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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

With store pickup or REI membership (limited patterns)

Budget pick

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

An inexpensive towel that gets the job done.

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

(limited colors)

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

Further reading

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

Essential Gear for Traveling Solo

by Ria Misra

Traveling solo is freeing but poses some unique challenges. Wirecutter’s picks help you travel comfortably and securely—and bring home great pictures too.

The Best Duffle Bags

by Kit Dillon

After lugging 34 duffles through airports, to beaches, and on weekend trips, we chose seven bags that’ll carry what you need carried in a range of scenarios.

The Best Beach and Surf Gear: Towels, Totes, Coolers, and More

After seven years of relaxing in the sand and playing in the surf, we’ve chosen the best picks to help you enjoy a perfect beach day.

Pack Hacker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

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.

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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Best microfibre towel 2023: The cleanest and fastest-drying towels from just £8

Backpackers, beachgoers and gym addicts alike will benefit from a fast-dry microfibre towel - here’s our list of the best

As the Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy wisely states: ‘A towel is just about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can carry.’ You needn’t be venturing nearly so far afield to find it worthwhile to pack a towel on your travels, though. And if space is at a premium, then we suggest you invest in a microfibre towel – they don’t just take up less room, they’re both more absorbent and faster drying than the average towel.

Travelling isn’t the only situation where a microfibre will come in handy. If you take your own towel to the gym, you’ll certainly appreciate having one that dries quickly, absorbs more effectively and takes up less space in your bag than the average cotton towel. The same applies at the beach too.

Best microfibre towel: At a glance

• The best all-round microfibre towel: Fit-Flip
• The best microfibre towel for travel: Eano
• The best microfibre towel for the beach: Nomandia
• The best microfibre towel for your hair: Kitsch
• The best extra-large microfibre towel: Big Jim
• The best microfibre towel you can wear: Hiturbo Towel Poncho

How to choose the best microfibre towel

What is microfibre fabric.

Microfibre fabric is made up of synthetic fibres that are less than one denier thick; much finer than those of the average cotton towel. These super-thin fibres are woven together to produce a fabric with a much higher surface area, and it’s this that makes it far more absorbent. It’s also this high surface area that exposes trapped water to the air and allows it to evaporate more quickly, which is why microfibre towels dry significantly more quickly than standard towels.

READ NEXT: The best bath towels to buy in 2023

What size of microfibre towel should I buy?

This really depends on what you’re using it for – luckily, microfibre towels come in a wide range of sizes.

If you’re in need of a handtowel, pick an extra-small one. If you’re backpacking, a good rule of thumb is to pick a towel that’s smaller than one that you’d use at home. As they are dramatically more absorbent, even a surprisingly tiny towel will do a good job of drying you – and more significantly, will take up less much-needed space in your rucksack.

Generally, bigger is better if you’re taking your towel to the beach – and there are a few jumbo-sized microfibre towels out there expressly aimed for this purpose.

How should I wash my microfibre towel?

Like most synthetic fabrics, you should avoid putting your microfibre towel in the washing machine at a high-heat setting: this will only melt the fibres. Also, avoid using bleach or fabric softener as the former will erode those ultra-fine fibres and the latter will cause them to clump together.

READ NEXT: The best Dryrobes and alternatives to keep you cosy

The best microfibre towels

1. fit-flip: best all-round microfibre towel.

Key specs – Sizes: 50cm x 30cm; 80cm x 40cm; 100cm x 50cm; 120cm x 60cm; 140cm x 70cm; 160cm x 80cm; 180cm x 90cm; 200cm x 100cm; Colours/patterns: Black, blue, green, grey, purple, red, rose, yellow, green with print, purple with print, red with print, dark blue, dark grey

Fit-Flip Microfibre towel - compact, ultra lightweight & fast drying travel towel - the perfect sports, gym & beach towel, camping towel and swimming towels (50x100cm rose + bag)

2. eano: best microfibre towel for travel.

Eano’s collection of microfibre towels are ideal for travellers, largely because each one comes in a zippable case with a carry handle. That means, if you’re on the move and you’re forced to pack a still-wet towel away in your bag, you can make sure it doesn’t come into contact with your clothes and other belongings. Also, Eano’s towels are given an antimicrobial treatment that will keep mould and mildew to a minimum. We recommend the medium one for most travellers, although the small one (60 x 30cm) will be perfectly fine if you’re travelling ultra-light.

Key specs – Sizes: 60cm x 30cm; 100cm x 50cm; 140cm x 70cm; 180cm x 90cm; 200cm x 100cm; Colours/patterns: Blue, dark grey, green, grey, orange, purple, royal blue, fuschia

Amazon Brand - Eono Microfibre Towel, Perfect Sports, Travel, Beach Towel, Fast Drying - Super Absorbent - Ultra Compact. Great for Camping, Gym, Beach, Swimming, Backpacking - Green, 100x50cm

3. nomandia: best microfibre towel for the beach.

Most microfibre towels are plain in colour and a little utilitarian-looking. But if you’re looking for something a bit more fun, take a look at Nomandia’s range of towels. They feature a variety of fun, eye-catching patterns, from mandalas to paisley to bold stripes. Available in one size (180cm x 90cm), they’re big enough to both layout on the sand and dry you off after a swim, but not too bulky for your beach bag – there’ll be plenty of space for your bucket and spade.

Key specs – Sizes: 180cm x 90cm; Colours/patterns: Bali (Mandala Orange); Fiji (Boho Green); Goa (Paisley); Hawaiian Surf (Blue Stripes); Living Coral (Coral Stripes); Tropical Sunrise (Orange Stripes); Blue Lagoon (Plain Blue)

Nomandia Microfibre Beach Towel Extra Large - 180x90cm Sand Free Lightweight & Quick Dry Microfibre Towel and Travel Bag - This Microfiber Towel is perfect as Beach Towel & Travel Towel

4. kitsch microfibre hair towel: best microfibre towel for hair.

Key specs – Sizes: One size fits all; Colours: Blush, leopard, micro dot palm leaves, white, white terrazzo; Material:  85% biconstituent fiber (79% polyester, 21% polyamide), 15% polyester

Check price at Lookfantastic

5. Big Jim microfibre towel: Best extra-large microfibre towel

Price when reviewed: £16 | Check price at Amazon

Sometimes a titchy towel just won’t do. Whether you’re emerging from a freezing lido or want to spread out on a sandy beach without your toes touching those pesky grains, sometimes all you need is a gargantuan bath sheet to wrap up in. The great thing about microfibre towels is their lightweight design and compact weight, meaning you get more bang (surface area of towel) for your buck (cabin baggage allowance). This 180 x 90cm offering from aptly named Big Jim gives you ample room without forgoing the quick-drying, ultra-absorbent, light-as-a-feather properties of a microfibre towel.

Key specs – Sizes: One size (180 x 90cm); Colours: Blue, purple; Material: 80% polyester, 20% polyamide (machine washable)

Big Jim Microfibre Towel, Extra Large XL, Quick Fast Drying. Gym, Swimming Sport Towel, Beach, Travel, Camping Towel, Yoga, Pilates, Bath, Shower Towel. Super Absorbent, Compact, Thin, Lightweight

6. hiturbo towel poncho: best microfibre towel you can wear.

Price when reviewed: From £30 |  Check price at Amazon

This lightweight, smooth microfibre towel/robe does feel quite thin, more like the chamois-style microfibre of camping towels. So, while it doesn’t exactly feel plush, it’s really easy to roll up and stick in your gym bag. It’s also very comfy and easy to wear (unless you’re petite, in which case it’ll swallow you up completely), and will come in very handy for protecting your modesty while getting changed at the beach, gym or swimming pool. The hood helps your hair dry off, too. Shame it only comes in one size, but there’s a great range of colours and print patterns to choose from, without too much variation in price.

Key specs – Sizes: One size (110 x 90cm); Colours: Grey (pictured), camo green, red, colourful print, dark print, lemon print, peony print, seaworld print; Material: 90% polyester, 10% polyamide (machine washable)

Beach Surfing Swimming Robe, Light Weight Wetsuit Changing Towel Poncho with Hood

Shopping | ES Best Home | Home & Garden | Bathroom

Best microfibre towels

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We’ve all been there. Your mini cabin-sized bag is stretched within an inch of its life, filled to the brim with all your holiday wares - but then you realise, you’ve got no space for a towel.

Whether you’re drying off after a dip in the sea, wrapping up post-shower or pumping it out during a workout and need to mop the sweat off your face, microfibre towels will be your best buddy.

These specialised designs are great in so many scenarios due to their sheer convenience. They are made to take up less space, dry fast and roll up small, yet can still feel luxurious against your skin and don’t sacrifice on absorbency.

What is a microfibre towel?

Microfibres towels are, simply put, towels made up of very small, thin fibres. This makes them absorb water and moisture much quicker than regular cotton towels. Thanks to their construction, they also dry a lot faster. They are usually pretty lightweight too.

Benefits of a microfibre towel?

• Fast absorbing
• Quick drying
• Lightweight
• Compact and space-saving

When is the best time to use a microfibre towel?

Thanks to their lightweight, highly absorbent, fast-drying properties, microfibre towels are great for a number of scenarios: days at the beach, travelling, camping, swimming or at the gym.

