If you do some creative folding it can be a pocket organizer.When folded there is always an oped end that is devided.A folding knife in one division,a flash light in another,a fire steel in one.I think you see where this is going....

BOATMAN
John

Neckerchief Uses
First Aid uses

The Japanese govt in their attempt to reduce the problems with plastic shopping bags were promoting the use of large scarves for carrying shopping.
They refer to it as Furoshiki.
The scarves resemble large bandannas There are 8 standard sizes from 18 to 52 inches but usually they are about 30 inches square.
Of course you can make them any size you like.
The preferred cloth is either synthetic (nylon, rayon?) or silk because it is strong and the knots hold well.
They have some interesting ways to tie them into bundles.

These two sites are a brief introduction.
http://www.infomapjapan.com/hstore/200709-infospecial.phtml
http://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/attach/060403-5.html

I've used mine (actually an old St. Johns ambulance association sling) for the usual lot, i.e. to:
-save other people's brains from frying a few times
-pre-filter water
-sling
-carry items

I just came back from 7 months in Gabon, habituating wild chimpanzees and gorillas in Loango national park. In order to try to find underground honey chambers where chimps had dug for underground bees nests, we would push old tent poles into the ground. More than a few times my slingdana ended up being necessary in order to be able to pull our perforating tool out of the ground, what with humidity, sweat, grease.

I also never thought that my leatherman would be used to saw through a chimp bone!

My most common use is to keep my head warm, and many times I've been glad to EDC a bandanna, although a thin SmartWool knit cap is small enough to serve that role, too.

It is often helpful to spread out a bandanna to keep together small items, such as emptying my pockets, etc.

As for size, about 22 inches square seems to be optimal for use as cap-style headgear. Smaller and you don't have enough cloth to tie a knot; larger and the cloth is bulky for tying a knot. So it is interesting to play around with it and see what you prefer. A larger bandanna will let you tie it so cloth hangs down the back of your neck to reduce sunburn.

Although cotton seems to be preferred, I'm looking for silk in the right weight/texture.

I try changing the way it is folded from time to time so it does not wear holes in it, something I learned the hard way.

Steve

My dad, who turns 80 next month, still does. For myself, however, carrying used boogers around in my pocket was not appealing. I still carry a bandana and sometimes a hankey for the uses you mentioned, but NOT for blowing my own nose and putting it back in my pocket.

And to avoid any confusion, I do NOT leave a bandana or hanky of any color just "hanging out of my pocket."

I must need more sleep -- when I first saw this thread, I read it as "Banana Republic."

Or maybe I have seen that skit too many times...

Agreed. But it is a great backup to tissue paper, which is my primary nose blower. With two small kids I really appreciate always having a "backup hankie" nearby. Tissue paper in your pockets will just turn into soggy, frayed paper fibers really quick. Hankies - don't leave home without it.


In my smaller first aid kits, sterile (or at least clean!) triangular cloths are preferred to gauze binds. (Packs smaller, easier to use and more versatile). My emergency bandana substitute, so to speak. The smaller triangular cloths won't cover all aspects of a bandana. But the headgear bandana options are not that important to me - in my climate proper clothing against the cold must be worn anyway.

I've always carried one as well and have been told its nasty. But compared to trying to carry around thin tissues that tear through when you try to use them its seems better to me. You just have to be careful how you use them, don't use the same spot twice and fold the used side inward when you put it in your pocket.

It was meant as a play on words