Backpacker Magazine – October 2012

Saved by...A Shirt or Bandanna

Everyone brings a shirt or bandanna into the backcountry. Here, 9 ways to increase its usefulness.

by: Kristin Hostetter

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Use it to...

• Make rope (cut into thin strips and twist).
• Crudely filter water or collect dew for drinking.
• Make a schemag (traditional Arab headdress) to protect face/eyes from sunlight/dust/sandstorm.
• Make a hat/neck gaiter. For a cooling gaiter, “Pee on it, then wrap,” says Bear.
• Mark a trail (cut into small pieces) or signal for help.
• Fashion an arm sling.
• Make a tourniquet or bandage.
• Rig a hobo bag (to carry essentials if you get separated from your pack).
• Make char cloth (see the video). By burning cotton in an enclosed container, you can create an excellent firestarter that ignites with the merest of sparks.

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