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The Best Packable Travel Towels

By Ebony Roberts

We love a plush, thirsty bath towel , but a campsite or suitcase just isn’t the place for one—there, we want a quick-drying, packable travel towel.

After putting 20 such towels through 60 hours of testing—including an intense day of sand and surf at the beach—we’ve concluded the PackTowl Personal offers the best balance of drying time, packability, and odor resistance without compromising comfort and design.

A good option for nearly every towel-related scenario, it’s lightweight, extra-large, and supersoft, making it usable for both car camping and travel into the backcountry.

Everything we recommend

PackTowl Personal

The best packable camp towel.

Whether used for camping, hiking, traveling, or general outdoor adventuring, this towel is durable enough to handle extended abuse while remaining soft and comfortable.

Buying Options

Budget pick.

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

An inexpensive towel that gets the job done.

Good-enough absorbency and drying time for those on a budget.

May be out of stock

PackTowl Luxe

A plush, comfortable towel.

Good for car camping, day trips, and hanging at the beach, this towel is made of an incredibly soft fabric that also repels dirt.

Scoring well in nearly every performance category, the PackTowl Personal towel consistently surprised us with its ability to handle the elements. It has an antibacterial treatment to help prevent odor, the “body” size (25 by 54 inches) is large enough to wrap around most folks, and it feels soft against the skin. It’s made of a tear-resistant fabric and was the best towel we tested at absorbing water and repelling dirt. Better still, sand from the beach remained on the towel’s surface so it was easy to shake off, leaving the towel clean after multiple uses. Its drying time was faster than most of the towels we tested and it packs down to a small size in a zippered breathable pouch, making it convenient for travel or camping.

The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel was nearly identical in design to many of the pricier models and scored just as well in our field tests. The only downsides are that its size large is smaller than most other large towels we tested, and it has lighter-feeling fabric. It didn’t handle our day at the beach quite as well and took a little longer to dry, but otherwise it’s comparable in comfort and packability. And, because it’s treated with an antibacterial coating—something not standard on budget (or even some pricey) towels—it passed our smell test with a perfect score. At just a fraction of the price of our top choice, it’s a good pick if you’re the kind of person who goes camping a few times a year and needs something affordable that works well.

If packing your towel down into a tiny space isn’t a concern for you, the PackTowl Luxe is about as comfortable as a towel can get. Although it does take up a bit more room and takes significantly longer to dry, its “body” size has the same dimensions as our top pick but has a plusher feel against the skin. Unlike similar big and luxurious camp towels, it didn’t smell after being put away wet. It absorbed water off the skin without trapping in the dirt and sand, which left it surprisingly clean for a towel with such a high pile. As it was easy to shake off, we enjoyed having it as a wrap and beach blanket, too.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: packtowl personal, how the packtowl has held up, flaws but not dealbreakers, an inexpensive towel that works fine: rainleaf microfiber towel, a plush, comfortable towel: packtowl luxe, microfibers and the environment, the competition, care and maintenance.

We spoke with three experts to get their takes on what we should look for in a good towel. Mark Knight, a product designer currently with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) , has designed a number of outdoor products, including packable towels, and gave us a breakdown on what he considers to be important when creating products like these.

We spoke via email with Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventures , who has worked as a backpacking, camping, and canoeing guide for the past 15 years.

And we spoke with Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at MEC. He was able to tell us what’s important from a consumer perspective. In addition to these interviews, we read a number of online reviews, pored over camping and backpacking forums, researched microfiber fabrics, and then selected and tested the towels we think cover most activities to determine which one was best overall.

Why doesn’t a regular, everyday cotton towel cut it for most outdoor activities? Knight offered us five reasons your cotton towel isn’t ideal: it’s too big, too heavy, might get damaged or stained, doesn’t get washed at the same frequency it would at home, therefore causing it to smell, and lastly, it’s not always used in the same manner as it would be at home. He added, “As a travel towel, there is also the added functional requirement of being quick-dry. When traveling, you can move around a lot, and a packed wet towel generally means a stinky towel.”

Packable towels are usually made from microfiber , although a few of the ones we tested are made from other materials (which didn’t end up performing as well). These materials are typically a blend of polyester and polyamide, aka nylon, and depending on the blend will produce a towel that feels more suede-like and slick to one that feels more plush like your average cotton towel. There are also packable towels made of nanofabric, which is composed of tiny nanoscopic fibers woven together—think the width of a human hair (or even smaller)—to create a fabric that is incredibly lightweight and small. Though they do the trick, nanofiber towels tend to have a slicker surface, which means they don’t feel much like the towel you’re used to.

According to Oliver, the most popular camp towel size is roughly equivalent to a standard household bath towel—about 26 by 52 inches after washing. Some towels were slightly smaller or larger, but we tried to stay within what would seem like regulation size for most people.

All the experts we talked to shared the opinion that the type of towel you’ll want to purchase depends on the activity you’re using it for. For backpacking or kayaking trips, Newsome told us that “lightweight, small packability and quick drying are the most important factors.” For car camping or other adventures, where weight isn’t an issue, she opts for a larger microfiber towel, and one with an antimicrobial coating, “which means for those longer road trips and tours this towel stays fresh smelling.” Knight’s opinion aligned with Newsome’s: “Some of the lightest towels don’t feel that great against your skin, but the weight means you will actually bring it in your backpack when on a long hike. If you are traveling around the world, weight might not be your primary concern, but comfort will factor highly, as you will be using the towel each day—unless you are a soap dodger ! So, a softer, slightly heavier towel may be the way to go.”

Just as important as how much water a towel can absorb—in other words, how well it dries you—is how well the towel dries after you’re dry. “Nobody wants to put a wet towel into their backpack,” Oliver said.

After surveying online reviews, forums, and user ratings, and asking people what type of towel they preferred for their own outdoor activities, we narrowed our field to 19 packable towels, then threw in a standard cotton towel as a plush baseline. We then tested the towels using seven criteria: price, comfort, design, wicking, drying time, odor resistance, and packability.

We washed and dried all of the towels, giving them all an equal starting point, then we scored them in each category. We didn’t score weight or size, but we did make note of whether these features made a difference when comparing similar options.

Comfort: This was a tough one because of the people we asked, some preferred a more textured fabric and others liked the smooth feel of the microsuede towels. We asked individuals to feel each towel against their skin, asked for their comments, and then asked what their overall top picks were.

Design: Here, we looked at how well the towel is made, and whether there were any particular features—good or bad—that made drying off more or less of a pleasure. Key among them was fabric quality, stitching, and what kind of hanging loop—essential!—the towel came with. We also looked at texture, an important attribute for both water absorption and grabbing dirt and grime, rather than just pushing it around. A too-slick towel won’t do much of anything except leave your skin feeling yucky and wet.

Wicking: One of the most important tests we conducted was how well the towel could wick away water and leave the skin feeling dry. When we took our test towels to the beach, we wanted to see how they performed against sandy salt water and whether they were able to clean the skin in addition to drying it.

Drying time: To determine which towel dried the fastest, we applied the same amount of water to each towel and then timed how long it took for them to dry. But how much water to use, and how dry is dry, exactly? We used 4 ounces of water, a quantity we settled on after having multiple testers shower and weigh their towels before and after use. Once the person was dry enough to feel comfortable putting their clothes on, we called that “dry.” We did this a couple of times with each person and used a couple types of cotton towels to get a base number. The average amount of water people removed from their bodies after showering was a ½ cup, or about 225 milliliters. We hung our entire assortment of high-tech, portable towels on the same line and recorded the time it took to leave each one dry to the touch.

Odor resistance: Another important criterion is how the towel smells after multiple uses. “An antimicrobial finish helps with odor management and decreases the frequency you need to wash the towel,” Knight told us. A towel may be used a dozen times before it gets properly washed, and if a towel smells musty or dirty after a couple of uses, it probably is. Many of the towels advertise a protective antibacterial coating and we wanted to see if these coatings actually made a difference.

Our test involved taking the towels to the beach, soaking them in 16 ounces of ocean water, wringing out the excess water as best as we could, and then placing each towel in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours. After that, we opened the bags and took a whiff. Though most remained odor-free (especially those coated with an antimicrobial treatment), we were taken aback by how seriously a few of them reeked.

Packability: As important as drying you—and drying out—are, the other key thing a camp towel has to do is pack small for travel. Some towels came with cases, some didn’t. Our focus was simply how tiny a towel could get.

Price: More expensive doesn’t really seem like a good thing when it comes to something like a packable travel towel, given that there’s such a variance in price and that most towels pretty much claim to do the same thing.

The PackTowl Personal is our top choice because it handled every test we put it through. It’s the perfect option for nearly any outdoor activity that requires a towel. It’s large and durable while still being comfortable and comes with an antimicrobial treatment, which means it won’t smell after multiple uses. Its snap loop for hanging was one of the easiest to use, and the towel packs down to a small size, making it easy to travel with. Its drying time was comparable with that of the fastest-drying towels we tested, and it didn’t absorb dirt or sand into its fabric, an essential feature if you’re taking a towel into the backcountry.

Made of a soft microsuede, this towel was consistently chosen as a top pick by those we asked to rate its comfort. It is soft and light, but still has a bit of texture, so it doesn’t feel slick against your skin the way a nanofiber towel like the Matador NanoDry Shower Towel does. The PackTowl seems built to last, with a nicely seamed edge that should hold up over time. On top of feeling soft, it dried our skin much more readily than the non-microfiber towels we tested, like the Coleman or Outlier. It even dried a bit more quickly than other microfiber products in our test group. We were impressed by how well it repelled sand and dirt from being absorbed into its fabric. The sand that did stick to the towel was easy to shake off—which wasn’t the case of some of the other models we tested that looked like dirty rags after just a short time at the beach.

In our drying-time test, the PackTowl dried much faster than most, with the exception of the linen towel and the Biospired Footprint, which beat the PackTowl’s dry time by 30 minutes. (The towels we tested dried in a range from 1 hour, 45 minutes to nearly 4 hours.) We noticed that the towels with an additional antimicrobial coating took a little longer to dry. We think the extra odor protection is worth the few extra minutes of drying time. As the PackTowl dried, some water initially beaded on the surface, but was then absorbed, compared with towels that still had visible water beads after almost an hour of drying. (Beads of water were a good indication of extended drying times.) Water also dispersed evenly through the towel rather than leaving wet spots, which likely contributed to its fast drying time. We dried the towels in overcast conditions, and noticed that at just over 1 hour, 30 minutes the PackTowl was only minimally damp, and could be packed back into its carrying case if you were in a rush to pack up and go.

We tested the PackTowl’s “body” size, which weighed 6.7 ounces, fairly average compared with the other suede-type towels, and measured 25 by 54 inches, just shy of being the same size as our standard bath towel, and larger than many of the towels in our testing pool.

Wirecutter staffers have owned this towel for multiple seasons and it continues to hold up, with no loose threads or unraveled seams after use.

We didn’t love the PackTowl’s pouch: it doesn’t attach easily to a backpack, and the zipper seemed flimsy. But the pouch is made of breathable fabric, so it won’t trap moisture the way a plastic bag or pouch might. Although the PackTowl is antimicrobial, it did have the slightest ocean water odor to it after our 48-hour smell test, which is not something we noticed in previous tests.

Costing about half the price of our top pick, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a great choice for those that don’t want to shell out almost $30 for a towel. A major bonus is that unlike most of the inexpensive towels we considered, this one actually comes with an antimicrobial treatment and passed the smell test after being sealed up wet for two days. It’s also comfortable, easy to dry off with, and just as packable as the PackTowl.

It didn’t dry quite as fast as our top pick and that may be due to the fact that some of the water beaded off and remained on the surface before being absorbed directly into the towel. The size we tested (L) is also slightly smaller than some of the pricier options but still big enough to wrap around the average person’s body.

Because it is so inexpensive, there’s the option of upgrading to the XL or XXL sizes for just a few bucks more and still have it come in well below price of most other towels. On top of that, it has a functional carrying pouch that is both breathable and easy to fasten onto a backpack so you can pack the towel damp and hang it to dry when it’s time to hit the road.

That said, though it did well drying our testers at the beach, it didn’t handle sand as well as our top pick, leaving a good amount behind on both their skin and the towel itself. If you’re a serious outdoor adventurer who’s going to be putting it to work against the elements, we recommend a towel that can handle gritty, sticky stuff a bit better.

If size and volume aren’t issues and you’re looking for something more soft and comfortable, the PackTowl Luxe performed the best of the plush cotton-like microfiber towels. Not only did it dry the quickest of these towels, it was good at removing sand from the skin and didn’t absorb dirt and mud into the fabric. It also didn’t have any odor after the smell test. A few of the other thicker towels we tested simply reeked—testers used the term “rotten fish”—after a couple days crunched into a ball, but not the Luxe.

If comfort is a primary concern, this towel feels much closer to cotton, avoiding the slick skin-feel common to many microsuedes and nanofibers. As we did with our pick, the PackTowl Personal, we tested the extra-large “Body” size. Also like our pick, at this size the Luxe is a few inches larger than the others we tested of the same type, measuring 25 by 54 inches, offering that extra little bit of coverage.

It does come with a carrying pouch, and though not as stylish or durable as the Sea to Summit Pocket Towel ’s silicone carrying case, it’s adequate for what it needs to do. We consider this towel a solid option for car camping and day trips, when taking up a little extra space won’t matter.

Although durable and light, there’s an environmental downside to microsynthetic fibers: Every time you wash that gear, small quantities of its fibers are shed, ending up in our waterways and oceans. (Here’s a study from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management on the issue.) For more about the problem and some advice on combating it, see our article Your Laundry Sheds Harmful Microfibers. Here’s What You Can Do About It.

