I’ve never had one of these but figured it would be a good idea to get one for sun protection. What are some of the better brands out there?
The brands are all very similar, from what I can tell. They're all 42" x 42" loose-knit cotton scarves. We sell the Red Rock brand, and I think they're pretty good for a no-frills product.
I keep one in my backpack, they are incredibly useful. I use mine a ton in winter as a scarf, summer it makes a great towel for camping, keeps bugs off your face, makes you look like a commando, keeps your neck cool in summer with some water, makes a great triangle bandage, I've used it as a sling, has tactical uses, keeps your butt warm if you are sitting on snow/ice, great for picnics especially in the snow.... I could go on
I own one, and keep it in the car. I've used it to protect my head/neck from the sun at some shooting classes, and also a sweat rag/mop on many occasions when out at the range or classes. If I spent more time in the woods or off the beaten path, I'd probably keep one with me...shade, towel, etc they are a useful item to have.
without a doubt more than just tacti-cool.... Ive used one a lot while hiking in very hot and/or exposed areas.....I wet it every chance I get and works to keep sun off and MUCH cooler.... @Caleb O uses one as a belt and it is very useful....as my wife mimicked him in the bushcraft class this past weekend.... I use it as a cover, a snot rag, a place to catch shavings....a towel.....all kinds of stuff.....suffice it to say, you should never ask to borrow mine.
I have one, but don’t seem to use it as much as I should. I think I have an aversion to the tactical look, and I don’t project as from Mideast descent.
I have one sitting in the bottom of a bag somewhere. For covering my head, I usually roll with a cap and some sort of Buff/next gaiter/balaclava depending on conditions. A lot less bulky to pack. For other things I might use one for, I'm generally already carrying other kit, like a bandana, etc. I think I'd freak the **** out of a lot more people I may come across in the woods around here if I was wearing a shemagh than if I was open carrying a Desert Eagle.
we should all be wearing one or carrying it in our packs....here is why: On a hike on the North Shore, up one of the more difficult trails........myself, two girls and a buddy were hiking. We came across a girl, early 20's who had just had an accident (slip and tumble down the embankment). The girls in my group helped her up and yelled at us to turn away. Huh? one of the girls came over and whispered "she is wearing yoga tights only (no undies) and a thin top, she ripped her tights and they are literally falling off her. No undies. Ah! so buddy and I gave up our Rothco shemaghs and the girls made a skirt for the girl who was super embarrassed. (and super thankful to us) So carry a dang shemagh.....you might find a lady in distress
I have three or more around here. I use them as wubbies in the deer blind during the winter. They ride in my bag in the warmer months for covering up on chilly evenings or to get shade from the sun. I hadn’t thought of rescuing nearly nekkid damsels in distress. Reckon that’s a pretty good use too.
As @shaneadams90 said, I use one as a "bush belt" a lot. I started a thread on using one to carry your essential gear on a short scout away from camp (either under the hiking section of the forum or wilderness skills). Honestly large pieces of cloth are a huge tool (especially in the Southwest) when doing stuff in the outdoors. I've used mine as a pack, shade, evaporative cooling (wet), natural bedding collection, etc. My only gripe is that most schemaghs that we can get our hands on over in the US are kinda small. A friend brought me back a huge piece of cloth from Guatemala though, essentially a super sized schemagh. They're good stuff!
