Yes these have an odor - I would bet they are made in China or somewhere in Asia - in these countries they use fungicides like water - that's what I smelled.  Wash it before you wear it!
Washed mine in cold water with w*#$(&^ite (don't want to endorse anybody) still square 43x43
Yes it's thin material - duh - it's for wearing in a desert - if you want something as thick as wool buy wool.  These are exactly as advertised - good product.  I would recommend this to a friend - with the caveats.