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13 Best Travel Towels For Any Trip

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite travel towels for your next trip, whether you're looking for a packable quick dry towel, the best camping towel, or everything in between.

Here at Pack Hacker, we review gear of all kinds. From backpacks to tech, we’ve done it all. However, something that we’ve learned while traveling is that a travel towel is a surprisingly helpful tool while on the road.

A travel towel is ideal for adventures where a towel isn’t laid out each morning for you and for trips where you’ll be utilizing Airbnb rentals, hostels, or staying with family and friends. Not having a way to dry off can be uncomfortable, but how do you choose which one to go with?

There are a ton of different materials, models, and sizes out there. Do you go with soft like microfiber or microsuede, or should you opt for a more durable option like linen? What about if you're looking for the best camping towel or a quick dry beach towel? The answer depends on what kind of trip you’re taking and what you’ll do when you get there. In this post, we’ll cover that—and more.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dry towel, something for the beach, or something that can do it all, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

• Matador Ultralight Travel Towel
• Sea to Summit Pocket Towel
• Nomadix Ultralight Towel
• Matador NanoDry Towel
• PackTowl Personal Towel
• Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
• PackTowl Luxe Towel
• Biospired Lightweight Footprint Pack Towel
• Outlier Grid Linen Towel
• Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towels
• Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel
• REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite
• REI Co-op Multi Towel Mini

Best for: Full-time Travelers

Why We Like It: Best for Saving Space

When you’re heading off the grid, a travel towel is essential to ensure you have a way to dry off after a long day of hiking, a refreshing dip in the lake, or your first shower during camping. The Matador Ultralight Travel Towel is extraordinarily compact, so it can fit into your travel backpack , sling , or hiking daypack when you’re ready to hit the trail.

There are two sizes—a smaller one that’s roughly the size of a handkerchief and a larger one that’s approximately the size of a standard bath towel but skinnier. When compressed in the mesh carrier, the large towel fits into the palm of your hand and can still breathe to air dry while you’re on the go. It takes longer to dry than we’d like, though the size is the most significant factor here. Hypalon tabs on the exterior make it easy to fix it to the outside of your bag when it needs to dry, too.

Why We Like It: Best for Working Out

Whether you’re vacationing for work, play, or something in between, staying in shape while away from home is a great way to stay on your regular routine. Hotel towels can be scratchy and uncomfortable, and not every travel towel is cut from the same cloth (literally or figuratively) to be used in the gym or out on a run. The Sea to Summit Pocket Towel is extremely lightweight once removed from its case, so you don’t need to worry about lugging around a scratchy white rag, and it’s absorbent enough to wipe off sweat after a long workout.

There are four different sizes to choose from, and it’s exceptionally soft, so there’s a model that will be comfortable for everyone. The case is a rectangle, so it’ll pack into your bag easily. It also has quite a bit of branding, which we aren’t the biggest fan of—to each their own. The case isn’t nearly as lightweight as the towel. However, unless you’re a dedicated ultralight one-bagger, this travel towel is a must-add to your Vacation Packing List .

Best for: Relaxed Travelers

Why We Like It: Best for Showing Your Personality

If you’ve been disappointed by the color or design choices so far, look no further than the Nomadix Ultralight Towel. It’s not a very packable travel towel compared to the others on this list, but what it lacks in compressibility, it makes up for in neat designs. With a dozen unique and colorful options to choose from, there’s something for everyone. It’s roughly the same size as your bath towel at home, so you won’t be sacrificing too much surface area for packability. With an 88% recycled polyester and 12% nylon construction, we find the Nomadix is an excellent all-around towel when space isn’t your biggest concern.

Lounge on the beach, have a quick picnic while hiking, or dry off after diving into the lagoon near your Airbnb. Once you’re ready to head out, use the fabric loop to clip it to your pack, so it dries while you walk. One thing is for sure–you’ll have a unique travel towel at the beach!

Why We Like It: Best For Everyday Use

Sometimes you need a travel towel that you can always keep with you. The Matador NanoDry Towel offers just that, with its unique silicone case and carabiner (or a stainless steel key chain on the smaller model) on top, so you can easily take it anywhere. The larger size is similar in size to your bath towel at home but on the thinner side, whereas the smaller model is closer to the size of a bandana.

