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best quick dry towels for backpacking

If you’re for searching for the best quick dry towel for backpacking then we’ve got you covered. So, you’re about to embark on a backpacking adventure of a lifetime and you don’t want a big bulky towel weighing you down, if so then these microfiber towels should be on every travelers packing list, and I’m going to tell you why!

The last thing you want stuffed at the bottom of your backpack is a wet, damp, smelly towel taking up unnecessary space and weighing you down. Thankfully, microfiber towels are made with quick dry material allowing your to travel lighter, taking up the same space as a t-shirt would!

Microfiber towels dry up to 10 times faster and are up to 5 times more absorbent than your regular towel. They are lightweight, compact and just as soft on your skin making them perfect for backpacking. In this guide we will provide you with everything you need to know about quick dry travel towels and the run down best quick dry towels for backpacking.

10 Best Quick dry towels for backpacking

If you are looking for the best quick dry towels for backpacking, then we have hand picked and reviewed the best quick dry towels to buy for 2018. There are some great selections below that will help you travel lighter, more organized and more efficient.

Simply click on the product for more information and to check prices below:

Product detailsImage

Microfiber Quick Dry
Towel by Rainleaf

  • Quick dry
  • Lightweight & compact
  • Absorbent microfiber material
  • Cary bag included
  • Good selection of colours and sizes
  • Perfect for backpacking

Youphoria Quick Dry
Travel Towel

  • Quick dry
  • Over 1,300 reviews on Amazon
  • Highly absorbent microfiber
  • Lightweight & compact
  • Odor free towel
  • Ultra soft & gentle on skin
  • Various colours & sizes to choose from

Microfiber Backpacking
Towels By Spogears

  • Quick dry
  • Soft & comfortable
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Highly absorbent
  • Lightweight & compact

BOGI Microfiber Quick Dry backpacking towel

  • Quick dry
  • Lightweight, compact & easy to carry
  • Antibacterial
  • Soft and gentle on your skin
  • Gift bag & D-Ring
  • Wide selection of colours & sizes

ECODept Microfiber Quick Dry Towel

  • Quick dry
  • Ultra absorbent
  • Antibacterial microfiber
  • Soft & gentle on the skin

Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towels

  • Quick dry
  • Microfiber
  • Lightweight & compact
  • Awesome stylish designs
  • Travel bag included

Microfiber Backpacking Travel Towel

  • Quick dry
  • Lightweight & compact
  • Antibacterial microfiber
  • Ultra Absorbent
  • Luxuriously soft

RaqPak Microfiber Towel for Backpacking

  • Quick dry
  • Antibacterial
  • Lightweight
  • Carry bag
  • Nice selection of colours & sizes

SUNLAND Microfiber Beach Towel for backpacking

  • Lightweight & compact
  • Fast drying
  • Gentle on the skin
  • Microfiber
  • Carry bag included

OlimpiaFit Set of 3 Backpacking towels

  • Quick drying
  • Set of 3 towels
  • Antimicrobial
  • Absorbent microfiber
  • Super absorbent
  • Lightweight & compact

Quick dry towel review

If you are still unsure of what are the best quick dry towels for backpacking, then carry on reading our quick dry towel review and buyers guide. We have hand picked and selected the best quick dry towels on the market. Simply click on the links below for more information and latest prices:

Microfiber Quick Dry Towel by Rainleaf

The Microfiber Quick Dry Towel by Rainleaf is an ultra compact and lightweight microfiber quick dry towel perfect for backpacking and the beach. It is easy to carry and easy to hang anywhere and dry quickly as this towel is extremely absorbent. This towel is anti-bacterial so it will stay fresh and keep odor’s and germs away. It is skin friendly and feels really soft on your face and skin. There are a wide selection of different sizes and colours to choose from so there is a quick dry towel for everyone. This quick dry towel comes with a waterproof carry bag too, so if you’re looking for one of the best quick dry towels for backpacking then the Rainleaf quick dry towel is a great option, perfect not just for backpacking but family holidays, beach, pool, camping and hiking.

