How to Maintain Your Lightweight Towel While on the Trail

We've established by now that cotton towels are an absolute nightmare to hike and camp with.

The best towel (surprise, surprise) is a lightweight, microfiber one.

It’s quick-drying, compact and most importantly, it won’t weigh you down on the trail or take up precious space in your pack. 

A quick dry towel is an essential item for any hiker, but it’s important to know how to properly care for and maintain your towel to ensure it lasts for many adventures to come.

Because people (and we say this we love), you still need to take care of your Happy Faced towels despite them being durable and long-lasting.

So, here are our tips for maintaining your beloved lightweight towel while on the trail.

Tip #1 - Choose the right travel towel

First things first.

Keeping your outdoor adventure as simple and hassle-free as possible starts with choosing the right towel. The following are important factors to consider when selecting your hiking towel:

• Antibacterial coating: When picking out a hiking towel, look for one with an antibacterial coating. This will help prevent any funky smells from developing and keep your towel fresh and clean
• Super absorbent: A towel that can quickly and effectively dry you is worth its weight in, well, water. Choose one that boasts a super absorbent microfiber material
• Easily packable: Chances are that if you're going on a multi-day romp, you'll have limited space in your backpack. A towel that folds up small for your camping or hiking trips is essential
• Fast drying: Having a towel that dries between your morning shower and midday surf or lake swim is a gamechanger. Ensure your towel is the fastest drying towel that money can buy
• Durable material: What's your towel made from? Because microfiber towels are durable without compromising comfort. You know the drill. Go microfiber or go home
• Affordable: Lastly, your lightweight towel shouldn't break the bank. Look for a quality option that fits within your budget

Tip #2 - Rinse it regularly with freshwater

Treating your convenient and lightweight towel to some tender loving care includes rinsing it regularly with freshwater.

Whether you’re using it to dry off after a swim or wiping off sweat on a hot day, make sure to rinse and wring out your towel before hanging it up to dry. Use your water bottle, a campsite tap or even a freshwater stream.

Even a quick rinse is better than nothing when it comes to keeping your towel fresh.

→ Myths about quick-dry towels

Tip #3 - Air dry when possible (and avoid direct sunlight)

Nothing aids your towel’s quick dry capabilities like fresh air.

When you're at camp, hang your towel up to dry in a well-ventilated area. Somewhere it'll catch the breeze is perfect.

Just be sure to avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the colors to fade over time. It'll also cause the towel to become stiff and potentially lose its softness.

Tip #4 - Never pack your travel towel when it's wet

We (hopefully) shouldn't need to tell you this, but packing your towel into your hiking pack or day pack while it's still damp is a surefire way to end up with a smelly, mildewy towel.

Refer to tips #3 and #4 and make sure your everyday towel is completely dry before packing it away. There are few things worse than reaching into your pack for a fresh towel, only to find it's soaked your clothes or even the pages of your favorite Twilight novel, errrr, we mean survival guide.

Talk about a bummer.

Tip #5 - Machine wash periodically

Plan on spending a night in town during your hiking trip? This is the perfect opportunity to give your towel a proper machine wash.

Follow the instructions on the label – most lightweight towels are safe for machine washing and drying (so long as you tumble dry low). If in doubt, follow our tried and tested instructions for keeping your plush and light towel in tip-top shape:

• Wash cold with similar colors
• No bleach
• No softener (use white vinegar. yes, really)
• Tumble dry low
• Don't iron
• keep away from fire

→ Happy Faced towel care instructions

Tip #6 - Roll, don't fold

A good option for anyone looking to keep their towel in good condition is to opt for the roll instead of the fold.

Rolling your towel prevents creases and wrinkles, ensuring it stays soft and fluffy. Plus, it takes up less space in your pack when rolled.

That said, folding your towel isn't the end of the world. Just be sure to mix it up and avoid always folding in the same spot. This will help prolong its lifespan and maintain its softness.

Wrapping up

A washed towel is a happy towel. And a happy towel makes for a happy hiker. 

If you want to cut down your towel drying time, pack small and avoid lugging around a damp and heavy cotton towel, then investing in a quality microfiber hiking towel is the way to go. 

Follow these tips to keep it clean, fresh and ready for your next outdoor adventure – it's how you thank your towel for all its hard work!