We tested a standard white bath towel—the Fieldcrest Luxury Solid Towel, which has since been discontinued—that was the same size as the majority of the towels we tested. It performed as expected: It was great at drying skin and was comfortable, but it didn’t pack down and had a bit of a funky smell after our odor test. Surprisingly, it didn’t take that much longer to dry than some of the plusher microfiber models we tested and actually outperformed a few of the towels that are marketed specifically for camping.

Biospired Footprint Towel: This had been our runner-up pick, but the size we tested has cycled in and out of stock. If you do happen to run across one, it’s still a good towel, though. We had also tested, and dismissed, the Biospired Endurance Camping & Fitness Towel and the Biospired Trek Pack Towel; for what it’s worth, those towels also tend to have stock problems.

Matador NanoDry Shower Towel : For backcountry campers and hikers that are concerned about weight, this is by far the lightest towel we tested (2.4 ounces). It performed well, but it is very thin and not as comfortable as the others. We decided it was too specialized to be best for most people.

Outlier Grid Linen Towel : Made of a natural linen fabric, this towel was the fastest-drying towel, and it performed well at the beach. But it doesn’t pack down very small, doesn’t come with a carrying case but rather a thick elastic band, and had a faint smell after our odor test. Those drawbacks made it hard to justify its high price.

Sunland Microfiber Towel  (currently unavailable): One of the least expensive microfiber towels, but no antimicrobial treatment and very average performance.

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel : One of the slowest to dry. Another note of caution, many online reviews have reported a problem with the cobalt blue dye running. We didn’t run into this problem, but we tested an orange towel, so it’s likely the issue is with only the darker-colored towels. Another drawback is that the carrying case comes with a Velcro closure, making it possible to snag the fabric when maneuvering the towel into and out of the case.

Shandali Yoga Travel Towel  (currently unavailable): Average performance, no carrying case, and though it does have a little loop for hanging to dry, most of the towels we tested had a loop with a snap, making them more versatile.

YogaRat SportLite Sport + Bath Towel  (currently unavailable): Though this towel did dry quite quickly and was resistant to odor during our 48-hour test, the lack of an antibacterial treatment gave us odor concerns for people taking it on longer trips. And with no carrying case and a snapless loop, this towel was a few steps below our top choices in convenience.

Sea to Summit Tek Towel : Sand stuck to the towel, leaving it quite dirty. Drying time was slow.

REI Co-op Multi Towel  (currently unavailable, but we're looking into a possible new version): Everything stuck to this towel: dryer lint, grass, sand, and dirt, and even though we tested a darker color, it looked dirty after our day at the beach. It also didn’t smell great after our odor test, and it took over four hours to dry.

Lightload Towel : Not really built to be used multiple times, this towel is made of an almost paperlike viscose material, and although very small, once unpackaged it can’t be squished down to its original size (although it does fit in a smaller Ziploc bag). It is incredibly large though, dried quickly, and would probably perform as an ad-hoc firestarter or outdoor survival tool (non-cleanliness-oriented usage scenarios suggested by the manufacturer). Whether being able to set the world on fire is a worthwhile trade-off with this towel’s lack of odor resistance—it was the worst performer in our stink trial—is something we hope we’ll never have to decide.

Coghlan’s Deluxe Camp Towel (currently unavailable): This is the classic outdoor towel that’s been around campsites for years. Some backcountry campers still prefer these towels because they’re small, lightweight, and cheap, but they didn’t perform as well as the microfiber towels that we tested. They dry very slowly, stink up easily, and don’t feel good against the skin.

Coleman Camp Towel  (currently unavailable): Similar in nearly every aspect to the Coghlan’s towel, just with slightly different dimensions—neither is big enough to really function as a full-body wrap—this model also had the drawbacks of rough fabric, odor retention, and delayed drying. (It appears to have been discontinued.)

Most packable towels are designed to repel dirt and bacteria, so they don’t need to be cleaned after every use. Excessive washing can also break down the fabric and any additional antimicrobial technology the towel might be treated with. So, wash only when dirty and don’t dry your towel on high heat unless absolutely necessary; way better to hang it when you can and let the air take care of it.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Nicholas J. Bruce, Niko L. Hartline, Stephanie N. Karba, Elizabeth O. Ruff, Shreya U. Sonar, and Patricia A. Holden, Microfiber Pollution and the Apparel Industry , Bren School of Environmental Science and Management , September 30, 2016

Mark Knight, product designer for Mountain Equipment Co-opand member of the Outdoor Industry Association , email interview , April 21, 2017

Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventure and Kilimanjaro Bliss , email interview , March 31, 2017

Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at Mountain Equipment Co-op , phone interview , March 29, 2017

What Are The Coolest New Small Gear Companies? , Outside , January 15, 2016

Anne Trafton, Tiny particles may pose big risk , MIT News , April 8, 2014

Meet your guide

Ebony Roberts

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Home » Gear » microfiber travel towel

The Best Microfiber Travel Towel for your Next Adventure

Whilst most backpackers might fall short of the average of one shower a day, it doesn’t mean we don’t want or need a good wash! Ok scratch that, us vagabonds are in serious need of a good shower but taking one on the road isn’t always as straight forward as it is back home. Once you’ve negotiated the hostel shower, the local river or a bucket surrounded by bamboo in a Burmese village (yes, that was me) you’ve got to get dry.

Unfortunately those comfortable but heavy Egyptian cotton towels aren’t exactly backpacker friendly. Whilst I fully acknowledge that discussing towels might not be the most thrilling topic when you’ve got an endless array of adventures to plan. But trust me, your shoulders understand the importance!

The solution: a microfiber travel towel. They’re made with quick-dry material, they pack super small, and they are relatively inexpensive… a travellers’ dreams. In a nutshell – microfiber towels were literally made for backpackers and travellers.

However, as with most things, not all towels are created equally. Some don’t wash well or pick up an unpleasant odour. So I’ve done the hard yards for you and wrote this epic guide so you can quickly and easily find which microfiber travel towel best suits your needs.

Let’s get this party started!

Quick Answer: What are the best towels to take traveling?

• Sea to Summit Drylite Towel – Best Backpacking Towel
• Matador Ultralight Travel Towel – Most Compact Travel Towel
• Youphoria Sport Microfiber Travel Towel – Best Towel for Traveling Yogis
• Nomadix Towel – Best Non-Microfiber Towel for Travel 
• ECCOSOPHY TRAVEL TOWEL – Honorary Mention
• Jump to –> Travel Towel Reviews

Real Quick – What is Microfiber Material?

Ok, so before we crack on with showing you what the best backpacking towel is, we need to explain what one is first.

Microfiber is a synthetic fiber, usually made out of polyesters, polyamides, or blends. The grabby texture of the microfiber makes the towel more absorbent which, in turn, makes it great for swimming, traveling, exercising, any activity that makes you wet.

Right then, let’s get this microfiber towel review going!

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Microfiber Travel Towel Reviews

Best towel for backpacking – sea to summit drylite towel, most compact travel towel – matador ultralight.

• Best Travel Towel for Yogis – Youphoria Sport

Best Non-Microfiber Towel for Travel – Nomadix

• Honorable Mention – ECCOSOPHY Microfiber Towel
• Best Microfiber Beach Towel – OCOOPA Microfiber Beach Towel

Why Invest in a Travel Towel?

How we tested the best microfiber travel towel, faq about the best microfiber travel towel, conclusion: the best microfiber towels for travel.

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• Comes in multiple sizes
• Very lightweight
• A bit more expensive

Sea to Summit is known for making ultralight camping and backpacking gear, so it makes sense that they make a lightweight backpacking towel. The soft, quick-drying towel is compact and comes in three sizes. The small towel is 32” by 16”, the large is 48” by 24” and the extra large is 60” by 30”. All these towel sizes weigh under 7 ounces. This is a good choice for the traveler constantly on the trail when every oz makes a difference. We also rated it as the best microfiber travel towel due to the fact that it came in different sizes meaning you can pick the right one for your trip.

The drawback? The XL is expensive for a microfiber towel and is pricier than the other towels on this travel towel review.

Our team felt this was the best microfiber towel for travel particularly because it worked well in damp and humid environments which is ideal for places like Southeast Asia. On top of that the actual towel itself dries quickly after usage too. They also loved how well it packed down and fit easily inside their bags, in fact, it’s that small it could easily fit inside a jacket pocket!

• Super small and compact
• Lightweight nanofiber material
• Comes in powermesh storage bag

In case space in your backpack is really at a premium, then check out the mini Ultralight travel towel by Matador. Measuring 15″ x 15″ (or 39cm x 39cm) it quite literally fits inside your pocket. It is of course smaller than other towels if this list and it will take some time to fully dry your body using this. However, it absorbs 2.3 times its own weight so with a little patience you can work your way around your whole body.

Both the towel itself and its bag have buckle attachments so you can fasten to your bag or jacket and really maximise storage space. Made from an ultralight (25g) Nano Fibre material it is also fully machine washable and will hardly even fade.

Our team felt this was the best compact microfiber towel on the market because, well, it’s super compact, like, insanely compact! This towel could fit inside your pants pocket it’s that tiny! Our team were realists and felt being so small that it had a certain purpose and it wasn’t the easiest to dry their whole body with … but at a push it wasn’t impossible and for the ultralight packer they felt that bit of extra effort was worth the space saved.

Best Travel Towel for Yogis –  Youphoria Sport

• Holds moisture well
• Softer + more comfortable than others
• Bit heavier than others

This is a yoga-specific towel, but I think it makes great use as a backpacking towel as well because it’s highly absorbent and can hold up to 5X its weight in water. I also find yoga towels to have an extra soft feel and are less likely to attract lint.

They also tend to pack down even smaller than other backpacking towels. The downside is that its largest size weighs more than the other choices on this list. However, for all the yogis out there who plan to travel with a yoga mat anyway, this is a great choice.

Our team picked this as their best microfibre towel for yogis because of how comfortable it was not just to dry themselves with but to us on top of their yoga mats. The team also felt the towel was light, and compact but ultimately super durable, especially when used for both general drying purposes but for yoga and after the gym too.

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• Made from recycled materials
• Very expensive for a towel

For the environmentally-conscious traveler, the Nomadix travel towel is about as ideal as it gets. This towel is made of 100% recycled materials – fibers from plastic bottles are processed into effective and comfortable nylon and polyester threads. These towels do not involve any sort of polymer-based microfiber yet they are still very good at what they do.

Nomadix towels are quick-drying, tough, and very packable. Coming in at a very reasonable 1 lb, these make for great towels to take traveling. Thanks to it’s anti-microbial and non-slip qualities, the Nomadix is very popular at yoga retreats and camping but you could conceivably use this towel anywhere: at the beach, gym, kitchen, and more.

The Nomadix is a bit more expensive than other towels and quite larger as well. That being said, the larger price tag is more than justifiable – this towel will last longer than most and you will definitely get more use out of it.

Our team were pretty interested in how this towel compared to microfibre as several members expressed that they would prefer something more environmentally friendly. Firstly they just loved the different colours and designs that the towels come in, something many of the other towels are lacking, which makes it look better when taken to the beach. In terms of usage, they felt it was just as absorbent as the microfibre towels and literally dried them in one swipe!

Honorable Mention –  ECCOSOPHY Microfiber Towel

• Very cool designs
• Double-sided
• Much larger than other beach towels

I’d give this beach towel props just for being so damn good lookin’! Look at those patterns! So bold and colorful! Who says a microfiber travel towel has to be flat-colored and boring, anways?

But it’s not just beautiful; the ECCOSOHPY beach towel is also useful, of course. Since it’s made of microfiber, you’ll get the absorptive qualities as well as the quick drying. It packs well enough although, given it’s size, it’s going to be much larger in your bag than most other towels.

I would also like to add that this towel would be fine for both sexes. ECCOOPHY markets it has a lady’s towel on their Amazon page but, honestly, I’d rock this anytime and anywhere in the world.

When it came to design our team just fell in love with the awesome patterns these towels came in, they felt they really created that backpacker vibe instead of looking a bit geeky like some of the other towels. our team just loved how lightweight and thin these towels were meaning they rolled down super small and took up almost no room or weight in their bags. They felt it absorbed water instantly and on top of that was ideal for people with longer hair.

Best Microfiber Beach Towel –  OCOOPA Microfiber Beach Towel

• Better than a typical cotton beach towel
• Very packable
• Perfect size

I like this towel because it’s big (80×57 inches), but because of the lightweight microfiber material, it packs down much better than a normal beach towel. Not only that but it does come in some smaller sizes too if you don’t need something that massive!

This is a great towel for lounging beachside. While not as lightweight as the Active Roots or Sea to Summit, the OCOOPA has large dimensions and is still a great choice for a quick-drying towel for travel, and an easy pick for the best travel beach towel.

Our team loved the slightly thicker profile of this towel which is what made it stand out as their best beach towel. Rather than just being used for drying themselves down after a swim, which it did an awesome job of, it was comfortable to lie down and lay on all day too. The durable material was also great given the extra abrasions using the towel on the beach results in.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

It may seem like an insignificant item to pack, but a good towel will be one of the most useful items in your backpacker arsenal.

In our normal lives, we use towels on a daily basis, really; to wash the dishes, ourselves, the car, when cleaning the house. Yet, we take them from granted because they’re always there and in a multitude! Thanks to industrialization, we have a cloth or rag somewhere nearby, buried in an old drawer or conveniently hanging on a hook or rack.

Unfortunately, backpackers usually don’t have this option. Because they are constantly going from place to place and because they are living out of a backpack (finite space), they don’t have the convenience of carrying a lot of towels on them. Hell, most backpackers are grateful just to get a free towel at their hostel!

Having your own towel for traveling the world can be immensely useful. Going to the beach? The towel will keep the sand off your ass and out of your portable speaker. Want to have a spontaneous yoga session? Throwdown your towel and chaturanga away. Need to dry out those hiking boots after a long walk? Use that towel to soak up any leftover moisture in those boots (maybe do that after washing yourself though)

Trust me: you will get a lot of use out of your towel while traveling, more than you might know right now. That means you need to have a good towel – the tougher it is and the better it is at absorbing, the more useful it will be. Luckily, it’s not so difficult to pick out a good one; you just need to refer below for some tips.

