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10 Best Travel Towels: Quick Drying & Lightweight

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Regardless of what type of traveler you are, a quality travel towel is a must. Whether you’re preparing to backpack through Jamaica, island-hop between the world’s greatest islands, settle into your London hostel, or anything in between, we want to make sure you’re prepared with one of the best travel towels.

Why do you need a travel towel, you ask? The list goes on and on, but some of the main reasons are knowing your towel is clean and comfortable, avoiding hostel towel rental fees, you’re ready to go when the spontaneous travel bug hits you, and they’re multipurpose (you can use them after the gym, as a blanket, to clean up a spill, etc).

Our Top Choice: If you don’t have time to read the whole article, know that out of all of the travel towels that we have tested the Youphoria Quick Dry Travel Towel is by far the best. It’s super quick-drying, lightweight and it packs down to almost nothing. You seriously can’t go wrong with this amazing microfiber travel towel.

Comparison Chart of the Best Travel Towels

Below is a list of the best towels for travel. Click on the travel towels name to read reviews and check prices.

ImageNameMaterial
Youphoria Quick Dry Travel TowelYouphoria Quick Dry Travel TowelMicrofiber
Wise Owl Outfitters Microfiber Travel TowelWise Owl Outfitters Microfiber Travel TowelMicrofiber
Rainleaf Microfiber Travel TowelRainleaf Microfiber Travel TowelMicrofiber
Relefree Microfiber Travel TowelRelefree Microfiber Travel TowelMicrofiber
Swan Comfort 100% Natural Turkish Cotton Beach TowelSwan Comfort 100% Natural Turkish Cotton Beach TowelTurkish Cotton
Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach TowelDock & Bay Microfiber Beach TowelMicrofiber
Shandali Microfiber Travel TowelShandali Microfiber Travel TowelMicrofiber
Sunland Microfiber TowelSunland Microfiber TowelMicrofiber
Green Foster Product Linen Flax Bath TowelGreen Foster Product Linen Flax Bath TowelLinen
Secret Sea Collection Bamboo Beach TowelSecret Sea Collection Bamboo Beach TowelBamboo

What to Look for in a Good Travel Towel

As you’re shopping, keep in mind that just because a product says it’s the “best travel towel” doesn’t mean it’s actually the truth. We’re going to dispel the myths and get you prepared to buy your new favorite travel accessory. To determine what’s best for you, there are several things you need to consider…

1. Absorbency

This is key because if it’s cute, but doesn’t actually do what it’s supposed to do, then you’ve wasted your money. Be sure the material is something that will actually dry you off.

2. Anti-Microbial

It might be tucked away in your backpack, carry-on, or car for a long time, so you want to make sure that it won’t be collecting germs, growing mold, or giving off a foul odor along the way.

3. Comfortable

Depending on your travel style, you’ll be using this towel pretty frequently. While making sure it dries you off is important, it’s also important that you like the way it feels on your skin.

4. Features

  • Loop: The drying loop will help the towel dry more effectively when you don’t have access to a traditional towel rack.
  • Carrying Case: A carrying case is beneficial for several reasons. Keeping towels folded neatly while your bag is bouncing around can be challenging, and a carrying case should keep your towel either rolled or folded up nicely. These cases tend to be mesh, so even if your towel is still wet when you have to hit the road, you can put them in your bag without worrying that it’ll get everything else wet. Some carrying cases are designed for the towel to be rolled up, but others are designed for the towel to be folded flat. The shape is very important to some and not important at all to others, so just be mindful of that when picking your favorite travel towel.

5. Material

There are a variety of materials to choose from. The type of material can determine its weight, its effectiveness, and how fast it dries. Here are some of the main materials used to make the best travel towels:

