Using a Shemagh for Hiking! (Instead of a Buff?)

"Cotton Kills!" is a famous motto of hikers and backpackers everywhere, but my favorite new piece of gear this year is made of that very thing. Although I remain a big fan of synthetic buffs, there is a lot to be said to for the middle eastern shemagh. Whether you are hiking in the heat or out on a spec ops mission in the desert, the shemagh might be just what you need to stay cool!
NOTE: This video was made before the Shemagh was turned into a symbol of anti-semitism. If you wish to acquire one without appearing to support terrorism, you can get an Israeli (or even American!) version here: thesemitic.com/item-category/....
LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for #camping, #hiking, #backpacking, and the #gear that goes with it!
(CLICK the BELL for new video alerts!)
---- LINKS FROM THIS VIDEO ----
Using these links helps this channel grow at no cost to you. THANKS!
Bandanas - amzn.to/3gV2kpG
Original Buffs - amzn.to/2AL8JlR
Palmyth Breathable Buffs - amzn.to/3d1Uw4f amzn.to/3d1Uw4f
Mato & Hash Military Shemaghs - amzn.to/3zIUUy7
GET MY FREE BACKPACKING CHECKLIST: backcountrypilgrim.com/2021/03/12/hiking-backpacking-checklist
MY HIKING GEAR: backcountrypilgrim.com/my-hiking-gear
WEBPAGE - backcountrypilgrim.com
---- MUSIC ----
Intro/Outro Music: "Happiness" Composer: Benjamin Tissot Standard License certificate #2232653 from bensound.com.
The Battle Hymn of the Republic by United States Naval Academy (KZread Audio Library)

Пікірлер: 79

  • @eliblank1602
    @eliblank16023 жыл бұрын

    Finally... Someone that recognizes the benefits of carrying a Shemagh. I have one in my pack all the time. Great video

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    3 жыл бұрын

    I love it! Thanks for watching!

  • @Chainmale75
    @Chainmale752 жыл бұрын

    I've only been camping regularly for about 3yrs. One thing I learned is in the back country, EVERYTHING wants to go into your mouth or nose, and if you have MY luck...that includes camp fire smoke..it just seems to follow me. 🤷‍♂️. A shemagh has saved me from a lot of irritation from those nuisances. As well as helped keeping me cool during the hot days with the above mentioned wetting down.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's another great use! I've been impressed by how often mine comes in handy. Thanks for sharing!

  • @baze3SC
    @baze3SC11 ай бұрын

    If it's freezing cold, you accidentally fall into a glacial lake and you only wear your college t-shirt, then yes, cotton kills. It's not the best material for wicking away sweat but you won't die on your summer hike :)

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    11 ай бұрын

    Exactly. And there are situations where retaining moisture isn't bad. :)

  • @LairdDavidson
    @LairdDavidson21 күн бұрын

    When you're out in direct sun it's best to wear clothing that covers and protects your skin rather than using sun block. A wide brimmed hat for your head is also a better choice than a baseball cap.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    20 күн бұрын

    @@LairdDavidson 100%!

  • @BackpackingwithBuckley
    @BackpackingwithBuckley3 жыл бұрын

    Excellent points on this Doug. Even up here in the summer it's nice to have something that retains water! I might need one of these!

  • @sparkyswearsalot
    @sparkyswearsalot5 күн бұрын

    I have a shemagh problem. I already have 3 and I just ordered another. I always have 2 with me in the woods. One on my neck, and one in my backpack. They're just so bloody multi-functional.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    5 күн бұрын

    The problem is you still don't have enough? :)

  • @mikeprice4103
    @mikeprice41033 жыл бұрын

    Never thought I needed one till you convinced me, got one now.

  • @Dodger2879
    @Dodger2879 Жыл бұрын

    This man is so right! A shemagh is great on a motorcycle also. Just a basic wrap around the neck a loosely tied knot and it finds all the air gaps around a motorcycle jacket neck and seals them! I use them on my head and neck and they are great. If they get wet, I tie them to my truck mirror and they dry in a few minutes if driving, too. Be creative, there are NO rules! A shemagh/ kefyeh is a bargain at the price they command! I have three. Great stuff!

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    Жыл бұрын

    Right on!

  • @redclayscholar620
    @redclayscholar6206 ай бұрын

    I've had mine since 2012. I've mowed my yard in 100° heat and cleared snow in single digit cold. It's been a great article of clothing. It also has skulls and crossed sabers on it so it looks pretty sick too!

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    6 ай бұрын

    Very cool!

