When backpacking to anywhere in the world, or even when staying at home, having a clean towel is a must – both a privilege and a right. You might be thinking towels are usually readily available at hostels or hotels for free or for rent but can you really trust the cleanliness of these offered towels?
One great traveling (and hygiene) tip we can offer is to always have a couple of facial and bath towels in your backpack. While sharing can be fun with most things, a shared towel isn’t one. So when preparing your packing list, make sure you include one of these microfiber towels for your next trip.
Save more space: get also collapsible water bottle for your trip!
11 Best Microfiber Travel Towels for Body in 2023
- Rainleaf Microfiber – Best Travel Towel
- PackTowl Personal
- OlimpiaFit Microfiber Towels – 3 Pack
- Wolfyok 2 Pack Microfiber Travel Sports Towels
- BEARZ Travel Towels – 2 Pack
- 4Monster Microfiber Travel Towel
- Waves Gear Quick Drying Microfiber Beach Towel
- Sea to Summit DryLite Towel
- SUNLAND Microfiber Towel
- Youphoria Outdoor Travel Towel
- ECCOSOPHY Microfiber Beach Towel
Why? Just by the term “microfiber,” anyone should get the idea that this type of towel has fine strands which are approximately half as fine as human hair. Also in general, microfiber towels are soft, water-absorbent, quick-dry, lightweight, and extremely reliable.
TOP picks:
Best Travel Towels for Backpackers in 2023
1. Rainleaf Microfiber – Best Travel Towel
- Quick dry and absorbent.
- Lightweight and ultra-compact.
- Perfect for camping, gym, beach, swimming, and backpacking use.
The Rainleaf microfiber towel is perfect for travel, the gym, or at home. It comes in 6 sizes and seven colors, and each towel is made compact and space-saving.
(X-small Microfiber Towel 12 x 24 inches
Small Microfiber Towel 16 x 32 inches
Medium Microfiber Towel 20 x 40 inches
Large Microfiber Towel 24 x 48 inches
X-Large Microfiber Towel 30 x 60 inches
XX-Large Microfiber Towel 40 x 72 inches)
No need to rent towels at your hostels or share large bath towels with your travel buddies. You should have enough space on your backpacks to carry a couple of Rainleaf towels minus the bulk and weight. With seven colors to choose from – army green, blue, gray, green, orange, purple, rose – you can always select a travel towel to match your personality.
No matter the size or color, each Rainleaf towel should keep you dry. These towels dry fast, absorb water efficiently, and are skin-friendly but tough on germs. Leaving a suede feel on your skin on each use, these microfiber towels keep you fresh and dry, without eliminating too much moisture on your skin and face.
Each towel comes with a breathable mesh carrying bag, making it extremely portable and for the go. With Rainleaf towels, you can go camping, break a sweat in the gym, swim on the pool, jacuzzis, or the beach, and more – and still be as clean and dry as possible.
All Rainleaf towels come with snap loops for air drying and carry bags for easy packing. The hanging loop ensures you don’t run after your towel when the wind blows. All Rainleaf towels also come with a 40*70 in-corner zip pocket for storage.
2. PackTowl Personal
- Tear-resistant fabric
- Perfect for outdoor trips, including hiking and camping
- Antibacterial treatment to prevent odor
Thanks to its tear-resistant fabric, PackTowl is one of the most durable microfiber towels on the market. It is, therefore, a great choice for those who often travel to the great outdoors but you can also take it to a yoga class, gym, or the beach.
It repels dirt perfectly – grass and sand can be just shaken off. It also features an antibacterial treatment of integrated silver ions that prevent it from odor.
It can absorb up to 4 times its weight in water. Yet, it is lightweight and can be packed down into a small pouch. What’s more, it dries 70% faster than similar cotton towels in this category.
It comes in four sizes – face, hand, body, and beach. You can also choose from various colors and fun patterns to match your other outdoor gear.
