RothcoSolid Color Shemagh-Tactical Desert Scarf

From the Mountains of Afghanistan, to the Mountains of Alaska, from the heat of Iraq to just sitting in my house and traveling cross country, these things are incredible. Just like the Romans, the Brits, and almost every combat vet who lived outside the wire in OEF or OIF, having something around your neck in cold weather to keep your neck warm is just about one of the only things that can help you keep from getting sick. And it does not stop there... these are the real deal and you can tie them about your head just like they did thousands of years ago. You can even pull it up for a scarf across the mouth and nose like a true enemy combatant or guy that you are with that is 'supposed' to have your back... take your pick... it just depends on the time of day. Great for dust storms, snow storms, and for shade in the blazing heat and sun. It also pads your armor for your head and/or your neck to protect from that horrid chaffing as well as 'hot spots'. Use it as a rag to mop the sweat up or to mop up your spilled dinner/coffee. Wash it by hand or in the laundry. Clean your weapon on it. Wipe off your hands before you eat. Use it as a towel when you take a 'bath' with a bottle of water. Blow your nose with it and even use it to wipe your back side in an 'emergency'. Take a nap under it or ball it up as a pillow. Use it as a combat medical sling, a rock sling, a pouch, a shelf/pocket above your bunk. The uses are almost endless. Ever since my I had my own team in Afghanistan back in 2003-2004, I have basically never done anything without one of these things close by. Now, I have to say this as well:!!WARNING!!Be sure you get the right colors. Let me be clear. Me sporting black and white 'over there' is no big deal. For the most part, red and white, and even the new 'military' colors of black and brown, green and brown' etc. are just fine 'over there' as well. You might get into some interesting situations if you wear a local 'family' color and there is some mistaken identity issues, but for the most part... not a big deal. However, sport a black and white or a red and white one of these going through the airport or walking downtown LA or Detroit and you are going to have a problem.!SOLUTION! I finally got an all black one that I am going to use on my next trip through the airport as a 'scarf' as well as a coyote brown one for myself and/or my wife. I will let you know if I run into any problems. Also, now I don't have to worry about walking outside my house in the snow to pick up the mail/put out the trash and have my neighbors freaking out about me looking like a terrorist. Thank God for companies like Rothco who make stuff I can use in 'civilian' life as well as on the road/for duty.These things are seriously awesome and I hope you love yours as much as I love the half dozen or so that I have. (price has gone up a bit though... you can buy local overseas for much less, but PX/BX/AAFES are about the same as here). ENJOY!UPDATE: So I took my all black shemagh on multiple flights/trips throughout the Central and Eastern US and it worked great like I knew it would. What I was really surprised at is that no one gave me 'static' about it at all. I was worried that I would be profiled for it by TSA and the like, but it was like they did not even notice. I wore it like a scarf, and not like a local from central/southwest Asia, but the solid color made it almost invisible and did not stand out at all. I will admit that it did not quite function like a basic scarf. I had to twist it/roll it up to make it look like a scarf. For those wanting to be a bit more discreet, please check out my germbana review. I also admit that I was traveling in the late winter/early spring, so scarfs and such are more common/expected. If I use the all coyote brown one on my next trip I will update again.