How do you wash a microfibre towel?

Most microfibre towels are machine washable at a cold temperature. You should avoid washing alongside other fabrics. It is always best to check the instructions on each towel.

Now see our pick of the best microfibre towels…

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Best bath towels with a fluffy and luxurious feel

Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towel

Stick this in your beach bag for a lightweight, super absorbent and fast drying (three times better than a regular cotton) cosy covering. You wont know how you lived without it.

Dock & Bay has created a funky collection in all colours and patterns, using 100 per cent recycled plastic for a sustainable solution. It also comes in a handy little carry pouch and has an elastic hook to hang it out to dry for the utmost convenience.

Nabaiji Microfibre Pool Towel

A compact design, take this microfibre towel with you anywhere – it rolls up ultra-small and weighs just 320g. Use it travelling, on the beach, camping or at the lido, it’s super versatile (you could even use it as a blanket). It’s fast absorbing, quick drying, and has a pretty decent price tag.

Lululemon The Small Towel

With a pattern to suit all tastes, you can choose from nine different colours and have this towel by your side during your sweaty HIIT workouts.

Sportswear brand Lululemon has paid the utmost attention to detail to ensure that this design is fast absorbing and quick drying so there’s nothing to stand in the way during your gym session, spinning class or yoga stretches. You can also use it post-shower and simply machine wash with the rest of your kit when you get home.

Eono Microfibre Towel

Take this best-selling towel from Amazon’s Eono on your next adventure for a travelling companion that will keep you dry without weighing you down. Lightweight and fast drying, it also has antibacterial properties to prevent from mould or mildew and is odour resistant. Super soft and durable, roll it up into its compact zipped case and get yourself on the move.

Fit-Flip Microfibre towel

Save space in your gym or beach bag with Fit-Flip’s compact sports and travel towel that is great for on the go. Ultra-absorbent and fast drying yet velvety soft on the skin, it makes a great option for outdoor lovers, and packs neatly away into a small mesh bag. Hang easily to dry using the press stud hanging loop.

The Little bodhi Microfibre Travel Towel

Light as a feather, quick drying and available in all colours of the rainbow – green, pink, purple, turquoise – this microfibre towel is ideal for travel lovers and beach-goers. Pop in your bag without taking much space up at all and leave the soggy, heavy towels at home. The antibacterial properties of the microfibre material mean no smelly odours too.

Nomandia Microfibre Beach Towel

Travel in style with Nomandia’s vibrant collection of microfibre towels. Pick bold boho prints or colourful stripe designs and make this a packing essential, whether backpacking across Europe, camping in the countryside or day-tripping at the beach. Thin and light to carry, the towel is still big enough to wrap around your whole body and will stay sand-free thanks to its suede-like material.

Steve Backshall Recycled Microfibre Towel

British explorer Steve Backshall has teamed up with Mountain Warehouse to create an innovative recycled towel, which is both fun and super practical.

Made with fibres sourced from single-use plastic bottles that will likely end up in the sea, the soft touch towel boasts fast drying and absorbent features to make it perfect for days out at the beach or when you’re lounging poolside. The funky ocean-themed print is playful and unique.

XL Microfibre Beach/Travel/Swim Towel

The biggest microfibre towel currently on sale on Amazon, this giant-sized soft design will get you dry in no time. Thick but highly absorbent, large but lightweight, it is one that you’ll use over and over again. Plus it’s easily portable in its handy mesh bag. It also features a carabiner clip to attach to the outside of your bag for useful and space-saving transportation.

Waffl towel

Want to travel light? Waffl’s compact towel takes up 50 per cent less space than a regular towel of the same size and weighs next to nothing. Perfect for the beach, camping and sport thanks to its fast absorbing and quick drying properties, enjoy wherever you go and whatever you do, without the stress (and scent) of a dripping heavy towel on you.

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The Best Quick-Dry Microfiber Travel Towels for Travellers in 2024

by Ashleigh Page Last Updated: Jan 13, 2024 Travel Gear , Travel Towels

Page Contents

If you’re anything like me, there’s no greater feeling than wrapping yourself inside a warm and fluffy bath towel. However, when travelling your standard bath towel just isn’t going to cut it.

Given the larger size and weight of traditional bath towels, they don’t make the best travel towels. They take up too much space in your backpack, are heavy when wet and take ages to dry.

They can also be a thriving home for bacteria when left damp for an extended period of time – Gross! – and require more washing compared to microfiber towels for travel applications.

When it comes to your needs as a backpacker, a quick-drying, light-weight and packable travel towel will be much more suitable.  Especially given one of your biggest pain points as a backpacker will be space.

Carrying d amp smelly clothes will be another…

And trust me, there’s nothing worse than travelling between destinations with a wet and smelly towel in your backpack, leaving you with a bag full of musty odour at your arrival. 

Best Travel Towels for Australian Backpackers

If you’re planning your next backpacking trip, then it’s gong to be important to choose the best travel towel to suit your needs.  

In this article, I will be explaining: 

• The benefits of microfiber travel towels (or as often spelled “microfibre”) versus your traditional bath towel.
• Important considerations to know before buying a travel towel.
• The best quick dry towels for travelling in Australia and overseas.

After hours of research and reviewing many different travel towel brands, I’ve narrowed the contenders down to these five. In my opinion, these are the best travel towels for backpackers taking into consideration: So, let’s get straight into it.

Our Top Microfiber Travel Towel Recommendations:

Based on my latest research and findings, I have narrowed the top travel towels for backpackers to the following two products.

Opting for a towel with antimicrobial properties can also help keep it fresh and odour-free between washes.

To read more detail on why these two were shortlisted of all the quick dry towels for travel we reviewed, click the link below. Alternatively, keep reading to learn more about what to look for in order to buy the best travel towel for your needs as a backpacker.

#1 – Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel – Fair Price & Practical

A durable, quick-dry towel for travel that won’t break the bank and has a wide range of colours and sizes available. 

View on Amazon AUS | View on Amazon.com 

#2 – Kathmandu Microfiber Towel for Travel – Quality, but with a price tag to match

A high-quality quick-dry towel for travel that is reliable but does come with a higher price tag.  

View on Kathmandu

Click here to read the full product review >

What is a “Microfiber” Travel Towel?

The term “ microfiber ” simply means that the fibres within the towel, often of a synthetic nature, have been split into very fine strands. This makes microfiber towels more porous and quick-drying when compared to your standard cotton bath or shower towels.

Travel towels are typically smaller and lighter compared to a standard towel. They are great for backpackers because they take up less space in your luggage, allowing you can pack more of what you need for your trip,

Why Travel with a Microfiber Towel Over a Traditional Bath Towel?

Compared to standard bath towels, microfiber travel towels:

• Have antibacterial/antimicrobial properties which help to prevent the build up of bacteria, germs and other bad odours
• Are often smaller and thinner,   taking up less space  in your backpack
• Are more absorbent, with some travel towels able to absorb around 4-5 times their weight in water
• Known to be great quick-drying towels for travel , drying 5-10 times faster than a standard towel
• Can be used multiple times before washing (which is extremely valuable when camping or backpacking)
• Are made from material is that is soft on sensitive skin 
• Usually come with a small convenient carry bag , makes packing easy
• Can be used as both a bath towel and a beach towel when travelling

This is why lighter, fast-drying microfiber towels are highly recommended for backpackers.

As an Australian backpacker myself, I confidently vouch for the benefits of microfiber towels versus standard towels. They save you SO MUCH pain when moving between destinations – especially when you have little time to dry it. 

Choosing the Best Microfiber Travel Towel For Your Needs

Before you go ahead and buy a travel towel of your own, it’s important to consider the following factors:

• Washing requirements

Doing so will help you find the best-suited travel towel for all your travel and backpacking adventures.

1. Material

What is the best material for a microfiber towel? From my research, I discovered that most quick-dry travel towels contain a combination of the following synthetic materials:

• Polyester (a kind of plastic – who knew?)
• Polyamide / Nylon

I’m definitely no chemist or dressmaker, but some sources have mentioned that Polyamide and Nylon can be used interchangeably (Ie. they’re a similar kind of material, if not the same thing).

Polyester helps to give the towel some structure while Polyamide adds density and absorption.  

I was able to see that my first microfiber travel towel was made out of Polyester Polyamide. However, with my current Youphoria travel towel, the suppliers don’t seem to share the exact breakdown of materials.

I have, however, come across various travel towel brands that contain around 85% polyester and 15% polyamide.

When looking for the best microfiber towel for travel, the general rule of thumb is to look for a 80/20 or 70/30 ratio of polyester to polyamide.  But this is definitely easier said than done, given many travel towel brands don’t list the material makeup.

Instead, they often just call it “microfiber” (which isn’t helpful at all!).

The problem with this general statement is that not all microfiber travel towels are the same. The best way to tell whether your microfiber travel towel is high quality is by feel. 

If you’re unable to feel the product before you buy (which is the case with all online shopping these days), then keep an eye out for the below:

Material spec | The best microfiber travel towels:

• Absorb liquid rather than pushing it around
• Feel soft but grippy on your skin
• Last numerous washes without losing their shape/feel

There are some microfiber towels that appear to be more “sticky” than others. This can be an advantage for drying, but a disadvantage in that they often attract more grass fibres, burs, leaves etc.