What to Look for in a Microfiber Travel Towel

• Lightweight – As with anything in your travel backpack, it’s important to invest in a lightweight travel towel. Less weight = awesome.
• Compact – A microfiber travel towel should take up as little room as possible. They should fold up smaller than a tank-top.
• Well constructed – There is such a thing as a good microfiber and bad microfiber.
• Quick Drying – The best towels for backpacking and traveling must have quick dry material.
• Absorbency – Even if a microfiber travel towel is lightweight and dries quickly, it’s useless if it doesn’t actually absorb liquids.
• Special features –  A loop makes it easy to attach the quick drying towel to your backpack as you hike, or hang it on a clothes hanger at your hostel.
• Additional accessories – A storage pouch for your microfiber towel helps you keep your backpack organized.

Towel Sizes

Quick drying towels range between XS-XL, and the dimensions vary as well! Different brands will have different dimensions of their sizes, so be sure to check the dimensions!

• Small or Medium:  Often used as a washcloth, hand towel, or to bring along for workouts. These make a great addition to your toiletry bag.
• Large:  Hair towel or small bath towel.
• XL:  Best recommendation for a full bath towel.

It’s worth investing in both an XL towel,  and  a small washcloth sized towel for your toiletry bag (washing your face, taking off makeup, etc.).

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel

• Price > $15.95
• Weight > 1.3 – 4 oz.
• Size > XS to XL

OCOOPA Microfiber Beach Towel

• Prize > $25.99
• Weight > ?310 g

• Price > $9.99
• Weight > 2.4 – 12 oz
• Size > 20-40″; 28-56″; 32-72″

Other Travel “Towel” Options

Along with a microfiber towel, it’s totally worth packing a fashion-friendly sarong or large scarf to double as a large beach towel.

My boyfriend uses his scarf for a beach towel, to protect his neck from the sun, warm up in the cold, shield from dust, etc. I always travel to beach destinations with a sarong to double as a towel and beach cover-up.

Middle Eastern style scarves, traditionally referred to as keffiyehs or shemaghs,  are also super adaptable pieces of kit that can be used as a towel. Granted, their primary purpose is more for keeping sand out of one’s eyes and the cold out at night, but many people also use them as beach towels as well.

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out travel and outdoor gear. However, we feel our years of experience across our team mean we’ve got a good eye for decent gear.

When it came to picking out the best towel for backpacking there were a few different considerations we had. Including how lightweight it was, how easily and well it could compact down, how well it dried us and also, well, the smell test! If you get my drift! We were also concerned with how well it was made and how long-lasting it would be.

Finally, we also take into account how much each microfibre travel towel costs – for example, expensive items that perform averagely will lose points, but budget items may be given more leeway.

Still have some questions about the best travel microfiber towel? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Are microfiber towels good for hiking?

Hell yeah! Microfiber is perfect for hiking and backpacking. It dries fast so you can use it again faste AND you can pack it without worrying that’it will make everything else damp. Having something that is quick drying means it’s much less likely to get smelly or moldy.

What are the best microfiber towels?

We have treid a lot of microfibre towers over the years and can confidently recomened the Matador Nana Dry . Its tiny, ultralight and quick drying.

Are travel towels worth it?

Oh yes. They are a godsend for travelers and hikers as they are quick drying, compact and light. I never travel without one.

Is microfiber environmentally friendly?

Microfiber is not biodegradable like cotton or paper towels but can still be disposed of in an environmentallt concious way.

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Microfiber towels are a more logical alternative to your good old fashion bath-towel for a billion reasons, but all you need to know are these five: they’re compact , lightweight , durable , absorbent , quick-drying towels for travel.

Let us know what you think about our epic review of the best quick dry towels for travel in the comments below! Do you have a favourite microfiber travel towel?

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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

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I’m looking for a medium bath towel, wash cloth combo.

I just ordered 2 combo packs for our RV. Bath towels for me and the mister, a small one for the dog and one for the kitchen. A great deal at $18!

Awesome! Enjoy Adriana 🙂

This is awesome! Thanks for the heads up on the Active Roots. I have never heard of this brand and it looks perfect. My friend Brian & I are going to backpack the John Muir part of the PCT during the summer of 2018 for 10 days and I was looking for a new backpacker towel that works but is light and doesnt break the bank!

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13 Best Travel Towels For Any Trip

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite travel towels for your next trip, whether you're looking for a packable quick dry towel, the best camping towel, or everything in between.

Here at Pack Hacker, we review gear of all kinds. From backpacks to tech, we’ve done it all. However, something that we’ve learned while traveling is that a travel towel is a surprisingly helpful tool while on the road.

A travel towel is ideal for adventures where a towel isn’t laid out each morning for you and for trips where you’ll be utilizing Airbnb rentals, hostels, or staying with family and friends. Not having a way to dry off can be uncomfortable, but how do you choose which one to go with?

There are a ton of different materials, models, and sizes out there. Do you go with soft like microfiber or microsuede, or should you opt for a more durable option like linen? What about if you're looking for the best camping towel or a quick dry beach towel? The answer depends on what kind of trip you’re taking and what you’ll do when you get there. In this post, we’ll cover that—and more.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dry towel, something for the beach, or something that can do it all, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

• Matador Ultralight Travel Towel
• Sea to Summit Pocket Towel
• Nomadix Ultralight Towel
• Matador NanoDry Towel
• PackTowl Personal Towel
• Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
• PackTowl Luxe Towel
• Biospired Lightweight Footprint Pack Towel
• Outlier Grid Linen Towel
• Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towels
• Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel
• REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite
• REI Co-op Multi Towel Mini

Best for: Full-time Travelers

Why We Like It: Best for Saving Space

When you’re heading off the grid, a travel towel is essential to ensure you have a way to dry off after a long day of hiking, a refreshing dip in the lake, or your first shower during camping. The Matador Ultralight Travel Towel is extraordinarily compact, so it can fit into your travel backpack , sling , or hiking daypack when you’re ready to hit the trail.

There are two sizes—a smaller one that’s roughly the size of a handkerchief and a larger one that’s approximately the size of a standard bath towel but skinnier. When compressed in the mesh carrier, the large towel fits into the palm of your hand and can still breathe to air dry while you’re on the go. It takes longer to dry than we’d like, though the size is the most significant factor here. Hypalon tabs on the exterior make it easy to fix it to the outside of your bag when it needs to dry, too.

Why We Like It: Best for Working Out

Whether you’re vacationing for work, play, or something in between, staying in shape while away from home is a great way to stay on your regular routine. Hotel towels can be scratchy and uncomfortable, and not every travel towel is cut from the same cloth (literally or figuratively) to be used in the gym or out on a run. The Sea to Summit Pocket Towel is extremely lightweight once removed from its case, so you don’t need to worry about lugging around a scratchy white rag, and it’s absorbent enough to wipe off sweat after a long workout.

There are four different sizes to choose from, and it’s exceptionally soft, so there’s a model that will be comfortable for everyone. The case is a rectangle, so it’ll pack into your bag easily. It also has quite a bit of branding, which we aren’t the biggest fan of—to each their own. The case isn’t nearly as lightweight as the towel. However, unless you’re a dedicated ultralight one-bagger, this travel towel is a must-add to your Vacation Packing List .

Best for: Relaxed Travelers

Why We Like It: Best for Showing Your Personality

If you’ve been disappointed by the color or design choices so far, look no further than the Nomadix Ultralight Towel. It’s not a very packable travel towel compared to the others on this list, but what it lacks in compressibility, it makes up for in neat designs. With a dozen unique and colorful options to choose from, there’s something for everyone. It’s roughly the same size as your bath towel at home, so you won’t be sacrificing too much surface area for packability. With an 88% recycled polyester and 12% nylon construction, we find the Nomadix is an excellent all-around towel when space isn’t your biggest concern.

Lounge on the beach, have a quick picnic while hiking, or dry off after diving into the lagoon near your Airbnb. Once you’re ready to head out, use the fabric loop to clip it to your pack, so it dries while you walk. One thing is for sure–you’ll have a unique travel towel at the beach!

Why We Like It: Best For Everyday Use

Sometimes you need a travel towel that you can always keep with you. The Matador NanoDry Towel offers just that, with its unique silicone case and carabiner (or a stainless steel key chain on the smaller model) on top, so you can easily take it anywhere. The larger size is similar in size to your bath towel at home but on the thinner side, whereas the smaller model is closer to the size of a bandana.

These travel towels are crafted from nanofiber, Matador’s fancy name for an 85% polyester and 15% polyamide mixture. We’ve found that it isn’t great for drying off entirely after a shower or dip in the hotel pool. Still, it’s a good towel to keep on hand for hikes, long walks across a new city, or for those who don’t mind being a little damp after a swim for the sake of having a minimalistic towel.

Why We Like It: Best For Long Trips

It can be difficult to find a travel towel that can go through multiple uses without being washed, which is essential if you’re one-bag traveling. However, we’ve got a solution for you. The PackTowl Personal Towel has a hook for hanging and utilizes its antimicrobial finish to ensure that microorganisms that cause stinkiness don’t take root within the fibers of your trusty travel towel. It’s crafted from microfiber, so it dries quickly, and you won’t have to wait long before stowing it in your pack.

Coming in at a similar size to what you’re used to at home, it doesn’t feel too small to use as a bathroom towel. Our main issue with the size is that it doesn’t pack down terribly small, but we think that the other features presented by the PackTowl Personal Towel make it a worthy addition to this list.

Why We Like It: Best For Size Variety

At the end of the day, if you bring a travel towel on your next trip, you want to ensure it can handle various tasks. If you fall into this category, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is for you. It comes in a variety of models, ranging from dish cloth size up to something worthy of sprawling out on at the beach. Plus, there are a ton of fun colorways to choose from.

They’re crafted from microfiber and are pretty absorbent, though we’ve noticed that they can get a little stinky after a few uses, so it’s best to wash them fairly frequently. Whether you’re going to the gym, taking a camping trip, staying at a hostel without towels, or just needing something to pick up messes in between, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel has you covered!

Why We Like It: Best For Quick Dry

A quick dry towel is a must-have for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backpacking. Ensuring your travel towel is dry before departing on your next adventure ensures that it isn’t stinky when you use it in the evening or the following day. The Packtowl Luxe Towel dries exceptionally quickly, so it’s a great call for more adventurous travelers.

It’s crafted from a polyester and nylon mixture, making it incredibly soft and enabling it to dry you off adequately after a long hike, jump in the lake, or trek across a rainy city. Multiple sizes and colors are available, so there’s an option for everyone. It isn’t the most packable option on this list, though its features make it a competent travel towel.

Why We Like It: Best For Lightweight Travel

Not every travel towel needs to feel hefty or dry you off completely. Sometimes you just want something lightweight to have on hand should you get caught in the rain, get too sweaty, or spill something on your shorts after a trip to the local cafe. The Biospired Lightweight Footprint Pack Towel is just that, and it comes in multiple sizes to meet your needs. The towels are crafted from micro suede, which is extremely lightweight in your hand.

In addition to cutting mass out of your pack, they’re exceptionally quick-drying, too, so you don’t have to worry about it getting stinky after you wipe up a coffee spill after thinking you saw Mbappé walking across the Louvre. There aren’t many color options, which is a bummer if you like to add a little flair to your gear, but we think the pros outweigh the cons here.

Why We Like It: Best For Durability

Some trips call for durability at every corner, including when you choose a travel towel. If you want something that can handle the bumps and knocks of a rugged trip, go with the Outlier Grid Linen Towel. As the name suggests, it's made of linen, which is crafted from fibers from the flax plant, making it inherently tough so it doesn’t hold on to sand, dirt, and other tiny particles. Instead, unwanted malicious molecules fly off the fabric when you pick it up off the ground.

The strength of this travel towel has its drawbacks, namely in the softness department. It’s still comfortable, though not as much as the others on this list. There are two sizes to choose from, and no matter which you go with, it’ll handle you’re most durable adventures.

Why We Like It: Best For The Beach

For a lot of folks, travel means vacation. To elaborate further, vacation can sometimes be synonymous with sprawling out on the beach with a book in one hand and a drink in the other. To enure the safety of your book and drink, you’ll need a towel to sit on, and we’re here to help. The Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towel is crafted from 83% Polyester, a common synthetic material, and 17% Polyamide, which is extremely durable. It has a classic styling that looks at home at any beach in any decade.

There are several fun colors to choose from, so you can find something that fits your personality. This travel towel excels for lounging on the beach and will work to dry you off, but it's better at the former more so than the latter. The extra large size is probably larger than the towel you used after your shower this morning, and the large model is bang on with the size you’d normally get at a hotel, so no matter which you choose, you’ll have space to sprawl out. Just remember to put on sunscreen!

Best for: Frugal Travelers

Why We Like It: Best For Simplicity

Some people might say that generic is a bad thing; however, when it comes to a travel towel, sometimes generic is all you need. The Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel is a standard microfiber towel that comes in many colorways and sizes to ensure you can find a match for your style and size needs. There aren’t any extra features to get in your way, but in terms of use as a travel towel, Youphoria has all the basics covered.

It even comes with a carrying case constructed from mesh, so you can let it dry while you’re en route to your next adventure. Whether you’re going across the globe or on a weekend trip, this towel will have your back and won’t break the bank.

Best for: Sustainable Travelers

So there you have it, 13 travel towels for nearly any trip. Whether you’re crossing the globe, hitting the hotel gym, or just going to the coffee shop, these travel towels will ensure you stay comfortable until you return. Who knows, maybe you’ll start using them at home, too!

