Imagine this: You’ve just finished a grueling hike up a steep trail, sweat dripping, and you dive into a crystal-clear mountain lake. Nothing feels better than that refreshing dip—except maybe drying off afterward with the perfect towel. Not just any towel, but one that’s lightweight, quick-drying, and compact enough to fit in your backpack without a second thought. This is why choosing the best backpacking towel is crucial for any outdoor enthusiast.

Backpacking is one of the best ways to experience whatever a city offers. If this sounds like the adventure you thirst for, you will need a well-kit backpack or carry-on. When packing your bag, a travel towel should be on your essential camping gear for beginners and Camping meal checklist.

Having a towel suitable for travel should be emphasized more. While you might love a plush, thirsty bath towel, backpacking isn’t the place for one. Some characteristics of the best backpacking towel include fast drying capabilities and packability. If the towel in your affordable hiking backpack does not have these features, you should reconsider your choice.

If you don’t know which towel to get, you’ve come to the right place. After putting several towels through hours of testing, we’ve narrowed down the best backpacking towel for your next trip.


Top 8 Best Backpacking Towels

In nearly every backpacking adventure towel-related scenario, excellent features include short drying time, odor resistance, super softness, extra-large, lightweight, and so on.

Finding suitable towels that are great for backpacking trips can be daunting, considering the massive list of towels available on platforms like PackTowl. But we have simplified the process by reviewing the top 10 best backpacking towels to get in 2024 below.

1. Nomadix All Purpose Towel

Nomadix All Purpose Towel

If you are looking for a personal towel with colorful designs, then this Nomadix All-Purpose tower will meet that need. Available in several designs, this Nomadix towel is a double-sided print design that does not bleed easily, even after several washes.

It is a simple towel design comprising 80% polyester and 20% nylon. With this towel, you can be sure it will dry quickly. Also, because it is made with mainly nylon material, it is super easy to wash. Furthermore, the material offers excellent adsorbent properties.

Designed with MicroTerry fabric, this Nomadix towel features small lobes that provide up to 4 times more absorbing properties than regular cotton. The design of this towel is such that it resists odor since it’s easy to wash and dries fast.

In terms of its size, this towel is extensive and suitable for all ages. But despite its size, it is lightweight and can fold into a small towel you can fit into your backpack with ease. You can trust that this Nomadix towel meets the Global Recycle Standard.

What we like:

  • The double-sided print does not fade nor pollute the environment
  • Lightweight and easy to pack
  • Incredibly versatile and sand resistant
  • Machine washable

What we don’t like:

  • Gets wet quickly

2. PackTowel Luxe Towel

PackTowel Luxe Towel

Whether traveling, hiking, or doing general outdoor adventures, this PackTowel Luxe towel is perfect. It is an ideal towel for nearly any outdoor activity. The PackTowel is a large and durable towel suitable for extended use.

It is soft and super absorbent, designed with 80% polyester and 20% nylon. Its ultrasoft looped terry knit fabric makes it soak up five times its weight in water and dries nearly 30% faster. As such, you can quickly adopt this towel in many outdoor scenarios, be it beach, hiking, camping, etc.

The PackTowel Luxe towel’s antimicrobial silver ion treatment improves the towel handle order. The fabrics of this towel are well-knit together, giving it a cotton-like feel on the skin. Also, the towel is machine washable, making it easy to clean anytime, anywhere.

This best travel towel has a hang loop that facilitates drying. And after drying, this towel comes with a zipper storage pouch for easy packaging and compactness.

What we like:

  • Super absorbent
  • The smooth texture is soft on the skin
  • Hanging loop for easy drying
  • Pouch made of breathable fabrics

What we don’t like:

  • The pouch does not easily attach to backpacks

3. Youphoria Travel Towel

Youphoria Travel Towel

The Youphoria Travel Towel is an all-purpose towel that comes in different sizes. It is a microfiber travel towel with a simplistic design that matches several styles. There isn’t anything out of the ordinary about this towel! But its microfiber fabric is extra absorbent and comes in many colors. It features the finest blends of microfiber that have a soft feel.

Also, this functional microfiber travel towel can dry up to 10 times faster than a regular towel. And considering its compact size, you can pack light with this camping towel without compromising your drying needs.

This Youphoria Travel towel comes with a quick snap hang loop to attach the towel to your rack, branch at the campsite, and so on for faster drying. The towel also comes with a net-like bag, which makes it compact for easy packing in a backpack. The plain color with the hemmed edges of this towel makes it stand out.

Overall, the improved stitching on this towel makes it machine washable and lint-free, which improves its quality, meaning it lasts longer.

