Who doesn’t love a plush, fluffy towel? I know I do. Still, finding the best camping towel isn’t just about randomly grabbing one and hoping for the best. After years of hiking, backpacking, and drying off in all types of weather, I’ve learned that a good towel matters more than you think. You need one that dries fast, packs small, and dries fast.
Whether you’re taking a quick hike or planning a longer backpacking expedition, the right towel can make a real difference. I tested several options to find the ones that actually deliver – so let’s check them out.
Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on April 28, 2025, after further experimenting with camping towels gloves to give better comparisons and insights into the 2025 top options.
Best Overall Camping Towel
1. PackTowl Personal Towel
The PackTowl Personal Towel is my go-to option for camping, hiking, and backpacking. Measuring 137.2L x 63.5W cm, this quick dry camping towel weighs 6.4 ounces. It’s machine washable and wide enough to wrap around most people.
What hits the mark for me is the fact that the PackTowl dries nearly 30 percent faster than other microfiber camping towels. Because it’s made from terry knit microfiber, the towel wrings out easily. When testing the towel, I noted that it can absorb up to five times its weight in liquid.
Because I spend a lot of time on rougher terrains, I also appreciated the tear-resistant fabric. One of the biggest reasons I keep reaching for this towel is the antibacterial treatment. After several days of camping without deep cleaning it, the towel stayed fresh.
It easily packs in the breathable zippered pouch which helps air it out even when stored. With dirt and sand-repelling features, it also feels soft against the skin. It is on the pricier side though. For me, the performance easily justifies the cost.
Best Lightweight Option
2. Sea to Summit Drylite Towel
When I need a lightweight camping towel for longer trips, my go-to option is the Sea to Summit Drylite. Made from a blend of polyester (70%) and nylon (30%), this towel is available in various sizes, ranging from small (16 x 32 inches) to XX-Large (34 x 67 inches). The smallest one only weighs around 2.5 ounces.
It comes with a press stud, and a mesh-faced storage pouch. The towel also has a hanging loop so you can even hang it up on your pack when hiking. Owing to its compact size, this machine-washable towel doesn’t add any noticeable weight to my gear. With an ultra-suede finish, the Sea to Summit Drylite has a microfiber surface.
When left outdoors in the sun, I noticed the Drylite towel took around 20 minutes to dry. Indoors, it can take over four hours to dry out. Because it does not have any antimicrobial or antibacterial coating, the towel did give out a faint, musky smell when I packed it without proper drying. According to some reviews, some people found that the cobalt blue dye leaked a bit. Personally, I did not encounter this issue.
Read more: Sea to Summit Drylite Towel Review
Best Budget Option
3. Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
The Rainleaf Microfiber towel has always been my go-to pick when I need something affordable that still delivers. I’ve tested it on hikes, camping trips, and even a few beach days. For the price, this microfiber towel holds up impressively well.
In my experience, this towel feels identical to the more expensive ones I used before. It’s lightweight, soft against the skin, and easy to be folded into a side pocket.
There are a couple of trade-offs though. For starters, it’s not as big as what most brands label as ‘large’. I also noticed that it took a bit longer to dry than my premium towels. That being said, it handled everything I needed for basic campsite use. That, coupled with its affordable price tag, made it one of the best options for adventures like RV camping.
One big plus for me is the antibacterial coating. After several days of continuous use, the Rainleaf didn’t develop that damp funk that cheaper gear sometimes get. The Rainleaf may not tick all the boxes. But if you only camp a few times a year and want a budget option that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this is a smart pick.
In my experience, this towel feels identical to the more expensive ones I used before. It’s lightweight, soft against the skin, and easy to be folded into a side pocket.
There are a couple of trade-offs though. For starters, it’s not as big as what most brands label as ‘large’. I also noticed that it took a bit longer to dry than my premium towels. That being said, it handled everything I needed for basic campsite use. That, coupled with its affordable price tag, made it one of the best options for adventures like RV camping.
One big plus for me is the antibacterial coating. After several days of continuous use, the Rainleaf didn’t develop that damp funk that cheaper gear sometimes get. The Rainleaf may not tick all the boxes. But if you only camp a few times a year and want a budget option that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this is a smart pick.
Best for Car Camping
4. Rumpl Everywhere Towel
For me, the Rumpl Everywhere Towel was one of the most versatile. I’ve used this lightweight camping towel everywhere from camping showers to beach trips, RV campgrounds, and even gym sessions. If you’re camping in the summer, you might appreciate the comfort-cooling touch. This is one of the fastest drying camping towels I’ve used.
