800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day)
Unforgettable Hiking Vacations
Reserve A Trip
Reserve A Trip
800-715-4453Call Us

Best Camp Towels

best camp towels cover image

Find Trips

Best Camp Towels for Hiking


Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for the latest gear news!

Nothing is quite as nice as a lake or river soak after a long day of hiking. From the beautiful Hoh River on an Olympic National Park hiking trip to a chilly dip in Lakes of the Clouds on a guided hike in the White Mountains, some water time can make a hiking trip very special. Even if it’s only for a moment in icy water, a quick dunk can also work wonders for your muscles and energy. However, the question then becomes, did you pack a camp towel for drying off afterward?

Camp towels are certainly a specialized item in the backcountry. Sometimes, you want one, but other times, it may be a waste of space and weight. But on the trips where you want one, you really want a true camp towel, and that dirty t-shirt from yesterday’s hike isn’t going to cut it. So, how do you find the best camp towel for your adventures? We’ll answer that question right here, offer our top suggestions, and provide some buying advice as you navigate all the options out there.

All-inclusive Backpacking Adventures

QUICK LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS

KEY CONSIDERATIONS for the best Camp Towels

Material

The utmost consideration for a solid camp towel is material. What will be absorbent enough to act as an effective towel yet lightweight and packable enough for a backpacking trip? Well, the answer, sadly, isn’t clear-cut as there are several potential materials to keep an eye on. So let’s discuss the pros and cons of each.

Microfiber (Synthetic Fiber)

One of the most common material choices among brands producing camp towels, microfiber has quickly become ubiquitous in the backcountry, from kitchen cloths to towels. Featuring a blend of synthetic polyester and nylon, microfiber is a collection of ultrafine threads that work together to wick moisture and allow increased airflow for fast drying. Some manufacturers will also include an antimicrobial treatment that will help prevent bad smells from taking hold. However, microfiber is an acquired taste aesthetically and may feel rough or slimy to some users.

  • Pros: Fast drying – High absorbency – Lightweight – Inexpensive
  • Cons: Synthetic (microplastics) – Feels rough or slimy to some users – Special care required for longevity

Linen (Natural Fiber)

Made from Flax plant fibers, linen has a long history dating back several thousands of years. In fact, linen was a popular and effective material in ancient Egypt over 4,000 years ago! Linen has a light and airy plushness to it,  making the material remarkably absorbent while drying significantly faster than other natural fibers (such as cotton). Additionally, linen tends to get more soft and plush with every wash, giving it a unique break-in period but also hinting at its slightly lower durability compared to synthetics.

  • Pros: 100% natural fiber – Astounding absorbancy – Quick drying – Lightweight and packable
  • Cons: Expensive – Less durable than synthetic materials – Hard to find

Our Recommendation

We’ve found linen to be remarkably reliable and effective in the backcountry. So much so that we’re breaking with the general trend of recommending microfiber and instead suggesting linen. The 100% natural textile is so light and airy yet effectively absorbs moisture like no other material we’ve ever used (including microfiber). It starts out feeling a little rough for the first couple of uses but quickly softens with a few wash cycles. However, we’ve noticed that the trick is actually finding linen material in a market currently bursting at the seams with microfiber. But don’t worry; our top recommendation below is from a small but reliable brand.

Weight and Packability

Going hand-in-hand with your camp towel material is the towel’s overall weight. Your plush shower towel back home just isn’t going to cut it in the backcountry – those thick and luxurious towels take up way too much space!  Therefore, the best camp towels will feature a lightweight and highly packable design that you can stash in your backpack without taking up too much space.

In general, we like to see camp towels that are around 8 ounces for regular-sized options. This can fluctuate based on smaller sizes to cut weight, different weaves, and varying materials, but 8 ounces or thereabouts should provide a good starting point from which to begin your search.

Size

Usually, we think of a towel as just being a towel and don’t give too much thought to different sizes. But in the world of the best camp towels, there are often some choices to be made with regard to size. First, we have our classic body-sized towel that we’re all used to. Additionally, several brands offer a “micro” or “mini” sizing option that trims a little width and height off of the towel to reduce weight further. Of course, this could limit the towel’s ability to provide complete wraparound coverage. Still, it could be handy if you only plan to use your camp towel for drying off and then changing immediately. Additionally, some brands may offer camp towels in beach, hand, and face sizing. So, depending on your preferences and needs, there are plenty of sizing options out there to find the perfect fit!

Lastly, remember to look at the exact dimensions of potential camp towels before ordering! A “body” towel or “regular” towel may have slightly different dimensions from brand to brand. So it’s certainly worth taking the extra time to look at exact numbers and maybe even breaking out a tape measure so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Price

Luckily, most camp towels are a reasonably inexpensive addition to your backpacking kit. Most prices fluctuate between $25 and $40 for a regular-sized option. The main exception to this guideline is linen materials, which tend to be noticeably more expensive but offer great rewards for that investment.

