“If you’re going to survive out there, you’ve really got to know where your towel is” – Ford Prefect, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
This quote could well be true for the travel towel. Travel towels are great to have whether you’re camping, hiking, heading to the beach, backpacking around the world, or staying at a bed and breakfast for the weekend. So why should you have a travel towel in your collection of camping gear? I have put together the five reasons to get a travel towel as well as tips on how to find the right travel towel for you and care for it properly so that it lasts you for years to come.
What is so great about travel towels?
1. Travel towels are super absorbent
Most travel towels on the market are made of microfiber and are more absorbent than a traditional towel. So much so, that I’ve even used a travel towel to mop up a wet tent before.
Due to their absorbency, they don’t need to be as large as regular towels to do the same job and they will dry you much faster.
2. Travel towels are fast drying
There is nothing worse than having that wet towel smell in the car or tent. Travel towels are made of materials that dry quicker than regular towels.
They’re fast drying, means you don’t have to leave wet towels at the campsite where they can blow off into the dirt.
They also won’t leave a damp smell in the tent after a shower or smell out the back of the car after going to the beach.
My travel towel will dry in less than half an hour outside, whereas my regular towel can take hours to dry.
On this hot day in February, and after drying off after a dip in the Goulburn River, this little Sea to Summit Tek Towel was dry in 10 minutes!
3. Travel towels are space savers
Travel towels are ideal for hikers and others who have limited space in their packs. They will easily roll or fold into a tiny space – some roll up as small as a tin of beans.
For the avid hiker, this is one of the travel towels biggest advantages. I even take my travel towel away when staying at hotels or hostels just in case there aren’t towels available.
Travel towels are one of those items that are so small you can pack it ‘just in case’ or leave one in the back of the car or caravan without it taking up much room.
4. Travel towels are soft
I find microfiber is as soft, if not more so than traditional towels. It will also retain its softness in the wash without the need for fabric softener. Some will even become softer in the wash over time.
5. Travel towels are durable
My favourite travel towel has been in my possession for over twelve years and has survived constant use without fading or fraying at the edges.
I find the fabric doesn’t tend to pill or accumulate fluff like normal towels. If you do you get sand or dirt on the surface, it is much easier to brush off due to the way the fabric is woven, which makes them a good substitute for a beach towel.
How do I buy the right travel towel for my needs?
Check the sizes
The sizes can be smaller than you think so check the actual dimensions first. For females wanting to get a size to cover yourself when getting to and from the shower, then the largest size is generally best.
These larger travel towels will still compact down to a smaller size than a regular towel.
Test the feel of the fabric on your skin
There are different styles of travel towels, some have a terry towelling finish whereas some have a satin or suede finish. Most travel towels on the market at made of synthetic fibres but there are some that are a natural fibre travel towels or combinations of both natural and synthetic. You may find you prefer the feel of one over the other.
Check the material type
Some travel towels are also made of antimicrobial fabric and this can be an advantage if you are worried about towels smelling.
How do I care for my travel towel and get the best out of it?
Check the washing instructions
Most travel towels are perfectly capable of handling machine washing but check the washing instructions.
Dry your towel before packing
If you leave a damp towel folded in the hiking pack, they can tend to smell. So try to pack them dry.
Air your towel out before use
Air them out before using them on your next trip.
Wring your towel to help it dry faster
Wring out any residual moisture to make sure that it dries as quickly as possible.
If you still aren’t convinced of the magic of travel towels, then try a travel towel on your next hiking, beach overseas or camping trip and see how quickly they dry and tightly they compact. You may just become an addict like me and use them everywhere you go!
Are you sold on the travel towel? Will you be using one over your regular towel on your next adventure?
G’day! My name is Melanie.
As a child, I spent every school holiday period camping with my family and my love for the outdoors has continued to adulthood. I’ve worked in the environmental industry for over ten years and when I’m not outside working, I’m outdoors camping or hiking with my husband. Sometimes I wonder why I even bothered buying a house as I rarely spend any time there. I’m particularly fond of camping in remote locations with a swag under the stars, but I’m also an avid hiker and amateur kayaker.
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