Key takeaways
- Choosing the smallest size for body use. You end up needing two.
- Storing it wet in the pouch. This leads to mildew and odor.
- Expecting cotton-like softness. Pack towels feel different by design.
- Overlooking alternatives. For a quick wipe, a bandana or buff can do the job at no extra weight.
The best towel for hiking is a lightweight microfiber pack towel, with the Sea to Summit Drylite as the most popular compact choice, the PackTowl Personal for absorbency, and the Sea to Summit AirLite when you want the lightest option. A good hiking towel dries quickly, packs small and weighs a few ounces. The trade-off is simple: lighter towels absorb less and feel thinner.
Our top picks
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Towel Comparison
| Pick | Approximate size | Approximate weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea to Summit Drylite (small) | 32 x 16 in | About 2.6 oz | Light weight, face and hands |
| Sea to Summit Drylite (large) | 48 x 24 in | About 5.1 oz | Full body use |
| PackTowl UltraLite (body) | 25 x 54 in | About 3.2 to 3.4 oz | Coverage per ounce, if available |
| PackTowl Personal (body) | 25 x 54 in | About 6.4 oz | Absorbency and durability |
| Sea to Summit AirLite | 42 x 18 in | About 1.7 oz | Ultralight backpacking |
Sizes and weights come from retailer listings and reviewer measurements, and different sources report slightly different figures.
Best Overall Compact: Sea to Summit Drylite
Hiking Insights names the Drylite its best lightweight pick, and Sea to Summit lists a packed weight of about 2.8 ounces for the default size. It packs small, dries fast and is soft on skin. A lab-style review from Camping Guidance noted fraying stitching and staining on its sample, so the towel may not suit very long-term heavy use. Pick the size based on need: small for wiping your face, large for a full body towel.
Best Absorbency: PackTowl Personal
Hiking Insights calls the Personal its overall favorite because it absorbs more water and holds up better than thin microfiber. It weighs about 6.4 ounces, which is double the Drylite. It is better for multi-day trips with swimming.
Best Coverage Per Ounce: PackTowl UltraLite
At around 3.2 to 3.4 ounces for a 25 by 54 inch body size, it covers more area than similar-weight towels. Reviewers found it comfortable but thin. Camping Guidance reports it is now discontinued, so availability may be limited.
Best Ultralight: Sea to Summit AirLite
The AirLite is lighter than the other options at roughly 1.7 ounces, according to Trail and Kale. It is excellent for packing and quick drying but needs dabbing instead of rubbing, and it will feel damp quickly after a full body wipe.
How to Choose a Hiking Towel
Match size to use
Face and hand towels in the 16 by 32 inch range weigh under 3 ounces and suit most hikers. Full-body use calls for a towel at least 24 by 48 inches, which jumps to 5 ounces or more.
Look at drying time
Microfiber and similar materials release water quickly. Hang the towel on the outside of your pack to dry while walking.
Think about trip length
For a weekend, a small towel is enough. For a week or more with swimming, bring a larger or second towel.
Consider odor
Some synthetic fabrics hold odor if left damp. Wash the towel regularly and dry it fully before storing it in its pouch.
Weight and Size Math
If your base weight is 12 pounds (192 ounces), a 2.8 ounce towel is about 1.5 percent of it, while a 6.4 ounce towel is over 3 percent. If you hike 20 trips a year, a durable towel that lasts four years costs less per trip than replacing a thin one every second year.
| Trip type | Suggested towel | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Day hike, hands and face | Small Drylite or AirLite | Under 3 oz |
| Weekend backpacking | Drylite medium or UltraLite | Balance of coverage and weight |
| Week-long trip with swimming | PackTowl Personal | More absorbent and durable |
| Ultralight thru-hike | AirLite | Lightest option |
Durability and Care Realities
Thin, ultralight towels trade longevity for weight. Reviewers have reported fraying stitching and staining on some lightweight towels after repeated trips, while thicker pack towels hold together longer. The first sign of wear is usually the hem and corner loops, followed by matting of the fabric surface. Wash microfiber towels cold with mild detergent, skip fabric softener because it coats the fibers and reduces absorbency, and dry them completely before putting them back in the pouch. A towel stored damp develops odor quickly, and the smell can be difficult to remove.
Using a Pack Towel Well
- Dab first, rub second. Thin microfiber absorbs by contact, so pressing works better than scrubbing.
- Wring between passes. A towel saturated with water stops absorbing, and wringing restores capacity.
- Dry it on your pack. Attach it with a carabiner while you walk so sun and wind dry it.
- Keep it clean. Rinse out sunscreen and dirt, which break down the fabric.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing the smallest size for body use. You end up needing two.
- Storing it wet in the pouch. This leads to mildew and odor.
- Expecting cotton-like softness. Pack towels feel different by design.
- Overlooking alternatives. For a quick wipe, a bandana or buff can do the job at no extra weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a towel while hiking?
For day hikes, usually not. For overnights with swimming or washing, a small towel is helpful.
Microfiber or other materials?
Microfiber dries quickly and packs small. Cotton absorbs well but dries slowly and is heavy.
How do I wash a pack towel?
Machine wash cold without fabric softener, which reduces absorbency. Air dry.
Why does my towel feel clammy?
Microfiber holds water in the surface, so it feels damp even when it has absorbed a lot. Wring it out between uses.
Can I use a bandana instead?
For light wiping, yes, but it does not dry the body well.
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