The shemagh is a traditional headdress commonly used in arid regions to protect against dust, sand, and sunlight. It is Middle Eastern in origin, usually made of cotton or flax and available in a variety of colors. The shemagh proves itself to be an invaluable member of your tactical or survival preparation with its nearly countless uses. Let’s take a look at some situations where a shemagh may come in handy.
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- Protection from the elements: The most obvious use for your tactical scarf is clear protection from a variety of environmental conditions. Your shemagh will prevent sunburn, dust and sand inhalation, and in the unfortunate circumstance of a natural disaster like an earthquake, fire or other emergencies, you may require a mask very quickly and your shemagh will act as just that.
- Temperature regulation: There is a lot of fabric to play with when you use this tactical scarf, as such, it can double as a blanket on cold nights. If you are overheating, simply soaking it in cold water before wearing assists in maintaining a good body temperature. Are you stuck somewhere cold? Tuck that scarfs into your shirt as an extra layer!
- A basket or container: By simply exercising a little creative knot tying, you are able to use your shemagh as a container to forage for food, collect tools like rocks and sticks, pot holder, and anything else that would be otherwise awkward to carry.
- A washing tool: From cleaning your other tools, dishes, your own body and more. A shemagh is a perfect dishcloth, wash rag and in a pinch can even be used as toilet paper.
- A weapon: If you are in a situation where you are weaponless and in need of protection, a tactical scarf makes an easy sling in order to launch rocks and other debris at an opponent.
- First aid: In a pinch, a shemagh can be used as a tourniquet or a sling for a broken or wounded limb.
- A marker or flag: Tactical scarves can be used to mark a trail or as a flag to alert people of your presence.
- Bedding: As previously mentioned, a shemagh has enough fabric that it makes a reasonable blanket on a cold evening. It can also be rolled up to serve as a pillow or other padding.
- Water filtration: Now don’t get the wrong idea, you need to boil your water or use a reverse-osmosis water filter. If your shemagh is made from 100% cotton or other natural fibers, the scarf can be folded multiple times and then used to create a thick filter. This will help filter out larger macroscopic debris.
- Fashion: Although not a tactical advantage in a survivalist perspective, it is worth mentioning that Shemagh scarves are a very popular fashion accessory used by both sexes.
Shemagh tactical scarves can be purchased online at amazon.com in a variety of color and pattern options. If the purpose of your tactical scarf purchase is to travel to a foreign country, please educate yourself on the local customs and color meanings so as not to offend or give the wrong message to the local inhabitants of the area.
- A simple yet efficient way to protect your face and neck from sun, wind and sand.
- Works well as alternative winter headwear, particularly in areas with snow and strong winds.
- Size : 42 " x 42" including tassels; weight : 4 oz
Once you have chosen and received your scarf, a simple search will provide many highly informative YouTube videos on the various ways to tie your new tactical tool for the ultimate versatility it can provide.
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