Youphoria Outdoors Quick Dry Travel Towel with Carry Bag

The Youphoria Quick Dry Travel Towel comes in 3 convenient sizes, whether you need a small gym towel, a large beach towel or a lightweight backpacking towel, Youphoria quick dry towels have got you covered. Microfiber towels are a more convenient and packable option for your on-the-go needs than the usual nylon or cotton towels. These microfiber towels dry up to 10x faster than normal towels and will be dry within a few minutes, you can even use them as a travel pillow or blanket making quick dry towels perfect for backpacking. Microfiber towels are highly absorbent and can hold 5x its weight in water and quick drying wicks away sweat and water from your skin in one pass. With over 1,300 reviews on Amazon this is a great choice for your quick dry backpacking towel.

Microfiber Backpacking Towels By Spogears

If you’re tired of trying to squeeze large towels into your backpack or hate taking bulky towles to the beach then the Microfiber Backpacking Towels By Spogears is the solution. This 2 piece set includes a large lightweight beach towel ideal for backpacking and an odourless gym towel. The towels are made out of the highest quality, ultra durable microfibre material and this quick dry towel is gentle and smooth on the skin. This compact and lightweight quick dry towel set will fit perfectly into any backpack and is easy to carry, it is designed to be your ultimate travel towel. This multi-purpose travel towel is perfect for backpacking, however it doesn’t stop there, it can also be used for the beach, pool, gym and bath towel. It is quick drying and ultra absorbent making it the only towel you need for your travels.

BOGI Microfiber Quick Dry backpacking towel

The BOGI Microfiber Quick Dry backpacking towel is super lightweight, quick drying, microfibre, antibacterial and ultra absorbent making it one of the best quick dry towels for backpacking out there. This 2 piece set is available in a selection of colours and different sizes to choose from, it also comes with a handy carry bag. The BOGI towels are made from 100% high quality microfiber, smooth and soft on your skin, another great thing to note is they don’t fade or smell either. They are lightweight, compact and portable making them perfect for backpacking or hiking as they don’t take up much space and don’t weight a lot, not like the traditional towels do. These towels dry 10x faster and can absorb up to 9x its weight in moisture, so if you’re visiting multiple beaches your towels will be dry in a couple of minutes ready for the next beach and wont weigh you down.

ECODept Microfiber Quick Dry Towel

The ECODept Microfiber Quick Dry Towel whisks water off your body with ease, none of the cheap material that feels rough on your skin is used. Guaranteed high quality to feel soft and smooth on your skin. The ultra absorbent microfiber fabric gets you bone dry is seconds, then simply hand it up and your towel will be bone try in less than two minutes, drying 3x faster than a regular towel. These quick dry towels have a luxurious feel to them and use genuine antibacterial microfiber material preventing odor and germs. They are available in 4 rich colours gray, blue, green and orange. So travel lighter and more efficent with these quick dry towels for backpacking, you won’t even know they’re there. Perfect for the outdoors, active lifestyles and should be part of anyones essential travel gear for backpackers and families.

Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towels

The Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towels have changed the game and created a unique and convenient beach towel that are provide some of the coolest summer styles and designs around. We all know how much of a pain it is getting sand in your towels, well this quick dry towel is sand free, a quick shake and its all gone. It is lightweight and folds right down to the size of a book, making it one of the best quick dry towels for backpacking out there. Dock & Bay offer a ‘love it or your money back’ and a 12 month warrant is included. So if you want to stand out from the crowd with these awesome colourful quick dry towels then these are a perfect choice. Great designs, great quality and a great price!

Microfiber Backpacking Travel Towel

The Micro-Miracle Quick Dry Travel Towel is super lightweight and compact, it also comes with a bonus carry bag. With expensive travel costs these days and the need to fit as much is as possible, the last thing you need is to have a big bulky towel taking up your luggage space. This super absorbent microfiber towel absorbs up to 9 times its weight and no matter how wet your towel gets it dries within minutes. It is easy to clean and won’t fade or smell, you can repeatedly use it numerous times throughout the day with no worries of damp or bad smells. This luxurious antibacterial travel towel is so soft on your skin you will simply love it.