August 3, 2022

Author: Eric Hergenreder

Eric has been across the globe, but his favorite place to explore is his home state of Michigan. His love for photography has taken him all around the Great Lake State, often writing about his travels so that others can enjoy them, too. Eric loves messing around with analog photography, watching soccer, and searching for the world’s best burger in his spare time.

Best travel towels 2023: light to carry & quick to dry

If you're traveling, pack the best travel towel that's specifically designed for hoarding in backpacks

T3's top three

• 1. Best overall travel towel
• 2. Best lightweight travel towel
• 3. Best absorbent travel towel
• 4. Best all rounder travel towel
• 5. Best large travel towel
• 6. Best fast drying travel towel
• 7. Best attractive travel towel
• 8. Best compact travel towel

Best carry-on luggage 2024: Jump Menu

00. T3's top 3 ↴ 01. Best overall : Lifeventure Hydro Fibre UltraLite Travel Towel 02. Best lightweight : Matador NanoDry Packable Shower Towel 03. Best absorbent : Trespass Wickerman Bamboo Sports Towel 04. Best all rounder : Sea to Summit Tek Towel 05. Best large : Mountain Warehouse Micro Towelling Travel Towel 06. Best fast drying : Bodhi Microfibre Towel 07. Best attractive : Syourself Microfiber Sports & Travel Towel 08. Best compact : Nike Cooling Towel

Looking for the best travel towel? Well, you've come to the right place! It’s adventure time, and whether you’re going to be battling your way through the Australian Outback, rambling through rural China or ascending the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, there’s one item that you can’t forget to add to your kit, and that’s the best travel towel.

It’s quite an unassuming item, but a necessary piece of equipment that you’ll be thankful for on the rare occasion where you can grab a shower or rinse yourself off in a waterfall (perfectly possible). Whether you’re looking for large, small, soft or one that you can take to the beach, you’ll find your next backpack necessity right here in our list for the best travel towel.

If you're looking into getting the best kit for your next trip, make sure to check out the best suitcases or if you're looking to travel lighter, we suggest the best backpacks and best travel bags . If you're travelling with a baby or toddler then we recommend travelling with the best travel stroller .

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest Home news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

The best overall travel towel

Hydrofibre is the latest advance in travel towel technology. As we mentioned in the intro, it’s similar in texture to a softfibre towel, but it’s much lighter, so you won’t be lugging around more weight than you need to. For its pure functionality, it’s claimed our first spot as best travel towel. 

Read more below

The best lightweight travel towel

This travel towel is the perfect accessory for people who like to travel light. It weighs a mere 160g and can absorb over twice its weight in water. Better still, the nanofibre material dries super quickly - no one likes carrying wet towels in their bags, after all.  

The best absorbent travel towel

If you get weirded out by the idea of drying yourself off with something that doesn’t remotely resemble the texture you’re familiar with, try this one. It’s made from a mix of bamboo and polyester, so it’s highly absorbent, and despite being much heavier than hydrofibre, it is still technically lightweight.  

Best travel towels 2023 ranking

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. Lifeventure Hydro Fibre UltraLite Travel Towel

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Hydrofibre is the latest advance in travel towel technology. As we mentioned in the intro, it’s similar in texture to a softfibre towel, but it’s much lighter, so you won’t be lugging around more weight than you need to. 

It’s worth mentioning that this travel towel is treated with Polygiene, which prevents a build-up of odour producing bacteria – after all, a smelly towel won’t hang about when it comes to infusing it’s scent into the rest of your backpack contents. It comes with its own carry case, but reviewers say it’s small enough to squeeze into that last remaining space in your backpack if needs be. For its pure functionality, it’s claimed our first spot as best travel towel. 

• Back to the top ⤴

2. Matador NanoDry Packable Shower Towel

High-performance outdoor equipment manufacturer Matador's NanoDry Packable Towel is the perfect accessory for people who like to travel light. It weighs a mere 160g and can absorb over twice its weight in water. Better still, the nanofibre material dries super quickly, which is a boon when you need to make a move in a speedy fashion after you finish skinny-dipping in the lake. No one likes carrying wet towels in their bags, after all. 

3. Trespass Wickerman Bamboo Sports Towel

If you get weirded out by the idea of drying yourself off with something that doesn’t remotely resemble the texture you’re familiar with, try this one. It’s made from a mix of bamboo and polyester, so it’s highly absorbent, and despite being much heavier than hydrofibre, it is still technically lightweight. 

Microfibre towels can get smelly, but because this one’s made from bamboo, it’ll resist turning on you that much longer – it’ll still need washing occasionally to completely prevent it from becoming stinky.  If you’re looking for a towel that you can take to that desert island inspired beach, this one is large enough to lie on, too. 

The best all rounder travel towel

4. Sea to Summit Tek Towel

Thanks to its microfibre composition, this travel towel should feel faintly towel-like. Microfibre creates a large surface area, which means it’s capable of high absorbency and it’s also much quicker at drying than regular towels, too. 

The large towel is similar in sizing to our bamboo selection above, and it’s lighter in weight if you’re conscious that your backpack is starting to feel heavy. The only downside is it doesn’t have antibacterial properties. 

If you know you’ll be passing through some hostels with washing facilities, that’s fine. But you may want to think about the smell-factor if you’re planning on going completely off-grid for a substantial amount of time.

The best large travel towel

5. Mountain Warehouse Micro Towelling Travel Towel

If you’re conscious about covering yourself up in the all-sex showering unit (we don’t blame you), then this towel is pretty substantial in size. Despite being large, it can be compacted into a corner of your rucksack and the weight, too, is fairly light for a towel so hefty. 

Made from microfibre, it’s towel-like in feel, highly absorbent and fast drying, but it doesn’t possess antibacterial properties like our first and second pick, which means it could become smelly after a while. With a variety of colours available, you can make sure yours is easy to spot when it’s on the line. 

Check our Mountain Warehouse discount codes to save on your purchase.

The best fast drying travel towel

6. Bodhi Microfibre Towel

If you can get passed the fact that this towel has a suede-like feel to it, you’ll love that it’s very absorbent and can apparently dry even in the dingiest of hostels. The extra large size is the largest on our list, and with dimensions of 180cmx90cm, should allow you to completely cover up in the shared shower unit. 

It’s also good to know that it has antibacterial properties, so you can get away with not washing it for much longer than a regular softfibre or microfibre towel. It comes in a range of sizes, and can be squashed into your backpack last minute as you leave the hostel for your next destination.

The best attractive travel towel

7. Syourself Microfiber Sports & Travel Towel

Your list of items to purchase for your next trip is probably endless, so it’s good to know that there’s a cheap option when it comes to travel towels. With it’s fleece-like feel, it may be weird using it to begin with, but you’ll soon appreciate its fast drying and fast absorbing properties, thanks to its softfibre composition. 

There’s a range of sizes available, with the substantial extra large size able to compact itself into the smallest corner of your rucksack. If you’re looking to purchase a towel for washing and a towel for beach, this is the perfect towel for sunbathing on icing-sugar sand. 

The best compact travel towel

8. Nike Cooling Towel

If you’re planning on island hopping and hitting the beach, or trekking through the jungle, you’ll want a towel that’s super absorbent, with a cooling effect. Like its name suggests, Nike ’s Cooling Towel does just this. Engineered to lower your temperature and keep you fresh during a workout, it’s brilliant for hotter holidays as the fabric cools when wet to help regulate body temperature, while its woven texture helps sustain the cooling effect for a chemical-free activation. At 91.3 x 45cm it’s a little bit of a sunny shape, but it is machine washable and you’ll be glad you have it if you’re dripping with sweat on your travels.

What is a travel towel?

First-timers may be asking why you can’t just stuff a towel from the airing cupboard into your backpack , carry-on luggage or suitcase . One of today's best bath towels is not a good choice for travel. Regular towels aren’t designed to be used and then crammed immediately into a rucksack. They don’t dry quickly enough for starters, which means they’ll go smelly and mouldy after a while. They’re also big and chunky, so they’ll take up far too much room and weigh you down more than necessary.

Travel towels, on the other hand, are lightweight, fast-drying, and smaller in size. They’re also highly absorbent, with the capacity to soak up water far quicker than a regular towel. Many have antibacterial properties too, so your towel-drying experience will be damp-free, smell-free and as pleasant as showering in the middle of nowhere can be.

The texture of travel towels also takes a variety of forms. Hydrofibre is likely to be fleecy to the touch, but deceives you with its amazing ability to soak up water quickly then dry really fast afterwards. Softfibre is very similar to hydrofibre in the way it feels, but it’s slightly heavier and can absorb more water. Microfibre is popular because it provides the closest texture to a towel out of all three options. It’s the thickest and heaviest and doesn’t have quite the same drying capacity as softfibre, but is still certainly one to consider.

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Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

• Aimée Bradshaw

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The Best Travel Towel Styles for Ultra-light Packing

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Long-term travelers aren’t the only ones that should pack fast-drying towels. They’re an absolute must-have in my packing list. Find out what’s the best travel towel for you to take on your next trip!

Best Travel Towels

Table of contents.

Many travelers don’t realize how essential a travel towel can be. It comes in handy when hotel towels aren’t up to snuff, or if you take an impromptu trip to a lake or beach. And as they’re quick drying, a travel towel is a must for road trips, camping, and trekking.

We’ve rounded up our favorite travel towels that will work for any traveling situation.

Best Fast Drying Towels for Travel

Venture 4th Microfiber Towel

Venture 4th Microfiber Travel Towel

The travel towel from Venture 4th is lightweight, quick drying, and compact. Whether you’re going to the gym, the beach, or camping, this towel is easy to toss in your bag so you’ll always be prepared for your next adventure. Plus, it comes in an adorable bag.

The high quality microfiber cloth provides an extra soft and gentle feel. Thin and ultra absorbent, this towel will dry you quickly and comfortably without taking up space in your bag or weighing it down.

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel

Sea to Summit Quick Drying Towel

This DryLite Towel from Sea to Summit is exactly what you want in a travel towel: it’s soft but compact and quick drying. Available in five sizes from hand towel size up to a beach towel size. Ideal for backpacking, travel, boating or camping.

The microfiber has a super soft, ultra suede finish yet is still machine washable and easy to pack. It’s also lighter than your average towel so it won’t add weight to your luggage.

Packing cubes provide the perfect solution to protect your clothing from dirty towels.

OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel

OlimpiaFit Ultra Fast-Dry Towel

OlimpiaFit fast-dry towel , is made with premium material that shares the same smooth qualities as satin. They’re also super absorbent, odor-resistant, and won’t smell after drying. If you’re looking for a packable beach towel or swim towel, give this one a go! This towel is available in three sizes. The small is great for using as a hair wrap, while the medium and large can work as a beach towel or airplane blanket.

Turkish Towels are one so versatile for travel, these are TFG’s readers most recommended picks !

Rainleaf Fast Drying Microfiber Towel

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

This super compact Rainleaf microfiber towel is made of microfibers and is lightweight and compact, making it a must for travelers, backpackers, and hikers. The fabric feels kind of like that suede fabric and can absorb tons of water while promoting rapid evaporation.

It’s amazing how much this small towel can soak up so much water and dry off your body quickly, cutting down your drying time in half.

Youphoria Sport Multi-purpose Travel Towel

Youphoria Outdoors Sport Towel

On the go and need a towel that can keep up? Try this one from  Youphoria Sport . This microfiber towel can dry up to 10X faster than normal terry cloth or cotton towels. Just hang it outside for a few minutes and you can quickly use it again.

Using the finest blend of microfiber, it’s thin, soft, compact and super absorbent, making it the perfect post workout or shower towel because of its unique non-abrasive feel.

Fit Flip Ultra Absorbent Travel Towel

Fit Flip Ultra Soft Travel Towel

Made from an 80/20 blend of polyester and polyamide, this Fit Flip microfiber towel is thirsty, soft, lightweight, compact, quick-drying and easy to clean. It’s compact enough to bring on your travel, hiking or camping without taking up much space in your bag.

It comes with a convenient mesh carry bag and hanging loop for easy and convenient packaging and drying.

Packtowl Personal Ultra-Soft Towel

Packtowl Personal Microfiber Towel

PackTowl’s Personal Towel is a silky-soft hand towel that’s perfect for the face and body with a microfiber blend that offers unmatched softness on your skin. The antimicrobial treatment reduces odor retention and increases the life of your towel.

This towel can soak up four times its weight in water. Just wring it out and it’s nearly completely dry. We love this towel because you can machine wash it and leave it to air dry in a short amount of time.

BOGI Microfiber Quick Dry Towel

Bogi Travel Microfiber Towel

This  lightweight backpacking towel from Bogi  is the perfect travel towel for any type of traveling. Made from microfibers, it absorbs 3 to 6 times its weight in water while providing comfort and durability. Drying quickly, you won’t have to wait around or carry a wet towel with you as you head to your next destination.

Incredibly thin and compact, its light weight makes it easy to take with you anywhere. The medium size is perfect to take with you on a run or hike, as you can fit it into a small day pack.

Gear Aid Quick Dry and Compact Micro-Terry Towel

Gear Aid Compact Micro-Terry Towel

Rigorous, outdoor adventures call for durable supplies, like this McNett Tactical towel . This towel’s high-density microfiber weave is aggressive yet soft enough to comfortably clean off oil, dirt, and perspiration from your face and body. This can easily double as a medical towel, blanket, or wrap.

One of its most unique features is the s ilver treated microfiber. This makes it not only light weight and super absorbent, but it also inhibits the growth of odor causing bacteria, eliminating the need to wash daily.

Wise Owl Microfiber Sports Towel

Wise Owl Microfiber Yoga and Travel Towels

This Wise Owl travel towel is lightweight, compact, quick drying and soft to the skin – everything you want in a travel towel. This makes them superior to regular cotton towels, especially when traveling or going to your sports practice. As these towels take up less than 25% of the space of a regular towel, they are easy to bring everywhere.

