The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Camp Towel

Campers, hikers and outdoors lovers are inherent gear geeks. And one thing you won't catch any self-respecting outdoors enthusiast without is a trusty camp towel.

While it may seem like an insignificant item, choosing the right camp towel can make all the difference on your next adventure.

Sure, you could use a bulky beach towel or fancy travel towel, but purpose-designed camp towels beat both of these options. Every. Damn. Day.

Whether you're setting off for an overnighter. Packing for a long-distance hike. Going camping with a few friends. Looking for traces of bigfoot in the mountains.

Quick drying, lightweight, packable camp towels are a must-have for any outdoor excursion.

Here's how to choose the right one for your needs.

What is a 'camp' towel?

A camp towel is a specialized type of towel designed for use in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and backpacking.

Unlike regular towels, camping towels are specifically made to be lightweight, compact and quick-drying. They are also durable and can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures.

In other words, if Paul Bunyan needed a towel, he'd choose a camp towel.

Why is it preferable to an ordinary cotton towel?

First up, we're not throwing shade on cotton towels.

They make excellent leak absorbers, dog vomit moppers and yes... beach loungers.

But as we all know, your camping pack or kit should contain only essential items. And a bulky, slow-drying cotton towel just doesn't make the cut when you're trying to save space and weight.

Also, while cotton towels feel nice to the touch, they definitely take longer to dry and can smell when left moist.

That’s a big no-no if you ask us.

Which features make a good camp towel?

A good camp towel should be: convenient, soft, quick drying, absorbent, lightweight and durable.

And because we're big fans of marrying aesthetics with function, it should also look kick a$$ too.

At Happy Faced, we collab with independent (and almost unfairly talented) artists to create camp towels with unique designs that won't go unnoticed.

Obviously, they're not great if you're trying to hide from a predator like alien. But they're perfect if you want to add some personality to your camp gear and not look like another basic pitch (our name for boring camp sites).

How do I keep a camp towel in good condition?

How do you keep your beloved camping towel clean, soft and dry? It's simple! Follow this easy troubleshooting guide.

How to choose the perfect camp towel for your next trip

In the world of camp towels, there can be only one. Which one is the right one for you, however, remains to be seen. If you're looking to simplify your outdoor adventures and make way for only the essentials, here are some factors to consider when choosing the perfect camp towel.

The material of your camp towel will greatly affect its performance and durability. Microfiber, a synthetic material made of ultra-fine fibers, is the most popular choice for camp towels due to its quick-drying and absorbent properties. It is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack for your trips.

Some camp towels are also made with bamboo or linen blends, which offer natural antibacterial properties and softness.

Camping towels come in a variety of sizes, from standard towel size to oversized. Consider what you will primarily be using the towel for – cleaning yourself, drying dishes or wiping down gear – and choose the appropriate size accordingly.

Since you'll likely be carrying your camp towel with you on your outdoor excursions, the weight of the towel is an important factor to consider. Microfiber towels are lightweight, making them a popular choice for backpackers and hikers. Remember Confucius's wise words. He said, "A heavy towel sucks".

As mentioned earlier, camping towels need to withstand rugged environments and repeated use without falling apart. Look for towels that are made with strong stitching and reinforced edges... or simply shop our range of camping towels.

The whole point of a camping towel is its compactness and easy packability. Thin towels that can easily be folded into a small size are preferable. You can even buy two at checkout if they're microfiber: one for your gear and one for your person.

While not essential, having a unique design on your camp towel can add some personality to your outdoor gear. We recommend checking out our range of artist-designed camp towels (shameless plug). They're hard on dirt and sweaty pits but easy on the eye.

Getting stanky on the trail is a certainty. Don't make things worse by using a towel that holds onto bacteria and odors. Look for towels that are treated with an anti-microbial coating to prevent bacterial growth.

A quick-drying camp towel is a must-have for any outdoor adventure, as it allows you to use your towel multiple times without having to wait hours for it to dry. Microfiber towels are known for their quick-drying properties, but some brands also offer specialized fabrics for even faster drying times.

Wrapping up

There's always room amongst your clothes, food and gear for a trusty camp towel. Trust us. We wouldn't go backpacking into the wild without one. They're packable, easy to dry, soft on skin and ideal for the many thousands of outdoors loving humans who enjoy Mother Nature. For more questions about our various camping towel models, get in touch!