PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel
This is the towel I bring on every trip. Microfiber that dries in about an hour, packs to the size of a soda can in its mesh sack, and the snap loop hangs it from a tent pole. Comes in three sizes. I carry the large for backpacking and an extra-large for car camping.
Check price on Amazon →I have camped 30 nights a year for a decade and dialed in which towels actually pack small, dry fast, and last. Here are the five I keep in my pack.
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We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel | Check price | ||
| REI Co-op Multi Towel | Check price | ||
| Sea to Summit DryLite Towel | Best Budget | Check price | |
| Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel | Check price | ||
| Nomadix Original Towel | Best Compact | Check price |
Reviewed in detail
PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel
This is the towel I bring on every trip. Microfiber that dries in about an hour, packs to the size of a soda can in its mesh sack, and the snap loop hangs it from a tent pole. Comes in three sizes. I carry the large for backpacking and an extra-large for car camping.
REI Co-op Multi Towel
The REI Multi Towel is a softer microfiber that feels less plastic than cheap options. Hangs from a corner loop and dries fast. I keep one in my car for emergency wipes and gym use. Reasonably priced and rugged enough to survive years of trips.
Sea to Summit DryLite Towel
For ultralight backpackers, the Sea to Summit DryLite is the lightest serious towel I have used. Absorbent for its weight, packs tiny, and survives rugged use. Available in multiple sizes. The small is for face and hands, the large enough for a full-body shower.
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel
The Wise Owl is my budget pick that still performs. Comes as a pair. large body towel and a smaller face towel. for a fraction of the premium brands. Microfiber, fast-dry, and mesh storage bag. I gave my parents a set for their travel trailer and they have lasted years.
Nomadix Original Towel
For car campers and beach trips, the Nomadix is a thicker, more towel-like option made from recycled plastic. Designed as a hybrid blanket-towel that doubles as a yoga mat or picnic blanket. Heavier than microfiber but more versatile when packing space is not the priority.
Common questions
Yes. Microfiber dries in a fraction of the time of cotton, packs to a quarter of the size, and absorbs more water by weight. The trade-off is a less luxurious feel that takes getting used to.
Always dry it completely before packing. most stink comes from packing damp. Wash with a sport detergent every few uses. A drop of tea tree oil in the wash kills mildew and freshens fabric.