3. OlimpiaFit Microfiber Travel Towels
When backpacking through the mountains or otherwise carrying heavy baggage as you travel the world, the sizes and weights of what you bring with you are of significant importance. That is why many recommend these OlimpiaFit microfiber towels; their weights are minimal, and they can be condensed significantly in size while packing them, even by travel-towel standards.
The three towels, which come in different sizes, absorb a tremendous amount of liquid relative to their sizes. That will prove to be useful whenever you engage in a sweaty activity, have gone swimming or were caught in a downpour. Afterward, these odor-resistant towels dry much more quickly than other types of towels do. Also, note that these towels are much softer than travel towels tend to be.
Will you be bringing your dog or other pet with you on your trip? These microfiber towels can be used to help dry them off as well.
Adding to their convenience is that these towels are machine-washable although do take into consideration that their colors can bleed the first few washes, so keep them in cold water and separate those initial times.
4. Wolfyok 2-Pack Microfiber Travel Sports Towel
- Ultra absorbent and quick dry
- Perfect for sports, backpacking, beach, yoga, or bath
- Set of 2 microfiber towels, XL Swimming Towel (58″ X 30″) with Hand/Face Towel (24″ X 16″)
The Wolfyok 2-pack microfiber towel set is perfect for any traveler. These towels contain a premium quality microfiber – soft, absorbent, water-repellant, and easy to wash and dry. The high-quality materials used on these towels dry up faster than terry cloth and cotton bath towels, absorb a significant amount of water, and dry quickly.
When you can, always get two for the price of one. One thing I like the most about this brand is that when you purchase this Wolfyok set, you get two microfiber towels in different sizes. One is an XL swimming towel while the other is a smaller towel (24″ X 16″). Both towels are made perfect for multiple uses daily, and are highly suitable for backpacking, travel, boating or camping, swimming and gym, and outdoor sports.
All Wolfyok towels come with a mesh carrying bag for portability and easy packing. These towels are compact and lightweight, too. Weighing only 8 ounces (8oz), the XL bath microfiber towel folds down to an 8″ X 3″ roll, saving space in your backpack. A hanging loop with the brand logo makes it easy to hang and dry the towel and secures it from falling off the ground.
The microfiber towels give a soft and suede-like feel to the skin, so there’s no need to worry about getting “too dry” or scratching yourself with the towel fibers. This towel set is also antibacterial, so you can trust that you and your skin are protected from unwanted pathogens.
Check out also: Best Mosquito Nets For Backpackers
5. BEARZ Travel Towels
This BEARZ pack of two travel towels provides a solid option for taking care of your toweling needs while traveling and does not take up much room in your backpack or baggage.
The larger one extends to 48 inches by 24 inches while the smaller one, a face towel, has dimensions of 15 inches by 12 inches. Both of them are tremendous absorbers of liquid, can compact significantly, and generally dry quite quickly.
One of the aspects of this two-pack that backpackers appreciate is the ability to clip its high-quality carrying case onto the outside of their bags and not need to use any inside room. Additionally, this carry bag has a water-resistant pocket, so no need to be concerned about the towels getting wet while you are getting soaked. And, of course, they are very light, combining to weigh just 7.4 ounces.
These BEARZ travel towels can serve a multitude of purposes while you are traveling. For example, they can also be used to clean up spills, and they can dry animals as well as people.
Do make sure to wash these towels prior to using them and in cold water with similar colors every succeeding time that you wash them.
6. 4Monster Microfiber Travel Towel
- Compact size and comes in an easy-to-carry case
- Highly absorbent
- Quick dry means no mildew odor
The 4Monster microfiber travel towel is perfect for any type of travel, along with the beach, camping, and gym.
Its quick-drying capabilities mean it is ideal for taking along with you on any adventure. With five bright colors to choose from, this towel will look lovely hanging from any bag.
The standard medium size measures 24 x 48 inches. A smaller size measures 15.7 x 31.5 inches. If you are looking for a larger towel, you are in luck. 4Monster also makes a towel measuring 26.7 x 55.1 inches. With the size options, these towels are great for hair or body drying and perfect for drying camp dishes or even cleaning up messes.