  • Bamboo: Bamboo towels are eco-friendly, sustainable, and antibacterial. These towels are softer than linen towels and dry easily, but they’re not as compact as some people would prefer. Best Bamboo Towel:Secret Sea Collection Bamboo Beach Towel
  • Linen: The pros for linen towels are that they’re antibacterial, ideal for odor protection, and super absorbent. The cons are that linen towels tend to be more expensive than other travel towels and some people don’t like the way they feel on their skin. Best Linen Towel:Green Foster Product Linen Flax Bath Towel
  • Microfiber: These tend to be the best quick-dry towels for travel because they’re breathable, durable, and lightweight. Some are super absorbent and some aren’t, but they’re primarily designed to wipe the water off of your skin instead of absorbing the water like a typical cotton towel. Microfiber towels are usually very soft, but some people aren’t fans of the way the material feels on their skin. Many of these towels come with a risk-free guarantee, so if you’re not sure about microfiber, you can test it out then return it if you’re not a fan. But microfiber towels are the most popular travel towels, so we’re pretty positive that once you get yours, you’ll be 100% on board. Best Microfiber Towel:Youphoria Quick Dry Travel Towel
  • Turkish Cotton: These are typically the second most popular travel towels behind microfiber ones. The draw for these towels is the unbelievable comfort. The thin cotton means they take up less space in your bag and they’re super absorbant. Because they’re made of cotton they’re not necessary the greatest backpacking or camping towels because they take a bit longer to dry. But if you’ll mainly be using your towel periodically, these are great because they can also act as a scarf or blanket. Best Turkish Cotton Towel:Swan Comfort 100% Natural Turkish Cotton Beach Towel

6. Reason for Use

The reason you’re using it will determine what size towel is best. If you’re a minimalist and are only packing your backpack with the essentials like some clothes, a water bottle, and your backpacking tent, then a smaller size towel is best for you. If you’re a water lover and are looking for some light beach towels then you should probably be on the lookout for larger towels that let you lounge on them and that dry you off well.

7. Size / Packability

Travel towels come in a variety of sizes. The ideal towel won’t take up too much space in your carry-on luggage or your travel bag, but depending on what you’ll be using it for will determine what size towel you actually need. Towels usually range from around 24” x 12” to 78” x 35”, but can come in an endless variety of sizes. If it’s too small then it may not be very useful, but if it’s too big then it’ll take up the space of other important travel gear like your ultralight laptop or your travel blow dryer. The packability will be determined by the size and material, so keep that in mind as you’re shopping.

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8. Weight

This is another thing that varies in importance based on what you’ll be using it for. If you’re headed trekking for a few weeks, then you’ll want to get one that’s as light as possible. If you’re taking the car to the beach then weight doesn’t matter as much.

Best Travel Towel Reviews

We wouldn’t leave you with all of the things that are important in a travel towel without telling you about the greatest ones on the market. So here are some of the best lightweight travel towels:

Best Microfiber Towels

1. Youphoria Quick Dry Travel Towel

Youphoria Quick Dry Travel Towel

Your guaranteed satisfaction is why Youphoria has uncontestedly the best travel towel on the market. They come in a variety of sizes (20” x 40”, 28” x 56”, and 32” x 72”) so there’s one for every occasion and location. This microfiber towel can hold 4 times its weight in water and can dry up to 10 times faster than traditional cotton towels. The snap hanging loop makes it easy to hang your towel almost anywhere to dry. It also comes with a mesh carrying bag so if you’re on the go you can still pack it away without everything else in your bag getting wet. When you search for the best travel towel reviews, you’ll see that not only is Youphoria popular because they have an amazing product, but also because of their unbeatable customer service and satisfaction.

2. Wise Owl Outfitters Microfiber Travel Towel

Wise Owl Outfitters Microfiber Travel Towel

Wise Owl Outfitters is one of those companies known for producing premium travel gear. Along with having top-of-the-line fast-drying towels for travel, they also produce one of the greatest camping hammocks on the market. Not only do you have the option of two sizes (5’ x 2.5’ and 4’ x 2’), but you’ll also receive a free small travel towel and a carrying case with your purchase. The microfiber material is super soft, obviously quick-drying, and includes a snap loop. Perfect for any type of travel, you can’t go wrong with the Wise Owl Outfitters Microfiber Travel Towel.

3. Rainleaf Microfiber Travel Towel

Rainleaf Microfiber Travel Towel

Other than the quality, the best thing about these towels is the variety. They are great beach, backpacking, and camping towels because you have six size options (ranging from 12” x 24” to 40” x 72”) that work for whatever you need. Not only is this microfiber travel towel quick-drying, but it’s also anti-microbial to protect from germs and odors. The mesh carrying bag makes it easy to take wherever you need to go, and the bag even comes with a zipper pocket that acts as a travel wallet to store your valuables. The Rainleaf Microfiber Travel Towel has everything you need in a quality travel towel plus great customer service. So if you’re not 100% satisfied, they encourage you to contact them so they can work everything out for you.

