Have you ever considered adding a shemagh to your family’s emergency preparedness kit? The shemagh can be a lifesaver in a variety of situations, from providing sun protection during a power outage to creating a sling for an injured arm. This article will explore the many uses for a shemagh to help your family to stay safe and comfortable in unexpected situations.
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If you’re looking for a simple yet effective multi-purpose tool for your family’s emergency kit, look no further than the shemagh. There are so many uses for a shemagh–sun protection, warmth, and even first-aid uses.
What is a Shemagh?
The Shemagh (pronounced Shmog) has been used for years by people in the Middle East who wrap it around their head and neck as protection from both sun and sand. U.S. soldiers also use it extensively when in that region or in other hot, arid places. While it is extremely useful for those purposes, it can be used in numerous other ways as well.
The Many Uses of Shemaghs
Let’s explore some of the practical applications of this versatile scarf:
Head and Neck Protection
- Sun shield: Wrap the shemagh around your head and neck (as a face cover, too!) to block harmful UV rays. You can also tie to whatever is handy to create a makeshift shelter from the sun, sort of like the sun shade sails sold for patios. The best sunburn is the one that never happens.
- Dust and sand defense: The scarf can be used as a makeshift dust mask for protection from dust, pollen, or other airborne irritants. Even if you don’t live in a very sandy or dust storm prone region, it makes great protection from sawdust, grass clippings, or other flying particles.
- Smoke defense: As part of your wildfire preps, it could be used to lessen smoke inhalation.
Temperature Regulation
- Cooling effect: Wet and tie it around your head in hot weather. You’ll actually feel cooler as the water evaporates. There are even cooling shemaghs for dogs! You might want one in your pet evacuation kit.
- Extra warmth: Wear the shemagh under a hat or hood for additional warmth in cold weather.
- Fire starter: If you lack a better method, tear pieces of scarf to use to start a fire.
Multipurpose Uses
- Carrying bag: Tie the corners of the shemagh to create a makeshift bag for carrying small items.
- Pillow: Wad it into a ball or stuff it with leaves, grass, or clothing for a comfortable substitute pillow on the go.
- Sling: In an emergency, the scarf can be used as a temporary sling to support an injured arm. While it may not be best for long term use in this capacity, it’s useful for an injury acquired while camping or hiking.
- Towel/Washcloth: It’s large enough to use as a towel or even a small blanket in a survival situation. It could also be used for washing, if needed.
- Pot Holder: If the container you’re boiling water in is too hot to safely grasp, fold up the shemagh and use it to grasp the pot.
- Signaling: Depending on the color you choose, it could be used to signal for help.
First Aid Applications
- Bandage: The large size of the shemagh makes it suitable for simple first aid, such as applying pressure to wounds.
- Water filtration (in a pinch): While not a substitute for proper water treatment, it can be used as a coarse filter to remove large debris from water.
- Splint: Use it to improvise a way to immobilize an arm or leg.
Everyday Uses
- Changing pad: The shemagh can be used as a clean surface for diaper changes on the go.
- Stroller marker: Tie the shemagh to your stroller handle for easy identification in crowded parking areas.
- Seating: Use it to cover park benches or other dirty seating areas.
- Sarong: It won’t be as long as a typical one, but it would do in a pinch.
- Travel: It can not only keep you warm on an airplane, but it can also work as an eye mask for blocking light to sleep while flying or while at the hotel.
- Kneepad: The older you get, the more difficult it get to kneel…and to get back up!
Pro Tips for Using Your Shemagh
- Look for scarves made from breathable fabrics like cotton or merino wool for maximum comfort.
- Practice tying the shemagh in different ways before you need to use it in an emergency.
- When using it for water filtration, understand that it only removes large particles and further purification is necessary.
How to Tie
This short video shows the traditional way to tie a shemagh. It’ really simple!
Alternatives to a Shemagh Scarf
While the shemagh offers undeniable functionality, its look might not be for everyone. For those who prefer a different aesthetic, there are alternatives.
Consider a sniper veil, a lightweight often camo-patterned scarf designed for concealment. These versatile scarves are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to blend in with their surroundings while enjoying activities like birdwatching, photography, or hiking. They still offer many of the same benefits as a shemagh, like sun protection and dust defense.
Bandanas are another option, with a long history of practical use. Cowboys and vaqueros in the American West relied on bandanas for many of the same reasons we use the shemagh today: sun protection, dust defense, and even makeshift bandages. Bandanas made from breathable fabrics like cotton or merino wool for maximum comfort and versatility are your best best. Just remember that because of their smaller size, though they won’t be able to do all that a shemagh can do.
The Shemagh (pronounced Shmog) has been used for years by people in the Middle East who wrap it around their head and neck as protection from both sun and sand. Here are the many uses of shemaghs in family preparedness. Share on XFAQ
Washing instructions will vary depending on the fabric. Always follow the care label. Generally, hand washing or a gentle machine wash cycle is recommended. Find options for washing clothing without electricity here.
They can be found online, at outdoor gear stores, and some surplus stores. Click here to purchase a shemagh on Amazon.
Shemaghs typically come in a standard size, but there may be slight variations depending on the brand.
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Final Thoughts
The shemagh has many used and has proven itself to be a surprisingly versatile tool for any family. From sun protection and dust defense to creating a sling or even filtering water in a pinch, this simple scarf can be a valuable addition to your emergency preparedness kit. Beyond emergencies, the shemagh can be a handy companion for camping trips, sporting events, or even a stylish everyday accessory. So, next time you’re looking for a multifunctional and affordable addition to your gear, consider the humble shemagh!