This towel comes with a handy carrying case that you can clip onto the outside of your backpack or suitcase. Along with the travel case, each towel comes with a hang loop, perfect for hanging to dry. The towel comes in blue, gray, green, orange, and purple, with plant-derived dyes, so every towel is safe for the face and body.
Each 4Monster towel, made of high-quality microfiber, feels so soft, you might mistake it for silk. Every expertly-crafted towel has high-quality sewing. Your towel will dry fast, which means germ growth and mildew smell will not be a problem. Want to go more minimalistic with your gear? Check some more product reviews:
7. Waves Gear Quick Drying Microfiber Beach Towel
- Fast-drying and ultra-absorbent
- Space-saving high-quality fabric
- Multi-use – Perfect for any activity, sport, or adventure
Waves Micro Towel is not your typical microfiber towel. This beach towel comes with a high thread count which makes it stronger and more durable, yet softer on the skin. Like what is expected from travel towels, this microfiber beach towel is made lightweight, highly absorbent, and quick drying – perfect for multiple uses while on the go. Ideal for just any activity, sport, or adventure.
What makes this full-size microfiber towel even more desirable for backpackers is its capacity to be 78% smaller than a cotton or terry cloth towel when folded. The Waves Micro Towel surely saves space for other essential things to include on your packing list. So there’ll always be enough room for a towel each for you and your friends when traveling.
This ultra-absorbent towel dries faster than traditional bath towels, usually twice as fast as your cotton towels. Its microfibers allow users to wring the towel and soak up moisture, so you can always pack up your bag without getting other things wet. And because it dries faster than most fluffy towels, you can imagine how you can save yourself from the inconvenience of carrying a damp backpack.
The Waves Micro Towel made it to my list because it is just great to use anywhere. Its soft yet absorbent microfibers dry your skin off quickly while providing an extra layer of protection from UV rays and sunburn.
When in the gym or the trail or just basically anywhere, it wicks away sweat or water and is delicate on our skin. This towel also works great when cleaning and polishing delicate surfaces and patting dry our furry pets after bathing.
8. Sea to Summit DryLite Towel
- Microfiber with super soft ultra-suede finish
- Remarkably absorbent and fast drying
- Machine washable
- Available in five different sizes, ranging from hand towel size up to a beach-towel size.
When traveling, especially when backpacking, you would want a towel that can efficiently dry you up without taking up too much space on your backpack. This is precisely what the Drylite towel does.
Each Drylite towel uses soft microfibers for a compact drying solution, ideal for backpacking, traveling, boating and camping. There are multiple towel sizes available so you can always choose the best one for your needs. Sea to Summit towels uses ultra-soft microfiber, a mix of 30% nylon and 70% polyester.
These microfiber towels are also ultra-absorbent, far better than towels made with natural fibers. While these towels are machine washable, perfect care for these towels ensures their durability and effectiveness over time.
What makes the DryLite towel extra special is that it combines features such as quick-drying, minimal weight and packed volume, and optimal absorption all in one towel. It also comes in 5 different sizes and a suede finish for a soft feel to the skin.
There is absolutely no need to fret about not having enough towels for your trips. No need to rent, no need to borrow, and absolutely no excuse to share bulky and wet hotel towels when you’re on the go.
Drylite towels are here to keep you dry and clean, and because it is lightweight and compact, you know you can always include one or two microfiber towels when you leave.
9. SUNLAND Microfiber Towel
The Sunland Microfiber Towel uses a combination of 80% polyester and 20% polyamide to create a soft, lightweight, and definitely one of the best travel towels. And if you want to make sure you don’t interchange it with anybody else’s, there are several towel colors you can choose from to meet your preference. Each microfiber towel also comes with a net carrying bag for easy packing.
When your towels dry three times faster than regular cotton and terry cloth towels, you know you can enjoy as many hassle-free adventures as possible. With so many things to enjoy in your destination, having a compact and lightweight microfiber cloth is an advantage.