RaqPak Microfiber Towel for Backpacking

The RaqPak Microfiber Towel for Backpacking is antibacterial, quick drying and very lightweight compared to cotton towels and absorbs 3 times its weight. The towel is treated with antibacterial agents to help prevent mold and extend the life of the travel towel. There are a descent range of colours and sizes to suit everyones taste, there is also a 100% money back guarantee so you can purchase this travel towel with complete confidence. A great lightweight, compact travel towel ideal for backpacking, hiking, camping and family holidays.

SUNLAND Microfiber Beach Towel for backpacking

The SUNLAND Microfiber Beach Towel for backpacking is a compact, lightweight microfiber towel that is a must for backpackers, travelers and hikers. This quick dry towel makes trips easier and more efficient by saving space and not weighing your backpack or suitcase down. Designed for multiple uses throughout the day this towel will remain soft and gentle on your skin. The Sunland microfiber travel towl can absorb tons of water and promote rapid evaporation. It ha over 1,200 reviews on Amazon and is a travel essential if you are going backpacking and want a lightweight, compact and reliable towel for all occasions.

OlimpiaFit Set of 3 Backpacking towels

The OlimpiaFit Set of 3 Backpacking towels are high performance, multi purpose antibacterial towels perfect for the gym, backpacking, camping and family travels. These towels dry super fast and are resistant to odors making them perfect for backpacking. These quick dry backpacking towels can absorb up to 4x their weight and dry 10x faster than your regular towel. They are lightweight, compact and you get a handy travel bag that comes with an elastic band that makes folding and hanging really easy. With the OlimpiaFit towels, you will not only get the highest quality materials – the attractive color stitching around the edges will ensure no fraying occurs. OlimpiaFit offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with no hassle, that’s how confident they are that you will love this backpacking and gym towel set.

What are microfiber towels?

Microfibre is a synthetic fibre, usually made out of polyesters, polyamides, or blends. Microfiber towels are more absorbent than your traditional towels and some can absorb up to 5 times their own weight in moisture. They also dry up to 10 times faster as well making them an essential travel item if you’re backpacking. Microfiber towels are lightweight and compact taking up the same amount of space as a t-shirt, you will hardly notice you’re carrying one and you won’t be weighed down like you would with a regular towel.

Do microfiber towels dry faster?

Yes. The nature of microfibre fabric means a microfibre towel will absorb water a lot quicker than a regular towel and will in fact dry up to ten times faster than a traditional as well. So if you’re looking for best quick dry towels for backpacking these microfiber towels are a must have travel essential for anyone.

What towel is right for me?

It will depends on where your traveling to and how long you are going for. However I would always recommend getting a quick dry towel with anti-bacterial treatment. If you are backpacking through Asia for weeks or months on end your towel could end up smelling and collecting mould if you don’t opt for one with anti-bacterial treatment. It’s aways better to be safe than sorry and to be honest there’s literally no different in price. However if you are going on a weeks package holiday then you could opt for one without this treatment.

Other things to consider when looking for microfiber towel are its style, colour and size options. Pick one that is right for you, especially when it comes to the size of your towel. You don’t want to order one thats too big and takes up added room in your backpack.

What are the best microfiber towels to buy?

With so much choice out there it can be hard to find the best quick dry towel for backpacking. You have to consider everything from materials, quality, how light and compact it is, then there’s also design and colours to think about. With all that in mind we have hand picked our top 3 quick dry microfiber towels that are perfect for backpacking below:

How to choose the best quick dry towels for backpacking

When looking for the best quick dry towels for backpacking to buy there are a number of things to take into consideration: –

1. Absorbency

Some microfiber towels can hold up to 9 times its own weight in moisture, meaning you can use them multiple times throughout the day in a short space of time and they’ll still keep you bone dry.