These travel towels are crafted from nanofiber, Matador’s fancy name for an 85% polyester and 15% polyamide mixture. We’ve found that it isn’t great for drying off entirely after a shower or dip in the hotel pool. Still, it’s a good towel to keep on hand for hikes, long walks across a new city, or for those who don’t mind being a little damp after a swim for the sake of having a minimalistic towel.

Why We Like It: Best For Long Trips

It can be difficult to find a travel towel that can go through multiple uses without being washed, which is essential if you’re one-bag traveling. However, we’ve got a solution for you. The PackTowl Personal Towel has a hook for hanging and utilizes its antimicrobial finish to ensure that microorganisms that cause stinkiness don’t take root within the fibers of your trusty travel towel. It’s crafted from microfiber, so it dries quickly, and you won’t have to wait long before stowing it in your pack.

Coming in at a similar size to what you’re used to at home, it doesn’t feel too small to use as a bathroom towel. Our main issue with the size is that it doesn’t pack down terribly small, but we think that the other features presented by the PackTowl Personal Towel make it a worthy addition to this list.

Why We Like It: Best For Size Variety

At the end of the day, if you bring a travel towel on your next trip, you want to ensure it can handle various tasks. If you fall into this category, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is for you. It comes in a variety of models, ranging from dish cloth size up to something worthy of sprawling out on at the beach. Plus, there are a ton of fun colorways to choose from.

They’re crafted from microfiber and are pretty absorbent, though we’ve noticed that they can get a little stinky after a few uses, so it’s best to wash them fairly frequently. Whether you’re going to the gym, taking a camping trip, staying at a hostel without towels, or just needing something to pick up messes in between, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel has you covered!

Why We Like It: Best For Quick Dry

A quick dry towel is a must-have for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backpacking. Ensuring your travel towel is dry before departing on your next adventure ensures that it isn’t stinky when you use it in the evening or the following day. The Packtowl Luxe Towel dries exceptionally quickly, so it’s a great call for more adventurous travelers.

It’s crafted from a polyester and nylon mixture, making it incredibly soft and enabling it to dry you off adequately after a long hike, jump in the lake, or trek across a rainy city. Multiple sizes and colors are available, so there’s an option for everyone. It isn’t the most packable option on this list, though its features make it a competent travel towel.

Why We Like It: Best For Lightweight Travel

Not every travel towel needs to feel hefty or dry you off completely. Sometimes you just want something lightweight to have on hand should you get caught in the rain, get too sweaty, or spill something on your shorts after a trip to the local cafe. The Biospired Lightweight Footprint Pack Towel is just that, and it comes in multiple sizes to meet your needs. The towels are crafted from micro suede, which is extremely lightweight in your hand.

In addition to cutting mass out of your pack, they’re exceptionally quick-drying, too, so you don’t have to worry about it getting stinky after you wipe up a coffee spill after thinking you saw Mbappé walking across the Louvre. There aren’t many color options, which is a bummer if you like to add a little flair to your gear, but we think the pros outweigh the cons here.

Why We Like It: Best For Durability

Some trips call for durability at every corner, including when you choose a travel towel. If you want something that can handle the bumps and knocks of a rugged trip, go with the Outlier Grid Linen Towel. As the name suggests, it's made of linen, which is crafted from fibers from the flax plant, making it inherently tough so it doesn’t hold on to sand, dirt, and other tiny particles. Instead, unwanted malicious molecules fly off the fabric when you pick it up off the ground.

The strength of this travel towel has its drawbacks, namely in the softness department. It’s still comfortable, though not as much as the others on this list. There are two sizes to choose from, and no matter which you go with, it’ll handle you’re most durable adventures.

Why We Like It: Best For The Beach

For a lot of folks, travel means vacation. To elaborate further, vacation can sometimes be synonymous with sprawling out on the beach with a book in one hand and a drink in the other. To enure the safety of your book and drink, you’ll need a towel to sit on, and we’re here to help. The Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towel is crafted from 83% Polyester, a common synthetic material, and 17% Polyamide, which is extremely durable. It has a classic styling that looks at home at any beach in any decade.