It’s made from 55% recycled Polyester. It’s also got microbial, odor-resistant coating and a moisture-wicking finish. I noticed that the microbial coating helped keep the towel fresh for longer periods since it helps repel stains and sand.
Rumpl is both Climate Label and B Corp Certified. You can roll it up to a fraction of the size of regular cotton towels. Measuring 29.5” x 72”, this towel weighs 0.8 pounds, making it one of the best lightweight camping towels on the market.
How I Tested the Camping Towels
I tested each camping towel by checking for these four criteria:
- field use
- pack size
- dry time
- absorbency.
I went through forums, user ratings, and online reviews before taking the towels out on field trips. I used them in various environments, including:
- the desert
- backcountry campsites
- humid weather.
I started out by testing how well each towel would absorb water. I poured ¼ cup of water onto a tile floor and dropped the towel on it. I waited 20 seconds, then measured how much was absorbed. For dry time, I fully immersed each towel in water, then wrung it out and hung it up outside.
I recorded how long each towel took to completely dry. I also stuffed the towels back in their carry bags right after use to check for odors and resistant dampness. When using them on my trips, I also noted how well they packed and how much load they added to my pack.
Buying Guide: Best Camping Towels
Quick-Drying
A fast drying towel for camping is essential to me since they don’t add weight to my gear when wet. I always check how long a towel takes to dry after a full soak. I noticed that towels made from thinner microfiber (like the Rumpl and PackTowl) always dried faster than thicker or cotton ones.
Quick drying towels also help prevent mildew, which can be a real concern when camping in humid areas. If you’re hiking in the forest and packing up early after a morning swim, you’ll ideally want a towel that dries within an hour or less.
Odor Resistance
Odor resistance is a real concern when it comes to camping towels since they spend a lot of time packed away. This is particularly important if you’re RV camping.
For this reason, I always choose towels that have been treated with antibacterial finishes. They stay fresh for longer, even after swimming or sweating.
Towels without any coating usually start smelling bad after just a couple of hours. This smell can spread through your RV or cling to your clothes and gear. Musty smells build up faster in humid or rainy environments.
When browsing for a camping towel, check if it’s marketed as odor-resistant with a microbial coating.
Packability
Whether you’re backpacking, camping, or hiking, space is a real concern on the trails. I look for towels that can be folded down small and slipped into a backpack pocket.
Thinner and lighter ones don’t need to be rolled up perfectly and can be packed tighter.
Skin Comfort
For me, nothing ruins a good camping trip like a towel that feels like sandpaper against the skin, especially if I’m sunburned or sweaty. To determine how soft a towel will feel against the skin, watch out for the ones that stay flexible even after getting wet. Turkish cotton and pure microfiber are known for their high absorbency and softness.
Cheaper microfiber ones can get scratchy and stiff after just a couple of washes. I recommend you look for towels specifically labeled ‘soft touch’. Camping towels made with finer weaves can also prevent chafing or irritation.
Care and maintenance
Proper storage and cleaning are the keys to ideal camping towel care. For starters, you need to thoroughly wash them with mild detergent (cold setting) before using them for the first time. Avoid tumble drying since high heat can impact your towels’ lifespan.
I also avoid using fabric softeners or bleach on my camping towels to protect the microbial coating. Most camping towels are designed to repel dirt. As such, you don’t need to wash them after each use, but it is important to hang them out to dry.
If you’re on the move, you can clip them to your backpack so they can dry out while you’re hiking.
Conclusion
A good camping towel can make your trip easier and more comfortable. After testing various models, I’ve learned that odor resistance, drying speed, skin comfort, and packability all matter. At the end of the day, it’s not merely about brand names: it’s about how the towel performs in real-life conditions.
Whether you’re hiking, camping, or traveling cross-country, choosing the right towel means fewer hassles. My favorites combine easy care, fast drying, easily foldable, and proper coating to prevent bad smells.
FAQs
What Size Towel is Best for Camping?
I find that a full-sized towel (around 25” by 50”) works best for camping. It’s large enough to dry off after showers, but small enough to be folded up in a side pocket. For something even lighter, you may wish to consider hand-sized towels that can help with a quick wipe-down during hikes.
Do Camping Towels Work?
Absolutely. Camping towels work well when you’ve picked the right one. I’ve used them on various types of expeditions, including trips to the desert, backcountry, and at the beach. A good camping towel absorbs water quickly but dries fast. Good towels are treated to withstand the elements and designed to pack down small.
How to Dry Towels When Camping
Personally, I always hang my towel on a clothesline or on a branch when camping. I suggest avoiding draping it over thick boulders since this may trap moisture. Flipping the towel every so often will help it dry evenly, especially in humid weather.