Available in five sizes, the smaller size is a perfect compact size to dry your hair, while the larger size can easily wrap around your body as a full-size towel or blanket.

SportLite Microfiber Hand Towel

SportLite Ultra Light Travel Towel

This towel from SportLite is the official towel of the  Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association, so you know it’s a good one! This towel utilizes 100% microfiber technology, making it perfect for the beach, the bath, airplane, or hiking.

People love this towel because it’s light, super absorbent, fast-drying, travel-friendly, and durable.  It comes with a convenient hang-loop sewn in, so you can hang it up anywhere.

4Monsters Microfiber Travel Towel

4Monsters Absorbent Towel

Gone are the days of using hostel towels, or waiting hours for your bath towel to dry. This absorbent, lightweight, quick-drying microfiber travel towel from 4Monsters is the solution to all your problems.

The microfiber cloth is smooth like silk, while the durable material is antibacterial and odorless. It even comes with a snap hook to hang wherever you want. It is a great travel towel for the beach, hiking, or city stays where you want your own towel.

Which of these is the best travel towel for me? The Sea to Summit DryLite Towel in a blue color, size large. (I’m 5’2″ 110lb and a size large just barely fits around my body.)

Here’s a quick review of the best travel towel options. You can read more about each one in the article above!

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”165″ class=”center-table-align”]

Why Should You Pack a Fast Drying Towel?

Here are some specific reasons to consider a quick-drying towel when traveling, whether you’re embarking on a short or long-term trip:

• Instead of packing a regular terry cloth towel on your travels, fast-drying towels take up less room and will dry in a fraction of the time.
• If you have a jam-packed itinerary and you plan to be in a new location every 1-2 days, then you need a towel that can dry quickly. The last thing you want is a wet towel in your bag after a morning shower.
• Fast-drying towels are perfect for beach vacations! Leave the thick, space-guzzling beach towel at home and get an extra-large travel towel instead. They don’t absorb as much as regular towels so they’re also easy to wipe and clear any sand.
• They dry your skin faster than regular towels because they easily absorb moisture. Time is valuable when you’re traveling!
• Budget accommodations such as hostels and guesthouses rarely provide towels. Even the odd Airbnb may only provide a limited amount of towels, so it’s best to have your own!
• They’re great for divers! If you’re a scuba diver this is the perfect way to get dry between dives without packing a thick towel. Fast-drying towels dry so quickly that should be nice and dry on back-to-back dives. If you’re interested in picking up any diving gear, check out our section on this fun and challenging activity!
• If you’re going camping, these are the perfect way to freshen up without adding bulk to your gear. If you want some extra packing tips, see our full category to find help with shoes, clothes, or gear

Note: travel towels are small in size because you can use them as a shammy to dry your body easily. However, if you want to wrap them around your body like a regular towel, then choose a size extra large.

What is your favorite travel towel? Share in the comments below!

For more tips and ideas on travel essentials, please read the following:

• Packing Cubes: Are They Really Worth The Money?
• 5 Flight Essentials For International Travel
• 8 Budget Travel Packing Essentials
• Top 10 Hostel Essentials – Don’t Leave these Our of Your Backpacking Checklist!

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Hope you enjoyed this post on the best travel towels. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

It would be fabulous ifC this post be updated to 2021 and include dimensions and weight of the towels.

Hi Susan, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us! ?

The Discovery Trekking towel stays soft and feels lovely on your skin. Unlike the other travel towels it is Not made of microfibre. It also smells fresh even when washed infrequently.

My husband and I both travel with a Turkish hamam style towel, a Pestemal. We’ve used them as floor mats, blankets, picnic blankets, towel-towels, and of course, at the beach. It’s our must have! They dry really quickly and are so soft; I’ve never missed a “regular” towel. I appreciate their generous size when unfolded, wraps around my size 12 frame with ease 🙂

They’re awesome! I just lost mine this weekend so I hope to get a replacement very soon 🙂

One important question that too often gets overlooked is how a towel FEELS on your skin when you use it. Can you honestly say that any of these compact travel towels was nice and comfortable to use? Would you actually use them at home after your trip? I challenge you to try a Snappy Towel and see the difference in how our snappytowels.com/collections/microfiber-travel-towels-sport-swim

That’s a great point. The way a travel towel feels makes all the difference.

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The Best Travel Towel: Microfiber vs Fast Drying Natural Fabrics

Last Updated on May 24, 2020

TLDR:  Sometimes travelers want to pack a towel but they don’t have a lot of free space in their bag. They also need something that is going to dry fast, stay fresh and not get funky too quickly.

Most travel bloggers recommend microfibre but I buck the trend. I recommend the  LinenMe Provence or any other high-quality linen towel as my top suggestion for a great travel towel.

The Reasons Were:

• It’s naturally odor-resistant 100% linen
• It’s quick-drying
• It’s lightweight
• It’s absorbent
• It’s environmentally friendly

I attack microfiber towels and argue the case for linen. Don’t believe the hype! If you’re going to pack a travel towel, pack a towel that earns its place in your luggage.

What Makes A Good Travel Towel?

That really depends on where in the world you are going, how you are getting there, and what type of towel experience you are looking for.

If you’re going on 1 week a package vacation to a large resort you might not need a towel at all. The hotel will probably have them.

For RV travel or road trips if you have space in the trunk you can pack any towel you like.

On the other hand, if you are a digital nomad or backpacking around the world on a gap year you’ll probably want a packable towel.

And you’re into budget travel you don’t want to be spending money buying towels at your destination.

So what size will your luggage be? This is especially important with air travel.

Most people are aware that carry on luggage needs to be under certain size dimensions. But not everyone realizes that airlines sometimes impose weight limits too.

For example, it is common for airlines in Asia to have a carry-on weight limit of 15 lbs.

A big ol’ fluffy cotton bath towel can weigh 2 lbs.

Oops… That’s 13% of your weight allowance gone already.

Even if your airline has generous a weight limit you will enjoy the freedom of traveling with a lighter bag.

And besides weight, regular fluffy towels take up a lot of space in your luggage or backpack too. If you are going on a family vacation you might be able to fit in separate individual travel towels for all the family in the place of 1 big fluffy towel.

What I’m trying to say is that if you are flying carry-on only packing a huge big towel is a dumb idea.

And if you actually use that big fluffy towel it will take forever to dry and you might end up packing it damp. Hello stinky clothes!

There are smarter alternatives to include on your packing list and good travel towel should be both compact and quick drying.

​ Did You Know? When archaeologists discover ancient human remains they often find 2 possessions: A knife… And a towel! That’s how important towels are. If you’re flying carry-on you’ll need to leave your knife at home but make sure you pack a towel!

Our Travel Towel Reviews At A Glance:

• RainLeaf Microfiber Travel Towel
• Sofia’s Linen 100% Pure Flax
• LinenMe Provence Towel

Cacala Pestemal Turkish Towels

• A natural cellulose sponge

What’s The Best Size Of Travel Towel To Pack?

Okay, let’s talk you through your towel options and packing tips.

Small Travel Towels

• Are very light
• Don’t take up much space
• You can pop them in your handbag or day pack
• You can still dry your entire body with a tiny towel
• They’re easy to handwash
• Linen or microfiber options

But…

• Small towels don’t keep you warm
• They don’t cover your modesty
• They’re little use at the beach or the pool

Large Travel Towels

• Are much more versatile
• There are linen, microfibre or Turkish cotton options
• They take up more space in your luggage
• They increase the weight of your luggage

Bear in mind that a travel towel is also a great towel to stuff in your gym bag or sports bag. They are great if you are going camping, hiking or backpacking too. So the investment might not just be for travel. Think about all the times and places you will use it.

The microfibre hand towels pack down very compact. They are handy to keep in your handbag or daypack in case you get caught in the rain or are sweating buckets on a hot day.

I recommend packing a small travel towel even if you will be staying in hotels that provide towels. Especially if you are traveling with anyone clumsy that spills things. Considering their minimal packing size they are handy to have around for emergencies.

However, if you are going to the beach, hanging out at the pool, going for picnics… well, you’ll want a beach towel then won’t you!

In this scenario, you will want a travel towel that is larger and more versatile. But it’s still a good idea to get something lighter than the chunky terry-weave style cotton towel you have at home.

The best beach travel towel is undoubtedly a Turkish style peshtemal but let’s talk about the best travel towel materials.

The Best Travel Towel Materials

The sad truth about microfiber…

Rumor has it that the Japanese first developed microfiber in the 1970’s. They were hoping to make a body-hugging swimsuit.

The new material was body-hugging, but it was a terrible swimsuit because it absorbed too much water!

Microfiber is a synthetic cloth made with very thin thread. It’s usually polyester mixed with a little polyamide (nylon).

In layman’s terms… it’s plastic.

These synthetic threads can be 100 times finer than human hair.

The end result is that microfiber cloth is both highly absorbent and quick drying. So far so good.

Because the fibers are so small microfiber cloth turned out to be great for cleaning.

But your towels main job is not for cleaning. The best travel towels wick the droplets of water off your skin and to stay fresh so they can be used more than once.

Scientists quickly came up against their next problem.

Untreated microfiber is a stink magnet!

As well as picking up dirt and dust particles this new fabric was a breeding ground for bacteria. This caused it to start to smell funky very quickly.

Microfiber towels are the worst possible starting material for a travel towel.

But here’s the rub…

If you can take a cheap material and somehow make it work the profit margins are enormous.

To stop microfiber towels from stinking manufactures treat them with silver nanoparticles. When wet the silver releases ions and the ions kill the bacteria and stop the bad smells.

Yes. Those much-vaunted antibacterial properties of the silver nanoparticles are mostly marketing bluff and bluster to hide the fact that they choose a cheap and nasty material to make the towel from in the first place.

Microfiber travel towels do still start to stink after a while, it seems the silver nanotechnology has its limits.

And there’s more…

We don’t know what effects silver nanoparticles have on our health and the environment.

Also, microfiber towels shed plastic threads every time you wash them and who knows where those micro-plastic threads end up.

So if “better safe than sorry” is your motto and you are concerned about environmental issues you might want to avoid these types of fabrics.

Instead, I recommend choosing a towel that is naturally odor-resistant like linen. Which is what every travel towel manufacturer would do if they were not primarily motivated by profit.

The end result is a cheap towel with dubious origins and unknown potential consequences for your health and the environment. Microfiber is not the best travel towel choice for sustainable travel and there are much better travel towel materials.

For that reason, I’m only going to highlight 1 microfiber travel towel for you to consider. To be honest… they are all much the same anyway.

End of rant 🙂 This was the best microfiber travel towel that I came across.

RainLeaf Travel Towel Review

The  Rainleaf  is a very popular travel towel that comes in 7 different colors and 6 different sizes. So you will be able to choose a size to suit your needs. It’s very typical of this style of travel towel.

Things That I Liked :

The 30×60 inch X-Large towel weighs 0.61 lbs and rolls up to be only 9.65 x 4.65 x 3 inches.

So it’s a relatively large towel, is quick-dry, and packs light and compact.

The RainLeaf towels are treated with silver nanotechnology to help prevent bacterial smells. Don’t expect too much here. The best way to stop the towel from developing odors is to hang it up to dry. If you pack it wet it will still start to smell bad despite the manufacturer’s claims.

The xx-large version also features a zip pocket in the corner to put your cellphone or keys. This makes it a good beach towel.

Things I Didn’t Like :

They are 85% polyester and 15% polyamide. Microfiber is not a natural textile it’s synthetic and it actually melts at high temperatures. Some people complain of a chemical smell with the towel is new but this fades after a few machine washes and it’s recommended to wash the towel before your first use it.

Linen Travel Towels To The Rescue

Is it possible that despite all the tech and marketing claims microfiber towels are not the best?

You bet your soggy ass it is!

In 1922 they discovered the burial place of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun. When they opened up his long-abandoned tomb they found his linen curtains were still intact. More than 3000 years later!

Linen towels are a great natural alternative to synthetic microfiber towels.

Linen is a very strong material and even stronger when wet.

They are naturally antibacterial and odor resistant.

Linen isn’t fluffy but it is moderately absorbent and dries quickly. Because linen cloth is thin it folds down into something reasonably compact. They are lighter and smaller than your usual cotton towels.

On the downside, they can be a bit scratchy especially when new. They are also expensive but you pay for quality.

For a towel that won’t stink up easily that you can use multiple times I always recommend linen.

They are not as easy find. Always look for 100% linen. Here are 2 good options to consider for linen travel towels:

Sofia’s 100% Pure Flax Linen Towel

The Sofia’s Linen comes in 2 sizes.  The smaller one  (25×52 inches) is great for light packing it’s a stretch of the imagination to call this a bath towel but it’s a good travel size if you are keeping it light.

The main complaints about the Sofia Linen towel are related to the size. If you have the space in your suitcase  the larger one  (40×65 inches) would make a great beach or pool towel.

Things That I Liked

Unlike a cotton towel this linen towel won’t start to stink up so fast. This means you have more chance to actually have a usable towel for the duration of your trip. And because it’s quick drying you could even wash it in the hotel room sink if you needed to.

Things I Didn’t Like

You need to be aware that a linen towel is not soft and fluffy like a terry-weave. Some people say the linen towel is good for exfoliating. That gives you an idea of the feel of the towel. But remember for a travel towel we are seeking something that is not voluminous and fluffy. We need something that packs small. 

LinenMe Provence Towel Review

LinenMe  have quite a few different styles of linen towels. They also make all sorts of linen products like bed sheets, throws and table cloths.

This particular towel comes in two sizes. 26 x 51 inches and 39 x 57 inches. The main selling point is the odor-resistant qualities of linen. You can use a towel like this all week and it’s not going to stink.

The small packing size is great too meaning it doesn’t take up too much space in my carry on.