4. Relefree Microfiber Travel Towel

Relefree Microfiber Travel Towel

Not only will you get a premium fast-drying beach towel from Relefree, but you’ll also get a free smaller hand towel. Your free towel measures 24” x 15” and is ideal for cleaning your face whether you’re at the gym or in your hostel. The larger towel is easily one of the greatest light beach towels for travel because it measures 60” x 30”, but still packs down and weighs only 10 ounces (including the bag and smaller towel). Not only can you expect a hanging clip, but the towels also come in a variety of bright colors. With the packed mesh bag only measuring 10” x 8”, the Relefree Microfiber Travel Towel is ideal to help you save space for any vacation.

5. Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towel

Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towel

There’s no way these towels won’t catch your eye. Previously featured on the British TV show Dragons’ Den, Dock & Bay are revolutionizing the industry by creating the absolute best microfiber towel for travel. These brightly striped towels not only come in large (63” x 31”) and extra large (78” x 35”), but you can also get a circular towel (with a 75-inch diameter) that’s perfect for having a picnic in the most beautiful parks in the USA, stopping to stargaze while you road trip through Croatia, and everything in between. While they can be a bit heavy for backpacking (weighing between .8 and 1.9 pounds), if you love large towels, then these make excellent quick-dry camping towels because of their premium quality. Between being compact, sand-free, and colorful, the Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towel will make sure you stand out no matter where you are in the world.

6. Shandali Microfiber Travel Towel

Shandali Microfiber Travel Towel

If you’re a minimalist traveler then this is a perfect towel for you. Coming in small (40” x 20”) and medium (48” x 24”) sizes, it’s known as the best travel towel for backpacking because it’s super lightweight, quick-drying, and ideally sized to have countless uses. Tuck it in your travel pants pocket or in your backpack pocket and pull it out quickly after a shower, after a workout, or when you’re drying your camping dishes, then watch it dry super fast when you hang it by its loop. The microfiber is made from 20% nylon and 80% polyester, and the high thread count means you can enjoy its velvety softness for years to come.

7. Sunland Microfiber Towel

Sunland Microfiber Towel

When you ask people about this towel, you’re likely to hear things like, “It’s a great towel after a swim” or “It’s the best backpacking towel I’ve ever bought”, and the Sunland Microfiber Towel is well-deserving of its compliments. The company knows travel needs can change as time goes on, so not only can you choose from six different sizes, you can get one towel or a set of two, and choose from a range of colors. The largest towel (72” x 40”) weighs in at 14.46 ounces while the smallest (24” x 12”) weighs just a mere 1.96 ounces. The microfiber towel has a suede-like feel and can even be machine-washed and tumbled dry.

Best Turkish Cotton Towel

8. Swan Comfort 100% Natural Turkish Cotton Beach Towel

Swan Comfort 100% Natural Turkish Cotton Beach Towel

Inspired by Turkish spas, if comfort is your thing, then these amazingly light beach towels are the ones for you. The 100% Turkish cotton means they’re super absorbent and some of the best quick-dry towels for travel; but most importantly, they’re some of the most comfortable towels on the market. In true peshtemal style, your towel will get softer and more absorbent with each wash. Its large size (70” x 39”) makes it the best travel beach towel, while the material makes it easy to roll up into a comfy travel pillow in case you accidentally leave yours at home. Also because of its size, it’s great for a variety of purposes. So while it’s a perfect travel towel, it can also be used as everything from a scarf to a blanket, and even a rug.

Best Linen Towel

9. Green Foster Product Linen Flax Bath Towel

Green Foster Product Linen Flax Bath Towel

Between the comfort and practicality, there’s no better option when it comes to lightweight towels for traveling. Made from 100% linen flax, the towel measures 58” x 28”, meaning it can have a variety of uses. While it won’t dry as fast as a microfiber towel, it still dries quickly enough to earn a spot in your bag. The linen flax material gives you a towel that’s naturally stain-resistant, hypoallergenic, and anti-bacterial. In terms of cleaning, you can take your pick of machine-washing it or hand-washing it without having to worry about it being damaged. If all that isn’t enough to convince you, you should know Green Foster Product is so confident in their product that they even offer a 100% risk-free satisfaction guarantee.