There are several fun colors to choose from, so you can find something that fits your personality. This travel towel excels for lounging on the beach and will work to dry you off, but it's better at the former more so than the latter. The extra large size is probably larger than the towel you used after your shower this morning, and the large model is bang on with the size you’d normally get at a hotel, so no matter which you choose, you’ll have space to sprawl out. Just remember to put on sunscreen!

Best for: Frugal Travelers

Why We Like It: Best For Simplicity

Some people might say that generic is a bad thing; however, when it comes to a travel towel, sometimes generic is all you need. The Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel is a standard microfiber towel that comes in many colorways and sizes to ensure you can find a match for your style and size needs. There aren’t any extra features to get in your way, but in terms of use as a travel towel, Youphoria has all the basics covered.

It even comes with a carrying case constructed from mesh, so you can let it dry while you’re en route to your next adventure. Whether you’re going across the globe or on a weekend trip, this towel will have your back and won’t break the bank.

Best for: Sustainable Travelers

So there you have it, 13 travel towels for nearly any trip. Whether you’re crossing the globe, hitting the hotel gym, or just going to the coffee shop, these travel towels will ensure you stay comfortable until you return. Who knows, maybe you’ll start using them at home, too!

August 3, 2022

Author: Eric Hergenreder

Eric has been across the globe, but his favorite place to explore is his home state of Michigan. His love for photography has taken him all around the Great Lake State, often writing about his travels so that others can enjoy them, too. Eric loves messing around with analog photography, watching soccer, and searching for the world’s best burger in his spare time.

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Home » Gear » microfiber travel towel

The Best Microfiber Travel Towel for your Next Adventure

Whilst most backpackers might fall short of the average of one shower a day, it doesn’t mean we don’t want or need a good wash! Ok scratch that, us vagabonds are in serious need of a good shower but taking one on the road isn’t always as straight forward as it is back home. Once you’ve negotiated the hostel shower, the local river or a bucket surrounded by bamboo in a Burmese village (yes, that was me) you’ve got to get dry.

Unfortunately those comfortable but heavy Egyptian cotton towels aren’t exactly backpacker friendly. Whilst I fully acknowledge that discussing towels might not be the most thrilling topic when you’ve got an endless array of adventures to plan. But trust me, your shoulders understand the importance!

The solution: a microfiber travel towel. They’re made with quick-dry material, they pack super small, and they are relatively inexpensive… a travellers’ dreams. In a nutshell – microfiber towels were literally made for backpackers and travellers.

However, as with most things, not all towels are created equally. Some don’t wash well or pick up an unpleasant odour. So I’ve done the hard yards for you and wrote this epic guide so you can quickly and easily find which microfiber travel towel best suits your needs.

Let’s get this party started!

Quick Answer: What are the best towels to take traveling?

• Sea to Summit Drylite Towel – Best Backpacking Towel
• Matador Ultralight Travel Towel – Most Compact Travel Towel
• Youphoria Sport Microfiber Travel Towel – Best Towel for Traveling Yogis
• Nomadix Towel – Best Non-Microfiber Towel for Travel 
• ECCOSOPHY TRAVEL TOWEL – Honorary Mention
• Jump to –> Travel Towel Reviews

Real Quick – What is Microfiber Material?

Ok, so before we crack on with showing you what the best backpacking towel is, we need to explain what one is first.

Microfiber is a synthetic fiber, usually made out of polyesters, polyamides, or blends. The grabby texture of the microfiber makes the towel more absorbent which, in turn, makes it great for swimming, traveling, exercising, any activity that makes you wet.

Right then, let’s get this microfiber towel review going!

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Microfiber Travel Towel Reviews

Best towel for backpacking – sea to summit drylite towel, most compact travel towel – matador ultralight.

• Best Travel Towel for Yogis – Youphoria Sport

Best Non-Microfiber Towel for Travel – Nomadix

• Honorable Mention – ECCOSOPHY Microfiber Towel
• Best Microfiber Beach Towel – OCOOPA Microfiber Beach Towel

Why Invest in a Travel Towel?

How we tested the best microfiber travel towel, faq about the best microfiber travel towel, conclusion: the best microfiber towels for travel.

