Uses for Bandanas By M. Redfish
First thing that comes to mind when starting this list was when was the first time I remember a bandana. That was my grandpas classic red or blue ones he used to keep in his Key brand overalls, and around the necks of cowboys, stage coach robbers, and US Calvary in old westerns he used to watch. (also, see the Shemag used for thousands of years on the other side of the world) So with a rough outdoor living crew like those, it must have been important.
NOTES
Awesomely compact and in the top 10 things that are packed with usefulness
Buy 100% cotton
Orange signal ones are now made with survival info printed on them (good to have)
Some are made as waterproof maps (like silk maps sewn inside WWII flight jackets)
Some are printed with lots of different colors/camos, and things like useful knots printed on.
LIST
Signal flag (wind moves it with no effort, waved on long pole, symbol for moral etc.)
Strips as cordage
Water Filter gets trash and dirt out (does not make safe!)
Wash Cloth
Bag/carry sack
Skullcap/Head or Dew rag
Strips as trail markers
Strip as long burning tinder to start a fire
Pieces used for gun cleaning patches
Sun protector for neck
Pot Holder
Wipe Nose
Head band for Rain/Sweat
Breathing filter (wetting helps also)
Dew collector, wrap around ankle and walk through tall grass in morning… squeeze
Bandage to hold gause or alone if must
Head/eye wound cover
Splint broken bones
Tie as a handle or strap to carry things
Hide identity (robbing stagecoaches)
Sniper veil (I once saw a pic of a WWII german sniper with 2 holes cut in a piece of burlap over his face..haunting)
Close pants around ankles to keep insects out and heat in
Ground cover
Table cloth
Cool off