Best Bamboo Towel

10. Secret Sea Collection Bamboo Beach Towel

Secret Sea Collection Bamboo Beach Towel

Combining organic bamboo with turkish cotton gives you travel towel perfection. While the quality and comfort are immediately noticeable in this 69” x 39” towel, the fact that the fringes are hand-knotted by Turkish locals means there’s an added sense of love and detail that goes into your towel. Created with 0 chemicals, the Secret Sea Collection Bamboo Beach Towel is anti-fungal and eco-friendly. When looking for the best towel for travel, there’s no doubt this should be one of your top choices.

Now that you’ve chosen your favorite from the best travel towels, you can take comfort in the fact that you’ll never have to pay for a hostel towel again and can trust that your towel is comfortable, absorbent, and quick-drying.

8 Travel Towels For Every Adventure

travel towel

Ready for your next getaway?

According to us, you’re not unless you have the right travel towel packed in your bag!

Towels aren’t always something we spend a lot of time thinking about. But choosing the right one can make your life away from home a whole lot easier.

We’ve made a list of the perfect travel towels for every adventure, taking the type of activity, to the material, size, cleaning, and use into consideration.

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Finding the right towel is important so you can stay dry, warm, clean, and comfortable no matter the activity! Check em out:

1. The Beach Towel (Sand-free!)

Beach travel towel

Dock & Bay makes some awesome sand-free beach towels. With the microfiber material, sand doesn’t stick to the towel, keeping it dry and worry free for you.

The smooth microfiber material feels great on your skin. But more importantly, it wicks away any moisture in no time.

I don’t know about you, but sand is always an issue with my regular beach towels. Try out one of these and go sandless at the beach! Choose from large, extra large, or round towels.

2. The Picnic Towel (Durable & Waterproof)

Picnic travel towel

It’s a challenge finding a good picnic blanket/towel. It has to be big enough so you don’t feel too cramped, and of course, the picnic basket has to fit too!

This one from Angemay has 5 stars on Amazon. It’s huge and folds up so that you can carry it with you in an easy and comfortable way. It’s waterproof, sandproof, and durable. It fits up to 4-6 adults. There’s plenty of room for the family or a few friends. Plus, it’s a good price too.

It’s made out of polyester and PVC which makes it very durable, but still comfortable to sit on.

Finally, it’s easy to clean. Just simply wipe off the waterproof backing and shake away any excess dirt, sand, or grass from the front of the blanket. Fold it up and you’re ready to go.

3. The Camping Towel (Antibacterial & Fast Drying)

Camping travel towel

RainLeaf’s Microfiber Towel is perfect for camping and hiking. It dries fast, which is really important when doing activities. You never know when you might be on the move and need to bring it with you, so it’s better if it dries fast.

Another important thing to mention, it’s antibacterial. It’ll stay fresh and it won’t contract any mold or mildew. Hiking and camping aren’t always the cleanest adventures, which is why it’s important you have a towel that will keep itself clean.

There’s a small zipper pouch in the towel that you can use to store your phone or other small items. Travel with it – it folds up and this one stays flat. Perfect to stick it in the bottom of your camping backpack.

4. The Adventure Travel Towel (Multi-use & Compact)

Adventure Travel towel

Adventure travel can take on many meanings. What is most important when looking for an adventure towel, is its use and its size. This KUYOU Sport Cooling Towel gives you a three pack of breathable mesh material towels perfect for every kind of adventure from biking to walking to everything in between.

The cooling effect is what we really like about these. It lasts up to several hours, so not only will it dry you off but it will keep you cool too.

It also provides SPF 50 sunscreen protection from the sun. You have to try one of these.

5. The Road Trip Towel (Multi Purpose)

Road Trip towel

FIRELION ’s Microfiber Towel is perfect for all different uses. Yoga, travel, sports, the beach, or even cleaning your computer screen. The small hand towel is perfect to throw in your gym or yoga bag. The bigger sizes are good to keep around the house when you’re ready for a trip or maybe to clean the car windshield.