What we like:

  • Quick-snap hang look for easy hanging
  • Convenient carry bag
  • Super absorbent microfiber
  • Hemmed edges

What we don’t like:

  • Not ideal for absorbing lots of moisture

4. Matador NanoDry Towel

Matador NanoDry Towel

The Matador NanoDry Towel is a shower-sized tower that is ultra-light and suitable for your next backpack adventure. It is compact and has a silicon case, making it super easy to pack. The silicone case comes with holes that allow air through it to your towel, thus keeping it fresh even after use.

Also, the case comes with a carabiner which allows you to attach the case to your backpack for easy accessibility. There is a front-release buckle on the towel, which you will find helpful when hanging this towel to dry.

Matador used polyester in designing this full-size shower towel. As a polyester towel, it is super absorbent, absorbing up to 2.3 times its weight in water. And despite its excellent water-absorbing feature, the nanofiber of this towel is fast drying.

The texture of the fabric is soft on the skin. And it’s plain color design makes the towel remain vibrant even after multiple washes. Note that this towel is machine washable, giving you a convenient maintenance option.

What we like:

  • Carry-on case with carabiner
  • Machine washable
  • Front release bucket for easy hanging
  • Full-size yet lightweight

What we don’t like:

  • It does not absorb much water compared to cotton towels

5. Bagail Basics Microfiber Towel

BAGAIL Camping Towel with EVA Case, Compact &...

The Bagail Basics microfiber towel is another excellent backpacking towel to have in your collection. It is a premium-quality towel made from eco-friendly microfiber. Designed without harmful hypoallergenic colors, this Bagail Basic towel is durable and will remain vibrant for years.

Bagail used 15% polyamide and 85% polyester to create this towel. As such, this high-quality material is soft on the skin and has a comfortable feel when wiping off sweat or water.

The microfiber used in this towel can absorb up to 4 times its weight, making it great for camping, beach, backpacking, and outdoor activities. With this towel, you enjoy an incredible drying rate up to 10 times faster than traditional cotton towels.

This Bagail Basic towel comes in up to eight different sizes, so finding the ideal one that suits your needs is relatively easy. It is lightweight, weighing five times less than a regular towel, and can fold away easily. And thanks to the inclusion of a zipper pouch for this pocket towel, you can easily store this towel away when dry.

What we like:

  • High-quality microfiber feels soft and comfortable on the skin
  • Fast drying gets rid of the mildew smell issue
  • It comes in a variety of sizes
  • The zipper on the pouch makes the towel compact

What we don’t like:

  • Snap hanging loop doesn’t secure the towel to the backpack well

6. Dock & Bay Cabana Towel

Dock & Bay Cabana Towel

If you are a big fan of recyclability, then Dock & Bay is the brand for you. Made from 100% recycled material, this Dock & Bay Cabana towel is designed with 83% polyester and 17% polyamide. As such, this towel is exceptionally soft, pleasant, and eco-friendly. This cabana towel comes in all sorts of designs, including two-toned or multicolor summer designs. Also, it is available in several sizes, allowing you to choose the size that fits your needs.

This Dock & Bay Cabana towel is a multi-purpose towel you can use in all sorts of activities, including beach, backpacking, gym, and so on. If used on the beach, this towel’s high-quality fabric is sand-free.

Furthermore, this quick-drying travel towel is super absorbent and will soak up all water and moisture from your body. Also, it dries fast at a rate of up to 3 times faster than a standard cotton towel. You will also get a storage bag made of the same recycled material as the towel for easy storage. 

What we like:

  • Eco-friendly material
  • Sand-free and quick-drying travel towel
  • Versatile towel
  • Compact and lightweight

What we don’t like:

  • The design of the towel’s storage bag is flimsy

7. Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

If you are still new to the backpacking world and want to save money on products, this Rainleaf microfiber towel is your best option. It is a versatile towel with durable and high-quality material.

It is much more affordable than its competitors, yet it is made to absorb moisture quickly, dries fast, and has antibacterial properties. This towel comes in up to six sizes, allowing you to choose the best fit. Also, you get a mesh carry bag with a zipper for compact storage.

Designed with 85% polyester, and 15% polyamide, this Rainleaf towel is incredibly soft on the skin. And besides being a budget-friendly towel, this Rainleaf towel can absorb up to 5 times more moisture than its weight.

Compared to cotton towels its size, this Rainleaf towel dries faster. This towel is suitable for all kinds of occasions, especially outdoor-related. You can use it for the beach, camping, travel, swimming, backpacking, gym, and so on.

What we like:

  • Affordable option
  • Made out of antibacterial fabrics
  • Available in six different sizes
  • Carry-on bag for compactness

What we don’t like:

  • The first 2-3 washes have to be separate as color may bleed

8. Pelican Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Towel

Pelican Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Towel

If what you are after from any towel you get is lightweight, thin, and multi-use, then this Pelican microfiber towel is ideal. Pelican made use of super fine microfibers in this multi-use towel making its absorbency unbeatable.