Check out our extensive review on our top four favorite quick-drying microfiber travel towels reviews below…

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• Comes in multiple sizes
• Very lightweight
• A bit more expensive

Sea to Summit is known for making ultralight camping and backpacking gear, so it makes sense that they make a lightweight backpacking towel. The soft, quick-drying towel is compact and comes in three sizes. The small towel is 32” by 16”, the large is 48” by 24” and the extra large is 60” by 30”. All these towel sizes weigh under 7 ounces. This is a good choice for the traveler constantly on the trail when every oz makes a difference. We also rated it as the best microfiber travel towel due to the fact that it came in different sizes meaning you can pick the right one for your trip.

The drawback? The XL is expensive for a microfiber towel and is pricier than the other towels on this travel towel review.

Our team felt this was the best microfiber towel for travel particularly because it worked well in damp and humid environments which is ideal for places like Southeast Asia. On top of that the actual towel itself dries quickly after usage too. They also loved how well it packed down and fit easily inside their bags, in fact, it’s that small it could easily fit inside a jacket pocket!

• Super small and compact
• Lightweight nanofiber material
• Comes in powermesh storage bag

In case space in your backpack is really at a premium, then check out the mini Ultralight travel towel by Matador. Measuring 15″ x 15″ (or 39cm x 39cm) it quite literally fits inside your pocket. It is of course smaller than other towels if this list and it will take some time to fully dry your body using this. However, it absorbs 2.3 times its own weight so with a little patience you can work your way around your whole body.

Both the towel itself and its bag have buckle attachments so you can fasten to your bag or jacket and really maximise storage space. Made from an ultralight (25g) Nano Fibre material it is also fully machine washable and will hardly even fade.

Our team felt this was the best compact microfiber towel on the market because, well, it’s super compact, like, insanely compact! This towel could fit inside your pants pocket it’s that tiny! Our team were realists and felt being so small that it had a certain purpose and it wasn’t the easiest to dry their whole body with … but at a push it wasn’t impossible and for the ultralight packer they felt that bit of extra effort was worth the space saved.

Best Travel Towel for Yogis –  Youphoria Sport

• Holds moisture well
• Softer + more comfortable than others
• Bit heavier than others

This is a yoga-specific towel, but I think it makes great use as a backpacking towel as well because it’s highly absorbent and can hold up to 5X its weight in water. I also find yoga towels to have an extra soft feel and are less likely to attract lint.

They also tend to pack down even smaller than other backpacking towels. The downside is that its largest size weighs more than the other choices on this list. However, for all the yogis out there who plan to travel with a yoga mat anyway, this is a great choice.

Our team picked this as their best microfibre towel for yogis because of how comfortable it was not just to dry themselves with but to us on top of their yoga mats. The team also felt the towel was light, and compact but ultimately super durable, especially when used for both general drying purposes but for yoga and after the gym too.

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• Made from recycled materials
• Very expensive for a towel

For the environmentally-conscious traveler, the Nomadix travel towel is about as ideal as it gets. This towel is made of 100% recycled materials – fibers from plastic bottles are processed into effective and comfortable nylon and polyester threads. These towels do not involve any sort of polymer-based microfiber yet they are still very good at what they do.

Nomadix towels are quick-drying, tough, and very packable. Coming in at a very reasonable 1 lb, these make for great towels to take traveling. Thanks to it’s anti-microbial and non-slip qualities, the Nomadix is very popular at yoga retreats and camping but you could conceivably use this towel anywhere: at the beach, gym, kitchen, and more.

The Nomadix is a bit more expensive than other towels and quite larger as well. That being said, the larger price tag is more than justifiable – this towel will last longer than most and you will definitely get more use out of it.

Our team were pretty interested in how this towel compared to microfibre as several members expressed that they would prefer something more environmentally friendly. Firstly they just loved the different colours and designs that the towels come in, something many of the other towels are lacking, which makes it look better when taken to the beach. In terms of usage, they felt it was just as absorbent as the microfibre towels and literally dried them in one swipe!