2. Anti-bacterial Protection

Not all microfiber towels have the anti-bacterial treatment features, so this is something I would highly recommend getting. The anti-bacterial treatment helps prevent the development of unpleasant odours and mould, which is a must have if you’re backpacking. When a towel is packed away deep in your backpack in a hot and sticky environment this is where bacterial loves to breed, so be sure your towel has the anti-bacterial treatment.

3. Lightweight & Compact

Microfiber material is much lighter compared to your regular sized towel. They are lightweight and compact, you won’t even know they are in your backpack. Most quick dry towels come with a handy travel bag and pack down to an extremely compact size.

4. Quick Drying

Microfibre towels can dry up to 10 times quicker compared to your traditional towels, meaning they will be bone dry in minutes and ready to use again. They can be used multiple times throughout the day and still remain as lightweight and as portable as before.

5. Fits in backpack

Due to how lightweight quick dry towels are they will fit perfectly into your backpack and take up no space at all, pretty much the same size as your t-shirt. They won’t weigh you down on your travels meaning they are awesome for backpacking.

6. Extras & Sets

Look out for additional extras with your quick dry towel, some brands offer a 3 piece set which includes different sized towels, for the gym, beach and a medium sized towel, most come with a carry bag too.

7. Design & Colours

We have picked the 10 best quick dry towels for backpacking for you, which feature a great selection of different designs, colours and styles to suit everyones taste.

8. Warranty

Be sure to check there is a warranty or a satisfaction guarantee with your travel towel. So if your not 100% happy there will be no issues getting your money back. However Amazon have great customer service so there should be no problems anyway.

9. Comfortable

You towel needs to be comfortable, so make sure the towels are soft and gentle on your skin. They normally specify this in the description, but always read reviews and refer to our guide above.

best quick dry towel for backpacking
best quick dry towel for backpacking

Benefits of quick dry towels

Here are some more benefits that quick dry towels will give you if you’re going backpacking:

1. Fits in your backpack

They are lightweight, compact and portable, folding down into your backpack taking up hardly any space at all. So rather than brining a big bulky cotton towel or a hotel down, simply pack your quick dry towel and off you go.

2. Doesn’t weigh you down

Regular towels take up a lot of space, they are big, bulky and weigh you down, which is the last thing you want when backpacking… for the sake of a towel! However with microfiber towels it will literally fold down into a similar size as a shirt, meaning you can pack more gadgets.

3. Can be used multiple times

You don’t need to worry about microfiber towels collecting loads of water, getting damp and weighing a tonne. They will remain lightweight, dry and you can use them throughout the day multiple times with no problems.

4. Multi-purpose

If you’re backpacking you could even use your towel as a blanket or a pillow. Be sure to check the sizes or buy a 3 piece set so you get different sizes you can use.

5. Doesn’t smell

The last thing you want in your backpack is a smelly towel, so when buying a quick dry towel get one with anti-bacterial treatment. With regular cotton towels, using is a couple of times they stay damp and will stink your backpack out.

6. Sand falls right off

A trip to the beach with a regular towel can get covered in sand and hard to get off. However with microfiber material the sand just shakes off with ease, meaning you and your backpack will be sand free!

best quick dry towels for backpacking

Where to buy microfiber towels

The best place to buy microfiber towels is Amazon, they have a wide selection offering an array of different brands, styles and designs so there is guaranteed to be something to match anyones taste, from luxury and 3 piece towel sets all the way to budget towels for backpacking.

Amazon have a very good customer support should you have any problems regards refunds and not to mention how easy it is to use and order. You can see the range of best quick dry towels for backpacking by clicking here.

Thanks for reading our guide on the best quick dry towels for backpacking. You can now take comfort in the fact knowing that you will now be able to travel lighter and that your new towel won’t weigh you down on your backpacking adventures.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you,
we earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Kelly Bullock