Alongside material makeup, the size of your travel towel is also an important consideration. 

Similar to standard towels, microfiber towels come in all shapes and sizes, but there are some sizes that are better suited to backpackers than others. 

Given space in your bag will be your greatest limitation, I usually opt for a travel towel that is smaller compared to a standard towel, yet large enough to cover all the important bits and pieces.

If you’re a female, it’s best to find a towel that you can comfortably wrap around your body – but not down to your knees/shins. As a male, you have a bit more flexibility.

If planning to go to a beach destination, it’s a good idea to order a microfiber towel that will be large enough to sit on – so it can double up as both a bath and beach towel.

You may also want to look for one that comes with a “packable pouch” and a clip, so you can clip it to the outside of your backpack if it is still we from use. This can come in very handy when moving between destinations.

Size spec | The best microfiber travel towels:

• Small enough to save space, but large enough to be practical
• Width : 24 – 30 inches (60 – 76 cm)
• Length : 50 – 60  inches (127 – 150cm)

Personally, my microfiber travel towels have the following dimensions:

• Escape Travel Towel: Large:  27 inches (W) x  52 inches (L) / 68cm (W) x 132cm (L)
• Youphoria Travel Towel : Medium: 28 inches (W) x 56 inches (L) / 71cm (W) x 142cm (L)

These sizes are perfect for me – however, I am only 160cm tall . If you’re much taller than me, or have a long torso, you may want to go for the size up. 

The great thing about buying a microfiber towel for travel is that there’s such a large range of options available – both online and in-store. And, with a wide selection of options, you’re also spoilt with a wide selection of price tags.

In general, the price range for most microfiber travel towels is between $20 – $80 AUD.  

If you find a good-quality towel towards the mid to lower end of this price spectrum you can pat yourself on the back as you’ve done well with your purchase.

4. Washing Requirements

Should you wash microfiber travel towels before use? If you’re looking to buy a quick-dry towel for travel, it’s worth buying one in advance of your trip because most suppliers recommend that you wash your microfiber travel towel before the first use.

Generally, you should only wash your travel towel on a cold and gentle machine wash cycle to prevent any damage to the fibres. Many also recommend that you don’t tumble dry, however I have one this a couple of times ( whoops !)

It’s also important to wash the towel on its own for the first 2-3 times.

Some travel towel products have been known to bleed colour, and c olours bleeding in your washing load is sure to cause devastation for any backpacker – especially when the clothes you can pack with you are already limited. 

So yeah, definitely wash it at least once before you go, on a gentle cool cycle and not with any other items of clothing.

Where Do You Buy a Quick-drying Microfiber Travel Towel?

When buying a travel towel, you have a couple of options.

The most popular places to find good quality travel towels is from a travel/outdoor adventure store or to buy from a reputable brand online.

Both options have their corresponding pros and cons, so you just have to go for what suits you best.

Buying a travel towel in store

The main pros of buying in-store are you:

• Get to feel the material
• Get an idea of the size before you buy it  (well sometimes, assuming it’s not in a pack)
• Can buy it instantly, so it can be handy if short on time

The main cons of buying in-store are you:

• Usually pay a premium price (especially if buying from a premium travel brand)
• Need to physically go to a store to purchase
• Often need to visit multiple stores to explore

My favourite in-person stores to check out in Australia are:

• Kathmandu  

Buying a travel towel online

The main pros of buying online are that you:

• Have access to a larger range of options and they’re right at your fingertips
• Can easily find cheaper alternatives to suit your budget
• Can easily cross-check products to ensure you’re getting the best value for money.
• Don’t have to  be in-person to buy the products 
• Convenient if you live in a remote location and aren’t close to any stores that sell travel towels

The cons of buying online are that you:

• Don’t get to feel the material
• It’s harder to tell whether you’re getting a quality product
• Have to wait on delivery, which is not ideal if you have left purchasing a towel to the last minute. However, this is easily overcome with most companies offering returns and refunds if not satisfied. 

My favourite online store for travel gear is Amazon.com . They have a great diversity of reputable brands to choose from, deliver quickly and have loads of customer reviews to help you buy the right travel towel.

5 Best Microfiber Travel Towels to Buy Online 

If you plan to travel for a long period of time, saving as many pennies as you can is extremely precious.

Shopping online can help you to save money on travel gear so you can invest it elsewhere during your trip.

After spending hours researching different microfiber travel towel brands and products, I’ve managed to narrow the options down to these five. 

My scoring and recommendations are based on:

• The material of the travel towel
• The available sizes
• Perceived quality and
• Customer reviews

Let’s take a look at some of the best online travel towel brands from 1-5.

1. Youphoria Sport Microfiber Travel Towel

• Product:  1 x microfiber travel towel and face washer
• Sizes available:   Medium (20-40 inches) – X-Large (32 – 72 inches)
• Material:  Microfiber
• Colour:  Various    
• Reviews:   81% 5 star reviews of 6000+ reviews (Amazon,com)
• These quick dry travel towels have great absorption, able to hold up to five times their weight in water and dry up to ten times faster than a normal terry cloth or cotton towel
• Thin, lightweight and compact
• Antibacterial (expected) to reduce odours
• A whole spectrum of colours
• Good range of sizes available
• Comes with a waterproof mesh carry bag 
• Has a snap hang loop for easy hanging on a towel rack, branch or a piece of furniture so it doesn’t fly away in the wind when drying  
• Soft material and gentle on the skin 
• Fast delivery 
• These towels keep their shape well after washing 
• They also have an awesome customer service motto “If you experience any dissatisfaction or inconvenience with your purchase or product, the product is on us. No hassle.”. So, if you’re not happy with the product, they will replace it or refund your money. Well that’s a pretty awesome guarantee. 
• Half the weight of the “Rainleaf” branded travel towel and packs down to half the size. I have also seen mention that it dries faster than the “Rainleaf” brand as well. 
• Some complaints about the stitching on the edge of the towel being low quality and unravelling after washing
• Some customers have claimed that the towel has a bad smell when wet and after the first use. Although not a turn on, this did only come from one person’s comment so it’s hard to know if this is a common thing.

Are Youphoria microfiber travel towels good value for money?

Yes, I believe so.

I personally own a Youphoria travel towel, and really like it. It feels more moisture-wicking compared to some of the other travel towels I own, and dried very quickly when I was backpacking.

The material does feel somewhat “grippy” on your skin compared to a normal bath towel, but I think this is a normal thing for most micro-fibre towels. 

Unfortunately, the suppliers don’t list out the material breakdown which makes it tricky to comment on this, but I can vouch for the size options and they definitely have an amazing number of positive 5 star reviews, which you can’t overlook.

The recurring comments about the stitching unravelling isn’t great, however given their intense focus on providing good customer service, I think they’d happily replace it if you go a faulty one. 

For a price around $30, I feel like this is reasonable value for money and definitely worth checking out. 

2. Rainleaf Microfiber Towel for Travel

• Product:  1 x microfiber travel towel
• Sizes available: X-Small (12 x 24 inches) to XX-Large (40 x 72 inches)   
• Material: Microfiber
• Colour: Various  
• Reviews: 79% 5 star reviews of 28,00+ reviews (Amazon.com)

View on Amazon AUS | View on Amazon.com

• Rainleaf microfiber towels for travel are highly absorbent and quick-drying
• Lightweight and compact
• Antibacterial properties
• Over 20,000 reviews on Amazon!
• Comes with a breathable mesh carry bag to allow for convenient and compact packing 
• Comes with a hang snap loop so you can tie it down when drying to prevent it from blowing away
• The XXL towel contains a zip pocket (I don’t understand why they don’t make this standard across the range to be honest) . 
• Lots of colour choice if that is important to you 
• Rainleaf don’t list what the material makeup is, just that it made from “microfibers” 
• There are mixed reviews about the packaging – some have said it is quite bulky, others have said it is compact. Hard to know without seeing it. 
• Reports of colours bleeding during washing
• Some reviews state that the product smells iffy – a petroleum/chemical-like smell. 
• Some have claimed that these towels aren’t as absorbent as other microfiber towels on the market
• One customer mentioned that the 3rd party vendor only refunded 80% of the price paid, even within 30 days. 

Are Rainleaf travel towels good value for money?

For around $20 AUD and over 20,000 reviews with 80% of these rated 5 stars, I can’t say that this product isn’t value for money. On paper, it looks to be. However, popularity isn’t everything, and doesn’t necessarily mean that Rainleaf microfiber towels are automatically the best travel towels out there.

It’s hard to tell from the pictures, however it does look to have a different texture to my polyester polyamide travel towel, which makes me question what it is made of. 

I do like that this brand offers a ton of choice – whether it be the size of the towel or the colour. 

If you will be backpacking, I’d recommend getting either the large (24 x 48 inches) or X-Large (30 x 60 inches) Rainleaf travel towel. That way you can use it as a bath towel and a beach towel.

