Col. T.E. Lawrence, better known as “Lawrence of Arabia,” is iconic in the minds of military enthusiasts and film buffs alike for how he deftly assimilated into his desert surroundings. A European soldier in the traditional headdress of the Arab world formed an unforgettable image. As US troops have gone to the Middle East and Central Asia, they too have found utility in head coverings. Also known as a keffiyeh, a shemagh [pronounced “shmog”] scarf is not merely a fashion accessory but a highly useful piece of apparel. This headscarf can protect the head, face, and neck from the unforgiving conditions of desert and mountain terrain. Our industrious soldiers have found many uses for a shemagh scarf, which are applicable not just on missions but in rugged parts of civilian life, too.

Protection Against Elements

Though headscarves have taken on various distinct patterns, it was all about function over form when desert-dwelling tribes devised this. A properly worn shemagh protects against not only the high dry winds of the desert which ravage the skin, but also the sand that those winds pick up, making the currents even more abrasive. The lyrics of an old song once professed that the singer would love someone “till the sands of the desert grow cold.” The lyricist must not have been to a desert at night, where, without the humidity levels to trap heat, the sands of the desert can grow quite cold. A shemagh is just as useful to keep the face warm when temperatures take a sheer drop.

First Aid in a Pinch

If you incur an injury on an outing and need to address it immediately, the shemagh can shift from headwear to first aid. A shemagh has enough coverage area to wrap up an arm or a leg and act as a bandage or to put an arm in a sling after a twist, break, or sprain. It’s not a permanent solution, but it’s enough to see you through on the trails.

Bonus Bindle

Your tactical backpack should be able to fit everything you need for your trip, but if you find yourself at capacity, your shemagh makes an ersatz bag with some careful tying. For anything else you may need along with your shemagh, Kel-Lac Uniforms offers a variety of military gear for sale. The stick for your new bindle is optional.

Water Filtration

If you don’t mind getting it a little wet and dirty, one of the many uses of a shemagh scarf is to filter water through its pores a few times before setting water aside for boiling. Of course, we advise you to pack enough potable water before you head out, but if you should run out and have running water nearby, this can help you in a tight situation. Once the pot is done boiling, use your shemagh to grab the handles without burning yourself.