What’s the answer to life, the universe, and everything? 42, of course! And what’s the best travel towel? Well…that’s a little more difficult to answer.
Picking a travel towel isn’t always as easy as knowing the answer to life, the universe, and everything. You see, choosing a travel towel is a big decision.
But DON’T PANIC!
Fortunately for you, I’ve put together this extensive guide to help you decide which travel towel is the best one for you. From why you need a travel towel, to the important aspects you need to consider before you buy, to showing some of the best travel towels on the market today, this guide will help you decide which towel is the perfect one to choose.
(This post may contain affiliate links. Check out my disclosure to learn more)
Contents
Quick Comparison Chart for the Best Travel Towels 2019
[table id=3 /]Click here to buy the best travel towel
Why Do I Need a Travel Towel?
A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have, and it’s also about the most massively useful thing a regular earthbound traveler like you and I can have.
As The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy says, a towel “has great practical value…[but] more importantly, a towel has immense psychological value.” So what are some reasons you might want your own towel to carry with you on your trips?
- You are hiking or backpacking (you can wrap it around you for warmth as you bound across the cold moons of Jaglan Beta)
- You are camping (you can sleep under it beneath the stars which shine so redly on the desert world of Kakrafoon)
- You are going to the beach while traveling (you can lie on it on the brilliant marble-sanded beaches of Santraginus V)
- You plan on doing lots of adventure travel (you can use it to sail a miniraft down the River Moth or wet it for use in hand-to-hand combat)
- You want a towel that can take you from everyday adventures to traveling around the world
Travel towels are useful in a variety of situations…and not just for long term travel. They can be used for everyday adventures near your home like hiking, taking trips to the beach, going to the gym, doing yoga, going on picnics, and much more. And they are useful to have anytime you want a quick-drying, lightweight towel that packs down super small for ease of transportation.
But they are also useful for long-term travel, adventure travel, or traveling to hostels and other places you will want your own towel. Having your own travel towel means you can avoid hostel fees for renting one. And having your own travel towel means you can always keep it in your bag for spontaneous adventures. So really, it would be silly not to invest in one.
You’ll find that your fellow travelers will look upon you with your towel and think “Wow! She has her life together!” They may even be a tad bit jealous of you and your preparedness.
After all, anyone who can hitch the length and breadth of the Galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through and still know where her towel is, is clearly a person to be reckoned with.
What to Consider Before Buying a Travel Towel
Need help deciding how to pick the best travel towel? Here are all the things you need to consider!
1. Size
When buying a travel towel, size is one of the most important things you will want to think about. Do you want a full-sized bath towel? Do you want a smaller towel so it takes up less space in your bag?
Many travel towels come in different sizes, but picking which one you want can be difficult. If you want a towel similar to the ones you use at home, I suggest you measure your current bath towels and opt for the closest size match in travel towels.
For use at hostels, you may wish to have a larger travel bath towel for use in community bathrooms. You may also wish for a larger towel if you plan to use it for laying on the beach. But if you plan to hike or backpack a lot, the smaller size may be plenty and may make your load lighter.
There is no one answer to what size bath towel you should buy, but it really only depends on personal preference. Just make sure you check the size before you buy so you don’t make a mistake!
2. Weight
Travel towel weight is another aspect to consider, especially if you plan to take your towel on long journeys by foot (like backpacking). Although it seems like towel weight is a small thing to think about, if you are going to be carrying your pack over long distances…well, every little bit lighter helps!
Weights vary depending on material, thickness, and size. A lighter weight travel towel may mean you have to sacrifice some comfort and plushness, so you’ll have to decide what is the most important factor for you.
3. Material
Travel towels come in many different materials, including microfiber, linen, cotton, and bamboo. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll want to be sure to consider the “feel of the fabric” because some people prefer the feel of certain materials over others.
Microfiber
Microfiber is currently one of the most popular travel towel materials on the market. It is quick-drying, has minimal weight, is very durable and breathable, and is usually quite soft.
