11 Myths About Fast Drying Camping Towels (That Are Total Bull)

Big finance. Big petrol. Big towel?

Believe it or not, there's a whole industry built around cotton bath and beach towels... and they want you to believe that their products are the only way to dry off after a dip in the ocean or a shower at camp.

The truth, however, is that your camping towel doesn't have to be big, bulky and slow drying. 

In fact, our Happy Faced camping towels have proven time and time again that smaller is better.

Standard towels, cheap travel towels and cotton towels never stood a chance. Here are the top 11 myths about fast drying microfiber towels for camping that are total bull.

→ here’s how to choose the perfect camping towel

Myth #11 - Camping towels feel rough on your skin

Ever been warned that microfiber camping towels feel rough and uncomfortable on your skin?

Many people have the misconception that because of its synthetic material, it must be harsh to the touch. This couldn't be further from the truth.

Microfiber camping towels are designed to mimic the softness and absorbency of traditional cotton towels, making them gentle on even the most sensitive skin. The key is in their ultra fine fibers, which are much finer than those used in regular towels.

This gives them a soft and plush texture that feels great against your skin.

Myth #10 - Microfiber towels don't dry you

Ok, this one is kinda true.

Personally, we've also bought a travel towel before and found that it just didn't have the same drying power as a regular towel. It moved the water and moisture around our skin, but it didn't actually absorb it.

That said, not all microfiber towels are created equal.

Our Happy Faced camping towels are specifically designed with high absorption and quick-drying capabilities in mind.

You can literally unpack yours and use it the same day. Faster drying time and satisfaction guaranteed!

Myth #9 - Camping towels are too small to be practical

Yes, some camping towels don't cut the mustard due to their compact size.

You of course get a smaller item that packs easier for on-the-go travel, but when it comes time to dry off, you want a towel that's big enough to get the job done.

To ensure you can easily find a towel that's actually functional, you need something that provides sufficient coverage for your body.

For this reason, we offer Happy Faced camping towels in three different sizes.

• Large = 6x3 feet
• Medium = 5x2.5 feet
• Small = 3.3x1.6 feet

Grab the smaller towel if you're a smaller human or it's your backup. Go big if you're taller and need to dry more surface area. 

Either way, you'll have a microfiber towel that's practical and gets the job done.

Myth #8 - Quick dry towels require a regular antibacterial treatment

While a regular towel like bath, gym and beach towel may require frequent washing and anti-bacterial treatments, microfiber camping towels are naturally resistant to bacteria growth.

Microfiber towels (just like ours) are inherently antimicrobial, meaning they won't become a breeding ground for bacteria and odors.

This is great for day-to-day usage, but it's especially good when you're out in the wilderness with limited access to laundry facilities.

Say goodbye to smelly, bacteria-ridden towels and hello to fresh, clean microfiber camping towels.

Myth #7 - The fastest drying towels is the most expensive

The fastest drying towel isn't necessarily the most expensive.

You can find microfiber towels in a wide range of prices, depending on the brand and features.

However, it's important to note that investing in a high quality microfiber camping towel with quick-drying capabilities will ultimately save you money in the long run.

Think about it.

If your camping towel dries quickly, you won't need to pack multiple towels for a trip or constantly wash and dry them.

That means less cash spent on laundromats or extra towels and more time outdoors savoring nature's sweet, sweet bounty!

Myth #6 - Fast drying towels smell bad quickly

We're not going to lie here. It's true that like most towels, fast drying towels can work up a pretty decent funk.

They definitely don't begin to smell after only a few uses though. And so long as you keep your towel dry (air dry) and give them the odd freshwater wash, they'll go the distance.

This is because unlike regular towels that can hold onto odors and become musty, microfiber camping towels are naturally odor-resistant.

Myth #5 - You can't wash fast drying towels in a machine

Bogus!

Your camping microfiber towel can definitely be washed in the machine... so long as it's a cold wash with similar colors. You certainly can't iron them. You can tumble dry them (on low).

If you're unsure as to whether your microfiber towel can be machine washed, just check the label or our own care instructions.

A hand wash in a freshwater stream or under a shower or tap is also fine if you're roughing it. 

Microfiber camping towels are, after all, designed for outdoor use.

Myth #4 - You can use fabric softeners on your camping towel

Ahhh ye olde fabric softener. The secret weapon to soft and fluffy towels.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but fabric softeners are a big no-no for a pocket towel or camping microfiber towel.

These softeners can leave a waxy residue on the surface of the towel, which not only takes away from its absorbency but also blocks its ability to dry quickly.

So, if you want a super absorbent camping and travel towel, avoid fabric softeners and opt for a quick rinse with vinegar instead – it's cheaper, better and more environmentally friendly too!

Myth #3 - You can't use a fast drying towel for anything other than camping

It's true that your microfiber camping towel will primarily be used to dry you off. But that's not all it can do.

These versatile towels can also be used as a makeshift picnic blanket, a head and neck wrap to protect from sunburn or even as a cleaning cloth for your camping gear.

You can fold it up and use it as a cushion. Roll it up and use it as a pillow. Use it as a snare to catch your dinner (jokes!).

We've tested our own camping towels in various outdoor scenarios and found that they have multiple uses beyond just drying off.

Name an outdoor activity and we'll show you how a Happy Faced microfiber towel can help. 

They're literally more versatile than MacGyver.

Myth #2 - Microfiber towels are bad for the environment

We won't speak for other towel brands, but a Happy Faced camping microfiber towel is as eco-friendly as can be.

All our towels are made from 88% recycled plastics, which means they are keeping waste out of landfills and oceans. Plus, by using recycled materials, we reduce the need for new resources to be extracted, helping to conserve our planet's limited resources.

But wait, it gets even better! 

Our microfiber towels are designed to last for years with proper care. This means you won't have to constantly replace them like traditional cotton towels. So not only are you reducing your carbon footprint by using recycled materials, but also by minimizing waste through longevity.

Boom!

Did we also mention that we ship our towels carbon neutral? 

Even our packaging is made from recycled materials and is fully biodegradable.

Myth #1 - Fast drying towels don't last during camping trips

We understand if the soft, thin and lightweight properties of your microfiber towel make it appear fragile. 

Take yours for a test drive though and you'll quickly see that they're anything but dainty.

When used and cared for properly, microfiber camping towels can withstand the ruggedness of outdoor adventures without losing their quality.

Hang them on a branch. Use them as a picnic blanket. Wipe down muddy chairs or camping equipment.

Happy Faced towels in particular can take a beating. And while there are more fancy and expensive camping towels out there, there aren't many that could measure up to the hardiness of ours.

Wrapping up

Whether you're car camping, pulling an overnighter, hitting the trails for days, weeks, months on end, Happy Faced camp towels have got you covered.

Remember, the best towel is the one that gets the job done. But having small, medium and large towels that look good too is always nice!