Outlier Grid Linen Towel

Best Camp Towel for Hiking and Travel

best camp towel outlier grid linen

  • MSRP: $75.00 – $110.00
  • MATERIAL: 100% Linen
  • WEIGHT
    • Large: 9.0 oz.
    • X-Large: 1 lb 3 oz.
  • SIZE
    • Large: 55 x 36 in.
    • X-Large: 75 x 56 in.

PROS: Outstanding absorbency – Extremely quick drying – Packs down very small – Natural fiber – Odor-resistant

CONS: Expensive – Lower durability than synthetics

LOOKING CLOSER: We absolutely love the Grid Linen Towel. Our first purchase was back in 2017, and that original towel accompanied us on hiking and travel trips to Norway, Scotland, Nicaragua, the PNW, Chile, Peru, Argentina, and Nepal. Its effectiveness is simply unmatched, in our opinion, and the Grid Linen Towel leaves our skin feeling completely dry after toweling off. Yet, the towel itself just needs to be hung up for an hour (or less in the sun), and then it’s dry and ready to go. This performance is all the more impressive considering the towel’s extremely thin and airy feel, which allows it to pack down to almost nothing with a very reasonable weight. At a mere 200 grams per square meter, this towel is solidly in the middle of the pack for weight, not light as a feather but also not weighing you down excessively.

However, it’s worth noting that the Grid Linen Towel sacrifices some durability for the thin and packable design. Sharp rocks or very abrasive surfaces can spell trouble for this fabric, and this lower durability goes hand in hand with Outlier’s specific washing instructions (no top-loading washing machines with agitators and dry on the lowest setting). However, our original purchase from 2017 is still going strong but is showing its age with one worn-through hole and a few other spots that look threadbare. In our opinion, it was 100% worth it, and we went ahead and ordered two new Grid Linen Towels each this year as an investment in our hiking/travel towel future.

As a parting note, this towel is noticeably more expensive than its microfiber competition. Therefore, if you’re willing to make an investment for outstanding performance and 100% natural fiber, then the Outlier Grid Linen Towel may be the best camp towel for you. On the other hand, if you’re working with a tight budget, then some of our other recommendations may be a better fit.

View At Outlier

Nomadix Towel

Runner Up: Best Camp Towel

  • best camp towel nomadix original
  • MSRP: $27.95 – $39.95
  • MATERIAL: Recycled polyester/nylon blend (Microfiber)
  • WEIGHT
  • SIZE
    • Original: 72 x 30 in.
    • Mini: 40 x 16 in.

PROS: Great color patterns – Extremely durable – Easy washing – Anti-microbial treatment

CONS: Heavier than other options – Lower packability

LOOKING CLOSER: Nomadix has become well integrated into the outdoors scene with its selection of vibrant towels made from recycled materials. Their Original Towel utilizes 90% post-consumer recycled polyester to create a plush microfiber fabric that does an excellent job absorbing moisture and quickly drying. The Original towel also uses a thicker weave than other travel towels, giving it an extremely sturdy and durable build that can stand up to any adventure. The beefier construction, however, means the Nomadix Original is noticeably heavier than the competition and doesn’t pack down quite as nicely. But if longevity and durability are your top concerns in a camp towel, then the extra weight may definitely be worth it. Nomadix also offers their Mini Towel, trimming significant weight and size to become a much more backpacking-friendly option.

Lastly, the Nomadix line of towels offers a distinctive range of colors and patterns to suit any adventurer. While not crucial to the towel’s performance, the extra color options are a fun addition if you like adding a little flare to your backcountry gear.

View At REI.COM

Original TowelMini Towel

View At Backcountry.COm

Original TowelMini Towel

REI Multi Towel Lite

Best Budget Camp Towel

best camp towel REI multi lite

  • MSRP: $18 (M) – $40 (XL)
  • MATERIAL: 85% polyester/15% nylon microfiber
  • WEIGHT
    • Medium: 2.3 oz.
    • Large: 6.5 oz.
    • X-Large: 10.4 oz.
  • SIZE
    • Medium: 29 x 16 in.
    • Large: 50 x 25 in.
    • X-Large: 58 x 39 in.

PROS: Good packability and weight – Excellent price – Multiple sizes available

CONS: Microfiber may feel uncomfortable for some

LOOKING CLOSER: For a very affordable price, REI offers the Multi Towel Lite. This option caught our eye as a solidly performing yet budget-friendly towel option for hikers who aren’t too fussy about which towel they need. With a standard microfiber blend, the Multi-Lite combines decent absorbancy with excellent quick-drying capability along with a very packable design to become a reliable backpacking towel. We’re also pleased that REI offers this towel in several sizes, adding a little customization for potential buyers to find just the right

View At REI.COm

Sea to Summit Pocket Towel

Best Lightweight Camp Towel

best camp towels sea to summit pocket towel

  • MSRP: $15.95 (S) – $27.95 (XL)
  • MATERIAL: 100% recycled polyester (microfiber)
  • WEIGHT
    • Small: 2.0 oz
    • Medium: 2.8 oz.
    • Large: 3.9 oz.
    • X-Large: 6.2 oz.
  • SIZE
    • Small: 32 x 16 in.
    • Medium: 20 x 40 in.
    • Large: 24 x 48 in.
    • X-Large: 30 x 60 in.

