Helikon Swagman Scarf

Lightweight & Packable 172 × 172 cm — Scarf / Hooded Cape / Lightweight Jacket / Ground Mat / Gear Bag

A multi-purpose scarf designed for bushcraft, survival kits (Survival / EDC / Bug-out Bag), outdoor travel, and vehicle first-aid/emergency kits. With a full size of 172 × 172 cm for broad coverage, it weighs only about 260 g and compresses to roughly 15 × 6 × 19 cm, taking up minimal space. Made from Full Matte 100% Nylon (~60 g/m²), it’s light, quick-drying, and ready to deploy fast. It adapts to many uses and provides effective wind blocking and thermal assistance in cold, windy, or improvised shelter conditions.

• One item, many uses—switch fast
  Wear as a scarf / hooded cape; secure the sides to turn it into a lightweight jacket; open flat as a ground mat / lightweight sleeping bag; cinch to convert into a gear stuff sack. In emergencies, it’s a durable alternative to an NRC foil blanket.
  
  
• Lightweight & compressible—always on hand
  Weighs ~260 g and packs small; stash in a pack lid, side pocket, or vehicle kit with virtually no bulk, then deploy instantly when needed.
  
  
• Layering first—prioritize wind protection
  The Full Matte nylon blocks large areas of wind. Use it as part of a layered system over/under other garments to stabilize core temperature while moving.
  
  
• Integrated hood for fuller coverage
  Opened fully, it forms a hooded cape (poncho) that covers head, shoulders, and back. Works with vests, duty belts, or pack hip belts without interfering with gear manipulation.
  
  
• A modern take on a classic concept
  Evolved from survival expert Mors Kochanski’s Survival Scarf concept and refined through field use and user feedback—multi-functional, fast-deploying, dependable.

FAQ

1. Is this a warming scarf or rain gear?
   The Swagman Scarf focuses on wind protection, thermal assistance, and multi-use configurations. It’s not a hardshell rain layer; combine with a waterproof outer layer in sustained rain.
   
   
2. How do I turn it into a cape or lightweight jacket?
   Open fully and don the hood, then secure the sides (snaps/ties) to make a cape; secure both sides further to wear it as a lightweight jacket.
   
   
3. Can it be used as a sleeping bag?
   Yes, as an improvised lightweight sleeping bag or ground layer for insulation. In low temperatures, pair it with your main bag as a liner or over-bag to boost comfort.
   
   
4. Where does it fit in my loadout?
   Ideal for hiking/camping packs, EDC packs, vehicle emergency kits (Car Kit), and bug-out bags as a versatile backup for warmth and cover.
   
   
5. Is it bulky when packed?
   Packed size is about 15 × 6 × 19 cm and it’s highly compressible, so it rides easily in side or top pockets with minimal weight or bulk.

Suggested Use Cases

• Backcountry / Bushcraft: Wind block & warmth at dawn/night, ground mat or seat pad, improvised shelter.
• City commute / Travel: Use as a travel blanket in cabins; switch to a hooded cape for wind protection when stepping out.
• Vehicle emergency / SAR: A durable alternative emergency warming cover, or convert to a gear sack for quick shuttles.
• Hiking breaks: Lay out a picnic / repacking platform to keep gear clean and organized.
• Camping night watch: Wrap neck and chest to stabilize core temperature; layer to reduce heat loss.

Specifications

Care & Washing

• Gentle wash at 30°C; do not bleach / tumble dry / dry clean / iron.
• Wash separately from hook-and-loop and metal hardware, or use a laundry bag to avoid snags.
• Air-dry in shade and store dry to extend material longevity.