3. Kathmandu Travel Towel ( Microfiber)

• Sizes available:    Large (19 x 39 inches) and X-Large (29 x 59 inches)
• Material:   Microfiber – 88% Polyester, 12% Polyamide and Polygiene (in some)
• Colour:  Two colours – Moss and dark blue
• Reviews:   95% 5 star reviews of  30+ reviews

• The microfiber travel towel by Kathmandu is thin, lightweight and compact. It also has g reat absorption and is quick-drying
• Contains Polygiene™ in the material which provides greater odour control by preventing bacterial growth on the fabric. This means that you can use it more and wash less. 
• Packs down to the dimensions of 24 cm x 18 cm x 8 cm
• They advertise it as having no smell
• No complaints or concerns relating to the colour running/bleeding during washing
• Free delivery on orders over $50 
• Kathmandu offer a 60 day returns policy . Therefore, if you’re not satisfied with the product and return it within 60 days, you should get your money back. 
• The Kathmandu quick-dry travel towel is a  lot more expensive than other microfiber travel towels on the market
• Sizes are similar to the Macpac towels. They have a large (100cm long) and a X-large (150cm), but don’t offer an in-between option (around 130 cm).
• Similar to Macpac’s towels, there have been complaints that the material attracts and holds onto grass and small leaves, making it hard to clean. This makes for a very scratchy experience during the next use.

Are Kathmandu travel towels good value for money?

Yes. Kathmandu is one of the most renowned adventure / travel brands in Australia. They are known for selling premium quality products, however their products usually come with a pretty hefty price tag.

Their microfiber towel range is no different. Particularly, the Polygiene microfiber towel range.

Considered their “premium” microfiber towel, this range of towels features Polygiene, an odour control technology that keeps the towel fresher for longer.  But the downside of these towels is that they are incredibly expensive .

The X-Large Polygiene microfiber towel, for example, is $80 AUD! 

I don’t think I’ve ever paid that much money for a towel. It’s almost 4X the cost of the other microfiber towels we looked at.

Sometimes paying more can get you a longer-wearing product that you can use for years and years.   But, for a towel… ? 

Unless you’ll be using it ALL the time or travelling for a long duration, I’m not sure I’d pay this much. If you have extra money to play with though or aren’t buying other travel gear, a Kathmandu Travel Towel could be worth the money.

4. Venture 4th Microfiber Travel Towel

• Sizes available:   Medium (21 x 40 inches) – X-Large (31.5 x 72 inches)
• Colour: Various    
• Reviews:   76% 5 star reviews of 1800+ reviews

• This is a good quick-dry travel towel, known for its great absorption. It typically takes around 10 minutes to dry out in the sun and a bit longer in shade. 
• Antibacterial properties 
• Towels have a high thread count and are soft / gentle on the skin 
• This towel folds down to 11 x 9 inches
• Some customers have mentioned that they love the compact and handy rip-stop nylon bag that it comes with
• Fast delivery and durable packaging 
• Offer a 12 month money back guarantee and customers have raved about the customer service
• Less choice of sizes compared to some other brands, however the main ones you need are there
• Although they state that their carry bag is small, my current towel rolls up into a 6 inch x 10 inch bag which is much more compact
• Reports of colours looking different in person (especially the “baby blue and pink” option) and colours bleeding during washing 
• Some complaints about the towels being poorly stitched, however was fixed by customer service

Are Venture 4th travel towels good value for money?

Initially, I was a bit concerned that they don’t list out what the microfiber material is made up of, however a customer has compared the texture to that of a chamois cloth, which from what I know is a good thing.

I also like that they offer a 12-month money back guarantee and actively try to resolve customer problems. This tells me that they are proud of their product and customer service is important. 

In terms of the cons, I feel that the issues relating to colour and size are not a big deal, as this seems to be common to a lot of travel towels. 

5. Macpac Microfiber Travel Towel

• Material:   Microfiber – 85% Polyester, 15% Polyamide
• Colour:  Two colours – Black and blue
• Reviews:     75% 5 star reviews of  20+ reviews

View on MacPac

• Also has great absorption making it a good quick-drying towel for travellers
• Contains antibacterial properties to reduce odours
• Soft on the skin
• Durable and high quality
• Fast delivery
• Some customers have complained about the towel smelling bad after use and it taking a while to dry ( however this is quite subjective)
• Another customer mentioned that the towel colour ran when washed with other clothes 
• The towel material attracts and holds onto grass and small leaves like a “magnet”, making it almost impossible to clean. 
• One customer mentioned that the X-large towel size is too big for backpackers but the large size is too small. 

Are MacPac travel towels good value for money?

Possibly. Macpac is a pretty reliable adventure and travel brand, however this doesn’t automatically mean that they sell the best microfiber travel towels. 

The price and downsides of their towels are similar to the other towels I have reviewed (below) – colours bleeding in the wash etc. However, I do agree with the comment on sizing.

My towel is the ideal travel size at 27 x 52 inches, yet their sizes are only larger or smaller than this. They don’t have an equivalent. This makes it harder to find something that will be both compact and practical. 

To be honest, apart from them disclosing the material makeup of their towels (a big plus) there’s nothing that really stands out to me about these microfiber towels.

 The Verdict – The Two Best Travel Towel Brands! 

All of these microfiber towel brands present great options for Australian backpackers / travellers, appearing to be good quality and scoring favourably in the areas of: 

• The material
• Perceived quality and 

Although many quick-dry travel towels share some similarities, I feel these are the best microfiber towels for travel, and ones that I would actually buy myself as an Australian backpacker.

Best Travel Towel #1 – Inexpensive and Practical

If you’re NOT wanting to create a big dent in your travel budget, then I would suggest checking out the Youphoria microfiber towel for travel .

Personally, this would be my choice and the  top contender for the best microfiber towel for travel.

This quicky-drying microfiber travel towel has rave reviews and many great features including a great range of sizes and colours, exceptional customer service and reviews, a hanging loop, fast delivery, soft material and a mesh carry bag.

It is also big enough to wrap yourself in and cover all the important bits. 

There also doesn’t seem to be any negative reviews about colour running during or after washing like the other brands, however, I would still recommend that you wash these travel towels on a gentle, cool machine wash without any other clothes. 

• Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel
• Reviews:   81% 5 star reviews of 4000+ reviews

Best Travel Towel #2 – Quality, But for a Price 

If premium quality is important to you and you want to guarantee that you’re getting the real deal (a polyester polyamide microfiber towel), I would go for a Kathmandu Microfiber Towel . In my opinion, this is one of the best microfiber towels for travel and backpacking. 

Yes, the price tag is a bit hefty compared to other quick-drying towels for travellers, but this would be the best way to ensure that you won’t be disappointed. 

I also like that:

• They’re innovative in this space (adding “Polygiene” into some of the towel) so that they have very little to no smell after use, and
• They offer a 60 days return policy

The main downsides that I see are related to the lack of sizes and colours available. But, if you’re not concerned about size, space or colour, then it shouldn’t matter much. 

Kathmandu Microfiber Towel for Travel

• Reviews:   95% 5 star reviews of  17+ reviews

  View on Kathmandu

In Summary –

The 5 best “quick dry” travel towels for australian backpackers.

As I’ve mentioned, there are so many different types of travel towels to choose from these days. This does mean it can be overwhelming and confusing working out which is the best travel towel to buy. 

The key things to consider when choosing a microfiber towel for travel are the material, size and washing requirements. It’s also important to buy from companies that have a reputable reputation, especially if buying online, and not just the cheapest option.

To help save you from buying a dud towel, here are my top five contenders based on hours, if not days, of my own research,

• Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
• Kathmandu Microfiber Travel Towel
• Venture 4th Microfiber Travel Towel
• Macpac Microfiber Towel

I hope that this article has helped to provide some guidance on the best towels for travel. Particularly for Australian backpackers who require a towel that is compact, durable and quick-drying. 

Happy travelling!

Frequently Asked Questions

Most microfiber travel towels offer great advantages when used around sand, ie. at the beach. Their specially woven fibres help to create a smooth surface which reduces the amount of sand that sticks to the towel. You can easily remove excess sand by shaking it in the air before you get ready to leave.

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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.

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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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• Travel Products

The 10 Best Quick-dry Towels of 2024

You’ll banish your old towels to the closet after trying these quick-dry wonders.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Any good towel has your back — and your front. But for a towel to be considered truly great, it needs to be constructed with quick-dry material, such as cotton loops, finely-weaved microfiber, or waffle weaves. These towels are ultra-absorbent, durable, and as lush on the skin as the towels found at affluent spas or hotel resorts. 

So, we’ve researched the market for the best quick-dry towels. All the towels on our list score high marks on absorbency, durability, portability, and overall value. Some are rated by Grams per Square Meter (GSM) — towels with a low GSM (300-400) are thinner and light, while towels with a GSM of at least 450 are heftier and softer. They also come in a range of sizes and are capable of being used as everyday towels, workout towels, beach towels, and hair-drying towels. Never reach for a damp, smelly towel again with our list of the best quick-dry towels out there.

Best Overall

Everplush diamond jacquard bath towel set 2 pack.

These dual-powered towels have the soft feel of cotton and the super-absorbency of microfiber. 

This particular set is only available in one size. 

The Everplush Diamond Jacquard Towel Set is top-shelf worthy. Made from a combination of microfiber and cotton, this set of two is the ultimate fusion of quick-drying material and ample comfort. Microfiber weaves absorb eight times more water while cotton fibers give it that irresistibly soft feel.

