Shemagh

Aside from a fit guy with a beard, few things scream operator more than wearing a shemagh.  While on my first deployment, aside from my regular duties, I spent four hours every other day on a guard tower.  The night shifts were usually pretty boring, but the day shift I got to experience and see all sorts of good stuff; but one thing that really stands out negatively is the flies.  I kid you not when I say we could swing fly swatters continually killing 15 flies a hit, and never see a drop in number over four hours.  I have never seen so many flies in my life; I quickly purchase my own neutral colored shemagh to wear under my Kevlar specifically for keeping the flies off my face and neck.

But that aside there are lots of good uses for these Middle Eastern scarves and why it might be worth considering for your bug out bag; you show up in gear with one of these around your neck and people know your there for business.  Like 550 cord, you are only limited by your imagination; but below are a few ideas.

Head wrap

Face veil

Scarf

Sunshade

Sling

Foot wrap

Carrying pouch

Towel

Short rope

Filter

Pillow

Compress

Washcloth

Feminine hygiene

Toilet paper

Handkerchief

Blindfold

Knee pad

Dew collector

Lamp wick

Sling (weapon)

Bear bag

Signal flag (if it’s bright colored)

Trail marker

Tourniquet

Fire starter

Poultice

Splint tie

Bug cover

Pot holder

Strainer

Belt

Net