regular or lightweight Shemagh ?

upnorth

upnorth

Joined
Nov 25, 2006
Messages
7,038
I got three Rothco Shemaghs last fall and I have found them to be incredibly useful. Currently I just wrap them around my neck and slather on the sun block, wear a hat etc. while metal detecting. Detecting in the water has turned into a serious sun burn hazard for me and the Shemaghs give me great neck protection. My questions are, now that it is getting really hot outside: Is it worthwhile to just water soak the regular wraps for cooling, or am I better off to get the ''Lightweight'' versions, whatever they are. These big wraps are a serious wad of material. My time is limited and I haven't experimented in the high heat yet. Thanks for any input.
 
I mostly use buffs for neck protection rather than a shemagh, they work better for me. But as for water cooling, that will really help when its hot. Its much more effective than blocking the sun alone. I would think that the thickness of the fabric would only matter if wind is a consideration, the thinner fabric will block less wind, so in some ways it would be better, but the heavier fabric will hold more water. I think the water pretty well neutralizes the shemagh in terms of its being a conductive insulator on your neck, so a thick one will work just fine. You get the radiant heat blocking, and a cooling system regardless. That said, the lighter fabric might be more comfy when wet, since it might just be lighter (a soaked shemagh would weigh a ton!) Bit of an even wash I think, but its worth looking at. I use a soaked buff quite a lot when its hot here.
 
You could consider using a buff type underneath a shemagh. Kind of the best of both. My only concern with my shemagh is that it is cotton, so it dries out rather quickly when I use it to cool off. Maybe a dry shemagh covering a wet buff would retain the coolness longer?
 
I like to use a buff for the sun. Been using it while ocean kayaking it works great to stop the sun burn as you get it twice (reflection from the water). When I want to cool off on hard hikes I use a cool bandana on top of it and it works great.
 
Evaporation is what gets you the cooling, so the faster it evaps the better the effect. Restricting that just means you have more thermal mass sitting around your neck. Yes re-wetting is inconvenient, but if you want cool, its what you need to do.
 
AdamFuzzyballs said:
You could consider using a buff type underneath a shemagh. Kind of the best of both. My only concern with my shemagh is that it is cotton, so it dries out rather quickly when I use it to cool off. Maybe a dry shemagh covering a wet buff would retain the coolness longer?
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What is a buff ? I got three of those stretchable nylon open ended head sacks... a buff ?, also, love those. I have never tried a shemagh with water yet as the season wasn't right. And the lake water really reeked.
 
Buff is just a brand of nylon neck gaitor, but that's just what they're called down here. Kinda like calling every soda a coke:) anyway, I used them back last summer when I worked outside in the Texas heat, and pretty much anything you use is going to dry out. I just recently begun using a shemagh on hikes, and it does help, but it is also heavier, so it's just gonna come down to your preference. I think a shemagh is more versatile if you were looking for a one tool option, because it can be used as an entire headwrap. The Buffs are more neck specific.
 
Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I guess that I have all I need. Three Shemaghs, three head wrap/buffs. Looks like I might just go with a buff on my neck, and one as a head bag hat. I have been using the shemaghs for the neck part but its just getting too hot for them now, so I was wondering about the light weight version. I guess the answer was already under my nose. Thanks again for your input, it's appreciated.
:thumbup:
 
34C out in the sun, man I'd die without my buffs here! Thankfully we are cranking into winter on this side of the equator, so now its time to bust out the "cold" weather gear! so tough this morning 10 degrees and rain. how will I survive?? A soaked buff over the head also helps a lot, especially if you have short or no hair.
 
Shemagh?
Not recommended wearing them around here

I just buy cheap cotton scarves in various colors for just a couple of dollars
 
upnorth, I believe you will be happy with your order, also, the company has excellent customer service (at least here in the USA) with a quick turnaround time of shipping out orders.
 
"Buffs" are incredibly handy, compact and easy to carry everywhere. They also are minimal in the way that they wont snag on things or be in the way.
 
Swampdog said:
upnorth, I believe you will be happy with your order, also, the company has excellent customer service (at least here in the USA) with a quick turnaround time of shipping out orders.
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They arrived in a reasonable time frame considering the distance travelled. I like these Hobo Hankies. I got a vicious sun burn on my neck this spring while water metal detecting, which is not cool. I put one through the wash a couple of times and let hang dry, still solid, no frays.
 
A.L. said:
"Buffs" are incredibly handy, compact and easy to carry everywhere. They also are minimal in the way that they wont snag on things or be in the way.
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Never even heard of them before this year. They are wonderful. I think that I have 4-5 and ordered 2 more. The Rothco's that I get haven't faded or stained even when blasted with mosquito spray.
 
average gimp said:
There's another way to go: merino wool.

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Thanks for the heads up bud, but heat was the issue actually. The Shemaghs are way over the top once it gets nice outside. Looks like I have all seasons covered literally and figuratively now, lol. Some bug juice and sun block keeps me in the water for hours.
 
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