A good camping towel can make the difference between an enjoyable and miserable trip. When choosing a towel for camping, backpacking and outdoor trips, there are several factors to remember. Towels might not seem like an essential item. Still, they can be very handy when you’re spending time outdoors.
Camping and backpacking towels are lightweight and compact, so they won’t take up too much space in your pack. And, because they’re quick-drying, they’re perfect for drying off after a swim or a hike. When choosing a towel, look for one that is absorbent and quick-drying. Additionally, we have discussed all the good towel features in detail in the buying guide.
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We have done extensive research and, based on our experience, shortlisted the best camping towels. We considered the various factors while choosing the towels, such as weight, price, quick-drying, material, packing space etc. In addition, we also discussed with the industry experts while shortlisting these towels.
Best Overall Camping Towel
1. Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is one of the most versatile camping and backpacking towels on the market. It’s super absorbent, making it suitable for wet environments, especially outdoor adventures. Unlike traditional towels, the Rainleaf towel is made of quick-drying microfiber so that you can reuse it within a short time.
Additionally, It’s compact and lightweight, so good option for backpacking. This towel comes in various colors, and most of them are beautiful.
Furthermore, this towel is very easy to clean and dry quickly after washing. This towel also comes in various sizes, so you can select them based on weight and size needs. The small ones are easy to pack and don’t take up much space. Usually, towels get stinky after a few uses, but Rainleaf Microfiber Towel doesn’t get stinky either after multiple services. Also, they don’t feel super creepy on the skin.
Overall The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is an excellent towel for a compact, quick-dry towel that can be reused repeatedly.
Best For The Budget
2. Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel
The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel is another quick-drying and lightweight towel for camp and backpacking. Since it is made of a soft, absorbent material that dries quickly after use, making it is ideal for outdoor use. The towel also comes with a carrying case that can be used to transport it. Still, you can pack it in your backpack directly instead of carrying it separately.
This lightweight towel is super absorbent like Rainleaf Towel and makes it suitable for hiking or camping. It is compact and does not take up much space in your gear bag. The towel is made from ultra-soft fabric that is gentle on the skin and does not irritate sensitive skin.
Additionally, this is available in four vibrant colors. The price is reasonable considering the quality and the size. Larger ones are more expensive than a smaller sizes. Overall, this is suitable for outdoor use, a compact and lightweight option for travel.
Best Quick Dry Option
3. PackTowl Microfiber Towel
If you’re looking for a camping towel that’s compact and lightweight, the PackTowl Microfiber Towel is a great option. This towel is available in different sizes such as for hands, face and body; this way, you can choose the right size. Plus, it dries quickly, making it ideal for camping and backpacking trips.
Of course, the price ranges depending on the size, but the towels are reasonably priced. And they come with a zippered storage pouch and hang loop for easy storage and transport.
The PackTowl Microfiber Towel is a super-absorbent towel that feels soft on your skin. It is ideal for outdoor activities, as it will remain odorless even during extended use. Furthermore, this towel is machine washable for easy care.
Additionally, this super-absorbent fabric is an excellent option when you want the towel to dry and pack quickly. It feels soft on your skin. Furthermore, this towel remains odorless even during extended use, making it perfect for long excursions. You can wash it easily during camping, and also machine washable. Worth every penny, this towel adds negligible weight to your pack yet remains large and compact enough to get the job done.
Best Of The Rest
4. 4Monster Camping Towel
The 4Monster Camping Towel is the perfect towel for any camper or hiker. It is made of soft microfiber that is lightweight and quick drying. It is also very absorbent and can hold up to four times its weight in water. The towel is also sand free and will not fade or smell. It is also very portable and comes with a handy carrying case.
The towel can be attached to the backpack or belt, and an additional carabiner is included. The towel is also durable, with sturdy stitching and a 12-month warranty. We found it to be exceptionally useful during our camping trips, as it was able to dry us off completely in just a few minutes. The towel is also very lightweight, making it easy to pack, and its soft, cool feel is very comfortable against the skin.
The 4Monster Camping Towel is highly durable and has a convenient travel case. It is the perfect towel for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. The 4Monster Camping Towel is a great option for any camper, as it is both portable and space-saving.
5. OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel
The OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel is the perfect towel for travel. It is made from lightweight microfiber and is compact in design, making it easy to pack. The quick-dry fabric means that it will dry up to four times faster than a regular towel, and the super absorbent material will keep you feeling fresh and dry.
The odor-resistant properties make it ideal for use in close quarters, such as on an airplane or in a hotel room. You can use it as a camp towel, for travelling, hiking, or even a picnic blanket.
OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel was amazing and super easy to travel with. We loved that there were three sizes- enough for the hands, body and face. The towels fit anywhere and were easily cleaned. The towel was big enough for a bath/shower towel but could also be packed small. We did not have any issues with the towel tearing, and also, it was not see-through. The OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel was soft, lightweight and absorbed well. Overall, We would recommend this towel.
How To Choose A Camping Towel
Choosing the right towel for camping and backpacking will ensure an excellent outdoor experience. There are some critical factors, such as weight, size, and material, to keep in mind while buying the towel. A lightweight, compact towel is easy to pack and won’t weigh you down on the trail. For size, choose a towel that’s big enough to dry off your whole body but not so large that it’s cumbersome to carry.
