Who would have thought that something as ubiquitous as the common bandana would have so many uses? I know that I have used these colorful squares of cloth for many purposes over the years, not the least of which was keeping my hair in place and wiping the sweat off my brow in hot weather.
If you have not put a lot of thought into the usefulness of a bandana, think again. As far as I am concerned, you should have one available as part of your everyday carry kit and more than a few in your bug out bag and your stash of survival supplies.
So what are my favorite uses? Let me start with these.
My Top Six Favorite Uses for a Bandana
1. Head scarf. Whether it is a bad hair day or a good hair day, a bandana will protect your scalp and your hair from the sun and look fashionable at the same time. This applies to men as well as women – just ask any biker.
2. Handkerchief. A bandana makes a colorful and useful handkerchief that can be reused over and over again – after being washed, of course.
3. Dust mask. Tie a bandana over your face bandito-style to keep sand, dust and dirt out of your mouth and nose.
4. Emergency TP. You are out in the woods on a hike and have to go do your business. Believe me, a bandana works a lot better that a clump of leaves.
5. Signaling Device. If you are in trouble and want to get someone’s attention, wave your bandana. Red is the preferred color but any color will do.
6. Dress you Dog. Okay, I admit that this one is frivolous but Tucker the Dog looks so darn cute in his red bandana and besides, with him carrying the bandana, it is always available for my use, too.
37 Uses of a Bandana In A Crisis
Clearly, I do not have an exclusive on bandanas. Earlier this year, my friend Joe Marshall posted an article with 37 uses for a bandana in a crisis. Here are his thoughts on the matter.
A bandana sits right at the top of my list of often overlooked survival gear. It is another one of those items that has hundreds of improvised uses but only if you have the right mindset for it..
Bandana’s weigh a fraction of an ounce, they are dirt cheap, and are also a must have in your survival gear.
I’ve come up with my own ideas (and pulled some from a few different sources online) that showcase just how useful this piece of cotton can be.
Here is just a short list of possible uses for a bandana:
1. Signal (Brightly colored works best)
2. Neck Gaiter for cold weather
3. Tourniquet
4. Pot Holder
5. Collecting Wild Edibles
6. Sun protection for your neck
7. Sling (First-aid)
8. Sling (Weapon)
9. Friend/foe identification ( Gangs use them all the time to identify each other)
10. Cordage (cut into strips or used as is)
11. Washcloth/Towel
12. Sweatband
13. Waist pack/pouch
14. Hobo Pack
15. Padding a hotspot to keep from blistering
16. Cleaning Patches for Firearm
17. Gun Wipe Cloth (with oil)
18. Protection from foul odors ( add a few drops of essential oil)
19. Toilet Paper
20. Trail Marker
21. Dish Rag
22. Napkin
23. Eye patch
24. Water Filter (takes out large contaminants)
25. Clean Glasses and other lens
26. Ear Muffs
27. Bind a stone and toss a line over a limb
28. Dust Mask or smoke mask depending on the situation
29. Wet and wear in hot weather to keep you cool
30. Sneezing
31. Pot Holder
32. Improvised Bandage
33. Noise Reducer (wrap your gear to keep it from rattling in your pack)
34. Improvised Eye Patch
35. Cloth Diaper for a child
36. As a net to catch minnows and other bait
37. Camp markers (tear into four pieces and mark trees surrounding your camp site)
2. Neck Gaiter for cold weather
3. Tourniquet
4. Pot Holder
5. Collecting Wild Edibles
6. Sun protection for your neck
7. Sling (First-aid)
8. Sling (Weapon)
9. Friend/foe identification ( Gangs use them all the time to identify each other)
10. Cordage (cut into strips or used as is)
11. Washcloth/Towel
12. Sweatband
13. Waist pack/pouch
14. Hobo Pack
15. Padding a hotspot to keep from blistering
16. Cleaning Patches for Firearm
17. Gun Wipe Cloth (with oil)
18. Protection from foul odors ( add a few drops of essential oil)
19. Toilet Paper
20. Trail Marker
21. Dish Rag
22. Napkin
23. Eye patch
24. Water Filter (takes out large contaminants)
25. Clean Glasses and other lens
26. Ear Muffs
27. Bind a stone and toss a line over a limb
28. Dust Mask or smoke mask depending on the situation
29. Wet and wear in hot weather to keep you cool
30. Sneezing
31. Pot Holder
32. Improvised Bandage
33. Noise Reducer (wrap your gear to keep it from rattling in your pack)
34. Improvised Eye Patch
35. Cloth Diaper for a child
36. As a net to catch minnows and other bait
37. Camp markers (tear into four pieces and mark trees surrounding your camp site)
It is always a good idea to carry a bandana with you, they take up no weight and have a lot of uses (provided you are creative enough to figure them out).
About ‘Above Average’ Joe: I am just an average guy with a passion for learning. I am excited to share the things I learn with you but I am most interested in learning from you. Thank you, Gaye, for inviting me to share the Survival Life with your readers!
The Final Word
Bandanas are fun, useful and dirt cheap. Heck for ten dollars you can usually purchase a dozen or so and be set for a long long time. In my own case, the bandana brings out the inner cowgirl in me and well, is just plain fun. Couple that with its many uses for survival and ordinary daily life and you have a winner in my book.
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