Best Camp Towels That Actually Dry Fast (2025 Guide)

Category: Gear | Type: Top Picks | Focus: Outdoor Hygiene
Last updated: April 2025

[Planning a complete gear setup for your next adventure? Check out our Solo Camping Checklist: What to Pack and How to Stay Safe for essential items beyond just towels.]

Best Quick-Drying Camp Towels: Comparison Table

Name	Size (inches)	Weight	Material	Dry Time	Best For	Price
PackTowl Personal	25 x 54	6.4 oz	Microfiber Blend	~30–45 min	Full-body use, travel	$$
Sea to Summit DryLite	20 x 40	4.6 oz	Sueded Microfiber	~45–60 min	Compact drying, skin feel	$$
Matador NanoDry Shower Towel	24 x 47	5.0 oz	Antibacterial Nanofiber	~20–30 min	Fastest drying, ultralight	$$$
REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite	22 x 40	3.8 oz	Polyester/Polyamide	~30 min	Budget ultralight option	$
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel	24 x 48	5.2 oz	Microfiber	~40–50 min	Soft + quick dry combo	$
Nomadix Towel	30 x 72	16 oz	Post-consumer Microfiber	~60–90 min	Camp-to-yoga multi-use	$$$

Top Camp Towels Reviewed

1. PackTowl Personal

What It Is: The PackTowl Personal is a soft, absorbent microfiber-blend towel designed for active travelers and backpackers. It balances comfort, drying speed, and packability — making it one of the most popular choices on the trail.

Why It’s Popular Among Backpackers: This towel can absorb up to 4 times its weight in water, yet dries in under an hour in most conditions. It feels more like a traditional towel than most synthetics and comes in multiple sizes. It also includes a mesh storage pouch and hanging loop.

Pros:

• Soft, skin-friendly texture
• Dries in ~30–45 minutes in mild airflow
• Absorbs quickly and wrings out easily
• Machine washable and durable over time
• Available in multiple sizes and colors

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than ultralight alternatives
• Not as compact as more minimalist options
• Can retain odor if not fully dried before storage

Best For: Backpackers who want a comfortable, reliable camp towel that feels like home but performs on the trail.

2. Sea to Summit DryLite Towel

What It Is: The DryLite Towel from Sea to Summit is a sueded microfiber towel that balances fast drying with a soft, suede-like finish. It’s available in several sizes, with the medium and large options popular among hikers and travelers.

Why It’s Popular Among Backpackers: It feels smoother and more luxurious than many standard microfiber towels but still dries within 45–60 minutes depending on airflow. It’s also lightweight and packs down small into its included mesh pouch.

Pros:

• Sueded microfiber feels soft and less “grabby” on skin
• Packs into a compact zip pouch
• Loop for hanging included
• Machine washable and durable over long-term use

Cons:

• Slightly longer dry time than some competitors
• Fabric can feel slick when fully wet
• A bit pricier than budget options with similar weight

Best For: Campers and travelers who want a quick-drying towel that feels good against the skin and doesn’t take up much space.

[If you’re trying to minimize weight in your pack, pair this towel with ultralight gear. See our guide to Top 7 Camping Tools Under 100g That Serious Backpackers Swear By for more space-saving ideas.]

3. Matador NanoDry Shower Towel

What It Is: The Matador NanoDry is a high-tech, nanofiber towel engineered for ultralight travelers and minimalist adventurers. It comes with a silicone travel case and carabiner, making it incredibly easy to pack, hang, or clip to the outside of your gear.

Why It’s Popular Among Backpackers: It’s one of the fastest-drying towels on the market — often dry within 20–30 minutes. Despite the synthetic feel, it absorbs water well, resists odors thanks to an antimicrobial coating, and packs down small enough for a pocket.

Pros:

• Dries extremely fast — often in half an hour or less
• Antibacterial coating prevents odor buildup
• Comes with vented silicone case + carabiner
• Lightweight and highly packable
• Great for multi-day hikes or humid climates

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Not as soft as other towels — feels more synthetic
• Only available in one medium-large size

Best For: Ultralight hikers, fastpackers, or travelers who want a super-fast-drying, compact towel with smart storage built in.

4. REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite

What It Is: The Multi Towel Lite is REI’s budget-friendly take on the quick-dry towel, made from a polyester/polyamide microfiber blend. It’s soft, functional, and packs small — all at a very competitive price.

Why It’s Popular Among Backpackers: It offers a solid mix of light weight, decent absorbency, and fast dry time (around 30 minutes in open air), making it ideal for minimalist hikers who don’t want to overpay for a name brand.

Pros:

• Very lightweight (3.8 oz) for the medium size
• Dries fast for a non-premium towel
• Affordable price point
• Packs small and includes mesh stuff sack
• Great entry-level or backup towel

Cons:

• Slightly less absorbent than premium options
• Material can feel a bit rough when fully wet
• Not as long-lasting with frequent machine washing

Best For: Hikers on a budget or those looking for a reliable, fast-drying towel without the extra cost or bulk.

5. Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

What It Is: The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a highly rated Amazon favorite known for its excellent balance of softness, quick drying, and affordability. It comes in a range of sizes and colors, making it a popular option for both beginners and experienced hikers.

