How to Get the Most Out of Your Bandana

Bandanas are one of the most useful and versatile items you can carry in your pack on a hike (or bike ride or road trip for that matter). How do I use thee? Let me count the ways…

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A bandana (two would be fantastic!)

1. Roll it up and tie it ’round your head to keep sweat from dripping in your eyes.
2. Wet it in a stream or lake and drape it across the back of your neck to cool down on a hot day.
3. Drape it over your head (and under your hat) to let the ends dangle and keep bugs out of your eyes (yes this really works—and I’m told that’s what the little balls on a sombrero’ s fringe are for, too!).
4. Press it on a wound to stop bleeding (put a sterile gauze pad directly on the wound itself first, though).
5. Tie it around and arm or leg with sticks or hiking poles to form a splint if someone’s twisted a wrist or ankle.
6. Make a shoulder sling with it in case of an arm injury.
7. Place it on a log, boulder or the ground to sit upon so as not to get tree sap or bird poop on your expensive hiking pants.
8. Tie it over your mouth and nose bandit-style to keep out cold air on a winter hike or dust on a windy one.
9. Wipe your runny nose with it.
10. Dab the corners of you mouth after you snack on trail mix that now has melted chocolate in it.
11. Substitute it for toilet paper if you forgot to bring toilet paper on your trip into the woods (and bring a sealable plastic bag to put it in afterwards).
12. Use it to wash up with when you're backpacking--it's less bulky than a washcloth.
13. Wave it to flag down help if you’re lost. But you’re not going to get lost because you scouted the route ahead of time, right?