How to Pack a Headband

A headband is a useful piece of gear when heading into the back country, especially into hot and sunny environments. Headbands are available in a variety of fabrics and shapes. A bandanna, the ubiquitous head cloth worn by cowboys and brought back into fashion by the hippies, is an example of a utilitarian headband. A headband protects your head from the sun, absorbs sweat and keeps moisture from dropping into the eyes and brow.

Instructions

    • 1

      Tie the headband to the waist or sternum strap of your backpack. Benefits of this style of packing are the ease of access to the headband, and that it will dry quickly when wet.

    • 2

      Unfold the headband and let it air out. Push it, unfolded, into a side or top pocket on the backpack. Keeping it unfolded lets air circulate around the fabric, keeping it fresh.

    • 3

      Wrap the headband, beginning at a corner, folding upward by 2 inches for each fold. Stop when you reach a full headband length. Fold into thirds and place in a pocket for easy access and transport.

    • 4

      Open the folds and place the headband fabric into a visor or cap and let the fabric fall onto the back of the neck to transport and to protect the neck from sun.