It can hold up to 7 times its weight in water. This towel works by trapping moisture in its minuscule space between the microfiber and fiber construction. In other words, this towel absorbs water quickly and dries quickly.

Its fabrics are compressible, soft, and durable. So, you can use this towel for several years while it looks as vibrant as when it was new. It is the perfect towel to go for when you’re going car camping, hiking, backpacking, beach, and so on.

As a versatile towel, it comes with a breathable silicone case to store the towel easily, making it compact. The case features an aluminum carabiner which is durable and lets you attach the towel to your backpack for easy access.

What we like:

  • Moisture wicking fabric
  • Breathable carry case
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Machine washable

What we don’t like:

  • The carry case is bigger than needed

Why Choose a Specialized Backpacking Towel?

Backpacking towels are a non-negotiable gear item for the savvy hiker and camper. Here’s why they’re a must-have:

Quick Drying: These towels are designed to dry quickly, which is essential to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, keeping your gear fresh and odor-free.
Compact and Lightweight: Space and weight are at a premium when you’re carrying everything on your back. Backpacking towels are light and fold up so small that you’ll barely notice them in your pack.
Durability: Made to endure the rigors of outdoor use, these towels are tough and can handle sand, sun, and water repeatedly without wearing out.
Multi-functionality: Besides drying your body, these towels can double as a pillow, an impromptu picnic blanket, or even a makeshift tent floor liner in a pinch.


How to Choose the Best Backpacking Towel


Choosing the best backpacking gadgets, including camping towels from platforms like ReadyWise, can quickly become confusing as there are several choices you can make. And even if you have the best backpacking towel, you also need to care for it properly.

For example, after washing the towel, allowing it to dry properly before storing it in its case is essential. Also, lubricating the zipper is vital if the towel has a case with a zipper. Aside from towel maintenance, below are some critical features to consider when choosing the best backpacking towel.

Soft

One of the first things to consider when searching for the ideal packable towel is the material used in making it. The best material is one that is soft on the skin. Microfiber is the best material that feels soft on the skin. Although it may feel strange and slippery compared to other towel materials, it is one of the best materials to have in a backpacking towel because of its other features.

Absorbent

The fabric or combination of fabric in the towel has to be such that it absorbs a significant amount of water. Microfiber towels might not absorb as much water as other materials like cotton. But considering its weight and size, microfiber can absorb about three times and some things as much as five times its weight.

Absorbency is an excellent factor to use to determine a great towel.

Drying Time

The drying time of towels differs. Some towels dry faster than others, depending on their fabric. As a backpacker, one thing you don’t have the luxury of is time to do proper laundry. A towel that dries incredibly fast is a plus because storing a wet towel in your backpack will only create an unpleasant odor.

Odor Resistance

Materials with antimicrobial properties are a plus. When the fibers of the towel are well knit together in such a way that when it absorbs water, it dries at an incredible speed and dries appropriately, it makes the towel smell fresh every time. So even after prolonged washing and use, the towel retains its bacterial-killing property.

Compact and Lightweight

One thing every backpacker should consider when selecting items they need for their itinerary is weight is a significant factor. As such, packing a towel that weighs a few kilograms matters a lot.

So, always be on the lookout for lightweight towels. The packable backpacking towel should also have features that make it compact and easy to store away, such as a carry-on pouch.

Conclusion: Choose the Best Backpacking Towel for Your Adventures

The best backpacking towel is lightweight, quick-drying, and ultra-absorbent—perfect for any outdoor adventure. Options like the Nomadix All Purpose Towel and Matador NanoDry offer compact convenience without sacrificing performance.

Prioritize softness, drying time, odor resistance, and packability to find the right fit for your trips. Pack smart, stay dry, and make every hike or camping trip more comfortable with a high-quality backpacking towel!


FAQ

Are microfiber towels lint-free?

One of the best features of microfiber towels is that they are lint-free compared to other towels like cotton. This explains why microfiber towels are durable and last for years, even with rigorous use.

Is the polyester towels machine washable?

Yes, most polyester towels are machine washable. However, it is best to wash polyester fabrics with neutral detergent, don’t use fabric softeners or bleach.

Are quick-dry towels great for multiple users?

If you intend to pack one towel and share it with a partner, then there are better options than the quick dry towel. Most quick-dry towels are good at absorbing moisture, but they don’t hold much moisture. As such, the next person to use it immediately before it has time to dry will not get the best water absorption after the first use.

Are all travel towels antimicrobial?

Not all travel towels are equal. As such, don’t expect every towel to have an antimicrobial feature. However, many towels with a quick-drying fabric tend to have this antimicrobial feature. So, you can expect such towels to remain fresh while en route.


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Last update on 2025-02-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API