You never know when you need a towel to do the trick, so stock up on these.

6. The Hiking & Backpacking Towel (Compact)

Hiking towel

If you’re looking to save even more room in your carry on or in your hiking backpack, look no further than Lightload Towels. There are three towels in a pack, and before you open them, they will take up very little room in your backpack.

The towel essentially cleans itself if you rinse it in some water. You don’t need a washing machine to clean them! They’re ultra-absorbent, quick drying, and hygienic.

7. The Resort & Spa Towel (Turkish Cotton)

Resort towel

You might prefer a good Turkish towel. There are so many options. One thing is true with Turkish towels, they are extremely absorbent, quick drying, and comfortable. Check out Haber’s 100% cotton version.

Turkish towels are extremely versatile in their use as well. These towels double as bathing suit cover-ups, dresses, or scarves. You can wear it to the beach and then sit on it! ☀️

8. The Poolside Towel (Novelty!)

Backyard travel towel

Sometimes, you just want a fun or eye-catching towel to spice it up.
BOBIBI has some really great patterns and options of round towels. The microfiber material absorbs almost 5 times more than regular cotton would.

Of course, these round towels have multiple uses as well. It’s a great blanket to sit on at the beach, on a picnic, or on any lawn. Maybe when you watch fireworks or go to a baseball game.

Towels are needed for a variety of places and activities. Try a compact towel next time you go hiking or a microfiber for your next beach vacay. We hope you like the list we’ve created. We’d love to know which ones are your favorite! Let us know in the comments below.

The Best Travel Towel Styles for Ultra-light Packing

best-fast-drying-travel-towels

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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

best-travel-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 !

best-travel-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.

best-travel-towel

Discovery Trekking Outfitters Ultra Fast-Dry Towel

If you don’t like the feel of microfiber, try the Discovery Trekking Outfitters fast-dry towel, which is made from an antimicrobial, lightweight fabric that offers SPF protection. This antimicrobial feature discourages bacterial growth, keeping your towel smelling fresher longer.

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.

best-travel-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.

best-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.

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best-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.

best-travel-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.

best-travel-towel

Aquis Adventure Microfiber Towel

The Aquis Adventure is the perfect travel towel for any type of traveling. Made from microfibers, it absorbs 4 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.

best-travel-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.

best-travel-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.

best-travel-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.

best-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!

BRANDSFEATURESRATINGSPRICE
Venture 4th Microfiber TowelThe 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.Check Price
Sea to Summit DryLite TowelThe 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.Check Price
Discovery Trekking Lightweight Antibacterial TowelsIf you don’t like the feel of microfiber, try the Discovery Trekking Outfitters fast-dry towel, which is made from an antimicrobial, lightweight fabric that offers SPF protection.Check Price
Rainleaf Microfiber TowelThis super compact Rainleaf microfiber towel is made of microfibers and is lightweight and compact, making it a must for travelers, backpackers, and hikers.Check Price
Youphoria Sport Multi-purpose Travel TowelUsing 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.Check Price
Fit Flip Ultra Soft Travel TowelMade from an 80/20 blend of polyester and polyamide, this Fit Flip microfiber towel is thirsty, soft, hypoallergenic, anti-bacteria, lightweight, compact, quick-drying and easy to clean.Check Price
Packtowl Personal Ultra-Soft TowelThis 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.Check Price
Aquis Adventure Microfiber TowelThe Aquis Adventure is the perfect travel towel for any type of traveling. Made from microfibers, it absorbs 4 times its weight in water while providing comfort and durability.Check Price
Gear Aid Quick Dry and Compact Micro-Terry TowelOne of its most unique features is the silver 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.Check Price
Wise Owl Microfiber Sports TowelThis 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.Check Price
SportLite Microfiber Hand TowelPeople 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.Check Price
4Monsters Absorbent TowelGone 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.Check Price

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:

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7 Comments

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.

Source https://www.roadaffair.com/best-travel-towels/

Source https://www.journohq.com/blog/8-travel-towels-for-every-adventure/

Source https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-travel-towel/

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