Okay, so this review is a little long but I think it's worth reading for those who are interested.Honestly, I think these are better quality than the ones made in the Hirbawi factory. They're noticeably softer and a thicker weave. It's no stranger to pulled threads, but for the price I'm okay with it. It doesn't look like they will be hard to repair (cut the loose thread at the mid point and tie a square knot. Cut off remainder of thread). I wasn't being especially careful with my Foliage one but it's far from ruined. In fact, it appears to be much more durable than my Hirbawi shemagh, which costs about $25.For those who don't know, the Hirbawi factory is supposedly the last authentic maker of these scarves in Palestine. I only say supposedly because the culture behind these scarves seems fairly nuanced and I by no means have all the information. Are they the only authentic maker in the world or just Palestine? Are they only authentic if they are made in Palestine? What does authentic even mean? Are there no factories in the UAE making these? Turkey? Does every Muslim own one from Hirbawi? As far as I can tell, the rest are made in India, China, or Pakistan. From what I have gathered, these Rothco shemaghs are made in India.I figured I'd try out a Hirbawi shemagh because I assumed it would be the highest quality product. While their scarves are absolutely beautiful, I swear every time I take a close look at mine I see more and more threads that had gotten pulled out. And I've been very careful with it, which to be honest is not something I want to worry about, especially at $25 from an authentic factory. The threads on that one are very thin and the weave seems rather loose, which is odd because on the amazon description it says 'heaviest weave on the market' or something to that extent. I would understand it if it was intentionally light. Palestine gets pretty hot, it would make sense that the authentic Palestinian shemagh is thinner and lighter. But then why advertise that they are the heaviest? They clearly are not. That being said, I live in an area where temperature ranges from 9-112 degrees Fahrenheit. And a single Hirbawi scarf just doesn't do the job in the cold for me. I can get my neck covered pretty well, but if I need to cover my face, neither area is effectively warm. I'd have to double up. But at $25, I can't really afford to do that, especially if I'm unsure of their quality. I am all for supporting a last remaining manufacturer of authentic products, but that's difficult when the higher price doesn't really pay off. I still wear mine because it is gorgeous, and part of my reason for wearing these is to show solidarity to Muslims. Frankly, I feel a little guilty wearing my Rothcos. But I wonder, does every Muslim who wears a shemagh own one from Hirbawi? Or are some them sporting Rothcos?ANYWAY, back to the Rothco. Good product. Would recommend. Will buy again. Don't machine wash it. Hand wash cold, gently. For really cold weather, these can do pretty well, especially if you fold it up a few times. But at these prices, I think it's worth getting two for extra layering. I'd like a couple more with the chequered pattern.I originally got two solid colored ones because someone at work took issue with my white and blue chequered one (it can happen, like I said the culture behind these scarves is pretty complicated). It was a short interaction and I don't know if the guy was just ignorant, was Muslim and took offence at some white kid wearing one, or perhaps he was Israeli and I was wearing the national symbol of pride for the nation that his people have been at war with for thousands of years. I walked away because it was early in the mourning and I was not in the mood for a geopolitical debate. Be aware that situations like this can happen if you wear a shemagh. But it's a lot less likely with a solid colored one.

The texture of the cloth was not comfortable to me.

Personally I like the feel of the material and how easy it is to breathe through once doubled up. Regular hospital masks make me feel like I’m suffocating. Although I can wrap this around my face and breathe just fine. Not to mention all the different ways you can wear it. If it’s a cold day and you forgot your hat you can wrap it around your head face and neck. Surprisingly it actually keeps you warmer than some of the hats I’ve bought.

I rate it 9 out of 10, but only because It’s not bulletproof

The quality is great, material is amazing however it’s smaller than the usual keffiyeh.

I'm no expert in these things but it seems durable and relatively comfortable/easy to use.

I love these Shemaghs! I used them all winter over my Covid-19 mask. Stylish and utilitarian. I have many olive/tan drab ones and wanted something with some pop for style. Likely my wife will try to borrow the blue and red I purchased so I will need to buy two more. I have used in winter but not summer yet. Would take to beach or on boat if wanting protection from sun. Most likely will not be in situations where I need all the various tying styles, but good to know it's there just in case. Need an arm sling real quick - covered.... and the cost is great if you need to use in emergency, or give away, or leave behind....just great value for the cost and so many potential uses. I have not washed these yet so I did not rate durability. I have washed other without issue...suspect same for these.

Me encanto la tele y calidad

Good product Ontime delivery Nice package

フォリッジグリーンとの事で購入しましたが私のイメージしていた色ではありませんでしたこれはこれで良い色なので使います。質感もよくフンワリしており満足していますグリーン系の色は難しいですコンドル社のフォリッジグリーンを買ったらグレーみたいでしたし

For some reason I've just collected shemaghs as I've gone through life. I don't think I'll be getting any more now that I have this one. It's a much better quality than any others I have purchased, and I was able to wear it for multiple hours without getting itchy or anything. I'm a big fan. If I ever lose it or it gets damaged I'll definitely be buying another one.Another nice thing about it is how black it is. Most of my wardrobe is black and it looks great.

The best Shemagh I've ever purchased - much thicker than others available on amazon, and I've purchased quite a few. The material is sturdy and thick enough to last, it doesn't smell like chemicals and the colour is fast and does not wash out. Exactly what I wanted from a Shemagh! Perfect for everyday wear in summer or winter, and a fantastic addition to a survival kit! Going to buy a few from Rothco over the next few months!!! I could not recommend this product enough! Absolutely fantastic!Edit: I've purchased another one of these in a different colour and found the quality to be just as good as the first! I'd buy many more! Exceptional product!Edit #2: I couldn't resist and have now purchased a total of 6 of these Rothco Shemaghs in various styles and colours and could not be more pleased! Each one is as good as the last and they're serving me exceptionally well! Very much recommended!!! Make sure to check out the two tone styles as well, they're the same quality and fit.