One of the best and arguably most common uses for a bandana is as a general rag. \u00a0They are great for removing sweat, wiping down pots & pans and as a napkin as well. \u00a0If you have to wipe off mud or dirt off of your face or body, bandanas are your friend. \u00a0Pretty much any use a rag covers, a bandana will as well.<\/p>\n
As was discussed in a separate piece on brewing coffee in the backcountry, the bandana can be used as a coffee grind filter. \u00a0 In the same way it can also serve as a basic water filter to remove larger particles in a pinch. \u00a0You should never rely on a bandana as the sole filtration method but it can be used in an emergency.<\/p>\n
Brightly colored bandanas can be signaling devices if you are in a desolate area. \u00a0It is usually a good idea to keep bright orange, green and blue bandanas with you for different situations. \u00a0There isn’t likely a location that these colors will all blend in with simultaneously.<\/p>\n
To keep track of where you are going or have been a bandana can be perfect. \u00a0You can tear pieces from it for multiple markers. \u00a0To make your location or home camp, they are usually square shaped and can resemble or be used as a flag for others to see. \u00a0Basically, they stand out of the green, brown, earth and white tones that are often found in nature.<\/p>\n
This one applies to cotton bandanas only. \u00a0Any piece of cotton cloth can be made into char-cloth. \u00a0Char-cloth is a material that is great for rapid starting of fires in wet areas. \u00a0The cloth is heated until it goes through a process of chemical change called pyrolysis. \u00a0Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of a veritable based material. \u00a0After this conversion, the resulting char-cloth is a great fuel that burns slow and at very low temperatures. \u00a0The slow burning fuel is ideal for fire starting.<\/p>\n
Keeping one from bleeding out on the trail can easily be a matter of life and death. \u00a0As tourniquets are not always part of backpacker’s medical kits, improvising one can be necessary. \u00a0You can use a belt, shirt or bandana for this purpose. \u00a0It is important to restrict blood flow when treating certain types of wounds as they may lead to bleeding out and death. \u00a0It is also a good idea to carry a mini Sharpie or permanent marker to note the time of application on the tourniquet when applied.<\/p>\n
This use mirrors the tourniquet point above but the basic idea is to keep pressure on an opening of the body. \u00a0The bandana itself can be used as a bandage for soaking up fluid and for keeping it in place. \u00a0A clean bandana is ideal but any type will do if the occasion arrises where resources are limited.<\/p>\n
Carrying small things such as food (in foraging), kindling or wood (in fire building) or dirt\/building materials (in shelter making) call for a vessel of some type for easier transport. \u00a0Wrapping a bandana around a pile of sticks can make what was a two hand job only require one, or even none at all. \u00a0You are likely able to carry more food in a wrapped bandana than you can with your two hands. \u00a0The same goes for earth or even rocks for building up a fire ring. \u00a0This is another very good use of a regular old bandana.<\/p>\n
To protect yourself from the exposure or to stay comfortable, a bandana can keep the top of the head or sides covered. \u00a0Keeping cover from the sun, rain or other elements will help you stay healthy and strong when outdoors. \u00a0This will also help keep your internal temperature lower which will reduce the amount of resources your body requires to function properly.<\/p>\n
By soaking a rolled up bandana in water and wrapping it around your neck, you can slightly cool yourself off on a hot day. \u00a0The water will slowly evaporate through the layers and maintain a lower temperature until dry. \u00a0Also, when it does dry eventually, it will soak up any perspiration from your body as it rolls down your neck and face.<\/p>\n
If you plan on carrying multiple bandanas for different uses and purposes it may be wise to have different colors. \u00a0By differentiating the colors, you remove confusion over which bandana was used for what purpose. \u00a0You probably don’t want to use the same bandana as a handkerchief that you use to wipe down pots and pans. \u00a0Keeping them clean can make them last longer, they are not expensive and have many other purposes than those listed here. \u00a0Everyday you will find yourself in need of something a bandana can be used for, why not have one?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"