Packing for any backpacking trip can be a total pain. Here you are, looking around your house and going through your normal travel gear for stuff to pack. You're constantly thinking how the hell are you going to fit everything you need in a backpack; especially when it comes to towels. Typical bathroom towels or beach towel are big, bulky, and would hog up all the space in your bag. But guess what? There's a very simple solution for a portable travel towel: microfiber towels. They’re lightweight, compact, economically priced, and so ridiculously versatile that you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without one.
Why Are Microfiber Towels the Best Travel Towels?
Microfiber towels are made from ultra-fine synthetic fibers, typically polyesters, polyamides, or blends of both. These fibers create a "grabby" texture, which makes the towel highly absorbent and efficient at picking up water. Microfiber towels can hold up to three times their weight in water, and they dry quickly, so you’re never stuck with a soggy mess in your bag.
But it’s not just about the tech. Microfiber towels are travel friendly because they’re:
Compact: They roll up small, freeing up precious space in your backpack.
Lightweight: Perfect for when every ounce or gram matters on your journey.
Durable: Built to withstand frequent washes and the wear and tear of travel.
Multi Purpose: You’ll be surprised at how many ways you can use them.
Economical: Yes, you may find brands like Nomadix that sell microfiber towels with funky patterns for $40 USD. But the average fully-body microfiber towel should be about half that price and still be just as good quality.
Why Invest in a Travel Towel?
You might think a towel is an insignificant item to pack for a trip, but a good microfiber travel towel can be one of the most useful tools in your backpack. In our daily lives, we rely on towels for nearly everything from drying dishes or your hands, cleaning, and of course personal hygiene. But as a backpacker, you don’t have the luxury of carrying a stack of towels. Packing a lightweight, compact microfiber towel ensures you always have a reliable option for drying off or cleaning up, no matter where you are. On some trips, I even pack TWO microfibre travel towels.
What to Look for in a Travel Towel?
When choosing a travel towel, consider the following:
Lightweight: Less weight equals less hassle. Opt for a towel that won’t weigh down your backpack.
Compact: The best microfiber towels fold up smaller than a tank top, making them ideal for travel.
Quality: High-quality microfiber is soft on the skin but durable enough for repeated use.
Quick Drying: Look for a towel with fast-drying material to avoid carrying damp gear.
Absorbency: A towel should be able to soak up plenty of water without feeling overly wet.
Special Features: A loop for hanging makes it easy to dry the towel on the go, while a storage pouch helps keep your backpack organized.
Size: Microfiber towels come in a range of sizes. For backpackers, it is best to find just standard full-body towels.
Colors: This may sound stupid, but colors do mater if you are staying at an accommodation like a hostel, coliving space, or camp site with others. Avoid travel towels that are white, gray or cream in color as your towel could be easily confused with somebody elses.
Indoor Uses for Microfiber Towels
Microfiber towels aren’t just for drying off after a shower. They’re incredibly handy elsewhere indoors too. Here are a few scenarios where I've used them on backpacking trips.
Quick-Dry Shower Buddy: Hostel bathrooms can be cramped, and hanging a thick towel to dry overnight isn’t always an option. Microfiber towels dry so quickly that they’re ready to go for the next day’s adventure. Plus, they often come with a loop for easy hanging.
Handy Kitchen Helper: If you’re staying in an Airbnb or cooking in a hostel kitchen, a microfiber towel can double as a dish towel. Its absorbent fibers make drying dishes and wiping down surfaces a breeze.
Laundry Sidekick: Doing laundry on the go? Use your microfiber towel to squeeze excess water out of hand-washed clothes. It’s also great for wrapping around damp clothes to help them dry faster.
Travel Pillow Substitute: Forgot your travel pillow? Roll up a microfiber towel and stuff it into a hoodie or pillowcase for a makeshift cushion. The soft texture adds extra comfort for long bus rides or overnight flights.
Privacy Curtain: If you stay in dormitories like at hostels, you'll often find folks hanging their towels from the bunk beds to give more privacy while they sleep.
Outdoor Uses for Microfiber Towels
Outdoors is where microfiber towels truly prove their versatility. Here are some creative ways to use them:
Beachside Essential: Traditional beach towels are bulky and take forever to dry. A microfiber towel is lightweight, shakes off sand easily, and dries fast, so you’re not carrying a damp towel around all day.
Hiking and Camping: Sweaty from a long hike or need to wipe condensation off your tent? Microfiber towels are perfect for drying off after a quick dip in a lake or wiping down gear. They’re also compact enough to clip onto your backpack with a carabiner.
Emergency Blanket: Need an extra layer of warmth during a chilly outdoor adventure? Wrap yourself in a microfiber towel. It’s not a substitute for a proper blanket, but it can help in a pinch.
Picnic or Yoga Mat: A microfiber towel can double as a ground cover for a picnic or as a yoga mat for an impromptu stretch session in a scenic spot. Their thin, durable fabric is easy to clean afterward.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tool: When you’re on the road, your gear can get dirty fast. Use a microfiber towel to wipe down muddy shoes, clean your camera lens, or dry off wet gear.
TIP: If you are backpacking to a destination where you'll be outdoors a lot like swimming in Thailand or Mexico, bring two travel towels. One that will get soiled from the outdoors and and one to keep clean for personal hygiene after showering.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Travel Towel
Not all microfiber towels are created equal. Here are a few things to consider when choosing one for your travels:
Size: Opt for just the body-sized microfiber towels. Small facial towels will just get lost in your bag.
Material: Look for high-quality microfiber that’s soft on the skin but durable enough to handle tough jobs. There is a big difference in quality when it comes to microfibre towels for maintenance shops and those used for as travel towels.
Extras: Some microfiber towels come with carrying cases, hanging loops, or antibacterial properties to keep them fresher longer.
Colors: This may sound stupid, but colors do mater if you are staying at an accommodation like a hostel, coliving space, or camp site with others. Avoid travel towels that are white, gray or cream in color as your towel could be easily confused with somebody elses.
How to Care for Your Microfiber Towel
To keep your microfiber towel in top shape, wash it regularly and avoid using fabric softener, which can clog the fibers and reduce absorbency. Air-drying is best, but most towels can also handle low heat in a dryer.
Microfiber towels may not be the flashiest travel accessory, but they’re easily one of the most useful. Whether you’re trekking through mountains, lounging on a beach, or cooking in a hostel kitchen, these towels have your back. Lightweight, compact, and endlessly versatile, they’re the best travel towels that make every adventure just a little easier. So next time you’re packing, don’t overlook the humble microfiber towel. Trust me, once you start using one, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it.
WRITTEN BY