Like the other products featured on this list, one feat of using the Sunland microfiber towel is its hang loop on a corner of the towel, allowing us users to hang it and dry it as quickly as possible.
We can definitely expect fewer episodes of going back to your room and finding your towel still wet from the previous use. No need to call for an extra one, no need to rent towels that may not be thoroughly washed, and definitely no need to pretend to dry up with your wet bath towels.
The Sunland fabric can also absorb water fast and support rapid evaporation, and because it has a suede finish, you know you won’t overdry your body. You won’t need to pat yourself dry back and forth. A few runs should be perfect.
You can get this product a la carte, in different sizes and colors to match your taste, or you can always purchase the 2-pack towel kit that includes a hand/face towel and a full-size bath towel convenient on the go.
10. Youphoria Outdoor Travel Towel
- Three convenient sizes
- Absorbs up to five times its weight
- Dries quickly
The Youphoria travel towel is an excellent choice for every travel situation. You could also take it along with you to the gym, out camping, or pack it in your backpack for your next adventure.
This towel comes in eleven great colors, so no matter where you take it, it will look and work great.
The towels come in three handy sizes, making them perfect for any job. The small size is 20 x 40 inches. The medium measures 28 x 56 inches, and the large is a whopping 32 x 72 inches. No matter what your needs are, Youphoria has a towel for you.
Each towel comes with a breathable mesh bag that has a drawstring that will keep your towel compact and right where you need it. In the corner of every towel is a handy loop to hang your towel from anywhere to dry.
You can choose from blue/gray, mint/gray, dark blue/gray, gray/black, gray/blue, gray/red, green/gray, blue/green, purple/gray, pink/gray, or gray/green. Each color is bright, and the many choices mean you will find the perfect color to match your bags or luggage.
Every Youphoria towel is made with high-quality microfiber and is thin and soft. Even better, the towels are mildew resistant, which makes them much more odor-free than other types of towels. These towels are also lightweight, even when wet, so they make carrying and packing easy and pain-free.
Check out some video reviews:
11. ECCOSOPHY Microfiber Beach Towel
- Many gorgeous colors and patterns to select from
- Storage is easy
- Sand proof
- Absorbent and quick-drying
- A cute matching travel pouch is included
Due to their vivid and distinctive patterns, ECCOSOPHY seems to passionately design their microfiber towels with beach use in mind. They are, nevertheless, ideal for camping, backpacking, and general travel. This towel is so beautiful that your friends will want to know where you got it.
It is odor-resistant, lightweight, and gentle to the touch. Its thin, lightweight material is ultra-absorbent yet designed to dry 3 times faster than regular towels.
This microfiber towel is only available in a large size. However, it can be folded to the size of a pocketbook. Therefore, it can easily fit into any of your luggage sets.
Conclusion:
Check out: 13+ LIGHT BACKPACKING TIPS + AIRPORT CARRY-ON TRICKS
Microfiber towels are perfect if you’d like to bring a towel that can keep up with your daily adventures, dry up quickly, and fit on your backpack as you travel. These are nifty alternatives to the cotton and terry cloth towels that can take up a considerable amount of space in your luggage, get too heavy when soaked up, dry after a few hours, and be too bulky when packed wet.
To be honest, even when I don’t travel, I still use microfiber towels at home. When bathing, washing the car and furniture, and patting dry our dogs, I prefer having these towels. And because there are different colors to choose from, I can assign a towel to myself, my partner, our pets, and household chores. Somehow, when I see a microfiber towel folded around the house, I get reminded of the tasks I need to do next. Color-coding works for me!
My favorite out of these five brands is the Sunlanamad microfiber towel. It dries fast, especially with the hanging loop. It feels good on the skin and is quite convenient to use. Just a few dabs on the skin and I’m completely dried out. I also liked its 2-pack towel set. For someone who can be forgetful like me, having one bag for a face towel and a bath towel is a plus. Both towels can sit at the bottom of my backpack, waiting for me to use them.