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Best Camping Towels of 2023
This post was last updated on December 06, 2023.

Camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors, but let's get real; it's also about having the right gear. Good gear can make or break your trip, especially when it comes to comfort. And in the world of camping, few items hold as much weight in the comfort department than a solid, reliable camping towel.
Let us introduce you to the Sea to Summit DryLite, the superhero of camping towels. It outperforms its competitors in absorbency and drying speed; it’s crafted from superlative material; it's ultralight and packs down nice and small, and it's highly resistant to wear and tear—all while offering excellent coverage. Not to forget, it’s antimicrobial to keep those funky camping smells at bay.
A camping towel might not seem like a deal breaker when it comes to preparing for your adventures, but trust us, a quick-drying, lightweight, durable towel like Sea to Summit DryLite can be a game changer. Want tips on other essential gear? Check out our posts on the Best Backpacking Tents, Best Ultralight Tents and Best Camping Sleeping Bags. Following this article, we'll also share a couple of our other favorite camping towels.
Our Top Recommendations
Our Top Pick

Sea to Summit DryLite
The Sea to Summit DryLite is our top pick due to its quick-drying microfiber fabric that users rave about and its lightweight compactness, making it a backpacker's dream.
Runner Up #1

Matador NanoDry
Users rave about the Matador NanoDry for its incredible absorption and quick-drying capabilities, comfortably beating out competitors for its compact size that's perfect for tight-pack backpacking.
Runner Up #2

PackTowl UltraLite
The PackTowl UltraLite cinches the top spot for its impressively quick drying time and feather-like weight that hikers swear by, making it a gamechanger in the realm of camping towels.
What you should look for
(and what we test for)
Durability
Invest in a durable camping towel that is able to withstand the rough-and-tumble of outdoor adventures but also feel soft and comfortable against your skin.
Absorption Capacity
Choose a camping towel that can quickly soak up a lot of moisture, as this is essential for activities like swimming in the great outdoors or wiping away the hard-earned sweat after a tough hike.
Quick Drying Feature
Opt for a quick-drying towel, since you won't always have the luxury of waiting for it to air dry in time for your next activity or by the time you need to pack up your camp.
Compact and Lightweight
Bear in mind, every bit of weight counts when you're hiking or climbing, so select a compact and lightweight towel that won't be a burden to carry.
Sea to Summit DryLite
$14.95The Best Camping Towel
Based on our research and testing, we think the Sea to Summit DryLite is the best Camping Towel on the market right now, for anyone looking to play hard outside.

Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight and compact
- Quick drying
- Versatile size options
- Antimicrobial treatment helps prevent odor
- Good value for money
Reasons to Avoid
- Not as plush as some might prefer
- May feel slightly rough to sensitive skin
- Could wear out faster with heavier use
The Important Specs
- Material: Microfiber
- Strength: Highly tear-resistant, ensuring extended lifespan
- Treatment: Treated with silver ions to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria/mold
- Dimensions: Available in five different sizes ranging from XS to XL
- Color Options: Blue, Eucalyptus Green, Pacific Blue, Cobalt Blue, Lime, Grey
Review Roundup
Let's jump right in and look at the Sea to Summit DryLite, a standout among its competitors in the camping towel space. It's relatively compact and lightweight, which is a big perk for campers and backpackers who have to watch every ounce they carry.
Boasting microfiber fabric, this towel is quick-drying and as the name suggests, enables you to stay 'dry as a desert, lite as a feather.' The DryLite also comes with a hang loop, handy for hanging the towel out to dry and an added super-saver for those who are often reminded of the adage, 'a place for everything and everything in its place'.
Many folks online endorsed the Sea to Summit DryLite as a reliable option. They love the compact size and surprisingly great absorbency. They mention its solid performance during backwoods camping trips where there's a lot of water play, and they appreciate how fast it dries, saving them from the inconvenience of a soggy towel.
In a pleasant surprise from the usual shades of blue and grey, the DryLite offers a range of color options, permitting users to add a splash of character to their gear - a feature surprisingly well-received by users online. It looks like we all need a little bit of color when we're roughing it out in the wild!
However, it's not all sunshine and daisies with the DryLite. Some users online commented, there may be a trade-off between the lightweight factor and the towel’s robustness. There were remarks about the towel showing signs of wear, particularly around the edges after repeated use. Also, if you're a fan of plush and fluffy towels, then the relatively thin material of this towel may not be your cup of tea.
A few critics also brought up the price tag. They suggested that it could be steep for some users – but often, the seasoned campers were ready to look past this, opting for reliability and performance.
In general, the Sea to Summit DryLite seems to be a champion among campers and backpackers who value the practicality and high functionality of their gear. Despite a few reservations, it seems to hold its own as a lightweight, quick-drying towel, a trustworthy camping companion.
Absorbency & Drying Speed
The Sea to Summit DryLite is made from a performance microfiber that neatly balances quick-drying capability with fair absorbency. This towel soaks up a good amount of water yet dries off in quick order, making it ideal for trekking, camping or any outdoor fitness activities.
Antimicrobial & Odor Resistance
The towel has been treated with silver ions to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, which often cause odors. Users report the towel maintaining a fresh smell even after several uses - a significant bonus when you're on a multi-day trek.
Durability
Despite its lightweight nature, this towel impresses with its tensile strength and durability. Numerous users report the towel holding up well under hefty use, maintaining both look and performance even after many outings and washes.
Material
The towel is made from microfiber with a suede finish, meaning it's slightly less plush compared to cotton or terry towels, but this makes the towel lightweight and ideal for travelling.
Size & Coverage
The DryLite is available in various sizes from extra small to extra large, providing flexibility depending on your coverage needs. Whether you need a tiny pack towel or a beach towel, this product seems to have you covered.
Value
Given its quality and the thoughtfulness of its design, customers frequently mention the DryLite as offering good value for its cost. The towel performs reliably, lasts a long time, and doesn't break the bank – all strong points in favor of its overall value.
Weight
The Sea to Summit website doesn't give specific weights for the DryLite towels because they offer such versatile sizing. However, customer reviews indicate the towel feels very light – a real boon when you're trying to keep your pack load to a minimum.
Prices
Matador NanoDry
$17.99Runner Up
Based on our research and testing, we think the Matador NanoDry is a great choice if you're looking for a camping towel to go play hard outside with, if our top pick isn't quite what you're looking for.

Reasons to Buy
- Super compact and lightweight
- Impressive absorbency
- Great antimicrobial properties
- Excellent drying speed
- Durable and long-lasting
Reasons to Avoid
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Could provide more coverage
- Some people find it too thin for comfort
The Important Specs
- Material: 30D Ripstop Nylon
- Dimensions Packed: 2.5x5 inches
- Absorption Capacity: 2.3 times its weight
- Dimensions Unpacked: 47x24 inches
Review Roundup
If you're looking for a top-notch camping towel, you've probably come across the Matador NanoDry. This little gem has been making waves in the camping world and the praises in customer reviews are nothing short of impressive.
The NanoDry is impressively small. It's marketed as a 'nanodry' because it truly is micro-sized, making it a cinch to plop in your backpack and only whip it out when you need it. For all its small size, however, it manages to absorb 2.3 times its weight in water. With this capability, you can splash away at your heart's desire, knowing you've got a reliable towel on standby.
One particular feature that customers can't help but rave about is its antimicrobial coating. It's easy to forget to wash things while camping, and customers appreciated that this towel's 'self-cleaning' coating keeps smells away.
The NanoDry's drying speed has also been praised by users. Given that this towel is designed to be used outthego, quick drying is a bonus. It means you can get it wet, squeeze it out, clip it on the outside of your pack, and it will be dry by the time you set up your tent at the next spot.
The Matador NanoDry also excels in terms of durability. Constructed from ultra-lightweight Nanofiber, users praised how it survived their various expeditions - from hasty clean-ups to the kids using it as impromptu play-mat.
However, this towel is not all sunshine and rainbows. Some users reported that the towel doesn't feel as comfortable against the skin as they'd like. It's a very utilitarian product - more about functionality than luxury. A few also raised concerns about its price point, as there are cheaper options available in the market. But, they note that for the longevity and utility of the towel, they found it was worth the investment.
Additionally, some users noticed that the towel sometimes leaves little lint particles after use. However, many noted that this issue tends to resolve itself after the first couple of washes.
In conclusion, the Matador NanoDry has earned its spot as a standout camping towel for its impressive absorption, quick drying time, antimicrobial qualities, and durability. Its downsides, however, are its slightly higher price point and the initial lint issue. But given the glowing reviews, it seems that most customers agree that these cons are outweighed by the pros.
Absorbency & Drying Speed
The Matador NanoDry has been lauded for its quick drying and absorption speed, being able to hold 2.3 times its weight in water. Customers were genuinely impressed with how quickly it dried after use making it super handy for back-to-back uses during an outing.
Antimicrobial & Odor Resistance
The towel's antimicrobial coating works effectively according to most users. It significantly reduces damp smells and prevents the buildup of bacteria.
Durability
Rave reviews highlight the durability of this towel. Its brilliant engineering with ripstop nylon makes it quite sturdy and long-lasting, making the slightly higher price point worth the investment.
Material
It's made of 30D Ripstop Nanofiber material which gives it a very light and packable quality while ensuring it doesn’t easily tear or wear out. The overall feedback is that it feels soft and comfortable on the skin.
Size & Coverage
While its unfolded dimensions offer decent coverage, some customers wanted it to be a bit larger. Nevertheless, most people find it ideal for a variety of uses like drying off sweat, wiping gear, or even as a light blanket.
Value
While some initially balk at the high price tag of the Matador NanoDry, many customers came to the conclusion that its robust durability, highly compact size, and stellar performance provided great value in the long run
Weight
Despite not including the specific weight, the Matador NanoDry has been highlighted as incredibly lightweight. Travelers and backpackers, in particular, have praised its super-compact design that easily fits in a bag or even pocket.
Prices
PackTowl UltraLite
$17.95Runner Up
Based on our research and testing, we think the PackTowl UltraLite is a great choice if you're looking for a camping towel to go play hard outside with, if our top pick isn't quite what you're looking for.