You need to be careful about how you wash linen because it can shrink. It’s advised not to tumble dry them, but actually, why do we want to tumble dry something if you can hang it up and it will be fully dry in the morning.

These towels are not the cheapest option, but if you want the best travel towel then you need to be considering linen.

The Turkish Peshtemal is the swiss army knife of towels. From bathroom to beach they have many uses.

A peshtemal can be used as a scarf, a summer throw, a picnic blanket, a gym towel, or a yoga mat cover. Also, extra-large Pestemals make great travel beach towels.

​They are typically made from cotton and they are longer than a typical bath towel.

Cotton, in terms of odor -resistance is not the top choice, but they are very versatile and a cotton peshtemal may earn its place in your luggage because of this. Cotton peshtamals weigh around a third of a standard bathroom towel of the same size while still being absorbent enough for drying off with.  They come in lots of beautiful designs and typically have tassels at the end. Let’s face it. Even if your hotel provides towels are they the type of towel you want to take with you to the poolside? Probably not.

What’s more, if you look carefully you can source large 100% linen peshtemals. They outperform cotton in odor resistance but are more expensive.

If versatility is your priority then consider the  Cacala Peshtamal .

It’s cotton so it’s not as good at resisting odors as linen. However it’s still a lightweight towel compared to terry-weave bath towels. The fact that it’s light means it’s easier to pack and it dries quicker.

Just drying quicker means it will be  more odor resistant than a standard fluffy bath towel .

It’s great that there are so many different styles to choose from and the price is cheaper than linen.

These are not the most ultra-absorbent option or comfortable option. Despite being cotton, it’s not the terry-weave bath towel experience.

You can also get Turkish Peshtemal’s that are made from bamboo which is a great sustainable material.

The Ultralight Travelers Sponge Hack

This may be controversial… but I think I’ve saved the best for last.

I propose a new paradigm in post-shower drying off techniques. Remember, you heard it first here on TravelingLight.com If your hair is short enough, the best travel towel for ultralight travelers is not actually a towel… It’s  a sponge .

Now now… suspend your disbelief for a moment and I’ll explain.

You can use any sponge but something soft and absorbent works better. I like a regular cellulose sponge, the type that is hard when dry and soft when wet.

You can scrub your skin in the shower which is always nice and then simply turn the faucet off.

Before you step out the shower work your way from the head down to your toes soaking up all the water droplets off your skin. Squeeze out the sponge as you go to improve absorbency. It takes less than 2 minutes.

If you soak up all the droplets the remaining moisture on your skin will simply evaporate very quickly. And a towel doesn’t get you 100% dry anyway.

In fact, if you wear breathable fabrics like merino wool you can dress immediately.

Voila! No need to even take a towel with you anymore!

I like  these sponges that have a little rope  so you can hang it outside your suitcase.

The sponge is undoubtedly the lightest thing you can pack to dry yourself off quickly after a shower. It’s a great thing to pack if you are traveling light or going on a camping trip. You can give yourself a full wash and dry yourself off with just a sink and a sponge.

I will concede it’s a terrible beach towel though and probably better suited to solo travelers!

As with most travel gear, it’s impossible to recommend a single best travel towel. I’m not convinced that microfiber towels are great for sustainable travel but then the damage caused by flying is probably much greater than the towel you are carrying.

I’m a digital nomad, travel guide and full-time ultra-lightweight traveler and I can actually get by with a sponge! But then I’m not a big fan of the beach so I don’t need to carry a beach towel. Everyone is different.

Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas to think about and travel towel options and helped you on the road to find the perfect travel towel to add to your packing list!

2 thoughts on “The Best Travel Towel: Microfiber vs Fast Drying Natural Fabrics”

3 centuries == 300 years. I think you mean millennia.

Good catch! Yeah, of course, I meant 3 millennia! Thanks!

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10 Best Microfiber Towels For Travel or Sport

When it comes to traveling light, one of the first things that get tossed out of the bag is a towel. Hotels usually have those ready, right? Then again, among other things, you can’t really vouch for the cleanliness of towels at your chosen accommodation.

For many hostels and other budget places, you’ll even have to pay for towels that have been used time and again by different people. One of the best hygiene tips we can give you when it comes to traveling is: BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL!

Gone are the days when you bring around fluffy bathroom towels that take up a lot of space. Microfiber towels have become a must-have for any travelers’ packing list. They’re lightweight, they’re quick-dry, and the best ones are very packable.

At A Glance: Top Picks

• Best For Every Day Active Roots Travel Towel Jump To Review
• Best For Hiking 4Monster Microfiber Sport Towel Jump To Review
• Best For Travel OlimpiaFit Microfiber Towel Set Jump To Review

As with anything, not all microfiber towels are created equal. Certain features work for certain purposes, but there will always be a microfiber towel absorbent and quick-dry enough to deal with the bathwater, saltwater, rainwater, and sweat.

Top Product Overview

Best microfiber towels, active roots travel towel.

All things considered, the Active Roots Travel Towel is some of the best ones around. They come in medium and extra-large, or a combination of the XL towel with a face towel. Made of 100% microfiber material, the Active Roots set dries very quickly and stuff easily in any bag for any kind of travel and activity. Thanks to its anti-bacterial properties, it also does well as a sport or yoga towel.

Each towel also comes back with a lifetime warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee. If for any reason you aren’t satisfied with the product, you can easily send it back for a refund.

And, since we all want our hard-earned cash to go a long way, each purchase sends a portion of sales to The Elephant Sanctuary in Laos. Not only do you get an excellent product with a multitude of uses, but you also contribute to saving and protecting the endangered population of Asian elephants.

The grain on the microfiber towel is very fine, making it easier to wick-off liquid. However, it may be a tad too slippery and smooth for some. This makes drying off from a bath or a swim just a little bit more tedious than a regular terry cloth towel.

Each towel is packed in a mesh bag with a snap button for portability and drying, even when folded.

• Comes in different sizes
• 100% Money-Back Guarantee
• Contribution to The Elephant Sanctuary
• Anti-bacterial
• Fibers are too fine and can feel slippery

Product Information

• Dimensions and weight: Medium (20"x40"; 3.7 ounces); Large (30"x60"; 8.2 ounces); Combination (9.7 ounces)
• Special features: Anti-bacterial

Rinleaf Microfiber Towel

The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a super versatile set for any kind of indoor or outdoor activity. As with any microfiber towel, the Rainleaf is quick-drying and super absorbent.

The towels can absorb liquid three times its weight and dry it all off in no time. Its microfiber material is also quite soft and suede-like so it feels good to use even on your face. The anti-bacterial property also controls odors even between long washes.

There is something for everyone, too. It comes in six different sizes and six different colors, packed in a mesh bag with snap closure and loop for absolute portability and packability. The XXL towel measures 40″x72″ and has a pocket in one corner. It’s a great choice to use as a beach towel, especially since all towels are also sand proof.

You just have to be careful with the brilliant colors. The color tends to run even after a few washes, so better be safe and wash separately until it stops running. The treatment on the towels also leaves some strange smells on the product, which will go away after several washes.

If these things bother you, its lifetime warranty allows you to replace or return the product.

• Comes in many sizes and colors
• Super absorbent
• Largest size has a corner pocket
• Color runs during the first few washes
• Has a strange chemical-like smell that needs to be washed off
• Dimensions and weight: 12"x24" 2.08 ounces; 16"x30" 3.2 ounces; 20"x24" 4.5 ounces; 24"x48" 6.4 ounces; 30"x60" 9.76 ounces; 40"x72" 14.4 ounces
• Special features: Anti-bacterial; Corner pocket for XXL size; Sand proof

Wolfyok 2 Pack Microfiber Travel Towel

Made of premium microfiber material, the Wolfyok set is soft, absorbent, quick-drying, and washable. Every purchase always comes in a set of two – a regular-sized swimming or bath towel and a smaller hand or face towel. Even as a set, it’s still priced as one of the more affordable towels without sacrificing quality or functionality.

The attached hanging loop makes it easy to hang the towels in the bathroom or outdoors, and its mesh carrying bag makes it easy and compact to carry around on your travels. The material is also anti-bacterial, so odors and other pathogens are kept at bay.

While the towel is quick-drying, it tends to absorb more water than others. This means it also takes longer to dry, especially if you’re in a rush. It’s also thinner than other brands, which means it’s more lightweight but less appropriate as a beach towel or yoga mat.

• Comes in a two-pack set
• Thin material
• Takes longer to dry than other brands
• Dimensions and weight: 58"x30" + 24"x16", 8 ounces
• Special features: Anti-bacterial; Highly Absorbent

Sea to Summit Drylite Towel

With its largest size at just 8 ounces, the Sea to Summit Drylite Towel is the most lightweight option you can go for. This machine-washable towel is an excellent choice for packing light, whether it’s for a leisure vacation or a full hike up in the mountains.

Its absorbency and compactness fall somewhere on the average scale, but that also means less drying time and thicker material (despite its lightweight). Given this, you can completely soak the towel (either intentionally or accidentally), wring it out, hang it dry, and pack it in half an hour. This is an ideal towel to bring on boating or island-hopping trips.

The biggest flaw of this towel is the lack of anti-bacterial properties. Since it’s quick-drying, mildew build-up isn’t an immediate problem.

However, for long and extended backpacking trips with limited wash time, odors and mildew will start to form. While it can easily be washed off again, it may not be the best choice for those looking for a low-maintenance option. The price point is a little on the high side as well.

The Sea to Summit Drylite towels also come in five different sizes. There is a perfect size and use for every kind of indoor or outdoor activity.

• Dries quickly
• Ultra-lightweight and compact
• Risk of odor and mildew build-up
• Higher price point
• Dimensions and weight: XS (12"x24" 1.3 ounces); S (16"x32" 2.2 ounces); M (20"x40" 3.6 ounces); L (24"x48" 5.1 ounces); XL (30"x60" 8.1 ounces)
• Special features: Ultra-lightweight

4Monster Microfiber Sport Towel

When it comes to compact, nothing beats the 4Monster Microfiber Towel . The material is lightweight but is still absorbent up to five times its weight in water. Its anti-bacterial properties keep the towel fresh and free of germs and mildew.

The towels roll into a very compact but durable case, which has slits to let the towel breathe even when packed wet. The case itself is also flexible so it can bend and squeeze into the smallest of space in your bag. There is also a hang loop on the towel to hang on any hook, and also on the case so you can attach it to your bag while on a hike.

It doesn’t come with a lifetime warranty, but you do get a 30-day window for returns and a 12-month warranty. The downside to these towels is the limited sizes. It comes in three sizes that are just a little bit awkward – you get the normal bath towel, but not big enough to use as a yoga mat or a beach towel.

There are no small sizes as well that you can just keep in your purse like a face towel.

However, unlike many microfiber towels, the fibers are quite slick. This means it doesn’t “stick” to the skin when drying off, and quite soft and comfortable. As the name suggests, the best use of this product is as a sports towel where you need to quickly dry off small parts of your body.

As a full-on bath towel, however, the drying capacity is a little on the low side and takes longer than a normal bath towel.

• Super compact
• Durable and waterproof case
• Slick and soft fibers
• Awkward sizing
• Dimensions: 15.7"x31.5"; 24"x48"; 26.7"x55.1"
• Special features: Super compact; Waterproof Carrying Case

Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towel for Travel

Beach lovers, rejoice! You didn’t miss out on this microfiber trend. While many large-sized microfiber towels can be versatile as a beach towel, the Dock & Bay Beach Towels are created for that very purpose. With fun and bright summery colors, these towels are sure to make beach trips a whole lot more fun.

The main feature of these beach towels is that its sand-free for obvious reasons. It also rolls into a stylish pouch to keep your beach outfits and photos on point. As such, they only come in large sizes (large and extra-large) and a round beach towel that’s become the latest trend. When stuck on a remote island, these towels are also large enough to use as a cover while you change in and out of your swimsuit.

As with many colored microfiber towels, the colors run a bit on the first few washes. The hems also tend to fray, so be careful with the washing.

• Designed specifically for beach trips
• Stylish carry pack and fun colors
• Colors run on the first few washes
• Hems tend to fray
• Dimensions and weight: Large (63"x31"; 12 ounces); Extra Large (78"x35"; 17.6 ounces); Round (75")
• Special features: Large sizes; Sand free

Waves Gear Quick-Drying Microfiber Beach Towel

If you’re in the market for a great beach towel but want to be a little bit more subtle, then the Waves Gear Microfiber Beach Towel is for you. It’s not your typical towel, however.

It comes with a higher thread count, making it more durable yet softer on the skin. It only comes in an XL and sport size, both featuring what’s expected of any travel towel – lightweight, quick-drying, and compact.

Even for the XL size, it still folds up pretty nicely and neatly and can even fit inside your pocket. It’s a pretty nifty feature especially since, unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a carry pack or case.

While it’s primarily marketed as a beach towel, it can be used for a multitude of activities. Its absorbent material dries quickly and saves you the nightmare of packing a damp bag. It also has UV protection to cover yourself up during a day at the beach or on a hot hike.

• Softer and more durable
• Protects skin from harsh UV rays
• Versatile functionality
• Fits in pocket
• No carry pack
• Limited sizes
• Dimensions and weight: XL (36"x60" 10 ounces); sport (20.5"x40.5" 3.9 ounces)
• Special features: UV protection

OlimpiaFit Microfiber Towel Set

Excellent use for microfiber towels is for workouts or any strenuous activity. The OlimpiaFit Microfiber Towel Set has you covered from start to finish.

It comes with a face towel to wipe off sweat while on the move, a medium-sized towel to dry off your hair, and a bath towel to be used after you shower. While this is ideal for gyms, the set also gives you options for different kinds of activities and travel destinations with a single purchase.

The anti-bacterial towels don’t need too many washings in between use. It’s quick-drying too so you don’t have to worry about stinking up your pack. The towels are also skid-proof, making them ideal for use as a yoga or exercise mat and you can get a workout wherever you end up in the world.

