#Shemagh (Keffiyeh) Scarf: Why I Travel With One • Expert Vagabond
The Shemagh (or Keffiyeh) Scarf
Travel Gear
Definitely one of my favorite most used pieces of gear. The Shemagh (or Keffiyeh) is an incredible multi-use travel tool. I always have one with me.
The Shemagh (pronounced shamay or schmog ) is a soft piece of woven cotton cloth, kind of like a giant heavyweight bandana. You can also think of it as a smaller (yet thicker) sarong.
You may recognize it as a traditional headscarf in many Arab nations. Unfortunately ignorance in the world runs rampant, and because of this the Shemagh often gets a bad rap. Once you start using one though, youll soon discover those Arabs sure knew what they were doing when they created these!
In my opinion its more useful than a bandana, plus more convenient durable than a sarong. In fact Id argue it has 101 different uses
Having Fun with Stereotypes
Shemagh Uses
- Dust Protection. Cover your face on motorcycles, trucks, and chicken buses.
- Sun Protection. Great for when youre stranded in mid-day heat without shade.
- Towel. Small, lightweight, fast drying, but thick enough get the job done.
- Warmth. Wrap it around your neck as a scarf to keep warm.
- Bag. Put stuff in middle, tie corners together. Instant hobo sack.
- Sarong. Wrap around your waist for modesty. Shorter than a normal one.
- Sweat Rag. Great for hiking, running, or other sweat-inducing activities.
- Arm Sling. Sprain a wrist or break an arm? Temporary immobilization.
- Emergency Bandage. Help stop bleeding protect the wound.
- Pillow. Thick soft enough to ball up use for bus rides/camping trips.
- Weapon. Twist big rock up in the middle. Swing away. Instant self-defense tool!
- Concealment. Often used to hide my camera in questionable neighborhoods.
- Rope. Long enough to be rolled up to tie things together.
- Water Filter. Fold multiple times filter debris out of water before boiling.
- Pot Holder. Take that boiling water you just filtered off the fire.
- Keeping Cool. Soak in cold water and wrap around your neck.
- Signal Flag. Large enough to wave and get someones attention.
- Blanket. Decent for covering your upper or lower body.
- Eye Mask. Sleep during the day or in a hostel when lights are on.
These are only a few of the Shemaghs many applications.