It’s also surprisingly easy to care for. You can machine wash or hand wash microfiber with detergent, but do not use fabric softeners. It is best to air dry or line dry your microfiber towels because high heat from a dryer will literally melt the fibers in the fabric.
One downside of microfiber is that the material likes to grab onto other fibers (especially cotton) and any other materials that create lint…so don’t wash it with materials like these! Also, if you drop your towel on the ground while camping, it is probable that it will grab onto a lot of leaves, twigs, etc. Depending on the make and quality of the towel, microfiber may also smell like plastic or chemicals for a while.
Check out the best microfiber travel towel
Linen
Linen is another common choice for travel towels. It is highly absorbent and soaks up water right away (no beading on the surface!) But it is also quick drying—almost to the same point as synthetic materials made expressly for quick-drying purposes.
And if you’ve ever worn linen, you’ll know that it does very well in humid and wet climates…so linen may be an even better choice than microfiber if you plan to spend a lot of time in places where it is humid. Some people do find this material to be a little scratchy, though, so keep this in mind before you buy (but of course, like all materials, the feel of linen really depends on the quality of the material you are purchasing).
Some people claim linen also has antimicrobial/antibacterial properties. This seems to be still up for debate, but in any case, linen does seem to do fairly well in the odor resistance category.
However, one of the best reasons to choose linen for your travel towel is that it is a natural fiber. It is made from the fibers of the flax plant and is very strong and durable. With all the above properties, linen material makes for a very nice eco-friendly travel towel.
Check out the best linen travel towel
Cotton
Cotton is the material that most of us are used to in our usual towel use, so if you’re looking for something similar to what you have at home this may be the choice for you.
Unfortunately, cotton does not dry as quickly as some other materials which makes it less convenient to use on travels. Because of this, there are few truly great cotton travel towels on the market. They simply aren’t practical.
However, the one exception to this is Turkish cotton towels. Turkish cotton is a super thin material that is super absorbent. They are also a very comfortable material, kind of like a cotton scarf.
Turkish cotton still does not dry as quickly as other travel towel options, but because of its thinness it does become a viable option—especially for those who want to use these towels for the beach or to replace a regular towel while traveling.
Check out the best cotton travel towel
Bamboo
Like linen, bamboo is an eco-friendly fabric. But unlike linen, everyone agrees bamboo is very soft.
It seems that bamboo has some antibacterial qualities that help resist odor formation, but it can be difficult to find good compact towels made from bamboo. Bamboo towels can also be quite expensive.
If you are looking for a sustainable but soft towel, bamboo may be the way to go. However, like cotton, bamboo can take a while to dry.
Check out the best bamboo travel towel
4. Absorbency
Absorbency is a big factor to consider when choosing your travel towel. After all, what is a towel for but to absorb water?
Some materials are more absorbent than others, but differing quality levels can also contribute to a material’s absorbency rate. So be sure to check this before you buy!
5. Cleaning
Cleaning instructions for your towels can be very important. Can your towels only be hand washed or can you throw them in a washing machine? What detergents and soaps can you use?
When you are traveling, you don’t want to have to worry over the hassle of following intricate or convoluted cleaning instructions. And you also don’t want to accidentally ruin your towel! So pay attention to this before you make your purchase and make sure you choose a low-maintenance material if that’s what you desire.
6. Odor Resistance
Some materials are naturally more resistant to odors, and others come specially prepared with antimicrobial or antibacterial properties to keep odors in check. If you are traveling for a long time or do not have time to properly let your towels dry after every use, this may be a big factor in deciding which travel towel is best for you.
8. Drying Rate
The material you choose as well as its thickness will determine how quick your towel will dry, so if you’re looking for a fast drying towel for travel you will want to pay attention to this. (The drying rate of your towel will be particularly important if you are backpacking or always on the move to a new place)
But even if you are simply taking a day hike to a lake and then going back home, you will still want to think about how fast your travel towel will dry. After all, no one loves sticking a wet towel back into their backpack or bag!
9. Accessories and Miscellaneous
Some travel towels come with extra features that may or may not be useful for you. Some come with carrying cases. Some come with snap closures or hanging loops so you can hang the towels up anywhere. And if you care about fashion, some towels come with many color options or patterns.