This is the kind of towel you have for life; even after repeated washes, there are no visible signs of wear and tear. With cloud-like softness, you’re always engulfed in fluff. Although, this means the towels can sometimes shed and end up on wet skin, but this should even out after a few washes. There is only one size offered but the company sells other items with the same fabric, like a six-piece set with hand and face towels, so you can fill out your roster. 

The Details: Cotton and microfiber | 30 x 56 inches 

Best for the Beach

Lands' end school uniform beach towel.

The all-cotton velour dries quickly in the sun.

The fabric may pill after a few washes.

The Lands’ End School Uniform Solid Beach Towel is any beachgoer’s dream. Luxe cotton velour fabric dries quickly, so you can focus on more important things, like catching a wave or simply relaxing in the sun. The towel reaches six feet, which is long enough for most to wrap around their body or spread out on comfortably without feet spilling over the edge onto the hot sand (but those who like the space of a beach blanket may wish this towel was available in a larger size). Washing is a breeze thanks to the reinforced flat-weave edges that prevent snags, pills, or frays — perfect for longevity’s sake. And the lightweight material makes it easy to roll or fold up into your tote bag at the end of the day. Soak up the sun — and water — with any of the six colors. 

The Details: 100 percent cotton velour | 30 x 72 inches 

Best for Workouts

Lululemon the towel.

It dries quickly to prevent items in your gym bag from getting soaked. 

After a few washes, some yogis may find the material too slippery for hot yoga classes. 

A quick-dry towel is as essential to a workout as a water bottle or fitness tracker . It sops up moisture on the double to prevent dampness that can harbor unpleasant odors and bacteria. 

We recommend Lululemon’s The Towel (available in three sizes: small, original, and big) since all are made with microfiber fabric that absorbs moisture better than the cotton towels. Plus, having your own workout towel means that you avoid extraneous towel fees. 

While The Towel is most associated with hot yoga (instructions say to lightly spritz water on the top for more grip), functionality isn’t limited to the mat. This versatile pick can be used for any workout that turns you into a human sprinkler. This runs the gamut of wiping away sweaty palms for better grip between weight sets, wiping down machines between exercises, or for golf and yoga. It’s also large enough to be used as a towel for your post-workout shower. It may be generously-sized, but The Towel (available in two colors: black and hail), packs down small so it’s portable and convenient for travel . 

The Details: Polyester | 26 x 71 inches

Best for Showers and Baths

Brooklinen classic bath towels.

The extravagantly plush fabric has been tested for harmful substances, so it’s safe for pets and babies.

It comes in a set of two so it costs more money than most individual towels, and we wish there were more color options.

For a comforting hug every time you step out of the bath or shower, reach for the Brooklinen Classic Bath Towels. Premium Turkish cotton yarn means that the towel dries in a few hours — ideal for those who bathe multiple times per day. The fluffy feel of soft cotton is a nice touch, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to bury your face in it. The towels come in a set of two, which may be a pain for those on the hunt for a single towel — but they're so durable and elegant that it's hard to be mad about having two. Make the bathroom your sanctuary by choosing from seven eye-catching colors, including eucalyptus, ocean, and classic white. At 30 by 58 inches, they fit around most body types and have 550 GSM, so the towels are neither too thick nor too thin. This is great for when you’re traveling or short on cabinet space. When it comes to laundering, you're not likely to have issues with common problems related to towels, such as color fading, snags, or pills. 

The Details: Turkish cotton | 30 x 58 inches

Best Budget

Rainleaf microfiber towel.

This well-priced pick is a great option for those who live in humid climates.

The hanging snap loop can be flimsy and come undone. 

The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a major steal for anyone who’s money-conscious but not about to skimp on quick-drying performance. The suede-like microfiber fabric delivers an impressive drying time: eight hours when hung in the bathroom and two hours in the sun. If you’re away from home and lacking a door hook, you can use the snap-on loop to accelerate drying when hung from something else, like a tree branch. Speaking of traveling with it, the lean, lightweight material makes it easy to bring along for all your adventures, whether that’s to the beach or on a multi-day backpacking excursion. Sand-repellant fabric ensures that the only thing you’re bringing home is good memories. 

There are seven sizes and 10 vibrant colors to choose from. The XXL is the perfect beach towel since it has a zipped corner pocket that lets you discreetly hide keys, cash, or headphones while you take a dip. It’s so useful and convenient, we wish that all the sizes had this. 

The Details: Microfiber | ‎48 x 24 x 0.04 inches | 8 hours to dry in the bathroom and 2 hours in the sun

Cotton Paradise 6 Piece Towel Set

This soft cotton towel set comes with everything you need to elevate your bathroom. 

Traces of lint may come off the towel over time. 

If you’re in the mood to elevate your linen closet, break up with your current towels and replace them with this six-piece set from Cotton Paradise. You’ll receive everything a well-stocked bathroom needs, including two hand towels, two bath towels, and two washcloths. With 18 colors to choose from, including snow white, charcoal gray, and sage green, you’re sure to find a set that upgrades your space. 

The spa-like feel of the 100 percent Turkish cotton fibers will have guests in your home asking where you got these towels. You’ll feel good about sharing since they have an Oeko-tex certification , which means the company tested the fabrics for potentially harmful substances. While the whole set is easy to wash, be on the lookout for fuzzies that could stick to wet skin. It’s also wise to wash the lighter colors separately. 

The Details: Turkish cotton | 27 x 54 inches (bath towels), 16 x 28 inches (hand towels), and 13 x 13 inches (washcloths)

Best Microfiber

Jml microfiber bath towels.

The quick-drying microfiber actually dries your body instead of leaving it slightly damp.

If you’re not used to microfiber, it can take some time to get used to.

Thick, plush towels may be soft against your skin, but the dense loops take a long time to dry. Enter the best solution: the JML Microfiber Bath Towel. It is innately quick-drying thanks to the finely-weaved microfiber that absorbs seven times its weight in water, which leaves your body truly dry. 

Crafted with a high GSM, this Amazon-favorite towel is dense, but not so dense that it can’t be tied around your body. The soft fabric never feels like sandpaper, which is a must for those with sensitive skin. The company does recommend washing with fabric softener to maintain its softness. There are three size options and 20 color options, so you can go as large as a beach towel or as small as a hair towel. You also have the option to purchase a pack of four or six. 

The Details: Microfiber | 30 in x 60 inches

Best Cotton

Parachute waffle towels.

The texture is oh-so-soft like a blanket. 

The stretchy, loose waffle weave design makes it difficult to fold the towel into a square — plus, the fabric may warp when hung. 

Cotton towels are the cream of the crop when it comes to premium towel material. The open honeycomb weaves of this Parachute Waffle Towel (also available as a hand towel ) offer a lightweight, airy feel that streamlines the drying process, so there’s no need to worry about musty towels stinking up your home. 

With a 240 GSM, this lightweight, quick-dry wonder is great to travel with — a welcome feature since you won’t want to leave it behind. The unique texture and design transform any bathroom into a luxury resort spa. Since it’s easy to fall in love with these towels, we wish that they offered more colors and made matching washcloths to complete the set and round out the elevated bathroom aesthetic. 

The Details: Long-staple Turkish cotton | 56 x 30 inches

Best for Hair

Kitsch microfiber hair towel.

Super-absorbent microfiber fabric cuts hair drying time in half.  

Since it’s made with 100 percent rayon, the strict washing and drying instructions can be cumbersome to follow. 

If you’ve been drying your hair with heavy bath towels, it’s time to put a wrap on that. Instead, give your hair the special treatment it needs with this Kitsch Microfiber Hair Wrap. Its gentle weight prevents breakage while the microfiber fabric absorbs excess water to cut drying time in half. This is perfect for days when you’re in a rush and have to air-dry rather than use a blow dryer. Bonus: it’s less damaging to the hair this way. 

Available in several cute designs, the wrap is both comfortable and stylish to wear. You'll use a twisting method to secure each wet strand into the towel while an elastic button loop at the nape of the neck prevents the towel from unraveling and falling off. It also provides the perfect amount of tension, so it’s something you could comfortably sleep with. The hair towel only comes in one size, but it’s large enough to accommodate varying hair lengths and hair textures, including coarse and curly. 

The Details: Microfiber | 5 x 7 inches

Best for Travel

Packtowl luxe towel.

It folds or rolls down to a small, portable size. 

It’s more expensive than other towels on this list. 

A superb travel towel needs to do two things: dry in time for your next flight and boast a lightweight carry. The Packtowel Luxe fits the bill in a way a cotton towel cannot — it dries 30 percent faster and isn’t as heavy to carry around (plus, it folds down to a portable size). The zippered stuff sack offers more convenient packing, while a hang loop is attached for faster drying. Since traveling often means being far away from a washing machine, we appreciate that the fabric has undergone an anti-bacterial treatment to prevent odor. The sand-repellent fabric also prevents you from accidentally taking sand home as a souvenir. We do wish that the fabric better repelled other items you may encounter on your travels, such as grass stems and twigs. The towel comes in five hues and four size options: face, hand, body, and beach.

The Details: Microfiber | 10 x 14 inches (face towel), 16.5 x 36 inches (hand towel), 25 x 54 inches (body towel), 36 x 59 inches (beach towel) 

Tips for Buying a Quick-dry Towel

Consider what you'll use it for.

