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Choosing the right camp towel might seem trivial, but after a long day of hiking, a quick-drying and absorbent towel can make a huge difference in your comfort and hygiene. For backpacking, you need a camp towel that balances absorbency, drying time, weight, and packability. This means ditching that old beach towel and considering materials like microfiber, linen, and even cotton – each with its own set of pros and cons.

Camp Towel Materials Compared: Absorbency, Drying Time, Weight & Packability

The best camp towel depends on your priorities. Are you willing to carry a slightly heavier towel for superior absorbency? Or is packability the most important factor? Let’s break down the key characteristics of each material.

Microfiber Camp Towels

Microfiber towels are the workhorses of the backpacking world. They are typically made from a blend of polyester and polyamide (nylon), creating a fabric with a huge surface area for water absorption.

• Absorbency: Microfiber towels absorb several times their weight in water, making them excellent for drying off after a swim or a sweaty hike. Look for blends with a higher polyamide content, as they tend to be more absorbent.
• Drying Time: One of the biggest advantages of microfiber is its quick drying time. A good microfiber towel can dry completely in just a few hours in direct sunlight or a breezy environment. We’ve seen some dry in under an hour when wrung out well and hung in the sun.
• Weight: Microfiber towels are incredibly lightweight, making them ideal for backpacking where every ounce counts. A large microfiber towel can weigh as little as a few ounces.
• Packability: These towels compress down to a very small size, often smaller than a t-shirt. Many come with their own stuff sack for easy packing.
• Durability: Decent, but not amazing. Cheaper microfiber towels can degrade quickly with repeated use and washing. Look for towels with reinforced edges to prevent fraying. Also, avoid washing them with cotton items, as they’ll attract lint.
• Smell: Can start to smell funky after extended use, especially in humid conditions. Regular washing with a small amount of vinegar can help mitigate this.

Verdict: Microfiber is the most popular choice for a reason. It offers a great balance of absorbency, drying time, weight, and packability.

Linen Camp Towels

Linen, made from flax fibers, is an increasingly popular natural alternative to microfiber. While not as widely used as microfiber for backpacking, it offers some compelling advantages.

• Absorbency: Linen is highly absorbent, although generally not quite as absorbent as a high-quality microfiber. It can absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet.
• Drying Time: Linen dries relatively quickly, although not as fast as microfiber. Expect it to take a few hours to dry in direct sunlight or a well-ventilated area.
• Weight: Linen is slightly heavier than microfiber, but still relatively lightweight for backpacking. A large linen towel will weigh more than a comparable microfiber towel, but the difference is usually not significant.
• Packability: Linen doesn’t compress as well as microfiber, but it’s still relatively packable. It will take up more space in your pack than a microfiber towel, but less space than a cotton towel.
• Durability: Linen is incredibly durable and becomes softer with each wash. It’s much more resistant to wear and tear than microfiber.
• Smell: Linen has natural antibacterial properties, which helps to prevent odors. It’s less likely to develop a funky smell than microfiber, even after extended use.

Verdict: Linen is a great option if you prefer natural fibers and prioritize durability and odor resistance over the absolute lightest weight and fastest drying time.

Cotton Camp Towels

Cotton towels are what most people are familiar with, but they are generally not recommended for backpacking due to their weight and slow drying time.

• Absorbency: Cotton is very absorbent, even more so than linen. However, this is also its downfall for backpacking.
• Drying Time: Cotton dries very slowly. A cotton towel can take a full day or even longer to dry completely, especially in humid conditions. This can lead to mildew and unpleasant odors.
• Weight: Cotton is the heaviest of the three materials. A cotton towel can weigh significantly more than a microfiber or linen towel of the same size.
• Packability: Cotton is bulky and doesn’t compress well. It will take up a lot of space in your pack.
• Durability: Cotton towels are durable, but they can shrink and lose their shape after repeated washing.
• Smell: Cotton is prone to developing mildew and odors if it doesn’t dry quickly.

Verdict: Cotton towels are best left at home. Their weight, bulk, and slow drying time make them unsuitable for backpacking. However, a small cotton washcloth could be used for specific tasks if you’re willing to accept the added weight.

Camp Towel Size and Shape: Choosing the Right Dimensions

Beyond the material, consider the size and shape of your camp towel.

• Size: Towels are generally offered in small (12x24”), medium (20x40”), and large (30x50”) sizes. For backpacking, a medium-sized towel is usually sufficient for drying off your body. A small towel is good for drying your hands and face. A large towel is nice if you want to wrap it around yourself, but it will add weight and bulk.
• Shape: Rectangular towels are the most common shape, but some towels are square or have unique shapes. Choose a shape that you find comfortable and easy to use.
• Weight Considerations: A medium microfiber towel might weigh 3-4 ounces. A medium linen towel might weigh 5-6 ounces. A medium cotton towel could easily weigh 8 ounces or more. These differences add up!

Camp Towel Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Towel Fresh

Proper care and maintenance will extend the life of your camp towel and prevent odors.

• Washing: Wash your camp towel regularly, especially after extended use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing. Microfiber towels should be washed separately from cotton items to prevent lint buildup. A small amount of vinegar can be added to the wash to help remove odors.
• Drying: Dry your camp towel thoroughly after each use. Hang it in a well-ventilated area or in direct sunlight. Avoid using a dryer, as this can damage the fibers.
• Storage: Store your camp towel in a dry place when not in use. Avoid storing it in a damp stuff sack, as this can lead to mildew growth. Consider using a mesh stuff sack for better ventilation.
• Repair: If your camp towel develops a tear or hole, repair it promptly to prevent further damage. A simple needle and thread can be used to mend small tears. See also: Backpacking First-Aid Kit Contents: What to Add Beyond the Store-Bought Basics.
• Replacement: Replace your camp towel when it becomes worn out or damaged beyond repair. A good camp towel should last for several seasons with proper care.

Ultimately, the best camp towel for backpacking is the one that best meets your individual needs and preferences. Consider the factors discussed above – absorbency, drying time, weight, packability, and durability – to make an informed decision. Don’t underestimate the impact of a good camp towel on your overall comfort and enjoyment of your outdoor adventures!