It has been written that Albert Einstein used to take a gentlemen’s handkerchief and make a knot on each corner thus creating an improvised hat that he wore while lingering outside on a hot sunny day. A popular method of tying a bandana is to fold it in half on the bias (between opposite corners) thus creating a triangle then placing this long fold on your forehead with the remaining cloth covering one’s head and tying the outside corners in the back over the remaining corner.

Recently I decided to try a cross between these two methods. I tied a knot on one of the corners which I placed on my forehead while covering my head with the rest of the cloth. Then I took the two adjacent corners on each side and tied them together in the back, thus securing my head covering. This method allows me to have much more use of available cloth that covers my neck from the elements or for added camouflage coverage. The knot in front I tuck behind the brim. The knot seems to create a better contour of the cloth and the bandana seems more stable while I wear it.

Perhaps you have a different way of tying your own bandana. Please leave a comment describing your method.

Bandanas… provide shade from the sun, warmth from the cold, filter air and water, provide padding, binding and signaling. They can even be used as a wick for a lamp or torch. They are a great addition to your Bug-Out-Bag (BOB), especially because they are not a specialized piece of equipment, making them incredibly versatile.

I would love to see comments from Survivaltek readers on the ways that YOU have used yours.