The large towels can be used as a beach or pool towel. The medium towels can be used as a bath towel or for camping. The smallest towel is great for a day hike or just out exploring a tropical country.

Each set comes with a mesh carry pouch for easy packing. As with many colored towels, the color bleeds during the first few washes. There’s also a lack of a hang or snap loop, making it a little inconvenient when drying. However, for what you get at an affordable price, this towel set is definitely a steal.

• Value for money
• Ideal for many kinds of activities
• Color bleeds during the first few washes
• No hang or snap loop
• Dimensions: 51”x31”, 30”x15" and 15”x15”
• Special features: Skid-proof; Hypoallergenic

WGOOT Quick Dry Microfiber Travel Towel

At less than $6, the WGOOT Microfiber Towel is definitely the most affordable one in the bunch. It has all the features of a good travel towel – quick-dry, absorbent, and compact – without the fancy price tags of some of the options in this list. It’s also anti-bacterial with a hanging loop so it hangs up to dry quickly and won’t stink up your bag.

The WGOOT Microfiber Towel comes with its own carry pack for easy handling. With four sizes to choose from ranging from 31” x 14” to 72” x 32” at $5 to $15, this product is hard to beat for budget travelers.

This doesn’t mean, however, that it sacrificed quality for the price. The towels perform well for different purposes and are ideal for swimming, hiking, or just simply using them at home.

It doesn’t rank as the best when it comes to absorbency or speed of drying, but it does the job and is a pretty good option for any traveler.

• Extremely affordable
• Multi-functional
• Less absorbent than higher-end options
• Dimensions and weight: Extra Large (72"x32" 10.9oz); Large (59"x29" 7.8oz); Medium (40"x20" 3.8oz)

Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Towel

A stylish option for functional microfiber towels is the Youphoria Outdoor Microfiber Towel . Available in 10 color combinations, these towels can hold up to five times their weight in water and dry ten times faster than regular cotton or terry cloth towels.

It’s also anti-bacterial to keep odors at bay and stop mildew from building up within the fibers. This means that these towels can hold up without being washed and still stay fresh with every use.

The towels can be rolled into a mesh carry bag, and also has a quick snap hang loop to hang almost anywhere, including towel racks, branches, or even beach umbrellas. As with other options, the towels also come with a lifetime warranty, so you can return the product if you’re not satisfied with its performance.

The Youphoria towels come in three sizes fit for different activities. It’s machine-washable and ready to go in 20 minutes. The fine fibers are pill-resistant so they can look good as new even after years of use. This also makes the towels sand proof, making the largest size perfect as a beach towel.

One flaw is the hemming as it tends to come undone. While the contrasting color is a good touch of design, quality control is a bit of an issue as some towels have hems that easily fray.

• Stylish colors
• Pill- and sand-resistant
• Hems tend to fray on some towels
• Dimensions and weight: 20"x40" 5 ounces; 28"x56" 8 ounces; 32"x72" 12 ounces
• Special features: Anti-bacterial, Sand Proof, Pill Resistant

What To Look For

Microfiber towels come in a myriad of sizes. These sizes are also not standard, but most brands will have something close to a regular bath towel. Size is greatly dependent on what you will be using it for and how much coverage you need from your towel. All measurements are available, so make sure to measure out your options before making a purchase.

While towels are all made of microfiber material, they differ in blends and thread count. Most towels are made up of a blend of polyester and nylon. The higher the nylon content, the “slicker” it feels on the skin.

One important factor to note is that microfiber towels, while absorbent and quick-drying, feel nothing like regular bath towels. Most first-time users dislike the feel of the material against wet skin as it’s too slippery and takes longer to dry the body. There is a bit of a learning curve when drying with microfiber towels, but its quick-drying capabilities make up for the initial awkwardness.

Portability

There are different ways to pack and stow your microfiber towels. Even their carrying cases differ. Look for cases that are breathable so that your towel continues drying even when you stowed it in your bag in a hurry.

Microfiber towels are also very compact, but their compact sizes vary. Even the XL towels can fold into a pocket-sized towel, so take note of how small the towels can go.

The Best Microfiber Towels Our Favorites

Still unsure about which microfiber towel to go for? Here are our three favorite towels that will be great for any kind of travel or adventure.

If you want to get the most out of your money, go for the OlimpiaFit Microfiber Towel set . At a very affordable price, you get a pack of three towels you can bring anywhere. You instantly have options that are flexible enough for the particular trip you are going for. So whether it’s to the beach, to the mountains, or to a fancy hotel, you already have the perfect one to bring.

• COMPACT DESIGN - This sports towel set is packable for the gym, beach, and anywhere else you need them. They can easily be condensed in size 4x smaller than a camping towel of the same size.
• FAST DRYING - Made with fibers that are much thinner than a standard microfiber towel, our quick dry towels have 4x as much surface area, allowing them to absorb more water and dry up to 3x as fast.

All things considered, the Active Roots Microfiber Towel performs best. It has all the features of an excellent travel towel, comes in a great carry pack, has a snap loop for convenience, and is simply a great towel overall. Best of all, the lifetime warranty ensures that you will always have a fresh towel on hand for many years to come.

If you’re a microfiber newbie or you simply want a practical option, go for the budget-friendly WGOOT Microfiber Towe l. It’s not the best one you’ll find, but despite its affordable price, it still functions well and delivers on everything a good travel towel should deliver.

• FAST DRYING TOWEL & HIGHLY ABSORBENT : It can absorb water several times to its own weight which is more than 30% of cotton fabric, but dry much faster than cotton towels, just hang it outside for a few minutes and you can quickly use it again.
• ULTRA-SOFT TEXTURE & GENTLE TO SKIN and FACE, These fibers went through an advanced softening process, millions of micro-woven loops make the towel super softer than normal towel. Non-sticky feeling compare to general microfiber.

Head on to Amazon to pick the right size and colors for your new microfiber towel.

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The Best Luxury Bath Towels to Make Your Home Feel Like a Five-star Hotel

Give your home a resort-worthy feel with these editor-tested bath towels.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying

You May Also Want

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Henry Wortock

If you're looking to bring the feeling of a five-star luxury hotel into your own home, one of the easiest (and most practical) ways is the luxury bath towel. A soft, fluffy, and extra-absorbent towel is the key to adding a bit of elegance to your daily life, transforming your everyday shower routine into something more sumptuous and special. It’s also significantly less expensive than a night at a deluxe hotel. 

To help turn your bathroom into one that mirrors a Four Seasons, One&Only, or Aman hotel, we rigorously tested 16 different bath towels with a series of hands-on tests and inspections, rating them on absorbency, texture, dry time, durability, quality, and overall value. (Read more about the complete testing process below.) Scroll on to see which ones made the list.

Best Overall

Pottery barn hydrocotton quick-dry bath towel.

It dries surprisingly quickly for a thick, fluffy towel.

At more than $34 per towel, it could be costly to replace your entire arsenal of bath towels.

To be named the best overall bath towel, the winning style had to excel in multiple areas and tests — and the Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Towel did just that. Right away, we noticed its softness and thicker texture, and, given these qualities, we were slightly skeptical of the “quick-dry” descriptor. During the drying test, however, it far surpassed our expectations. Even with its fluffier material, the towel dried completely in 60 minutes, a true feat for a style this dense. While exploring how the Pottery Barn towel would perform with everyday use, including washing and stain exposure, we found there was little it couldn’t handle. Following multiple cycles in the wash, as well as an abrasion test, it maintained its “like new” texture; even the stains we purposefully introduced — mascara and foundation — disappeared once properly treated. 

This secret to its multifaceted success can be attributed to both the material and the construction. Made with long staple Turkish cotton, the towel combines softness with durability; the longer the staple length, the silkier and less likely to pill it will be. Turkish cotton is also known to get softer with each wash, so we expect this towel will maintain its status as a much-loved favorite for many months (and years) to come. 

The Details : 28 x 55 inches | 100 percent organic Turkish cotton

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Henry Wortock
• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Dera Burreson

Best Bundle

Crane & canopy plush towel bundle.

You can get a bundle of two wash towels, two hand towels, and two bath towels for $135.

The hook loop feels weak; with repeated use, it could potentially tear.

If there’s anything more luxurious than a fluffy towel, it’s a bundle of fluffy towels. The Crane & Canopy Plush Towel Essentials Bundle — which comes with two wash clothes, two hand towels, and two bath towels — immediately stood out due to its cotton construction and supremely soft texture. We did find that the diamond dobby trim is a touch rougher, but it also helps give the towel its elevated look.  Following a wash cycle, the towel remained plush, although it did lose some of its original smoothness as most towels do; still, it showed no signs of wear, fraying, or damage. The plushness of the fabric didn’t affect the dry time at all; in fact, it only took 30 minutes for the towel to dry about 50 percent during our testing period, and it was nearly 100 percent dry after an hour. You can also add a monogram to the hand towels in a variety of fonts and colors for luxurious personalization, though you can't monogram the bath towel.

The Details: 30 x 56 inches | 100 percent long staple cotton

Best Lightweight

Pottery barn terry waffle towel.

The waffle texture is aesthetically pleasing.

The dry time is longer than you’d expect for a lightweight towel.

Lightweight towels aren’t as synonymous with luxury as plush ones, but the Pottery Barn Terry Waffle Towel manages to combine the best of both worlds. It’s also highly functional. The lighter waffle weave is still quite absorbent, and it didn’t look any worse for wear about a wash cycle (although the texture seemed to lose a bit of softness). The towel also passed our stain and durability tests with flying colors; it did, however, have a less-than-impressive performance when drying. After an entire hour, it was still damp. Slower dry-time aside, the towel’s most defining feature is the loop that you can hang on a bathroom hook; it’s a small, oft-overlooked design detail but one that’s incredibly useful and appreciated. 

The Details: 28 x 55 inches | 100 percent cotton

Frontgate Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel

Even though the towel is extremely plush, the dry time is relatively short.

The thick jacquard chain-link dobby on the towel’s ends isn’t super soft to the touch.

Any towel that’s marketed as “plush” should always deliver in the coziness and quality departments. According to our tests, the Frontgate Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel succeeds in both areas. Not only does the cotton towel feel good — it’s substantial and heavy — but it also retains its softness after going through the wash. One of the most unexpected findings was the fact that, even though the fabric is a luxurious 800 GSM (learn more about GSM below) and fairly absorbent, the towel dries just as fast as some of the thinner towels we tested. It’s on the pricier end of the spectrum, coming in at $50 per bath towel, but you’ll have it for years to come — maybe even longer if you choose one of the colorways that won’t stain as easily, like the pewter or midnight blue.

The Details: 30 x 58 inches | Egyptian cotton

Best Quick-dry

Brooklinen ultralight bath towels.

It's very lightweight and fully dries in just two hours.

It’s a thinner construction that can feel rough on the skin.

Some bath towels are designed to feel like a warm hug right out of the shower, while others are manufactured for more on-the-go scenarios. The Brooklinen Ultralight Bath Towel definitively falls into the latter category. We noticed that the thin material doesn’t retain moisture for very long, fully drying after just two hours. We thought this was one of the thinnest, lightest bath towels we’ve ever experienced. Although it became a little rougher after washing, we found that it was still quite soft despite how thin it was, and it was relatively resistant to abrasion and breakdown for daily wear and tear. 

The Details: 30 x 58 inches | 100 percent Turkish cotton

Best Waffle

Boll & branch waffle terry bath towel.

This double-sided towel is ideal for those who want the absorbency of terry cloth and the lightweight, quick-drying nature of waffle weave.

The texture felt slightly rougher after the wash test.

With a length of 58 inches, the Boll & Branch Waffle Terry Bath Towel is technically categorized as an “oversized” bath towel, and the extra three inches feel extra luxurious. (Standard bath towels have a length of 55 inches.) The outstanding features of the towel, though, are its dual-texture design (with micro-waffle on one side and terry on the other) and a convenient hanging loop; no need to haphazardly throw it over the nearest chair or door handle. Our testing methods proved that both the terry and the waffle weave can withstand a bit of abrasion and common stains, and we think this is a great option for those who prefer a waffle towel after showering. 

The Details: 30 x 58 inches | 100 percent organic cotton

Best Ribbed

Boll & branch spa bath towel.

The ribbed design makes it absorbent without being too heavy or bulky.

The ribbed material doesn’t translate into a soft, silky towel.

Like other ribbed towels, the Boll & Branch Spa Bath Towel is designed with absorbency in mind. That said, the textured channels that run the length of the towel give it a firm, durable feeling and help the towel dry quickly. Those who prefer fluffy, cloud-like towels might not like the coarser material, but the medium-weight, 100 percent long staple cotton fabric appears to be highly resistant to any wear; there was no change in texture following our wash test, and stains disappeared completely after treatment. We discovered there was a slight worn mark following the abrasion test — where the fibers are tested by a scrub brush — but once we smoothed the spot with our hands, the mark was barely noticeable. 

The Details: 30 x 58 inches | 100 percent cotton

Best Budget

Threshold quick dry ribbed bath towel set.

It’s an affordable option for an everyday towel (or if you tend to use your towels to clean up spills or dry off pets).

The fibers began to flatten and shed during our abrasion test.

They say you get what you pay for, and the same can be said for the Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towel Set from Target. You can get a two-pack for cheaper than any single towel on this list, so it’s a steal if you’re just looking for run-of-the-mill towels. Just don’t expect anything overly plush or mind-blowingly durable. The medium-weight fabric did earn our nod of approval in the quick-dry test , although it was still one of the most absorbent styles. As far as texture goes, it can only be described as average. Pre-wash, it’s soft; post-wash, the loops become flatter, and it loses its silkier feeling. We still think this is a solid option if you’re looking for affordable, everyday towels.

