I have both. I got the shemagh (or poshu as called here) in a trip to Tunisia and worked very well. The bandana looks somewhat more civilized and can always be carried in the city. (In most of the hollywood movies I had seen Islamic terrorist do carry a shemagh and a khaki coat so I think there is already a pre-justice for it <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />)

I used the shemagh on horse ride, trekking etc day and night. It was february in Northern Africa so it was hot days and cold nights. The bandana wouldn't work the same as the other protects your head better due to the thickness of the cloth. If you are going to hot arid areas it would be better than the bandana if you don't want to carry a hat or etc. It insulates better as it leaves more space for air.

Millions of people use it everyday (middle east, southern Turkey, North Africa, Asia) but I think I might look wierd somewhere else:)

I have also noticed some special forces soldiers use them on operations.

Burak
Istanbul