camp towels

5 Features to Look for in a Quick Drying Towel for Camping

Camping might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for the adventurous nature lovers amongst us, there's nothing better.

Slipping away for a weekend, a week or longer to recharge the battery and retune yourself with nature is an undeniably appealing prospect. Mosquito bites, scratches and third-degree marshmallow burns are simply part of the fun.

What's not fun is carrying around a wet and heavy towel that takes ages to dry.

That's where quick drying towels come in.

Why are quick drying camp towels useful?

Like the microfiber beach towel or travel towel, quick dry camp towels are designed specifically to dry quickly and efficiently.

If you love roughing it or camping in the outdoors, they really are the best towel for the job. Outdoor activities like camping demand a certain type of towel. One that's not only ultra light, super absorbent and packable, but soft on skin and fast drying.

We've discussed the history of the humble towel before and our conclusion is this: there's perhaps no camping item more under-appreciated than the simple towel.

→ Here’s how to find your ideal sized camping towel

What are the different types of quick dry camping towels?

Not all lightweight quick dry camp towels are created equal.

There are towels that we wouldn't use to put out a burning campfire and towels that we'd love to be buried in when we go to the great beyond.

Between those two extremes, there exist a bunch of outdoor camping towels to choose from, such as:

Car camping towels
Hiking towels
Backpacking towels
Swimming towels
Beach towels
Travel towels
Cotton and terry cloth towels
Microfiber towels
Extra large towels
And many more

What 5 features should be considered when choosing a quick drying towel for camping?

Heading out for a bush, mountain or sea camping trip?

A portable towel with a fast drying time and compact size is a game changer. Save time and money by asking yourself the following 5 questions before purchasing a fast dry towel for camping.

Question 1: Is it made from sustainable materials?

While cotton isn't the worst fabric in terms of sustainability, it's not the best either.

Microfiber towels are a more eco-friendly option as they require less water and energy to produce and can be reused multiple times. Happy Faced towels go one step extra when it comes to sustainability.

Our entire range of towels are made from almost 90% post consumer recycled plastic bottles. This means your Happy Faced towel dries fast and doesn't contribute to the problem of plastic pollution.

Question 2: How compact and lightweight is it?

A carrying case or mesh storage bag for your camping towel shouldn't be necessary. Instead, it should be able to fold or roll into a small, compact size that can easily fit into your camping gear.

Lightweight and space-saving towels are essential for backpacking or hiking trips where every ounce counts. Even more so if you plan on bailing from the beaten path for more than a few days.

Question 3: How fast does it dry?

The whole point of a quick drying towel is, of course, its drying time.

A quick dry towel that doesn't dry in a short time is no towel at all. You want a moisture sucking, water loving, sweat absorbing towel that can go all day.

We've performed rigorous tests on Happy Faced towels and they dry up to 10 times faster than traditional cotton towels. Outdoor in the sun yields the fastest drying times. Outdoors in the shade with a slight breeze takes a little bit longer.

Either way, you can swim, run or shower with confidence knowing that your towel will be dry when you need it.

Question 4: What "extras" does it come with?

Hanging loops, an antimicrobial treatment and a range of sizes to choose from all make for a great towel.

Fortunately, Happy Faced offers all these features and more. It's all about making your life easier, not harder. Our towels do exactly that by delivering convenience and comfort while camping.

They're durable, anti-sand and tough on dirt while being ultra soft and gentle on the skin. Plus, our towels come in a variety of sizes to fit any camping needs.

Question 5: Does it suit my price point?

Whether you’re searching for a beach towel, camping towel or yoga towel, nobody wants to pay more than they have to.

Quick dry towels can range in price from under $10 to over $50, depending on the brand and features. Cheaper isn't always better either. For this reason we give you the option to choose from small, medium or large towels - all priced accordingly.

A good towel is worth its weight in gold, but you needn't be rolling in money a la Scrooge McDuck to afford one. Our towels are for the people, which is why they're affordable, functional and sustainable.

Tips for maintaining your quick dry camping towel

Washing a quick drying camping towel is simple and easy.

In fact, we've made our Happy Faced camp towels as low maintenance as possible. This way you can enjoy your camping trip without worrying about a dirty, crusty or funky smelling towel.

Here's how to care for your camping towel when you're sleeping under the stars:

Wash with freshwater after using in saltwater
Air dry when possible
Be careful of direct sunlight (it can bleach some fabrics)
Ensure your towel is fully dry before packing it away
Keep it away from open flames
Store in a dry place when not in use
Roll when packing into your backpack (rather than folding)
Avoid harsh chemicals

→ Discover more camping towel care tips

Wrapping up

Microfiber towels for camping are one of the world's great inventions.

Whether you're traveling, camping or just need a towel for the beach, these quick drying towels are a must-have item in your outdoor gear collection.

They don't smell, they keep your body clean and dry and they're light enough to take anywhere.

Do yourself a favour. Shop our range of Happy Faced camping towels. You'll quickly discover that in terms of versatility and awesomeness, they make the spork look like a kid's toy.