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

Safety concern -- might you run into crazy people who'd assume you deserve to be shot just because you're wearing a shemagh?

There is a black silk T-neck around here somewhere that has been worn maybe once and it was really warm, way warmer than an equivalent in cotton. I packed it away for a colder climate. From your list some would be better with silk, some cotton. Silk is also very strong, can't recall if it's strong when wet, I'm thinking not.

I would recommend the cotton for high temps and silk for winter.

Check Wiki Silk, there is a section on properties.

While on the subject, check out Spider silk too. Strength and toughness compared to kevlar...

Agree with Bingly

There is another option or possibility : a buff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-GtDMUAMb8

If bulk is a concern,a much smaller cotton bandanna (cowboy style, about 15x15") has worked effectively for most of those uses quite regularly. I am carrying one right now.

It is a well known fact that red bandannas are the most effective.

No worries about mistaken identities while wearing a shemagh, they are fairly common around here. In addition to either I also always carry a basic, white, cotton hanky. I have a Buff but because I have a really big melon I find it doesn't fit/work on me as well as for the people modelling it.

It seems the extra warmth of the silk kerchief will be good in the Texas "winter" but in summertime the shemagh will probably be more comfortable. :-)
-Blast, surviving fashionably.

Something similar that I've used is this from SG:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/i...e-drab?a=961655

The bandannas I got were more 'olive' colored than the pictured one.

The thin cotton wicks off moisture in the summer and the 32x32 bandannas are a good size for hanging around the neck or tying on the head. They make a good insulator around the neck in the treestand in late fall.

At $1.75 apiece I'm not afraid to use them and abuse them.

I will admit that I'm intrigued by some of the cotton shemaghs that I've seen around lately. There's a coyote brown one that I might try out in the near future.

I've used both; either will be fine.