Quick-dry towels are built to be versatile, but it still helps to narrow down your needs before purchasing. This will help you determine which size, fabric, and absorbency level is best. 

For example, if you’re traveling or working out, opt for a waffle weave or microfiber fabric. Both are absorbent, lightweight, and breathable, meaning they’ll dry quickly and prevent bacteria and odor. 

For everyday towels, you can get away with cotton since it’s still absorbent but provides that extra layer of plush softness on the skin. 

Choose the right size for your needs

For baths and showers, choose a standard bath towel size (either 20 x 40 inches or 28 x 54 inches). These ensure you can dry your whole body and wrap around as needed. Hand towels and washcloths unsurprisingly require less surface area. 

Beach towels are generally oversized (at least 70 inches long) in order to keep your body from touching hot sand or rocks. They also give you more space to relax. A beach towel should also be thinner than a standard bath towel so that it dries quickly and doesn’t hold onto sand. 

Quick-dry towels should be the preferred choice when you don’t have time to wait for a towel to dry — this could be while traveling or following a sweaty workout. 

These towels are also convenient to have on hand if you bathe or shower multiple times per day. Essentially, if you’re fed up with damp towels that harbor odor and bacteria, a quick-dry towel is worth trying.

Cotton quick-dry towels are made from thick, plush fibers that are tightly stitched to prevent unraveling, and they typically last for a long time. While they don’t dry as quickly as microfiber, they do feel exceptionally soft against the skin. 

Microfiber towels excel in absorbency and quick drying because they are made with small fibers. They’re also lightweight to travel with. 

To put it simply, microfiber has superior absorbency and quick-drying power. But cotton towels are softer and tend to be more durable. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Sarah Kester researched dozens of quick-dry towels. To narrow down her selection, she relied on her many years of experience as a shopping and lifestyle writer. She never threw in the towel when it came to finding the very best quick-dry options. 

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The Best Microfibre Travel Towels in Australia for 2024

Written by: The Adventure Lab

Last Updated: August 5, 2022

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Whether it’s a backpacking adventure or short vacation, the size of your luggage matters.

Even when only travelling with carry-on, a good quality travel towel can be one of the most essential, and space efficient, items in your luggage.

Conceived to take up little space and add negligible weight to your bag, travel towels are not only easy to pack, they can come in handy in a wide variety of travel situations.

Top pick: Sea to Summit Tek Towel

Pros: Lightweight, soft, quick-drying, several sizes to choose from Cons: Cheaper options available

The Sea to Summit Tek Towel is the perfect towel for all your adventures. Made of 80% recycled polyester and 20% nylon, it has a blended microfiber material that feels soft like terrycloth.

It’s super absorbent, so you can use it to dry off after a swim or wipe away sweat after a workout. The towel comes in a zippered travel case so it’s easy to store when not in use.

The best part is that this towel is machine washable and quick drying, so you don’t have to worry about it taking forever to dry off after using it. It also comes in sizes small to XL, which means there’s one for all shapes and sizes.

Runner Up: Sea to Summit Microfibre Pocket Towel

Pros: Excellent water absorption power., quick drying material, ultrafine microfibre Cons: A super lightweight option designed for weight-conscious travellers so won’t offer the luxury and absorption of other options

The Sea to Summit Microfibre  Pocket Towel has all it takes to be the perfect travel towel. It’s made from quick-drying and moisture-wicking microfibre and comes packed in a small storage pouch that fits in the palm of your hand.

The ultrafine woven fibre feels extra-gentle on the skin, but the most amazing feature is the absorption power. Measuring 10 cm in length when packed and weighing only 112 grams, this is a smart addition to your travel gear.

Upgrade pick: Kathmandu Microfibre Towel

Pros: Extra-large dimension, deluxe material feels very soft on the skin, two colour choices Cons: Expensive compared to other options

If you don’t mind a slightly higher price tag, check out the Kathmandu Microfibre Towel. This premium product features Polygiene, an advanced odour-control technology developed to keep your towel fresh for longer.

This option suits those who are less weight conscious are keen to retain some thickness in their travel towel. Just what you need on those longer trips.

Best Value: Cooee Shores Travel Sports Towel

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, durable travel pod Cons: Less luxurious than other options

The Cooee Shores Travel Towel is a space-saving, lightweight microfiber towel that’s quick-drying and easy to clean. It’s made from Eco-friendly microfiber material, and is soft and durable.

This towel is larger than other options, so you can easily wrap yourself in it. The carrying pods are also durable enough to withstand the demands of travel.

Also great: Sea to Summit Drylite Towel

Pros: Lightweight and extremely compact, machine washable, very fast drying Cons: May feel thinner than other options

Another great option from Sea to Summit, the Drylite microfibre towel is ultra-absorbent and perfect for taking on your adventures. Whether it’s sunbathing at the beach or drying up after a workout, this towel delivers all benefits you could wish for.

It comes in various sizes and packs so compactly that it can fit even the smallest bag.

What to look for in a travel towel

1. material.

Perhaps the most important thing to check before buying is the material. Fluffy cotton may be comfy, but it’s certainly not practical for travel.

Microfibre is a much more practical choice for  multiple reasons . It has great absorption properties, dries up fast, and folds compactly.

Travel towels come in all sizes, from small face napkins to full-body size.

If you don’t want to carry more than one, we recommend a medium/large microfibre towel.

You can use it for both your face and body, while still taking up very little space in your luggage.

RELATED:  The Best Toiletry Bag

3. Accessories

Some travel towels come with handy carrying pouches.

These are great, as they are easier to reach for in a loaded suitcase, and you can also use them to avoid the bulk when going to the beach.

They also compress the towel when in your luggage, meaning it takes up less space.

Microfibre towels are the best option for travel, outdoor activities, and exercise. This is because they are lightweight and dry quicker than traditional cotton towels.

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• Cleaning Products

The 11 Best Microfiber Towels of 2024

Make dusting, wiping, and drying a breeze.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

• How To Shop

Take Our Word for It

Real Simple / Eric Brockob

When it comes to cleaning, microfiber towels reign supreme. These multi-use cloths are not only more absorbent than traditional towels made with cotton, but they’re significantly more effective at picking up dirt and bacteria. They're also one of the essential tools you'll need if want to clean green .

To find the best microfiber towels for different cleaning needs—including dusting furniture , polishing cars, cleaning floors , and more—we evaluated top-rated microfiber towels on factors like material, density, efficiency, and versatility. We also received expert tips on purchasing and using microfiber towels from A​​ngela Brown , CEO and founder of Savvy Cleaner, as well as Leanne Stapf , COO at The Cleaning Authority. 

“The number one thing to look for in a highly-quality microfiber cloth is if it is ‘gripping’ what you’re cleaning,” says Stapf. “Although soft to the touch, if you run your hand over the cloth, you’ll notice a gripping sensation caused by the electricity pulling at your skin. If there is a gripping sensation, you’ll know that the cloth is ready to pick up any dirt you throw its way!” 

Best Overall Microfiber Towel

Mr. siga microfiber cleaning cloths.

It's suited for a variety of messes and surfaces.

It's not the most effective towel for car detailing.

For a jack-of-all-trades microfiber towel that's effective on both tough messes and delicate surfaces, this affordable set is a great option. Trusted by professional cleaners, these towels can be used for everything from scrubbing toilets to dusting furniture to soaking up spills. They're highly absorbent and won't leave behind any lint or streaks, and their lightweight design means they dry quickly, too—good for wiping dry a just cleaned Le Creuset . A barely damp micro cloth is also perfect for cleaning upholstery .

The set includes 12 towels in four different colors, so you can designate different colors to different cleaning areas to ensure all germs and contaminants are contained to that area. In terms of durability, these towels have reinforced edges that will endure hundreds of wash cycles when properly cared for.

However, we would caution you not to use these towels on painted surfaces when car detailing, considering the grams per square meter (GSM)—or the grade of a microfiber towel's density—is below 350. (Keep scrolling for more information on GSM in microfiber towels.)

Size: 12.6 x 12.6 inches | Material: 85 percent polyester, 15 percent nylon | GSM: 280-320 | Care: Machine wash

Best Budget Microfiber Towel

Amazon basics microfiber cleaning cloths.

It comes in a bulk pack, offering more value than other choices.

It's a little abrasive and prone to scratching.

For significantly less per towel than the Mr. Siga set, this set of microfiber towels is great for large cleanups around the house, car, or garage. Each towel has more surface area than many similarly priced towels at 12 x 16 inches, providing more absorption and grip for tough messes. The sets range from 24 towels per pack to 144 towels per pack, each with three different colors so you can designate different colors to different cleaning areas (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, car)—use it to clean greasy stovetops .

Despite the manufacturer's claim that these towels are "non-abrasive," at 220 GSM and 90/10 polyester to polyamide blend, we don't recommend these towels for automotive detailing or delicate glassware that is prone to scratching. But their mildly abrasive texture and large surface makes them a reusable alternative to paper towels for cleaning up spills, dishwashing, dusting, and more.

Size: 12 x 16 inches | Material: 90 percent polyester, 10 percent polyamide | GSM: 220 | Care: Machine wash

Best Microfiber Towel Set

E-cloth home cleaning microfiber cloth set.

Each set comes with a variety of microfiber towels for different surfaces.

