I'm trying to decide which is better to bring on hikes here in Texas, a 42"x42" cotton shemagh or a 45"x45" silk kerchief. The silk kerchief packs down a lot smaller in my pack but I'm not sure if silk is as useful as cotton when it comes to warmth, shade, hygiene, using it as a dusk mask, pot holder, water strainer, or absorbent towel.
Anyone have any useful experience to share in one versus the other?
Gracias!
-Blast
When I looked into this, it seemed to me that weight and volume are what mattered, rather than material. A silk bandanna with a large area would be as effective as a cotton with a small area, if both were about the same weight and folded to the same packed volume.
I prefer the silk because it is more versatile. The extra area is useful if you are making it into a bag, cutting it up into strips for use as toilet paper, using it as cordage, etc, and would dry quicker if wet. Just be prepared to double it up if you need insulation or absorbency.
Since the Jinglebobs site disappeared, I don't know where to buy silk squares from any more.