Honorable Mention –  ECCOSOPHY Microfiber Towel

• Very cool designs
• Double-sided
• Much larger than other beach towels

I’d give this beach towel props just for being so damn good lookin’! Look at those patterns! So bold and colorful! Who says a microfiber travel towel has to be flat-colored and boring, anways?

But it’s not just beautiful; the ECCOSOHPY beach towel is also useful, of course. Since it’s made of microfiber, you’ll get the absorptive qualities as well as the quick drying. It packs well enough although, given it’s size, it’s going to be much larger in your bag than most other towels.

I would also like to add that this towel would be fine for both sexes. ECCOOPHY markets it has a lady’s towel on their Amazon page but, honestly, I’d rock this anytime and anywhere in the world.

When it came to design our team just fell in love with the awesome patterns these towels came in, they felt they really created that backpacker vibe instead of looking a bit geeky like some of the other towels. our team just loved how lightweight and thin these towels were meaning they rolled down super small and took up almost no room or weight in their bags. They felt it absorbed water instantly and on top of that was ideal for people with longer hair.

Best Microfiber Beach Towel –  OCOOPA Microfiber Beach Towel

• Better than a typical cotton beach towel
• Very packable
• Perfect size

I like this towel because it’s big (80×57 inches), but because of the lightweight microfiber material, it packs down much better than a normal beach towel. Not only that but it does come in some smaller sizes too if you don’t need something that massive!

This is a great towel for lounging beachside. While not as lightweight as the Active Roots or Sea to Summit, the OCOOPA has large dimensions and is still a great choice for a quick-drying towel for travel, and an easy pick for the best travel beach towel.

Our team loved the slightly thicker profile of this towel which is what made it stand out as their best beach towel. Rather than just being used for drying themselves down after a swim, which it did an awesome job of, it was comfortable to lie down and lay on all day too. The durable material was also great given the extra abrasions using the towel on the beach results in.

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It may seem like an insignificant item to pack, but a good towel will be one of the most useful items in your backpacker arsenal.

In our normal lives, we use towels on a daily basis, really; to wash the dishes, ourselves, the car, when cleaning the house. Yet, we take them from granted because they’re always there and in a multitude! Thanks to industrialization, we have a cloth or rag somewhere nearby, buried in an old drawer or conveniently hanging on a hook or rack.

Unfortunately, backpackers usually don’t have this option. Because they are constantly going from place to place and because they are living out of a backpack (finite space), they don’t have the convenience of carrying a lot of towels on them. Hell, most backpackers are grateful just to get a free towel at their hostel!

Having your own towel for traveling the world can be immensely useful. Going to the beach? The towel will keep the sand off your ass and out of your portable speaker. Want to have a spontaneous yoga session? Throwdown your towel and chaturanga away. Need to dry out those hiking boots after a long walk? Use that towel to soak up any leftover moisture in those boots (maybe do that after washing yourself though)

Trust me: you will get a lot of use out of your towel while traveling, more than you might know right now. That means you need to have a good towel – the tougher it is and the better it is at absorbing, the more useful it will be. Luckily, it’s not so difficult to pick out a good one; you just need to refer below for some tips.

What to Look for in a Microfiber Travel Towel

• Lightweight – As with anything in your travel backpack, it’s important to invest in a lightweight travel towel. Less weight = awesome.
• Compact – A microfiber travel towel should take up as little room as possible. They should fold up smaller than a tank-top.
• Well constructed – There is such a thing as a good microfiber and bad microfiber.
• Quick Drying – The best towels for backpacking and traveling must have quick dry material.
• Absorbency – Even if a microfiber travel towel is lightweight and dries quickly, it’s useless if it doesn’t actually absorb liquids.
• Special features –  A loop makes it easy to attach the quick drying towel to your backpack as you hike, or hang it on a clothes hanger at your hostel.
• Additional accessories – A storage pouch for your microfiber towel helps you keep your backpack organized.

Towel Sizes

Quick drying towels range between XS-XL, and the dimensions vary as well! Different brands will have different dimensions of their sizes, so be sure to check the dimensions!

• Small or Medium:  Often used as a washcloth, hand towel, or to bring along for workouts. These make a great addition to your toiletry bag.
• Large:  Hair towel or small bath towel.
• XL:  Best recommendation for a full bath towel.

