Tuff Possum Multipurpose Survival Scarf

Written by Nick Italiano

The scarf is an essential piece of gear that has existed since at least 1350 BC. Throughout history scarves have served many purposes including the traditional uses we think of today such as keeping warm in cold weather and protecting our head and neck from the sun. Scarves served many other purposes historically; In ancient Athens women wore scarves to enhance their seductive charm, in ancient China scarves were used to denote military rank. Later on in Rome scarves were carried and used as a hygienic tool to remove sweat in hot temperatures. During the French Revolution colored scarves were worn to indicate political beliefs. These are just a few examples, but it is clear that scarves have served as functional clothing, as well as having a significant place in cultural, religious, as well as part of both private and military uniforms.

Jayberry at Tuff Possum continues the long standing tradition of scarves serving as versatile and functional pieces of daily carry gear with the Multipurpose Survival Scarf. Jayberry drew inspiration from Mors Kochanski, a well known Canadian Bushcraft and Wilderness Survival Instructor. Mr. Kochanski created a single layered long tube from old parachutes that could be used as a scarf and also fulfill a variety of other purposes in the wild. Jayberry created his Multipurpose Survival Scarf around this principle, but included his own Tuff Possum flair and modern materials.

Specs

The Tuff Possum Multipurpose Survival Scarf is made of dual layers of ripstop fabric, keeping it very light and durable. There are a variety of exterior colors available including many of the traditional outdoor colors such as OD Green, Coyote, and assorted camo patterns as well as a more neutral wolf gray. The Interior layer, regardless of exterior color, is bright hunter orange. The standard size is 17 inches wide by 58 inches long and weighs in at just 7 ounces. There is also an XL version available which is 29 inches wide and 70 inches long and weighs 11 ounces. Both the standard and the XL variants have one open and one closed end.

Use in the Wild

Cold and Sun Protection

Now that we have the specs out of the way, let’s get into the design features of the Multipurpose Survival Scarf. First and foremost l want to talk about how it functions as a scarf. While the lightweight ripstop material is not traditionally associated with warmth, however, the design of the scarf allows it to function very well as a cold weather companion. Having one open end allows air that gets trapped within the scarf, your natural body heat will warm up that trapped air and create an insulating layer to help you retain more of your body heat while working or playing in the great outdoors. The standard size is more than large enough to wrap your head or fully cover your head, neck and shoulders to provide some reprieve from the sun.

Storage and Bedding

The open end allows for a great deal of versatility to the end user. I have experimented with a few different options including making a makeshift sack that I tied off with some paracord to carry some extra clothing, I then fashioned that pile of extra clothing into the sack as a pillow and place to sit. The same principle can apply to the XL, because it is even larger you can fashion an entire insulted layer from the cold ground or even climb in for some extra warmth.

Signaling and Organization

The bright orange interior is great for signaling purposes, simply flip the entire thing inside out and you can now mark yourself when in a hunting area. You can easily mark your camp, or vital gear with an incredibly high visibility flag that will be easy to see even in the densest of woodland. This also can play an important role should you require search and rescue.  Providing both ground and air rescue personnel with a high visibility marker can mean the difference between life and death. I also enjoyed using the orange side as a ground cloth to keep my essential gear dry and easily seen while working in the woods.

First Aid and Water

From a first aid standpoint the Multipurpose Survival Scarf has a ton of potential uses. The scarf can be warped and tied around a wound to apply pressure and help stop bleeding. It could also be used to create a sling or secure a makeshift splint, or simply as a way to keep a wounded person from having direct contact with the ground. In a pinch this can even been used to pre filter particulates out of natural water sources before boiling or using chemical water purifying agents. 

Final Thoughts

The Tuff Possum Multipurpose Survival Scarf is an essential piece of kit that every outdoors person should have in their kit. At just 7 ounces, or 11 for the XL, this ultra light piece of gear will fit in any bag or coat pocket and can serve a near endless number of functions. The uses listed above are just the few things I messed around with over the span of 2 weeks, but I am very confident I will discover more ways to utilize this versatile tool. 
As of the time of writing, the standard size is available, and I have been told the XL will be available later in the week. Check out the links below to see more details!   

About Tuff Possum

Jayberry has been making nylon gear for himself since he was 13 years old. That passion led him to create the brand Tuff Possum Gear in 2017. Using his experience as a lifelong outdoorsman, Jayberry designs and creates high-quality nylon bags and pouches with outdoor adventurers in mind.