The Details: 30 x 54 inches | 100 percent cotton

Other Bath Towels We Liked

There were two towel sets we tested that didn’t make the final cut due to lower ratings in a couple of tests, but they still exhibited some qualities we found admirable.

Brooklinen Waffle Bath Towels : This 100 percent Turkish cotton towel received high marks for its softness and quick-drying waffle weave. If you opt for this particular style, though, you’ll need to prepare for potential warping during wash, which affects the towel's shape.

Travel + Leisure / Dera Burreson

Martha Stewart 100 Percent Cotton Bath Towels Set : There’s no question this six-piece towel set from Martha Stewart would make a decent addition to any bathroom; it holds up well in the wash and it comes in at a decent price. It’s just not overwhelmingly impressive in regards to softness, thickness, or drying time.

We tested 16 towels in our lab to compare them all at once, choosing our favorites that will make your home feel more like a luxe resort stay. After an initial examination of pre-wash measurements, fiber content, and any specific features or imperfections, we washed each towel twice with the same gentle detergent and dried it on medium (unless the care instructions stated otherwise). The freshly laundered towels then underwent another inspection, where we noted post-wash measurements, texture changes, and potential discoloring. 

To see how the towels would perform in real-life scenarios, we executed tests for absorbency (each towel was weighed, submerged in water, and reweighed); staining (we left mascara and foundation marks on the towels for five minutes and treated with stain removal before washing); durability (we quickly swiped a scrub brush 50 times across the fibers); and dry time (we used a moisture meter to log the moisture level following exposure to a precise amount of water). 

The first round of testing concluded in early 2024, but we will continue to long-term test the towels and record our experiences to make sure they stand the test of time. We will update this article with the latest information and insights accordingly.

Tips for Buying Luxury Bath Towels

Consider the material.

Not all towels are created equal — and those made with 100 percent cotton tend to be the softest and most durable options on the market. You’ll also want to keep a lookout for the material’s staple length. Cotton comes in short, long, and extra-long fibers; the longer the staple length, the smoother the surface. Long and extra-long fibers also lead to fewer exposed ends and a decreased chance of pilling and tearing. 

When towel shopping, you’ll come across several different types of cotton, including Turkish and Egyptian. Your personal preference for overall look and feel will dictate the direction you go in, but it’s good to have a basic understanding of the characteristics they bring to the table. For instance, Egyptian cotton is known for its absorbent qualities, and Turkish cotton is an excellent option for a quick-drying towel .

Opt for a set

Most luxury hotels provide more than just a bath-size towel for guests; there’s usually a variety of sizes to choose from, including hand towels and washcloths. The reason behind this decision is two-fold. Not only does a matching set look great, especially when neatly folded and stacked, but it also helps to avoid overuse (you don’t need to use your bath towel multiple times a day to dry your hands). Additionally, purchasing a towel set is usually a cost-effective choice. Sets are often sold at a bundled price, allowing shoppers to save a bit of money when updating their household linens.

Decide if you want something quick-drying or plush

While they’re super cozy, plush towels aren’t always the quickest to dry. Thanks to their longer, denser fibers, they tend to hold onto moisture more than a towel with less densely woven fibers. If you’re fine to concede some towel thickness in exchange for a faster drying time, you’ll want to look for styles made with a microfiber material. If you plan on traveling with a towel, you’ll likely want it to be lightweight, thinner, and quick-drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cotton is an extremely absorbent material, so most bath towels you come across will be made of some type of cotton, whether it’s Egyptian or Pima. Another way to determine absorbency is to pay attention to the towel’s weight, which is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). The higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the towel will be. If you want your towel to be extra absorbent, aim to purchase towels with a GSM of 600 and above.

The timeline for completely replacing your towels is a different story, and it varies significantly based on construction quality and level of care. A good rule of thumb is to invest in new towels every two to four years, but don’t wait more than five. As they age, even the best towels will lose their absorbency and softness, start to smell, or just generally show signs of wear and tear.

The exact number of times you wash your bath towel depends on a few key factors: preference, frequency of use, personal hygiene, and how often you like to do laundry. In most cases, washing your towel every three to four uses is considered acceptable and helps eliminate any bacteria or fungi that have moved in. 

Find a temperate area in your home to store your towels — whether that's a linen closet or in bins in the bathroom — but ideally in a warm area of your home. Avoid excessively cold or hot temperatures to best protect the longevity of your towels.

When it comes to displaying them, the options are practically endless: think shower racks, wooden ladders, and galvanized tubs, where you can roll up or fold your towels for easy access that's also aesthetically appealing.

Want your home feel like a 5-star hotel? Luxury goes beyond just plush bath towels. Investing in new items, such as luxe-leaning beddings and pillows , can help your home feel more like a dreamy getaway. Next-level comfort is, after all, one of life's great pleasures.

Four Seasons Spa Robe : The cotton terry robe is luxuriously soft and refuses to wrinkle — we even washed it quite a few times and it still looks brand new. It’s roomy and comfortable, and we love that the pockets are also spacious enough for a phone or even a snack

Quince Organic Turkish Waffle Slippers : These 100 percent organic long-staple Turkish cotton slippers are perfect for wearing around the house, with or without socks, on most surfaces.

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Lydia Mansel is a travel writer and the founder of the packing site Just Packed . Prior to writing this article, she researched dozens of high-quality bath towels in a variety of styles, materials, and price points. She then combined this knowledge with the detailed feedback and testing results from the T+L editors and contributors who examined and assessed each towel according to a set of predetermined attributes.

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VENTURE 4TH Quick Dry Travel Towel - Fast Drying Ultra Soft Microfiber Towels - Essential for Camping, Backpacking, Yoga, Swimming, Gym, Sports and Beach - 3 Compact Sizes

About this item

• Microfiber,cotton
• ✅ QUICK DRY TOWEL: Microfiber dries up to 10 x faster than regular cotton towels. People love to use mesh bag included as this keeps your other luggage clean fresh and dry. Use the handy loop to hang in the shower or attach to your golf buggy.
• ✅ MONEY BACK ASSURANCE: Our Camp Towels are DESIGNED TO LAST and backed by our Lifetime Warranty. You the customer are our number 1 priority and if any time you feel that we could do better, we are here for you. So order now, risk free.
• ✅ SKIN FRIENDLY: Our towels are ultralight, comfortable and SIGNIFICANTLY SOFTER THAN OTHERS. Made from the highest quality microfibers we use a high thread count to ensure they are SOFT AGAINST YOUR SKIN making them a pleasure to use.
• ✅ ODORLESS TOWELS: This shower towel won’t stink up your bag even when packed wet. These hygienic sport towels are designed to be reused multiple times between washes. WASH BEFORE FIRST USE.
• ✅ DRIES YOUR HAIR AND BODY FAST: The super absorbent microfiber wicks water while keeping dirt and sand off - The perfect towel in 3 sizes, ideal for beach, camping, hiking, backpacking, sports, gym, yoga. A perfect replacement bath towel for travel.

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From the brand

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SLEEPING BAGS

CAMPING ESSENTIALS

We are a family-run US Company including a dedicated team of seasoned travelers! We have put this experience to good use when designing our travel products. All of the VENTURE 4TH items have been extensively tested while traveling to make sure they offer the best user experience and security for our clients. By using the products on the road we are confident that they are durable and perfectly designed to make traveling more enjoyable.

Product Description

A towel, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy says, “is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have”. You may not be traveling interstellar just yet–but even on your regular, planetary travel, having a good towel is a must.

The Magic of Microfiber

7x more absorption, with rapid drying

Technology of Freshness

No more sweaty and damp smells

Smart Design

Lightweight, and designed for easy folding

Perfect Companion

Fits right in with your every activity

Our travel towels are woven with careful consideration for your active life. The microfiber's gentle touch caresses your skin, while its impressive durability withstands the rigors of sand, sun, and soil. Enjoy an outdoor or gym session without the worry of lingering odors or damp gear.

Complement your travel essentials with VENTURE 4TH's catalog of cleverly designed products made for easy travel. Organize your toiletries flawlessly with our durable toiletry bags, rest in comfort with our snug sleeping bags, and bask in the sun with our luxurious beach towels.

Compare the different VENTURE 4TH Quick Dry Towels

How to wash my Microfiber Travel Towel?

You should wash your VENTURE 4TH Microfiber Travel Towel in the washing machine with liquid detergent only. Tumble them dry on low heat or no heat.

What should I avoid when washing these Quick Dry Towels?

Never use powdered detergents, fabric softener or bleach for microfiber cloth cleaning. Don’t wash your microfiber towel in hot water. Never wash your VENTURE 4TH Travel Towel with whites clothes.

Product information

Technical details, additional information, videos for this product.

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You’ll wanna know this before you buy this venture towel

Live and Learn

The swim towel after 5 plus years of use

Ursula Page

Quick Dry Travel Towel

Venture 4th

Honest Review Venture 4th Microfiber Towel - Quick Dry Travel Towel

Best Beach Towels on amazon here’s why #thisorthat

Quick Dry Travel Towel by VENTURE 4TH

Microfiber Travel Towel by VENTURE 4TH

These towels are my favorite products #thisorthat

Freedom To Grow

Let’s compare these Towels #thisorthat

Dries fast! Holds up with daily use

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews.

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 76% 14% 6% 2% 2% 76%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 76% 14% 6% 2% 2% 14%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 76% 14% 6% 2% 2% 6%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 76% 14% 6% 2% 2% 2%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 76% 14% 6% 2% 2% 2%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the size, travelability, and absorbency of the towels. They mention that it dries quickly, is bigger than a regular bath towel, and is lightweight.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers appreciate the quick-drying feature of the towels. They mention they're excellent camping towels and have a hanging tag for drying.

"...In summary, if you're looking for high-quality, quick-drying towels that will exceed your expectations, look no further than the VENTURE 4TH Quick..." Read more

"This was a great choice! Microfiber towels are not only quick-drying but also lightweight and compact, making them perfect for camping." Read more

"...Cons:- not as absorbent as advertised- dries faster than a normal towel but also not as rapid fast as advertised...." Read more

"...They are VERY compact, but unfold to pretty large. They dry quickly , and were easy to refold and get back in the original bag without a fuss...." Read more

Customers like the size of the towel. They mention it's thin, doesn't take up much room, and fits in their gym bags. Some say it'll dry their bodies off.

"...Plus, the compact design makes them perfect for travel or quick trips to the pool...." Read more

"...Microfiber towels are not only quick-drying but also lightweight and compact , making them perfect for camping." Read more

"...loops for easy hanging, they are soft and absorbent yet they take up little space ! Each family member picked their own color!..." Read more

"...They are VERY compact, but unfold to pretty large . They dry quickly, and were easy to refold and get back in the original bag without a fuss...." Read more

Customers like the travelability of the towel. They mention it folds up small, takes up minimal space, and comes in a great bag. Customers also say it's lightweight and tucks in s back pack without the bulk of a normal towel. The case that it comes in is convenient for packing. They also say the towels are excellent for swimming and camping trips.

"...only quick-drying but also lightweight and compact, making them perfect for camping ." Read more

"...I love the bags they come in , loops for easy hanging, they are soft and absorbent yet they take up little space!..." Read more

"... Great for pool , beach, keeping in the van trunk for use as needed, and certainly PERFECT for college or camp...." Read more

Customers appreciate the lightweight and compact design of the towels. They mention the towels are absorbent, pack down to a thin square, and work wonderfully.

"...Microfiber towels are not only quick-drying but also lightweight and compact, making them perfect for camping." Read more

"Pros:- lightweight - packs down to a thin square for it's size (I got the x-large)-..." Read more

"...2 for each of them: 1 for showering and 1 for pool. They are VERY compact , but unfold to pretty large...." Read more

"...The bag itself held up well.Likes- not bulky , size is good for me. Washes/dries well (no fabric softener)...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the absorbency of the towel. They mention it saves a lot of space, absorbs quickly, and leaves them totally dry.

"...the bags they come in, loops for easy hanging, they are soft and absorbent yet they take up little space! Each family member picked their own color!..." Read more

"...They a VERY absorbent * They dry super-fast* They include a snap hook for easy hanging*..." Read more

" Very absorbent , dries super fast, soft. Has a convenient hanging loop...." Read more

"...Let me tell you, I love it! The material is durable and very absorbent ...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the product. They mention it works great for kids at the pool. Some say it's a great product, very soft, and functional. Customers also appreciate the nice and useful bag.

"...Not only do these towels excel in performance , but they're also durable and long-lasting, which is essential for active swimmers...." Read more

"we have four of these towels! they are the best and dry so quickly. I also love how well they wash." Read more

"...Otherwise it works great !" Read more

"...Very soft, functional towel , and the price is not bad...." Read more

Customers like the softness of the towel. They say it's warm, fluffy, and absorbent. Some say it feels like a chamois and does a good job drying them off after the shower.

"...kids love how quickly these towels dry them off, leaving them feeling comfortable and ready for the next activity...." Read more

"...I love the bags they come in, loops for easy hanging, they are soft and absorbent yet they take up little space!..." Read more

"...Has hanging attachment with snaps on the towel and the bag. Very soft ...." Read more

"...If you are looking for a soft , light, compact towel that will dry your body off then you cannot go wrong with this towel." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the towels. They mention they dry quickly, are great for the gym, and the best microfiber towels they've ever used. Some say the towels are good wrap-up towels but not so much for drying after a shower. Overall, customers are happy with the towels' quality.

" These towels are fantastic ! I own four of them, and they've become essential for me...." Read more

"...so boat rides and swimming on the lake is part of our day, this towel is great , it absorbs so fast, is very light weight, you can fold it very..." Read more

"Absorbency is amazing. Nice towel . I mostly use for after aqua zumba classes and it is nice." Read more

"...The towel itself seems fine enough . The seams do not look heavy duty and may not hold up as a camping towel...." Read more

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