The Humble Bandana

Bandanas, or variations of it, have been around for ages. They are picturesque and have been seen on heads, around necks (including dogs) and casually hanging out of rear pickets. They come in a variety of sizes, designs and colors. And, as diverse as their appearance, so are their uses.

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.

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3 thoughts on “The Humble Bandana

  1. I agree…bandannas are really versatile. I did use (well, sort of) one to filter air. A wet napkin held over my nose and mouth filtered out a nasty burning odor at school once!

  2. I will wear mine wrapped up on my forehead under a hat when I am in the garden to keep the sweat out of my eyes.
    Pretty ones also work nicely on bad hair days. ;-)

  3. Yes, without a doubt a bandana has so many uses it is only limited by your imagination. Some more uses for a bandana in a survival/emergency situation that I have come across are listed below:

    Wrap a sprained ankle or wrist
    To secure a splint on a broken arm or leg
    Emergency diaper
    Wrap around snow or ice for an ice pack
    Bandage
    Tourniquet
    Sling (first-aid)
    Sling (as in David and Goliath)
    Sling (for a staff)
    Cleaning wounds
    Bind a splint
    Cover a sunburn

    Stuff to make a pillow
    Earmuffs
    Soak in water and use as a neckband to keep cool
    Use as a belt
    Pad shoulders when carrying a load
    To tie extra stuff to a backpack
    Emergency repair for a strap on a pack
    Sweatband
    Waist pack/pouch
    Hobo Pack
    Dust Mask
    Sun shade
    Neck Gaiter for cold weather
    Sun block for neck
    Dry feet after going through a stream

    Gather wild berries in it
    Cover exposed food
    Coffee filter or tea strainer
    Course water filter
    Washcloth/Towel
    Pot Holder
    Carry Food
    Polish fruit
    Moisten and wrap biscuits, pancakes to keep from going stale
    A net to gather minnows for bait

    Tie to the car antenna for easy spotting
    Sending smoke signals
    To check wind direction
    Fly swatter
    Signal Flag
    Cordage (for strips or as is)
    Tie to a rock to toss a line over a tree limb

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