The short version
PackTowl Personal is the standard backpacking towel. We researched absorption capacity and dry time vs. cotton beach towels and competing microfiber options.
Who it's for
Buy this if: Every backpacker who needs to dry off after rain, river crossings, or camp washing.
Skip this if: No one.
In practice
Drying Speed Practical Advantage
A cotton towel hung at camp takes 4-6 hours to dry in average conditions. PackTowl: 20-30 minutes. On a multi-day hike where you wade a stream and shower at camp, one PackTowl serves all drying needs. A cotton towel would remain damp through the night and mildew by day 2.
What we loved
+ Dries in 20 minutes vs. 4 hours for cotton — usable multiple times per day+ 2.4 oz for medium (16x24")+ Antibacterial treatment prevents mildew through extended camp use
What we'd change
– Microfiber texture is not as soft as cotton on skin– Premium price vs. generic microfiber towels at 1/3 the cost
Where to buy
Check the current price
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