Why It’s Popular Among Backpackers: With a dry time of about 40–50 minutes and a soft, suede-like feel, it’s great for drying off after a swim or cleaning up at camp. It also includes a snap loop for hanging and a breathable carry pouch.

Pros:

• Soft, skin-friendly microfiber
• Absorbs water quickly and dries in under an hour
• Multiple size and color options
• Affordable and widely available
• Lightweight and packable

Cons:

• Not as compact as premium ultralight options
• May retain odor if stored damp
• Drying speed depends on humidity and airflow

Best For: Backpackers who want a comfortable, fast-drying towel that won’t break the bank — ideal for multi-use, travel, or first-time buyers.

6. Nomadix Towel

What It Is: The Nomadix Towel is a multi-use, full-size camp towel made from post-consumer recycled microfiber. It’s larger and heavier than other options on this list, but its quick-drying performance and stylish designs make it a favorite for frontcountry camping, yoga, and vanlife.

Why It’s Popular Among Campers: It’s not just a towel — it’s a blanket, beach mat, yoga mat topper, or even a camp wrap. Despite its large size (30 x 72 in), it still dries in 60–90 minutes and doesn’t hold moisture like cotton. It also resists odors and sand.

Pros:

• Large surface area = full-body coverage
• Recycled materials with eco-conscious appeal
• Versatile for camp, gym, beach, and travel
• Stylish, high-quality feel
• Dries faster than expected for its size

Cons:

• Heavier (16 oz) and bulkier than ultralight options
• Slower to dry than smaller models
• Pricey compared to basic options

Best For: Campers, overlanders, and travelers who want a do-it-all towel with style and performance — not just for the trail, but for everyday use too.

How to Choose the Right Quick-Dry Towel

Consider Your Activity Type

• Ultralight Backpacking: Prioritize weight and packability (Matador NanoDry or REI Multi Towel Lite)
• Car Camping: Comfort might matter more than weight (PackTowl or Nomadix)
• Mixed Travel: Look for versatility and quick drying in humid environments (Sea to Summit or Rainleaf)

Material Matters

• Microfiber blends: Most versatile with good feel and dry time
• Nanofiber: Fastest drying but less plush feel
• Sueded microfiber: Best balance of comfort and performance
• Recycled materials: More sustainable options available

Size Considerations

• Face/Hand Towel (12″×24″): Minimalist option for ultralight hikers
• Medium (20″×40″): Most popular for backpacking
• Large/Shower (25″×54″): Full-body drying capability
• XL/Beach (30″×72″): Multi-purpose use beyond just drying off

[Need help organizing all your gear, including your camp towel? Our How to Pack a Backpack: The Ultimate Guide shows you the best way to fit everything efficiently.]

Care and Maintenance Tips

For maximum lifespan and performance:

1. Always dry completely before storing to prevent mildew and odors
2. Wash regularly in cold water with mild detergent
3. Avoid fabric softeners which can coat fibers and reduce absorbency
4. Skip the dryer when possible or use on lowest heat setting
5. Store uncompressed when not on the trail to maintain loft and absorbency

Conclusion

A quick-drying camp towel can be the difference between staying comfortable and lugging around a damp, musty rag. Whether you’re backpacking deep into the wilderness or rinsing off at a trailhead, the right towel should be light, fast to dry, and easy to pack.

For ultralight efficiency, the Matador NanoDry or REI Multi Towel Lite are top picks. If comfort is more important than weight, PackTowl Personal or Rainleaf strike a perfect balance. And for those wanting full coverage and multi-functionality, the Nomadix Towel stands out — even if it’s heavier.

Choose based on your priorities — weight, comfort, drying speed, or versatility — and your next trip will be drier, lighter, and a whole lot more convenient.

FAQ

1. How fast do quick-dry towels actually dry?

Most high-quality camp towels dry in 30 to 60 minutes, depending on airflow, humidity, and thickness. Nanofiber and microfiber blends dry the fastest.

2. Can I use a microfiber towel more than once before washing?

Yes, but only if it’s fully dried between uses. Some towels (like Matador or Rainleaf) include antibacterial coatings to reduce odor and bacteria buildup on multi-day trips.

3. Do quick-dry towels feel like regular towels?

Not exactly. Most feel slicker or sueded, depending on the material. Towels like PackTowl Personal and Rainleaf feel closest to cotton, while ultralight models like NanoDry feel more synthetic.

4. Are larger towels slower to dry?

Generally yes — larger surface area = more moisture retention, but high-performance fabrics (like those in Nomadix) still dry faster than cotton, even in full-body sizes.

5. Can I machine wash and dry these towels?

Yes — all the towels in this guide are machine washable. For best results, avoid fabric softener and tumble dry on low, or hang dry to preserve performance.

6. How do I pack a camp towel to save the most space?

Roll tightly instead of folding, then compress in its stuff sack. For maximum space efficiency, some hikers use the towel as padding around fragile gear instead of using the included stuff sack.

7. Can these towels be used at the beach?

Yes, but sand sticks to microfiber more than cotton. The Nomadix towel performs best for beach use as it’s designed to shake sand free more easily than traditional microfiber.

About the Author

This article was written by the Gear & Home editorial team, based on in-depth research, verified user reviews, and real-world testing insights from experienced hikers and backpackers across the U.S.

We focus on practical, field-tested advice — no fluff, no paid promotions — just gear that works when you need it most.