Reasons to Buy
- Absorbs water well
- Dries quickly
- Compact and easy to pack
- Durable design
- Antimicrobial and resists odor build-up
- Good value for money
Reasons to Avoid
- Less soft than other options
- May be too small for some users
- Not as warm as thicker, plush towels
The Important Specs
- Material: 88% Polyester, 12% Nylon
- Dimensions: 10 x 14 inches for face towel, 16.5 x 36 inches for body towel
- Antimicrobial: Yes
- Odor Resistance: Yes
Review Roundup
The PackTowl UltraLite kicks some serious butt when it comes to camping towels. From our hands-on experience, we found it lives up to the 'UltraLite' name, coming in as one of the lightest on our list. Plus, being made of polyester and nylon leaves it not only lightweight, but super quick-drying too. It's compact size when packed is a dream come true for any space-conscious backpacker. Who doesn't like saving space where they can, right?
But don't just take our word for it. The feedback from real-world users echoes our sentiments. One camper mentioned how it has become a staple in their backpacking kit, thanks to its absorbency and compactness. Another hiker pointed out that the towel dried quickly, even in humid environments - talk about a real world testimonial. But, they also mentioned its antibacterial treatment was the real winner for them. Who wants to carry around a smelly towel for days on end? Not us - and apparently not them either!
It ain't all sunshine and rainbows though - we also saw a few grumbles out there. Some felt that the towel wasn’t big enough, which is a trade-off you have to accept for the compact packing. A few felt the material was a bit thin and could wear out with extended use, but this seems to be more of an exception than the rule. If you're using it excessively or not following care instructions, you might see some wear and tear.
Seems like there's consensus from the user community overall. Despite a few grumbles, the PackTowl UltraLite's combo of speed drying, max absorbency, and compactness wins hearts of campers across the board. Plus, that bacterial treatment - it’s the small things that make a big difference on the trail.
Absorbency & Drying Speed
From most users' perspective, the PackTowl UltraLite significantly outperforms most camp towels in terms of water absorption and drying speed. It's able to soak up gallons of water and wring out almost completely dry. Plus, thanks to its thin fabric, it's able to dry quickly in the open air, meaning you won't have to struggle with a sodden, heavy towel after use.
Antimicrobial & Odor Resistance
One of the most attractive features of the PackTowl UltraLite is its antimicrobial treatment, designed to fend off musty smells and keep your towel fresh for longer. Most reviews indicate it does a considerable job at this, with users noticing a lack of any usual post-use smell.
Durability
In terms of durability, it appears to cope well with the demands of outdoor use. Many reviewers approximated that despite frequent use, the towel maintained its shape, texture, and absorption capability over time.
Material
The towel is made from a blend of polyester and nylon which seems to give it a happy medium between softness and robustness. However, a selection of users mentioned they found the texture slightly harsh on their skin compared to luxurious, cotton-based alternatives.
Size & Coverage
Depending on the user's size, they had different views on the coverage of this towel. Some mentioned that the body towel size was sufficient, while others believed that it’s a bit on the small side for full body coverage.
Value
Regarding value, reviews seem to suggest that the PackTowl UltraLite is one of the best value-for-money camping towels on the market. Despite its high performance, the price point remains affordable for most outdoor enthusiasts, making it a go-to choice for many.
Weight
The PackTowl UltraLite lives up to its name, it's incredibly lightweight. This is a major benefit for backpackers and climbers who are looking for gear that won't weigh down their pack. The only caveat is that this does mean it feels less like a traditional towel.
Prices
Sea to Summit Airlite
$16.95Best Ultralight Camping Towel
Based on our research and testing, we think the Sea to Summit Airlite is a solid choice for those looking for a lightweight camping towel option to go play hard outside with.

