Just playing a mess about game with my wife, because she's 'acquired' my new shemagh (now dubbed Smaug, as in the dragon from The Hobbit).
We actually came up with a load of uses!
Here is a small list of some that I can remember. Anything you can think of, please feel free to add.
Triangle Bandage for broken arm
Water purification/filtration
Scarf
Food Gathering, like a bag
Blanket (small)
Bra (her 'thoughtful' suggestion)
Toilet paper temporary substitute (said while laughing)
Rescue flag
Dust Shield
Fishing net
Climbing aid
Gloves/shoes when torn in 2 and used like a bandage
Bandage
Carrying system, tie the ends together and carry it hobo style on a stick
Fashion accessory.
The list was huge, I can't remember most of it, but some of it was clearly said jokingly. However, it's still a useful item of gear, and multi purpose.
I had noticed that MCavity always had one with him too.
Shemagh is just a fancy name for a big old scarf.
Same list fits the lowly kerchief. There was a very good reason the kerchief was a required part of the Boy Scout Uniform, back in the day.
You even left out my two most common uses for such a device; mopping sweat off the face and use as a pot holder/hot pan remover.
My big complaint with most kerchiefs is that they are too small. I like to make mine 30" square from very soft cotton.
Stick a rock in it and either launch the rock, or use it to bludgeon things...
I generally use a bandana, its a biker thing!
(14 February 2014, 14:08)BeardyMan Wrote: [ -> ]Stick a rock in it and either launch the rock, or use it to bludgeon things...
Not actually thought of that. I usually have a spare pair of socks in my pocket for that. But that's a good thought.
Keep them coming.
The keffiyeh (or shemagh) is the traditional desert head wrap originating from the Arabic turban used for centuries. In modern military use its value as a survival kit dates from the North African campaign of WWII where the British Special Air Service exploited its potential. The desert scarf has been standard SAS desert kit ever since and its use has spread to to other NATO militaries in present day use in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The keffiyeh was originally used for protection against hostile environmental conditions, providing protection against sun, wind, sandstorms and the cold at night. Next to his rifle, knife and boots, it is one of the most useful pieces of kit a desert soldier can have. Typical examples are of loose weave cotton fabric about 1 metre square.
While intended primarily as a head wrap, the keffiyeh has multiple other uses:
* dust mask and veil to keep sun, snow, wind, sand and dust out of the eyes, face and from going down the neck
* sniper’s concealment – used as face veil to hide the shape of the face
- around the neck to retain heat in cold or absorb sweat and protect the neck from sunburn during heat of the day
- first aid as improvised cravat, or compression bandage or sling for wounded arm
- sun shade while resting
- blinders for pack horses, camels or mules
- improvised foot wrap replacing a lost sock, puttee or gaiter
- carrying bundle for when foraging food
- improvised tote for organizing loose gear in the ruck
- towel, wash cloth
- improvised rope or equipment sling
- improvised sieve
- as a dip net for catching minnows or small marine life in a pool
- to immerse foraged food items to be cooked in a "rock boil"
These were the ones I was taught in the US military. There are many more.
Molotov fuse/fuses.....the old anarchist in me coming to the fore lol
Restraints....blindfold!
Hobble....animal or human