It’s worth investing in both an XL towel,  and  a small washcloth sized towel for your toiletry bag (washing your face, taking off makeup, etc.).

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel

• Price > $15.95
• Weight > 1.3 – 4 oz.
• Size > XS to XL

OCOOPA Microfiber Beach Towel

• Prize > $25.99
• Weight > ?310 g

• Price > $9.99
• Weight > 2.4 – 12 oz
• Size > 20-40″; 28-56″; 32-72″

Other Travel “Towel” Options

Along with a microfiber towel, it’s totally worth packing a fashion-friendly sarong or large scarf to double as a large beach towel.

My boyfriend uses his scarf for a beach towel, to protect his neck from the sun, warm up in the cold, shield from dust, etc. I always travel to beach destinations with a sarong to double as a towel and beach cover-up.

Middle Eastern style scarves, traditionally referred to as keffiyehs or shemaghs,  are also super adaptable pieces of kit that can be used as a towel. Granted, their primary purpose is more for keeping sand out of one’s eyes and the cold out at night, but many people also use them as beach towels as well.

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out travel and outdoor gear. However, we feel our years of experience across our team mean we’ve got a good eye for decent gear.

When it came to picking out the best towel for backpacking there were a few different considerations we had. Including how lightweight it was, how easily and well it could compact down, how well it dried us and also, well, the smell test! If you get my drift! We were also concerned with how well it was made and how long-lasting it would be.

Finally, we also take into account how much each microfibre travel towel costs – for example, expensive items that perform averagely will lose points, but budget items may be given more leeway.

Still have some questions about the best travel microfiber towel? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Are microfiber towels good for hiking?

Hell yeah! Microfiber is perfect for hiking and backpacking. It dries fast so you can use it again faste AND you can pack it without worrying that’it will make everything else damp. Having something that is quick drying means it’s much less likely to get smelly or moldy.

What are the best microfiber towels?

We have treid a lot of microfibre towers over the years and can confidently recomened the Matador Nana Dry . Its tiny, ultralight and quick drying.

Are travel towels worth it?

Oh yes. They are a godsend for travelers and hikers as they are quick drying, compact and light. I never travel without one.

Is microfiber environmentally friendly?

Microfiber is not biodegradable like cotton or paper towels but can still be disposed of in an environmentallt concious way.

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Microfiber towels are a more logical alternative to your good old fashion bath-towel for a billion reasons, but all you need to know are these five: they’re compact , lightweight , durable , absorbent , quick-drying towels for travel.

Let us know what you think about our epic review of the best quick dry towels for travel in the comments below! Do you have a favourite microfiber travel towel?

Ana Pereira

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I’m looking for a medium bath towel, wash cloth combo.

I just ordered 2 combo packs for our RV. Bath towels for me and the mister, a small one for the dog and one for the kitchen. A great deal at $18!

Awesome! Enjoy Adriana 🙂

This is awesome! Thanks for the heads up on the Active Roots. I have never heard of this brand and it looks perfect. My friend Brian & I are going to backpack the John Muir part of the PCT during the summer of 2018 for 10 days and I was looking for a new backpacker towel that works but is light and doesnt break the bank!

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The Best Camping Towels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Posted on Feb 9, 2024 1:59 PM EST

9 minute read

Best for Car Camping

Rumpl Everywhere Towel

Most versatile.

PackTowl UltraLite Towel

Best for backpacking.

Sea to Summit Pocket Towel

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Forgetting to pack a towel is an easy and upsetting mistake to make while camping. Whether you’re hitting a camp shower or jumping in a lake, you’ll be highly disappointed when you have to air dry as a chill sets in and mosquitos take advantage of your vulnerable state. Though, it’s arguably worse to whip out a perpetually damp beach towel that attracts dirt and develops a musky smell by the second day. That’s why I tested some of the best camping towels on the market to find out which ones actually absorb moisture, dry in a timely fashion, clean up easy, and pack down small.

