I am considering replacing my EDC bandana with a recon wrap. What are the pros and cons of the recon wrap compared to a regular bandana, besides being a lot more expensive?

Assuming that I am guessing what you are calling a recon warp correctly, I would say that the wrap would be good for pretty much one thing, covering your noggin'. A square bandana can do that, make a sling for a kids broken arm, make a larger bandage, be used to filter water into a larger container, be bought in brighter colors (orange, yelllow to name two) for signaling, and probably a couple of other things that don't come to mind immediately...

What exactly is a recon wrap? Is it the same as a shemagh, worn by some of the soldiers and special operators in Iraq?

I don't think it's quite the same, but I don't know. Here is the recon wrap: http://www.rstacticalgear.com/pd_spec_ops_gear.cfm

That's kind of my thought, that a bandana is actually more multipurpose, but I have never checked out the recon wrap, just heard about it. Not sure it's a useful purchase, though.

Just going by the pictures on this catalog, the Recon Wrap seems rather elastic and stretchy. One of the strengths of a regular bandana is being able to improvise slings, cravats, splinting, etc. I'm not sure the Recon Wrap could do those things as effectively since the fabric looks like it would stretch when subjected to tension.

For EDC, while the Recon Wrap is probably the superior multipurpose head covering, a bandana is probably the more adaptable EDC item.

Your recon wrap is not what I was thinking of. I think that if I were over in the sandbox, in a uniform, one of those would be much handier than any ole bandana. But I'm not over there, and where I am I can carry a bandana (or two) in my pocket and use then for more of what I do. Heck, I can even blow my nose with one if needed...

We used to make those out of the sleeves of old sweat shirts, long sleeve shirts and such.

Yeah... We were poor, but our heads were cool and/or our lungs were dust free. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Stick with a bandana. You can find large/oversize ones in hiking stores, or online.
The one linked is a fleecy-type material. I had originally thought you were talking about what we used to call a drive-on rag; simply an army issue triangular bandage which, when completely unfolded, covered your fave VERY well. To keep the dust out (rarely worked that well, but, hey, you look pretty intimidating with that & tinted dust goggles).

Yeah, I'm sticking with my trusty bandana. I also have a watch cap for my head. Where I live, that's pretty much all I should need. Thanks for the input, guys. Saved me about $20. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I carry both. The ReconWrap is very useful, but is not a substitute for a bandana or other large cloth piece. I have used the ReconWrap in most of the configurations listed on the advertising page. Well worth the small carry space it requires. I use it more in the desert than the new england woods, but always carry it.

I have six of them and use them all.Always have one on me and can be used all year long.Can even be used as a face mask,balaclava and neck wrap along with the various configurations for around the head.
I find mine very useful especially as I do not always have a winter hat with me but the wrap is compact enough to carry everywhere.Can't be used as a sling though(at least I haven't tried)
and like was stated earlier comes in limited colors.All in all I find it more convenient than a bandana since it has multi-season capability.

I myself never hit the trail without at least one red bandana. I the desert it’s great for keeping the back of my neck from getting sunburned, when draped from under my hat to cover my neck or rolled up as a plane old neckerchief. In camp, it serves as my towel, washcloth, dishrag, etc. The commando doo-rag is just too armchair worrier for my taste, more expensive and less versatile.

Looks just like a "tactical" BUFF.
Buffs are very versitile headgear.

http://www.buffusa.com/index.html

I think you were really comparing apples and oranges anyway. That reconwrap is a head covering, nothing more. The bandana is whatever you want it to be. I did like the price on the wrap, regular price $19.95, ON SALE (in red) for, are you ready for this, $19.95. What a deal!!!

I prefer the US Army Triangular Bandage. Because of it's size, I find it has more applications. I still also carry a few bandannas because they too, have their uses.

I used to pack around bandanas and handkerchiefs, then I went to Baghdad, and now I use Schemaughs. Too big to stuff in a trouser pocket, they are usually worn around the neck all day by most, when not deployed for other reasons. I found my Schemaughs worked pretty darned good in a Denver winter as well.

Wildman you mean the "Drive on Rag"

http://www.specialforces.com/store/custo...&page=1

Like everyone else has said the recon wrap is limited. It may do a few things and night even do those things really well, but a bandanna can be used for a lot of things. It might be that it only does a few things really well, and quite a few things adequately. Also for $19.95 plus shipping you can buy a lot of bandanna's.

A shemagh is the traditional Arab man's head scarf. Arabs can tell where someone is from and what tribe they belong to by the pattern and colors on the scarf and by the way the person is wearing it. There are other names for it, with kuffiyah being one of the more common. You can get them in different colors and weights, and the tightness of the weave varies as well. They are a lot larger than a bandanna. Here's a link that shows one way to wear one if you want to cover your head, neck, and face http://tinyurl.com/9j882

If I cut myself on my tactical knife because my vision was obscured by my ghilly suit or reconwrap a bandanna would make an expedient pressure bandage.

I've been eyeing a shemagh as well.

The idea appeals to me especially when I'm mowing my yard or tromping in the woods.

For those of you that have/use one, how does the weight compare to a bandana?

Is it as light as a bandana or heavier like a t-shirt or a towel?

If it's more like t-shirt weight I could live with that.