How To: Use a Bandana Outdoors

A bandana is a powerhouse piece of gear. These handy squares of cloth are lightweight, take up little space in a backpack or pocket, and have countless uses when you’re outside. Here are a few things you can use a bandana for — besides blowing your nose.

Sun Protection

• Forgot your hat? No problemo! Whip out your bandana and tie it pirate-style over your head.
• Fold it into a triangle and wear it like a cowboy to keep your neck from getting sunburned.
• To keep cool when temperatures skyrocket, dip the bandana in cold water before you tie it around your neck.

Camp Kitchen

• Fold a bandana into a thick square and use it as a pot holder to lift an iron skillet off of campfire coals.
• Grimy dishes are no match for a soapy bandana and a little elbow grease.
• A bandana makes a great mini tablecloth to keep your meal off the grubby ground.

Personal Care

• Tie a bandana around your forehead to catch sweat on a steamy day.
• Dry off your feet after crossing a shallow stream.
• Wash your face after a dusty hike.

Other Uses

• Tie a bright bandana to a branch to indicate the correct path at a fork in the trail.
• Lash a water bottle to your backpack.
• Make a pouch to collect blackberries, pecans, or other outdoor treasures.

First Aid

• Use a bandana to gently apply pressure to stop bleeding and secure a sterile dressing to a wound. Don’t tie the bandana too tight!