PROS: Lightweight – Inexpensive – Very soft

CONS: No odor resistance

LOOKING CLOSER: If you’re looking for a camp towel to disappear into your pack and barely add any weight to your adventures, then the Pack Towel from Sea to Summit may be the one for you. For hair over 6 ounces for the extra large size, this towel is remarkably lightweight but still provides the high absorbency and quick drying capability of its heavier microfiber cousins. It’s also surprisingly soft, adding a little extra snuggly comfort after a chilly swim. Synthetic fibers tend to retain smell more readily than natural fibers, however, and the synthetic microfiber used for the Pack Towel doesn’t come with any anti-microbial treatments. So, while this towel may hold onto smells more than other options, the exceptional weight and price make it a strong contender among the best camp towels on the market.

View At Backcountry.COm

View At Sea to Summit

Packtowl Personal

best camp towels packtowl personal

  • MSRP: $15.95 (Face) – $52.95 (Beach)
  • MATERIAL: 80% polyester/20% nylon (microfiber)
  • WEIGHT
    • Face: 0.7 oz
    • Hand: 2.9 oz.
    • Body: 6.4 oz.
    • Beach: 9.7 oz.
  • SIZE
    • Face: 14 x 10 in.
    • Hand: 36 x 16.5 in.
    • Body: 54 x 25 in.
    • Beach: 36 x 59 in.

PROS: Very soft to the touch – Multiple sizes available – Quick drying

CONS: Reportedly less absorbent than other options – No anti-microbial treatment

LOOKING CLOSER: The PackTowl Personal has quickly become a popular camp towel due to its compelling blend of fun colors, durable build, and soft texture. There are also plenty of sizing options ranging from small face to extra large beach towels. Additionally, we’re pleased that PackTowl produces the personal towel with a nod towards sustainability by using 50% recycled materials during production.

It’s our thought that this camp towel could benefit from an anti-microbial treatment since backpacking often includes its fair share of bad smells, but the Personal towel can stand up to machine washing very well, at least providing an avenue to clean it effectively and banish those backcountry smells. Lastly, reports state that the Personal towel is slightly less absorbent than other options but still performs quite well in the backcountry. So, all in all, the PackTowl Personal is a solid performer for a good middle-of-the-pack price, making it one of the best camp towels on the market, in our opinion.

View At REI.com

View At Backcountry.COm

Award Winning Trekking Adventures

Since 2005, Wildland Trekking has been providing all-inclusive, guided hiking and backpacking trips across the USA and the world. Explore your world with the hiking experts!

Explore Now!

Additional Information About Camp Towels

Care

Due to their specialized construction to minimize weight while maximizing absorbency and drying, many camp towels have particular washing instructions. Usually, these instructions include avoiding top-load washers with a built-in agitator and tumble drying the towel on low or air-drying. While it may be an added pain, these instructions will undoubtedly help your new camp towel last as long as possible.

Why Trust Us?

Choosing the right outdoor gear and apparel can be difficult. But at Wildland Trekking, we live and work with hiking gear every single day. It’s an integral part of what we do, and we understand better than anyone how important it is to have the right equipment. In addition to our vast knowledge of backpacking gear, we also offer:

  • Independence – our recommendations are not influenced by partnerships or sponsorships with outdoor gear and apparel manufacturers.
  • Experience – as one of America’s top guide companies, we take 8,000-10,000 people on hiking and backpacking tours annually. Since our inception in 2005, we have guided more than 75,000 people into the wilderness.
  • Cutting Edge Knowledge – we regularly attend trade shows and pay close attention to the leading edge of new developments.
  • Up To Date Recommendations – we update our recommendations regularly as new products are developed and released.
  • Dedication to our Readers – we know that the gear we select as our top picks will end up in the field with our readers, and we take that responsibility very seriously. We view our readers as guests on our guided trips, just without the guides. We are committed to helping you be as well-outfitted and prepared as possible for your adventures.

*Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. At no cost to you, we earn a commission on any products purchased through these links. Any proceeds go to supporting our blog and operations. These affiliate links do not influence the products that we include in our gear round-ups. We only recommend products that we 100% support and that we have used in the field. 

More Gear Recommendations

Check out our Wildland Gear Guide for more recommendations about hiking, trekking, camping and outdoor gear. We are always adding new products to help our guests and readers make the best choices to outfit their adventures.