Show us your shemagh

[Matt Hixson]

I'm looking for a good shemagh. Not only does it seem like an essential backpacking/overlanding piece of gear, but, while stuck in civilization, I could use it as a facemask. The only thing I'm not sure about is the material. I want to avoid cotton.

Other options are merino wool, polyester, hemp, linen, and bamboo.

And here's a discussion on the merits of different materials. But I'm wondering if you have a preference in the context of overlanding and camping.

 

[TheGreyhound]

I gotta say I love my plain old cheap shemagh. It’s gotten super soft over the years and makes a great makeshift hammock pillow! I think this is one item to not overthink!

 

[Matt Hixson]

I think this is one item to not overthink!

That's a good point. I think maybe I'll just try to find one made from bamboo. I have a bamboo shirt and it's one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing I own.

 

[TheGreyhound]

That's a good point. I think maybe I'll just try to find one made from bamboo. I have a bamboo shirt and it's one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing I own.

Sounds good! I personally can't stand a scratchy shirt collar so soft stuff around or near my neck is king.

 

[Correus]

Mine is just a well worn, plain ol' shemagh.

As a face mask it won't do anything for you but hide your face.

If your thinking the virus thing... the Coronavirus is 0.12 microns in diameter. Surgical type masks, and those "social comfort masks" will only filter out particles between 2 - 10 microns diameter or larger. Even N95 masks will only filter out items 0.3 microns diameter or larger. A shemagh definitely won't do it.