There's not much magical about the shemagh.  It basically just a piece of fabric with little knots tied around the fringes.  Yet the shemagh just works well for its intended purpose.  It stays on well once properly tied, the fabric breathes well, and it's comfortable.  As survival or camping gear its multiple uses make it a great piece to have.  Since it's my first shemagh I have nothing to compare it with but this one met my expectations.