The Shemagh/Kufiya

[jakeyjohn1]

From a gear perspective, I have been interested in the history and traditional nature of these for a while. Bandanas are 22" x22" square, and I think come from india? or just the name does, the history there is complex. There is also the jewish sudra from the levant at 24x24in. The philippines has the alampay at 24-36" square. In indonesia and bali there is the saput and kampuh that are 36-48" square or slightly rectangular. Then the shemagh, kufiya, ghutra, and chafiyeh from bedouin, arabian, and persian cultures at 40" to 44" square. Even bigger are rectangular ones like the cambodian krama, vietnamese khan ran, or philippino hablon which are about 24" by 60" but lengths vary a lot more. The mexican rebozo (also a large rectangular version) suppoesdly comes from the hablon being imported by the spanish via the manila galleon trade route, which is fascinating as it was popular in northern mexico at the same time the bandana was widely used in the american southwest in the same climate/enviroment. Super interesting how the variations in size and textile became standard in various places by different cultures with all similar if not identical uses.

 

[SonnyDay]

I believe the genius of the shemagh is the size (roughly 42” square)—which allows you to tie it on your head in such a way that it can adapt between neck gaiter, hat, hood, and face shield—in moments.

I have a few of the surplus store cotton ones (no danger of offending the wrong tribe there) which are great for three season sun protection and warmth at night.

But the fleece one is money when it’s cold as shit.

Which reminds me… I need to order some fleece in blaze orange for those biting late rifle days.

 

[Yaremkiv]

Always carried one. Light and packable, no reason not to. Face mask, scarf, shade, clean surface for food prep, towel, I've even used one as a sock once after swamping out one of my boots.