- As a makeshift sling: Got an injured arm? You can easily craft a sling from a shemagh.
- As a bandage or tourniquet: In a pinch, a shemagh can be used as a bandage or as a tourniquet, to stop bleeding.
- As an impromptu pouch: If you don’t have a basket or bag, and need to collect tinder, kindling, or forage, a shemagh is better than nothing!
- As a pillow: Folded up a few times on itself, a shemagh makes a fairly comfortable, although thin, pillow.
- For keeping warm or cool: A shemagh can be used as a makeshift blanket, or, when made of 100% cotton, can be dipped in water and wrapped around the neck to cool you off.
- Concealment: Depending on the color or pattern of your shemagh, you may be able to use it as makeshift camouflage.
- As an emergency water filter: A shemagh can be used to provide serviceable mechanical filtration of water, to remove larger sediments, before boiling.
- As a towel: Need a handkerchief or a napkin? A shemagh is nice in a bind.
- As a pot holder: If you’re cooking and don’t have a glove or a potholder, a shemagh will cut it.
Of course, this list is not comprehensive and the uses for a shemagh are basically limited only by its availability and your creativity. If you have one and can envision a use for it, you’re set.
And, on top of all this, a shemagh doesn’t even take up any pack space – you can even tie it around your waist if you’re tight on space
Where Can You Get a Quality Shemagh Scarf?
Convinced a shemagh scarf makes a great all-purpose implement for camping and other outdoor pursuits? Looking for a high-quality option?
Visit Fatigue’s Army Navy online via the previous link. They carry a wide range of high-quality shemagh scarves in an equally wide range of colors and patterns, plus a wide range of other tactical gear, outdoor gear, and military surplus.
Check out their website and if you have any questions contact them at 877-612-1253; their team is helpful and friendly and will help you get what you need.