Reasons to Buy
- Super absorbent
- Lightweight and compact
- Durable fabric
- Features an antimicrobial treatment
Reasons to Avoid
- May be too small for some users
- Pricey compared to other camping towels
The Important Specs
- Material: 70% Polyester, 30% Polyamide
- Dimensions: 14 x 10 inches
- Both Sides Usable: Yes
Review Roundup
The Sea to Summit Airlite has rightfully earned its place in the big league of camping towels. Based on customers' reviews, it's often lauded as a gem in the Ultralight niche, delivering an unbeatable combination of lightweight, compact design, and strong performance when it comes to drying efficiency.
Portability is the first tick in the box for the Airlite. It comes in a pint-sized pouch that can squeeze into the tightest corners of your backpack. Moreover, it weighs a mere 2.0 ounces, making it a featherweight amongst camping towels; you might even forget you packed it.
But, the Airlite doesn't slack in performance to achieve its minimalist design. The open-weave fabric used is quick-drying, and customers were pleasantly surprised by just how fast. A good number of users went as far as saying it dries in half the time compared to other camping towels they've used. It also resembles the texture of cheesecloth and users have found it to be fairly absorbent for its weight and size.
Despite its practical qualities, the Airlite isn't without its flaws. A reoccurring grievance aired by users relates to the towel's comfort. The material can come off a little rough, especially on sensitive skin. For a towel reputed for its ultralight design, comfort isn't exactly its strongest characteristic.
Furthermore, some users felt the Airlite lacked in durability. It's wise to handle it with care, as a few negative reviews pointed out that aggressive wringing can lead to early wear and tear. The color also seemed to fade much faster than anticipated.
Lastly, some customers noted that the Airlite is best suited for individual use rather than for families. With its compact size comes a smaller surface area, which is generally insufficient for multiple users or extensive drying scenarios.
Absorbency & Drying Speed
The Sea to Summit Airlite towel is renowned for its superior absorbency, thanks to its unique blend of Polyester and Polyamide, which allows it to soak up water quickly. Despite soaking up a substantial amount of water, it also dries quite swiftly making it usable again in a short period.
Antimicrobial & Odor Resistance
This towel also features an antimicrobial treatment which inhibits the growth of microbes, further extending its life whilst keeping any unpleasant odors at bay. This is a plus point for anyone planning multi-day treks and camping where washing facilities may be limited.
Durability
Durability is another core strength of the Sea to Summit Airlite towel. The hard-wearing polyester and polyamide fabric ensures this towel will stand the test of time, hikes, and various outdoor experiences without fraying or losing its absorbency.
Material
The material of this towel, 70% polyester and 30% polyamide, is both soft and robust, ultimately offering a good lifespan. The blend of these two materials also results in an ultra-absorbent and quick-drying fabric, perfect for an outdoorsy adventure.
Size & Coverage
While some users may find the size a bit on the smaller side when compared to traditional towels, its dimensions are ample for drying off after a quick dip or even wiping sweat during a hike. Its compact nature contributes to its lightweight and easy-to-carry characteristics.
Value
Though the Sea to Summit Airlite towel may carry a higher price tag than some other camping towels, many users have found the superior performance, durability, and bonus antimicrobial features worth the investment.
Weight
Boasting an ultralight design, the Sea to Summit Airlite towel is perfect for anyone looking to limit their backpack's load. Its incredibly lightweight nature translates into effortless portability without compromising its functionality.
Prices
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