  • @IllGetThere
    @IllGetThere3 жыл бұрын

    On point, my friend. Great video and the 'Murica clip made me lol. Have a great weekend!!

  • @IllGetThere

    @IllGetThere

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@BackcountryPilgrim thanks so much!

  • @ms7fam433
    @ms7fam4333 жыл бұрын

    Great review. Once again you've introduced us to another great hiking product. Keep up the great work.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it! :)

  • @arc9812
    @arc9812Ай бұрын

    After losing my fishing hat, I made a makeshift shemagh out of a t shirt , worked well enough

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    Ай бұрын

    Well done!

  • @FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD
    @FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD3 жыл бұрын

    Great Video. I absolutely love my shemagh. Not seen in a lot of my videos (because I do look goofy in it) use it mostly in the cold months. Life savor on the JMT. Buffs & Bandana’s are my summer go to. 👍👍✌️

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah I resisted for quite a while, but I am a fan now!

  • @AlaskanAmblers
    @AlaskanAmblers3 жыл бұрын

    I never would have thought of a shemagh. Some really cool and new information. Thanks!

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching! If you pick one up, let me know what you think!

  • @davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker
    @davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker3 жыл бұрын

    Great video Doug I was out on an overnight earlier this week in brutal heat the Shemaghs might have been a big help.

  • @MaryannHazel
    @MaryannHazel3 жыл бұрын

    Great video Doug! I found my sun shirt hoodie priceless on the TRT because I HATE wearing sunscreen. What the hoodie part was not good at was letting some air flow through. I will be investing in one of these for sure!

  • @davidandmoose8885
    @davidandmoose88853 жыл бұрын

    I love my Buffs, but I also own a Shenaghs and love it. I never thought of taking it hiking. I've always used it at the gun range where the conditions are desert like. I'll have to buy a second one just for my hikes. Thanks for the reminder.

  • @TrailandBackAgain
    @TrailandBackAgain3 жыл бұрын

    Nice run down of the benefits of the shemagh. 🤙🏕

  • @audrey3319
    @audrey33192 жыл бұрын

    Love my shemaag, glad to see this video

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great! Glad you enjoyed. :)

  • @woowaptibam5253
    @woowaptibam52532 жыл бұрын

    Great video! I Definitely picked up a few new ideas

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @SeniorHiker77
    @SeniorHiker773 жыл бұрын

    I always thought the Shemagh could be an good addition to my gear. I bought one many years ago and it just sat on the shelf. I never learned the technique on folding but after your video I may try again. Thanks again for a comprehensive review. 👍

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah even if you just toss it over your head it's great!

  • @chrismichael8187
    @chrismichael81872 жыл бұрын

    Hetch hetchy is amazing! Thanks for the video.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes it is! I have a few trip videos from there as well: kzread.infosearch?query=hetch%20hetchy

  • @XX-fq8kp
    @XX-fq8kp Жыл бұрын

    THANK YOU FOR THE INFO

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    Жыл бұрын

    You're welcome!

  • @gregghoff730
    @gregghoff7307 ай бұрын

    I have done extensive backpacking throughout Colorado on up to British Columbia and Alaska. Now I live in Arizona. I always try to narrow down the items I carry and prioritize things that have more than one use. A shemagh is a very practical item that I will use more and more. Thanks for the excellent video. It gave me some ideas that I had not considered before. I agree with you and that with all the high-tech gear and clothing, you need to have something made of cotton. Thanks again.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    7 ай бұрын

    Great! Let me know how it goes.

  • @mothebe7858
    @mothebe78582 жыл бұрын

    I almost bought a shemach the other day. You some excellent pieces there . Buff and shemach.👌

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    2 жыл бұрын

    Right on!

  • @cathyajames
    @cathyajames3 жыл бұрын

    Great discussion. I had never heard of a shemagh, and definitely learned something today. There is too much misunderstanding of cotton for hiking. Yes, it's bad news when there is potential for hypothermia. But when it's really hot, cotton is going to be cooler than almost any other option. And you can wet your cotton T-shirt and wear it to keep you cool, which is not going to work with the typical hydrophobic shirt material.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    3 жыл бұрын

    100%! Yeah I get the general negative outlook because in many situations either rain or sweat or both will be present and we don't want that stuck to our bodies. But like you said, in some cases hanging on to some moisture can help. :)

  • @curtishuffstutler2934
    @curtishuffstutler29343 жыл бұрын

    David Canterbury from self-reliance outfitters sells the best one super thick great quality the ones on Amazon it's real thin compared to that one.