These are all just miscellaneous things, but they may make a big difference depending on how you plan to use your travel towels and what your travel style is.
10. Cost
Cost is the final big issue to consider. Depending on the material and brand you choose, travel towels can be quite expensive.
After considering all of the above issues, you hopefully have a better idea of what features are most important to you. This can help you decide how much you are willing to spend. If you need lots of the features above, you may have to pay more…but remember that this is an investment in a towel that will take you everywhere. And if it is quality and you take care of it, it could last you for years to come!
Reviews of the Best Travel Towels 2019
Wise Owl Outfitters Microfiber Camping Towel
This Wise Owl Outfitters towel has a lot to recommend it! Although its touted as a camping towel, it’s actually perfect for a variety of uses. It would be great for pretty much any outdoor or adventure activity!
The microfiber of this towel is very soft and absorbent, as well as fast drying, which makes it perfect for taking with you on the go. It comes in two sizes: large (48″ x 24″) and extra large (60″ x 30″).
Even better: when you buy one of these towels, you get one FREE smaller towel with it. When you buy the large towel, you get a 12″ x 12″ towel free…and if you buy the extra large you get a 12″ x 24″ towel free. Two towels for the price of one? Sounds like a dream!
With a mesh carrying case and a convenient snap loop to hang this towel up anywhere, this towel has pretty much everything you could need for your next travel adventure and is possibly the best microfiber towel for travel!
Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Youphoria Sport Travel Towel
The Youphoria Sport Travel Towel is ideal for a wide range of uses: from backpacking, to camping, to going to the beach, and much more! It comes in three different sizes: small (20″ x 40″), Medium (28″ x 56″), and large (32″ x 72″).
Made with microfiber material, the Youphoria towel is lightweight and dries super fast. And it is one of the softest microfiber towels on the market!
Additionally, this travel towel comes with a carrying case which makes it a great backpacking towel as it allows you to separate it from the other items in your bag (just in case it hasn’t dried completely before you need to start hiking again). With a snap closure and hanging loop, you can also easily hang it up and secure it anywhere to dry!
Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Swan Comfort 100% Cotton Pestemal Turkish Travel Towel
These lightweight and thin cotton towels are excellent for use at beaches, pools, and in other travel situations. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns, and make excellent scarves, beach cover-ups, or tablecloths!
This towel unfolds to 39″ x 70″, but because the Turkish cotton is so thin it can fold up into a very small space…and it will dry quicker than your typical cotton bath towels because of its thinness.
With the cotton texture, it is super comfortable to use and you will be surprised at how well it absorbs water!
Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towel
Looking for a travel beach towel? The Dock & Bay Microfiber Towel is the perfect travel towel for the beach. It is very thin and lightweight and any sand from the beach will simply sit on top of the fabric so you can easily shake it off. No one wants to carry the whole beach home with them!
With its microfiber material, it dries faster than a typical cotton beach towel. And it folds down into a carrying bag the size of a paperback! There is also a small hook on one side to hang the towel out to dry.
This towel comes in three sizes/shapes: large (63″ x 31″ when extended and 8″ x 5″ when folded), extra large (78″ x 35″ extended and 10″ x 6″ folded), and round (75″ diameter circle extended and 12″ x 6″ folded). With a variety of colors and patterns, these beach travel towels are both functional and cute!
These Dock & Bay towels also have a 30 day return policy and a 12 month warranty, so there’s no reason not to try them for your next beach day.
Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Secret Sea Collection Bamboo Travel Towel
The Secret Sea Collection Bamboo Travel Towel is a perfect choice for anyone looking for an eco-friendly bamboo towel for travel. Made with 80% bamboo and 20% cotton, these thin bath towels in the Turkish Peshtemal style will be a great addition to your travel gear.
They only come in one size (70″ x 35″) but are highly absorbent and are made without the use of harsh chemicals. Additionally, these are less susceptible to odors than pure cotton towels. If you are looking for a towel that will be lightweight, stylish, and better for the environment, this is a great choice!
Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Green Foster Product Natural Soft Linen Flax Bath Towel
This Green Foster Product towel is great because it is a compact and lightweight travel towel. It comes in one size (28″ x 58″) and is made with 100% linen flax.
Because of its linen material, this towel is all natural and dries quickly. It is also made without the use of chemicals, making this a skin-friendly and environment-friendly choice for your travel towel needs.
One other benefit is that you can conveniently machine wash this towel in hot water or wash it by hand, and it can even be thrown in the dryer on low heat if you so wish!
Click here to check the price and read more reviews
ECOdept Microfiber Journey Towel
This highly rated travel towel is luxuriously soft for a travel towel and a great deal for the price! It comes in size large (52″ x 32″) and comes with a small waterproof bag plus a FREE matching smaller towel (24″ x 15″).
There are four color options—green, blue, orange, and gray—and you will want to wash them before use to make sure they don’t bleed onto other items when they get wet.
The absorbent microfiber fabric helps you dry off quickly, and then you can simply hang it up with the built in snap loop so the towel will dry off quickly too! With antibacterial microfiber, you can rest assured that these towels will help prevent odor and the spread of germs.
This towel is one of the best quick dry towels for backpacking and is perfect to throw in any backpack or suitcase…and will stay strong and durable through many adventures!
Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Pure Flax Linen Bath Towel
This 100% linen bath towel is the perfect travel towel, especially for those who want a smaller, full sized bath towel for traveling or living out of hostels. The 25″ x 52″ size, combined with its lightweight linen, means that this is a reasonably compact towel to carry with you on your travels.
High absorbency rates and fast drying make this a great choice as well, and the natural flax material will hold up through lots of use. If you want a good, sustainable, and natural option, this is the towel to choose!
Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a cost-friendly travel towel and is especially good for those just wanting to try out travel towels for the first time.
The microfiber dries fast and is antibacterial to keep your towel fresh. The soft nature of the material is also skin-friendly.
Compact, lightweight, and with a reusable and waterproof carry bag…this towel does its job well for travel, camping, and more. Plus, with six sizes to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect towel for the job!
Click here to check the price and read more reviews
PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel
This PackTowl travel towel is highly rated across the board, from its quick-drying microfiber material to its odor control abilities. With four size options to choose from (face, hand, body, and beach), you are sure to find the right size for you!
This towel absorbs fast and dries fast, has super soft fabric, and comes with a hang loop for easy drying. When you purchase a PackTowl individually (not in sets) it also comes with a zippered storage pouch.
Taking up just a small place in your bag or on your shelf, this just may become your new favorite towel for at home and travel use!
Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Best Overall Travel Towel
If you’re looking for the best towel for travel, then I’d have to say that for overall capabilities the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel comes in as my top pick. Its versatility, durability, and material qualities plus its relatively low cost make it an all-around excellent choice!
Best Sustainable Travel Towel
The Pure Flax Linen Bath Towel is my top pick for a sustainable travel towel, as it is made with 100% natural materials. Its absorbency rates, easy drying capabilities, and durability mean it will last you through many outdoor and hostel adventures!
Best Budget Travel Towel
If you’re looking for low-cost options, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is the way to go. While there are other higher cost towels that may endure better in the long run, the Rainleaf towel is the perfect entry into the world of travel towels and will allow you to see whether this is something you wish to invest in more in the future. With antibacterial properties and some nice extras like a carry bag, you will find this to be a useful travel towel!
Best Backpacking Towel
The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel is also my top pick for the best backpacking towel or hiking towel, as it is lightweight, compact, and quick drying. Its features like the mesh carry case and the snap loop for drying make it excellent for time spent in the elements.
Which is Your Travel Towel?
I hope this guide has helped you to discover the amazing variety of travel towels available, and to discover the one that is best for you! There are so many features to choose from and it really all depends on the type of travel you do and how you plan to use it.
And when you do get your new travel towel, remember to keep it close—you never know when you will need it!
So long, and thanks for all the fish!
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