The towels don't excel in any particular use or surface category.

For many people, having a variety of different microfiber cloths for various everyday cleaning tasks makes the most sense. This set of microfiber towels includes five for cleaning, two for polishing, and one for dusting, with varying textures and piles. The dusting cloth is good for wiping down details like chair rail moldings when cleaning walls . Use the polishing cloth to buff clean laminate wood floors to a shine.

E-cloth is one of the most trusted names in microfiber, claiming their towels remove over 99 percent of bacteria without the use of chemical cleaners (you just simply add water). From counters to windows to tile, this set gives you the tools you need to manage a variety of messes.

Size: Various | Material: Microfiber | GSM: Various | Care: Machine wash

Best Microfiber Towel for Housekeeping

Microfiber wholesale buff pro microfiber cloths.

It's highly absorbent and can clean up messes without scratching.

It monochrome color makes it hard to differentiate from other towels in the pack.

For a microfiber towel you can trust on all household surfaces, look no further than this set of multi-surface cloths. They have just enough grip to snatch up dirt and grime without scratching or streaking, and you can use them for dusting, wiping up spills, cleaning and drying dishes, polishing glass, cleaning stainless steel appliances , wiping down car interiors, and more. The overall density plus high percentage of polyamide make them particularly plush and absorbent.

Although each 12-count set features just one color, the towels are available in seven different colors so you can purchase multiple sets if you'd like different colors for different cleaning tasks.

Size: 12 x 12 inches | Material: 80 percent polyester, 20 percent polyamide | GSM: 325 | Care: Machine wash

Best Microfiber Towel for Cars

Chemical guys microfiber towel set.

It's specifically designed for quality car detailing.

It's not the best option for other uses outside of automobile upkeep.

Microfiber cloths are the industry standard when it comes to car detailing, but not all microfiber cloths can be trusted not to scratch paint. Fortunately, these professional-quality towels were designed for sensitive detailing. The 70/30 microfiber blend and silk edges ensure a lint-, swirl-, and scratch-free finish. Use the high-pile side of the cloth to wipe away dust and debris, and use the low-pile side for removing waxes and sealants or cleaning windows and glass.

Of course, the trade-off with these plush microfiber towels is that they may not be abrasive enough for scouring and scrubbing, and they're more expensive than a lot of the competition. But if you're looking for the best microfiber towels for cars, we'd argue these are well worth the investment to protect your paint job.

Size: 16 x 16 inches | Material: 70 percent polyester, 30 percent polyamide | GSM: 380 | Care: Machine wash

Best Microfiber Towel for Electronics

Magicfiber microfiber cleaning cloths.

 Amazon

It's thin design makes it safe for delicate screens and lenses.

It doesn't absorb liquids very well.

Keyboards, phone screens, TV screens, camera lenses, and eyeglass lenses all have an annoying habit of attracting dust, smudges, fingerprints, and oils. These ultra-thin microfiber cloths will bring your electronics and other delicate surfaces back to life without streaking, scratching, or linting. In fact, gently wiping with a microfiber cloth is the only universally agreed-upon method for cleaning a flat-screen TV . Plus, each cloth comes with a polybag so it will remain protected and ready to use straight from your purse, car, desk, etc.

These towels are probably best reserved for dusting or removing smudges rather than general deep cleaning, as they're not thick enough to absorb large spills. And it should be noted that the manufacturer suggests hand washing these towels.

Size: 6 x 7 inches | Material: Microfiber | GSM: Not specified | Care: Hand wash only

Best Waffle-Weave Microfiber Towel

The rag company weave towels.

It has excellent absorbing capabilities, making it perfect for drying.

It's low pile doesn't make it suitable for buffing.

Unlike most microfiber towels that feature a loop weave, these towels have a no-pile waffle weave that simultaneously collects dust and dirt while quickly wicking away water and liquids. This design makes the towels particularly adept at drying or cleaning up spills, and the non-abrasive microfiber means it's ideal for cleaning windows and mirrors. With a GSM of 370, these high-quality towels are made to withstand hundreds of washes, getting softer with each one.

Size: 16 x 16 inches | Material: 80 percent polyester, 20 percent polyamide | GSM: 370 | Care: Machine wash

Best Patterned Microfiber Towel

Geometry tea towel.

It's unique design allows it the towel to double as decor.

The pattern is only available on one side of the towel.

These stunning tea towels from Geometry prove microfiber doesn’t have to be purely utilitarian. Each is made from post-consumer recycled bottles and comes with a unique print, from floral to geometric and everything in between. At 18 x 30 inches, these towels provide increased surface area for drying hands, wiping up spills, cleaning the house, and drying dishes.

The tight weave is quick to dry, so you’ll never be left with smelly towels in your kitchen. And with a GSM of 320, they’re soft enough to dry delicate dishes and absorbent enough to mop up spills up to seven times their weight. We do wish the patterns came printed on both sides, but even still, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better looking microfiber towel. 

Size: 18 x 30 inches | Material: Recycled polyester and polyamide | GSM: 320 | Care: Machine wash

Best Microfiber Towel for Drying Hair

Volo hero microfiber hair towel.

It's excellent for absorbing moisture in hair and preventing frizz.

It won't produce amazing results for those with fine or shorter hair.

Microfiber towels are able to absorb more water while causing less damage and frizz compared to other fabrics, so they’re ideal for drying hair. Plus, they put less strain on your neck than standard bath towels. We like the Volo Hero Hair Towel because it’s made with a plush microfiber that significantly reduces drying time . It's also one of our favorite gifts for women .

Unlike many other hair towels, it comes with a snug strap to ensure your wrap stays tucked in place (because we’ve all experienced hair towels falling off or pulling at our roots when we move). This towel is particularly great for those with long or extra-thick hair, thanks to its large surface area. 

Size: 23.5 x 38.4 inches | Material: Microfiber | GSM: Not listed | Care: Machine wash

Best Microfiber Towel for Drying Dishes

Hyer microfiber dish towels.

It's designed to soak up plenty of water without damaging delicate items.

It's scouring capabilities aren't as strong as other options.

These kitchen towels have the absorbency and quick-drying ability of microfiber, but look more like a classic dish cloth . At 350 GSM, they’re just the right weight for drying dishes and mopping up everyday messes, but they won’t damage delicate items such as glassware. Plus, each is generously sized at 18 x 26 inches. 

You can rinse them off in between uses and use the attached loop to hang them up to dry. When it comes time for a deeper clean, simply toss them in the washing machine. The towels come with a classic lattice design and are available over 10 different colors, so you’re sure to find some to match your existing decor. 

Size: 18 x 26 inches | Material: 80 percent polyester, 20 percent nylon | GSM: 350 | Care: Machine wash

Best Large Microfiber Towel

Jml microfiber bath towels.

It's large size makes it suitable for large spills and messes.

It's very heavy compared to other towels.

Although these are marketed as bath towels, this twin-pack of 30 x 60-inch microfiber towels will cover a lot of area when soaking up large spills, drying off pets, wiping down car exteriors, and more. These are the heaviest towels on our list at 400 GSM, so they’ll feel soft against your skin, should you choose to use them as bath towels.

Unlike traditional bath towels , these can absorb seven times their weight in water and dry very quickly, so you’re never left with a musty smell in your bathroom. And each comes with a hanging loop for drying. The towels are also available in packs of four and six and come in over 15 different color options. 

Size: 30 x 60 inches | Material: 80 percent polyester, 20 percent polyamide | GSM: 400 | Care: Machine wash

The Mr. Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Set earns our top spot because the towels have just the right amount of scouring power without being overly abrasive, making them a great all-purpose choice. Plus, each set features four different colors so you can designate a color for each cleaning area, helping to prevent cross-contamination.

For a less expensive alternative, the Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths are a great value and have a large surface area for picking up dirt and absorbing spills. However, they're not suitable for delicate surfaces such as glassware or car detailing.

How to Shop for Microfiber Towels Like a Pro

Weave and pile.

Most microfiber cloths feature a loop weave with tiny hooks that can grab wet and dry messes without damaging surfaces. Loop weave microfiber cloths have different pile lengths, from low to high. Low pile towels are less prone to linting and more effective at cutting through tough messes, while high pile towels are more plush and absorbent, and best for cleaning delicate surfaces.

Waffle weave microfiber towels are no-pile towels that feature a cross-hatched pattern that's great for drying. Water becomes trapped in the grooves of the waffle pattern, while the ridges give the towel scouring power. And when made from high quality microfiber, waffle weave towels are non-abrasive and lint-free, making them ideal for glass cleaning .

There are different grades of microfiber cloths based on density, or grams per square meter (GSM). All-purpose microfiber towels often range from 250-350 GSM. The lower the GSM, the better for scouring and tougher cleaning jobs, but the higher the likelihood of streaking and scratching. The higher the GSM, the better for delicate surfaces. Use the chart below as a guide when choosing the right GSM for your cleaning needs:

Microfiber towels are made up of a blend of polyester and either polyamide or nylon. Polyester usually makes up the majority of the towel and is responsible for its durability and scrubbing power, while polyamide or nylon is responsible for its absorbency and density. Thus, the higher the percentage of polyamide or nylon, the more scratch-resistant and plush the towel. Cheaper towels may have a ratio of 90 percent polyester to 10 percent polyamide or nylon. For an all-purpose cleaning cloth, look for a blend of about 80/20 or 85/15.