Originally published February 4, 2015
I’ve always kept an oversized bandana/shawl or two tied to the straps of my 72 hour bag. Something larger in this shape looks even better. But I would caution about cotton in cold climates. Cotton traps moisture and holds it against the body. That’s no problem in heat but it can lead to hypothermia in very serious cold and also exacerbates chafing and other rashes and can interfere with wound healing. Th e hypothermia is the real problem, though. I know someone from Alaska who’s always reminding us that, in winter anyway, “cotton kills”.
I’m sure somebody makes these in lightweight wool, linen, microfiber, or my new favorite fabric…bamboo rayon. If you’ve never experienced bamboo fabric, go to J Jill and get some socks or real clothes @ Soma. Wow.
I picked up a Shemagh at our local military outlet store. It comes in handy when working around on the property or garden. I keep it wrapped around my head and neck to keep the sun off. It also makes for a great scarf around your neck in the winter. My husband always uses his, former military.
My son who has been deployed twice to Afghanistan brought me a Shemagh. I use mine when I fly. It fits in my laptop bag. I can use it as a neck pillow or as a lumbar support or if it gets chilly on the plane I wear it as a scarf. I don;t usually wrap it around my head on planes because it freaks everyone out.
I used it as a temporary sling for my baby when my arms get tired. It is not comfortable for extended use but very handy for those times when my arms just can’t hold her up anymore.
I gave one each to my husband and son for Christmas. We fell in love with them. I ended up buying 5 more for other family members. It’s really kept me warm during these extreme cold spell here in the south!
I wonder if it is a good idea to look like someone from the middle east in a shtf situation.
I remember in the post 911 hysteria, some “good americans” killed a cab driver simply because he looked arabic and they wanted revenge.
I keep one on me all the time these days. Recently at a long-term hospital waiting room thing, my fiance was able to use my shemagh (rolled up) as a pillow, and once in a theater it became a very light blanket to ward off a chill.
When on extended camping trips, I’ve folded my shemagh diagnally (triangle) and then tied it as a loin cloth (big diaper..lol) and wore it that way,while I washed my clothes and then hung them in the sun to dry. My buddy thought it was funny,said he had never seen them used that way before.
I carry a large piece of blaze orange cloth from a re-purposed T-shirt in my daypack. A couple weeks ago, I cut streamers off it to mark a trail for some scouts who were following behind. There are so many uses for a shemagh – everyone should carry one.
Well hey Twin Sister! I’ve sisters, but no twins. You are my first! I really enjoyed you posts, and pins. My husband and I are prepared for tuff times as well. You tips and ideas are terrific! I’ve never seen them from a woman’s point if view. I just thought “what would my contribution be in thus situation” then kicked in to overdrive. Learned new tasks, hone bread baking, quilting, cooking in Sun ovens, etc. I’ve needed a mentor, but had no idea how to find one. Stay in touch! Glad to have you as my twin!
Suzy
I’m wondering how thick these are, as a rule. We live in West TX and I’m wanting to buy something for my husband to wear outside around his neck in the heat. It gets well over 100 degrees here. I don’t want to purchase anything to cause him to be hotter.
They’re pretty thin fabric. I think they would be thin and comfortable enough to wear in the heat. They wear these all the time in the Middle East.
Yeah and they wear the KRAMA in the steamy heat of Cambodia. Check this out https://youtu.be/b3IN0dFIrrU
I have been taking a ‘sarong’ — similar to pareo — with me on my (mountain) walks for decades. A friend brought me two from Indonesia. I think they are made of viscose mixed with cotton. I have mostly used it to sit on or to wrap around me for a bit of extra warmth, but it could also have been used for the things mentioned in this article as well as a sling to carry my small dog should he be injured.
I guess the advantage of a nicely coloured sarong or pareo over a (tactical) shemagh is the way people will perceive you when you wear it.
So you are aware there is an americanized version of the shemagh avaialoble from a company called hobo hanky. They carry solid colors and even a version like a giant bandana. Their web site has lots of ways to use it and includes historical info on kerchiefs, which are what our ancestors carried! Apparently a large square of cloth was useful in all cultures, not just arabs. Think of the kerchiefs cowboys wore around their necks. http://www.hobohanky.com
I’ve not seen this product. Thanks for the info!
Thank you for sharing this! I saw your comment a few weeks ago and placed an order with Hobo Hanky. They are wonderful! The original is similar to a gauzy fashion scarf, but very strong. It is perfect as a head wrap or shawl. The deluxe has a tighter weave and feels a little more sturdy – great for camping trips. Every mom needs at least two of these for everyday use: shopping bags, aprons (turn up one corner for a pocket to collect eggs or hold a phone), picnic blankets, library bags, lightweight shawl, superhero cape, ninja mask, park bench cover, etc.
Best of all, these kerchiefs are distinctly American looking and the owners have EXCELLENT customer service.
I took a trip to Europe this summer and my Shemagh kept me cool, and during sporadic rain kept my glasses clear. However, a member of the fashion police was along and even relatives feel I shouldn’t wear it because it makes me stand out. Is there a situation NOT to wear a Shemagh, and I’m talking common sense. No I wouldn’t wear one to a wedding or other formal affair. Anyone else?
My husband brought back 2 when he was overseas in the military. It gets hot in Iraq and so they had these to keep cool and when they had sandstorms, this came in hand.