A quick-dry towel is ideal for camping since it dries quickly and doesn’t hold moisture like a cotton towel. Plus, it’s essential to find a towel that doesn’t get stinky after a few uses. Look for one with an anti-microbial treatment that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Let’s look at these points in detail:
Weight And Storing Space
Weight and storage space are important factors when buying a towel for camping and backpacking. Most of the towels which we shortlisted are ultralight and compact. They don’t take much space in the backpack as well.
For example, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is 12*24 Inches wide and 1.45 X 6.05 X 8.25 inches when compressed, but it expands to a full-size bath towel when unfolded. Another option is the PackTowl Microfiber Towel, which is smaller and lighter than regular towels. The weight of this body towel size is just 6.4oz. When compressed, it changes to a compact size and is easy to pack.
Quick Drying
The quick-drying ability of the camping and backpacking towel is a must-have feature. While outdoors, you cannot have a towel that takes ages to dry. It becomes very hard to pack if it remains wet as it becomes heavier and can make other gears wet. Therefore, quick-drying material is essential.
Our top towels list has a quick drying ability due to the material used and doesn’t take time to dry. They are made of quick-drying material, making them perfect for camping or backpacking.
Stink Free Material
Anyone who has been camping knows that nothing is worse than returning home to find that your towel smells like a wet dog. However, camping towels are now on the market, designed to remain stink-free, even after multiple uses. These towels are usually made from highly absorbent and quick-drying microfiber.
In addition, they often come with an antimicrobial treatment that helps prevent bacteria growth. As a result, you can use your towel multiple times without worrying about it starting to smell. So if you’re looking for a camping towel that won’t let you down, choose one that is treated with an antimicrobial agent.
Size
When choosing a towel for camping or backpacking, size is a crucial factor to consider. If you are mainly backpacking, it is better to opt for a smaller size. However, you can choose a bigger size towel if you can carry it easily.
Our top-reviewed towels are the lightest and are available in different sizes. Some of them come in packs separate for hands, body, and head. When choosing a towel, consider how it will be used.
For example, if you need a towel for hiking or swimming, choose one that is light and quick-drying. We used even the smallest ones for the body during backpacking, where weight was critical. Absorbency is more critical than weight if you use it primarily for drying off after a shower.
Hanging Loop and Storage Pouch
When buying camping towels, those with additional accessories such as a hanging loop or storage pouch are worth considering. The hanging loop, for example, allows you to quickly dry your towel after use. However, you may use some trees or branches to hang, but towels can get dirty.
The storage pouch keeps the towel clean and protected when not in use. You can even store a wet towel while you are on the go during backpacking, so your gears remain dry.
Color
When choosing backpacking and camping towels, some prefer to select a color they like. While the color of the towel may not be the most critical factor, some people still prefer to choose the color they like.
However, white towels should be avoided, as they can easily become stained with dirt and dust. Instead, opt for a towel in a bright or neutral color. When it comes to functionality, choosing a towel that is easy to wash is also essential. Camping and hiking can be dirty activities, so you’ll want a towel that won’t hold onto stains. Look for a towel made from quick-drying fabric that can be easily cleaned in a washing machine.
FAQs
Are microfiber towels worth it camping?
If you’re used to conventional cotton towels, you might not see the need to switch to microfiber. However, there are several advantages that microfiber towels have over cotton towels when it comes to camping.
- Microfiber towels are better absorbent as compared with cotton towels.
- They are better at soaking up water after swimming, washing up, or bathing.
- Microfiber towels also dry much more quickly than cotton towels, which can be helpful if camping in an area with limited drying options.
- Microfiber towels are much more compact than cotton towels, so they’ll take up less space in your backpack.
All of these factors make microfiber towels an excellent option for camping. So if you’re looking for the best possible towel for your next trip, consider switching to microfiber. You won’t be disappointed.
Do You need a camp towel?
We know that some campers and backpackers skip the towel, considering it extra. But the towel is indeed an important gear for camping and backpacking. We have seen people using their clothes to dry them off after taking a bath. However, there are various ultralight and compact towels available in the market, and you won’t notice any extra weight in your pack.
Additionally, there are cheaper options available as per the budget. A camp towel is typically more absorbent than a regular bath towel. In addition, camp towels are often made from quick-drying materials that can help to prevent mildew and bacteria growth. Therefore, you should take a good towel for backpacking and camping.
How do you clean a microfiber towel for camping?
Microfiber towels are a great option for camping because they are lightweight and quick-drying. However, microfiber towels can become musty and mildew if not properly cared for. The key to keeping your towel clean is to wash it after each use. If possible, wash it in a stream or lake using biodegradable soap.
If you are using a laundromat or washing machine, make sure to use the delicate cycle and avoid fabric softener damaging the microfibers. To dry your towel, hang it in the sun or on a clothesline. Some companies also give hanging loops along with the towel. So you can use them to dry the towel in the woods or during your hiking. Also, don’t use a dryer, as this can cause the towel to shrink.
Summary
Choosing the right towel can make all the difference when you’re on the go. So whether you’re looking for something to pack in your backpack or you need a quick-drying option for your next camping trip, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, the towel’s weight and price are always important considerations.
Still, you’ll also want to consider the material, how well it dries, and how much space it takes up. We considered all of these factors when choosing our best camping towels, and we consulted with industry experts for their input. As a result, we’re confident that our towels are the best of the best.