  • @n9oqu
    @n9oqu2 жыл бұрын

    I like the Grayl Ecopress water filter/bottle. It goes well with a shemagh for processing clean water outdoors.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    2 жыл бұрын

    Pretty heavy for hiking, but they sure look nice!

  • @aronmcinnes8313
    @aronmcinnes83132 жыл бұрын

    I have a Shemagh, and I have a Marino Wool Buff and Skull Cap. I use both. The Shemagh is nice on a sunny day to make shade, that a buff does not do well. I will trade out in the evening when it gets cooler and I want some more heat retention. Both setups do not take much space for what I get out of them.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, both super useful!

  • @mikeprice4103
    @mikeprice41033 жыл бұрын

    Tried out my new shemagh on a hike, got called a terrorist by another group jokingly. I do find it really useful in many ways and its a must now on my trips, thanks for the tip, good cheap present too.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    3 жыл бұрын

    Lol! That's why I got the flag version hahaha!

  • @n9oqu
    @n9oqu2 жыл бұрын

    Grayl ecopress bottles go well with shemaghs for outdoor water processing.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'd consider those too heavy for most trips but some kind of filter in addition to particulates is very wise!

  • @n9oqu

    @n9oqu

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@BackcountryPilgrim you are right, i am not a lightweight hiker. 20 -45 pounds.

  • @mudbone7706
    @mudbone77063 жыл бұрын

    Good information. What's the weight of the shemagh? Does it fit easily in a hipbelt pocket?

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    3 жыл бұрын

    It doesn't register on my scale LOL. I'll see if I can find out for sure but less than an ounce. It would likely fill most hip belt pockets. I just run it through a daisy chain loop, tie it loosely around a strap, or clip it on a carabiner if it isn't on me.

  • @SavageVoyageur
    @SavageVoyageur6 ай бұрын

    I just bought one today. I wanted to be one of the cool kids.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    6 ай бұрын

    You're in! Hahaha.

  • @user-kc9bt9cl9x
    @user-kc9bt9cl9x2 ай бұрын

    Hi from the british army yes we do have to learn how to tie but it is always best to have one Oh and it's pronounced sheemer the gh is silent

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    2 ай бұрын

    Never heard "sheemer" but thay sounds cooler and you guys invented English so I'll take your word for it haha!

  • @MiscMitz
    @MiscMitz3 жыл бұрын

    I love my gator too. Very similar

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    3 жыл бұрын

    Gator / Buff - they're great!

  • @MiscMitz

    @MiscMitz

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@BackcountryPilgrim okay, I thought they might be the same thing. Lol

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    3 жыл бұрын

    Buff is a brand but it's become like "kleenex" or "xerox" I guess haha. :)

  • @zkr3419
    @zkr3419 Жыл бұрын

    Hello sir, what would you recommend for hiking in snow-covered mountains?

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    Жыл бұрын

    It depends on the weather. I've been in snow wearing shorts because it was so hot haha (I live in California). But in cold and snow the applications would be more about sun protection (shade), additional warmth (especially the neck), and other things like keeping bugs off depending on elevation. :)

  • @zkr3419

    @zkr3419

    Жыл бұрын

    @@BackcountryPilgrim Okay thank you very much enchant my name is zack I come from France! And in terms of coverage, especially for the face, is a balaclava or a shemagh better?

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    Жыл бұрын

    I'd go balaclava so you can avoid over-layering and having to deal with knots and folds. :)

  • @12STONESADVENTURES
    @12STONESADVENTURES3 жыл бұрын

    Backcountry Taliban🤣 I've got a couple of gaiters I use. I'm thinking of picking up a genuine buff for the thru hike I'm preparing for in the fall.

  • @ms7fam433
    @ms7fam433 Жыл бұрын

    How is your Shemagh holding up after a year?

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    Жыл бұрын

    Perfectly! I wash it with my other gear (gentle, cold) and don't dry it in a dryer which I think helps.

  • @ms7fam433

    @ms7fam433

    Жыл бұрын

    @@BackcountryPilgrim Well crap... I put off buying one and now I'm gonna spend the money. After reviewing your video again and seeing another hiker talk about one, it definitely will replace some stuff and be a good addition. You keep costing me money. My wife might make me stop watching you...if I tell her... Thanks for the update.

  • @BackcountryPilgrim

    @BackcountryPilgrim

    Жыл бұрын

    Happy to be of service! (Wait until you see the backpack i am reviewing next week! LOL!)