You may not think to pay attention to color when purchasing a microfiber cloth, but having a variety of colors within a set can help prevent cross contamination, especially considering how well microfiber holds onto dirt and grime. "With the awareness of cross-contamination it's great to have a variety of cloths you can keep separate in your cleaning caddy, in your car, and in the wash," says Brown. "And using the same color for every job removes the guesswork from trying to keep your cloths separate."

Try designating a different color for each cleaning area, such as kitchen, bathroom, automotive, glass, etc.

Questions You Might Ask

​​how do microfiber towels work.

Microfibers are set apart for their ability to attach themselves to microscopic dirt particles and even bacteria: "A microfiber cloth is designed with millions of small fibers that can lift and hold dirt, bacteria, and liquids," says Stapf. "Scientifically speaking, the polyester fibers are positively-charged and the nylon fibers are negatively charged, which creates the perfect storm to attract and pull in the mess you're cleaning up." High-quality microfiber towels are also more absorbent and quicker to dry than other towels, which makes them ideal for household cleaning.

When should you use microfiber towels?

Microfiber towels have many different uses, and certain blends lend themselves particularly well to specific cleaning tasks. In general, you can use microfiber towels any way you would a paper or cloth towel, because they're great for picking up dirt and bacteria.

"Every type of cloth has a purpose," says Brown. "In cleaning, microfiber cloths are preferred because of their effectiveness in sanitizing surfaces."Because of its ability to snatch up tiny particles, microfiber is also great for dusting surfaces , including electronics and car interiors. And depending on its density, it can be used for scrubbing down surfaces or drying and detailing scratch-prone surfaces, such as car paint. Microfiber cloths can be used dry, with water, or with cleaning solutions.

Which side of the microfiber towel should you use?

Some microfiber towels have one soft side and one slightly more abrasive side. The latter is best for scrubbing, while the former is meant for drying or detailing delicate surfaces without scratching them.

How should you wash microfiber towels?

Because microfibers have the ability to attract dirt, it's essential to maintain that attraction in order for your cloth to last: "Harsh chemicals will coat the cloth and make it less viable over time," says Stapf. "Therefore, you actually don't need to give the cloth a deep clean with every use. You can reuse the towel a few times in a row and just simply rinse it out under warm water and hang it to dry."

When it's time to wash, most microfiber towels are machine washable in cold or warm water (not hot) and should be washed separately from non-microfiber items to avoid attracting lint from other fabrics, such as cotton. Use a mild, unscented detergent and avoid fabric softener, dryer sheets, and bleach when washing microfiber towels. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets can affect the towels' absorbency, while bleach will erode the fibers. "Instead of fabric softener, you can throw in a tablespoon of white vinegar to combat any odor," says Stapf. A great way to keep them organized in the broom closet is to keep clean small towels in a hanging bag and larger ones stacked on a shelf.

To get as many wash cycles out of your towel as possible, Brown suggests the following steps:

• Soak gunky microfiber towels in a pH-neutral cleaner before washing.
• Hang towels to dry or tumble dry on the no-heat cycle.
• Avoid using microfiber towels on extra greasy or tar-like surfaces, such as the engine of a car, oven hood, etc.
• Don't let dirty microfiber cloths sit in a damp pile for an extended period of time. Instead, either soak them in a bucket or hang them to dry until you can wash them.

This article was written by Melanie Fincher , associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile the list, she spent hours researching microfiber towels. She also received tips on how to shop and care for microfiber towels from A​​ngela Brown , CEO and founder of Savvy Cleaner, as well as Leanne Stapf , COO at The Cleaning Authority.

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Quick Dry Camping Towel, Microfiber Travel Towel 3 Size at 1 Pack,Fast Drying Towel Set for Camping, Beach, Gym, Sports, Yoga & Swimming Pool, Green

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• 3 TOWELS AT 1 PACK: The package includes 3 towels of varying sizes. The small towel (S: 15''x15'') is suitable as a hand towel, perfect for gym and yoga classes due to its lightweight, soft, and quick sweat absorption. The medium towel (M: 30''x15'') is perfect for camping and designed for travel. The largest towel (L: 60''x30'') in the package is ideal for showering, as well as for use at the beach and pool. It is both large and portable.
• ABSORBENT & FAST DRYING: Our quick dry towels can provide 4x as much surface area to absorb more water and dry up to 3x as fast. These super absorbent and fast-drying microfiber towels can hold up to five times their weight in water, making them the most functional option for both indoor and outdoor activities.
• EASY PACKING & HANGING: With a convenient carry bag and a quick-snap hang loop. They are compact, lightweight, and pack down super small into the included carrying bag, and allow for hanging on towel racks, running machian, branches at campsites, or beach umbrellas. Making them the perfect companion for your daily adventures
• ULTRA-SOFT FEEL: Each microfiber travel towel is crafted from premium material with smooth qualities akin to satin, offering a soft, smooth, and comfortable feel on your skin. It is super absorbent, odor-resistant, and remains fresh after drying.
• EASY TO CARE: Washable with wash machine and tumble dry on low or simply hang dry.

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Product description.

EUNZEL TOWELS

Product information, warranty & support, videos for this product.

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Quick Review & An Absorbency Check!

Honest Reviews by Madalyn ✅

How to fold a quick-dry towel set?| Eunzel

Microfiber Camping Towel | Eunzel

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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 absorbency, value, softness, drying time, color and drawstring bag of the towel. They mention that it absorbs well, it's good value, it does a decent job at drying the body and that the color is nice. They are also satisfied with quality, portability, and size.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the size of the towel. They say it packs up small, does not retain odour, and the smaller sizes were ideal for hiking. They also say there are 3 different sizes and they store easily conveniently. Customers also mention that the towels are light weight and nice color.

"These towels are great! There are 3 different sizes - I use one for face, one for body and one for hair...." Read more

"I love the bright color of these towels! There are three towels in different sizes . I use one for face, one for body and keep one as a spare...." Read more

"...Overall, these towels are lightweight , don’t take up a lot of space, and they do dry much quicker than an average beach towel." Read more

"...Perfect for Boy Scout camping, lightweight ." Read more

Customers find the towels very portable and great for backpacking, traveling, and camping. They also mention that the clasps to hang them up while drying are great. Some say the towels are lightweight and perfect for Boy Scout camping.

"...They are super packable & absorbent and dry quickly and hang easily with the snap loop. Good value!" Read more

"...I use one for face, one for body and keep one as a spare. They are very packable and absorbent. They dry very quick when hung up while camping." Read more

"...They’re very portable , and the clasps to hang them up while drying are great...." Read more

"... Perfect for Boy Scout camping , lightweight." Read more

Customers like the drying time of the towel. They mention it's easy to hang, and does a decent job at drying the body.

"...They are very packable and absorbent. They dry very quick when hung up while camping." Read more

"...towels are lightweight, don’t take up a lot of space, and they do dry much quicker than an average beach towel." Read more

"Love it all. Great material, product is durable, soft to the skin, dries quickly . Perfect for Boy Scout camping, lightweight." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the towel. They mention that it is made of great material, durable, and soft to the skin.

" These towels are great ! There are 3 different sizes - I use one for face, one for body and one for hair...." Read more

"Love it all. Great material , product is durable, soft to the skin, dries quickly. Perfect for Boy Scout camping, lightweight." Read more

"...The stiching around the edges is simple but strong . Color is as describe (super girly hot pink) side and textura of the fabric is perfect...." Read more

"The product seems high quality and stitching looks good. I have no complaints...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the softness of the towel. They mention that the texture is really nice, and the three sizes are absolutely great.

"...The texture of the towel is really nice and soft, and the three sizes are absolutely great...." Read more

"Love it all. Great material, product is durable, soft to the skin , dries quickly. Perfect for Boy Scout camping, lightweight." Read more

"The texture of this product is divine . The size is larger than I thought, which is a good thing and the absorbency was amazing...." Read more

"...Color is as describe (super girly hot pink) side and textura of the fabric is perfect ...." Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the towel. They say it has great quality for the price.

"... Good value !" Read more

"... Great value and they get dry very fast. I am not a huge fan of the color I picked tough." Read more

" Good value for this price , the medium one will dry your body alone just fine, light weight and nice color" Read more

"The towels are super soft and absorbent. The price is great ! Highly recommend it!" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the absorbency of the towel. They mention that it is amazing.

"...They are very packable and absorbent . They dry very quick when hung up while camping." Read more

"...size is larger than I thought, which is a good thing and the absorbency was amazing . So happy with how fast I received the towels." Read more

"...Husband said they wouldn't work. He took a shower and was amazed by the towels' absorbency ...." Read more

Customers like the color of the towel. They say it's light weight and has a nice color.

"I love the bright color of these towels! There are three towels in different sizes. I use one for face, one for body and keep one as a spare...." Read more

"...The draw string bag is really nice , and it’s not too difficult to get the towels back into the bag...." Read more

"... Color is bright and beautiful and the hanging straps on each make it easy to keep them off the floor...." Read more

"...The stiching around the edges is simple but strong. Color is as describe (super girly hot pink) side and textura of the fabric is perfect...." Read more

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