Shemagh or Buff

[Rebel]

I've been considering a buff to keep bugs out of my mouth and nose when cycling, but I've just spotted this thread and thought a shemagh may do instead. Does anyone else use a shemagh in that way?

No but I do use a buff in that way. The problem with breathing through material is that it rapidly becomes wet. When wet it is cold and harder to breathe through. The thin polyester microfibre of the buff doesn't hold water, is easy to breathe through and dries quickly. Also not too hot in summer.

A proper mask is better, but for me with my limited amount of cycling it is overkill and bulky.

 

[Everything Mac]

I have both - I prefer the shemagh for most things. but they have different uses for me - the buff is good to keep the wind out of my face.

Andy

 

[Miyagi]

I've been considering a buff to keep bugs out of my mouth and nose when cycling, but I've just spotted this thread and thought a shemagh may do instead. Does anyone else use a shemagh in that way?

I have in the past, but it tends to make you overheat when cycling.

As i wear specs a shop bought filter mask caused them to steam up even in winter. A better solution I found was a hankie or bandana shaped into a triangle and worn across the nose and mouth in the style of cowboys robbing a train.

Anything you breath through will get drenched though.

 

[thatch]

I have used shemags for years, but this winter I decided to try a buff. Bought a merinowool buff. Tried to use it mainly as a "scarf", and to cover mouth/face in cold weather. I must say though, for that use I was really disappointed by the buff. It's so thin, so when you use it to cover your mouth the section infront of your face gets soaking wet from the moisture in your breath. That is uncomfortable when it's cold. If you try to turn it around to get dry fabric infront, the wet part will freeze to ice, making it stiff and uncomfortable. So at least for my use, the buff was not a very good product. I quickly went back to my shemags. I really love them. Got used to wearing them when I was in the military, after that I became addicted. Use them all year round.

 

[8thsinner]

I am hearing a lot of crap here right now I think.
WATER is our most important need in a bush situation and you guys are still breathing so heavily through your mouth when you know damn well you should breath through the nose.
ANY fabric is going to get wet breathing all over it, thats not the fault of the fabric it's yours.

This is like watching someone peeling potatoes or something towards themselves, and warning them that they will get cut.
When they get cut they expect sympathy for it...
Sorry if this sounds harsh but I laugh at people like this.

 

[Bush_Man]

When I use something it's a shemag. I can pick hot things like a pan with him, I can protect my head or neck and even make an improvised bandage if needed.

 

[Rebel]

I have used shemags for years, but this winter I decided to try a buff. Bought a merinowool buff. Tried to use it mainly as a "scarf", and to cover mouth/face in cold weather. I must say though, for that use I was really disappointed by the buff. It's so thin, so when you use it to cover your mouth the section infront of your face gets soaking wet from the moisture in your breath. That is uncomfortable when it's cold. If you try to turn it around to get dry fabric infront, the wet part will freeze to ice, making it stiff and uncomfortable. So at least for my use, the buff was not a very good product. I quickly went back to my shemags. I really love them. Got used to wearing them when I was in the military, after that I became addicted. Use them all year round.

A Buff to keep you warm in the Norwegian winter? I'm not surprised you weren't very warm, they aren't really designed for sub-zero temperatures. Also wool tends to hold moisture, a synthetic fibre would probably work better for breathing through.

 

[paolo]

Here in Italy the shemag is often associated with extreme left-wing political ideas so you can have troubles if you meet someone from the extreme opposite side... Sad but true.. Two times sad because it's really a versatile and useful piece of kit.
I have a black Tagelmust that I wear every time of the year.
Perfect to use around the neck when riding my bike...

 

[Caetera-desunt]

Bought a merinowool buff. Tried to use it mainly as a "scarf", and to cover mouth/face in cold weather. I must say though, for that use I was really disappointed by the buff. It's so thin, so when you use it to cover your mouth the section infront of your face gets soaking wet from the moisture in your breath.

As an update to this thread - ChocFish have got a heavier weight buff - they call it a Tuara - that definitely fits the bill. I found them through this guy

 

[sandbender]

No, no no, a Shermagh.

can be used as a towel and a furoshiki.

A shemagh always, I have an extra long one, too many uses to list, including using it to cart your veg back from the market! see 'furoshiki'.

 

[Rabbitsmacker]

shamagh, or in our house they are called 'shammy-shu' spelled how it sounds! lol. buffs are a bit trendy for me,.

 

[dave53]

i use both depends on the enviroment regards dave

 

[beaver1970]

I am hearing a lot of crap here right now I think.
WATER is our most important need in a bush situation and you guys are still breathing so heavily through your mouth when you know damn well you should breath through the nose.
ANY fabric is going to get wet breathing all over it, thats not the fault of the fabric it's yours.

This is like watching someone peeling potatoes or something towards themselves, and warning them that they will get cut.
When they get cut they expect sympathy for it...
Sorry if this sounds harsh but I laugh at people like this.

Well said. It has become all too common for people involved in bushcraft to blame their kit. As the saying goes a bad trades man always blames his tools.

 

[beaver1970]

I have and use shemagh, buff and bandana. They all have uses other than clothing and I would recommend them to everyone. You only need to do a quick search and you can find many uses.

 

[santaman2000]

What's a buff?

 

[Old Bones]

What's a buff?

One of these - http://buffusa.com/ - basically the old 'headover' reborn. Incredibly useful, and has reached to point where a 'buff' is how you describe pretty much anything similar. Not the cheapest, and there are lot of similar ones out there, but having used a cheap one and a Buff (bought on sale), the Buff is stretchier, and has a tighter weave, so warmer and more wind resistant. However, the cheaper supermarket fleece lined one has been great value, so its whatever works.

Bandana's, shermaghs, etc are all pretty much a bit of cloth that you put around your neck, over the face, around the head, etc. The only thing I find with a shermagh is that they are sometimes a bit bulky for around the neck, and cotton can be a bit chilly.

 

[santaman2000]

Thanks. I've carried a bandana pretty much forever and I knew what the shemagh was.

 

[Janne]

In the old days, the PLO fans in Sweden wore checkered shemags or whatever they are called.

A knitted cap is just pefect for me. If needed, with a woolen scarf.

Sometimes it is nice when somebody revives a petrified thread!

Here on island some guys wear doorags.

 

[KenThis]

I usually have a shemagh in a day pack for when I inevitably turn into a puddle of sweat. (usually carry a few large cotton handkerchiefs in my pockets to be more discreet).
Never really knew what buffs were till I googled - they seem way too fashioable for me.
However I am really interested in using one as a wrist/sweatband that could double in a pinch as a sleep snood.
Could someone with more buff experience point me in the right direction.
Also I'm guessing that merino is for winter use rather than summer - what material would be better for wicking and cooling in summer?
where is best to buy? reputable make? are there big ones for big lumps like me?

 

[nitrambur]

http://www.buffwear.com/ the range has increased a tad since I last looked, regular ones are polyester microfibre, good and stretchy so should fit you