• Best for Car Camping: Rumpl Everywhere Towel
• Most Versatile: PackTowl UltraLite Towel
• Best for Backpacking: Sea to Summit Pocket Towel
• Best Beach Towel: Sand Cloud Beach Towel
• Matador Ultralight Travel Towel
• Sea to Summit Drylite Towel

How I Tested the Best Camping Towels

The best camping towels are supposed to dry quickly, yet that is the antithesis of the sole job of a towel: to absorb moisture. So I did a controlled test to see how absorbent these towels actually are by pouring ¼ cup of water on my tile kitchen floor then lightly throwing the towel on top of it. I waited for 20 seconds and pulled it off to see how much it had soaked up. 

Later, I used the towels to dry my arms and noted how well they did the job, how they felt on my skin, and roughly how long they took to dry. Then, I used them to clean up my mid-ski season car trunk which is wet, muddy, and honestly pretty gross to see how they stood up to dirt and stains. I also added a normal beach towel to my tests as a control, and as expected, it was the last to dry and completely stained. All of the towels on this list are machine washable, because who has time to hand wash a camping towel?

Best Camping Towels: Reviews & Recommendations

Key features.

• Size: 29.5 x 72 inches
• Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Material: Polyester antimicrobial microsuede
• Buckle closure hanging loop
• Very absorbent
• Dries fairly quickly
• Stain resistant
• Antimicrobial
• Too large and heavy for backpacking

The Everywhere towel is highly absorbent. It soaked up the entire quarter cup of water that I dumped on the floor in 20 seconds. While it doesn’t dry as quickly as some of the less absorbent towels on this list, it was certainly faster than a beach towel and easily beat the Sand Cloud. It’s also true to its stain-resistant claims. After a quick shake out and a couple swats of my hand, most of the mud fell away and it still smells fresh. That’s the beauty of the best microfiber towels, as they dry, the dirt tends to loosen up and fall off, with no long fibers to cling to. And the anti-microbial finish is certainly working.

The microsuede is soft to the touch and feels good on my skin. This is great for car camping when you want a quick-dry, packable towel but don’t want to sacrifice on absorbency and skin-feel. Rumpl’s Everywhere towels only come in one size, and it’s a great beach towel size, but too large and heavy to carry on a backpacking trip.

• Sizes: 10 x 14 inches (face), 16.5 x 36 inches (hand), 25 x 54 inches (body), 36 x 59 inches (beach)
• Weight: 3.4 ounces (body)
• Materials: 70 percent polyester, 30 percent nylon
• Snap closure hanging loop
• Dries quickly
• Good skin feel
• Lightweight
• Not the most absorbent
• No antimicrobial properties

PackTowl’s UltraLite towel did leave about half of the water on the floor during my absorbency test, but it dried my arm just fine. You have to assist this towel with pressure and motion to effectively dry off. But the towel itself dries very quickly and feels good on the skin. 

Ashley Thess

I love how lightweight this towel is for backpacking, and I’ve even packed the full beach size before at 5.1 ounces. It was well worth the marginal weight in my opinion. I was hiking to an alpine lake where I used the towel to sit on top of by the water and dry off after swimming. Actually, it is so large that I also used it as a swimsuit cover-up until the sun started to go down.

While this towel doesn’t have any antimicrobial properties, it doesn’t stain easily and dirt just falls off of it. This towel didn’t stain at all in the car trunk test, which makes it versatile enough to use anywhere: camp kitchen, after swimming, or on a run. The extremely small packed size, quick dry, and good skin feel makes this a great option for backpackers, campers, and travelers.

• Sizes: 32 x 16 inches (small), 20 x 40 inches (medium), 24 x 48 inches (large), 30 x 60 inches (extra large)
• Weight: 3.9 ounces (large)
• Material: 100 percent recycled polyester microfiber
• Includes zippered soft case
• Dries very quickly
• Best skin feel
• Not stain resistant

While the Sea to Summit pocket towel left a small amount of water on the floor after 20 seconds, it absorbed most of it. And it was easy to dry off my skin. Most importantly, it feels incredible. This towel is soft, like a hug. I’d be thrilled to wrap up in it after using one of the best camp showers . It also dries shockingly fast, and Sea to Summit says it is their fastest drying towel.

It’s a touch heavier than the PackTowl with Sea to Summit’s large pocket towel coming in at 3.9 ounces, while PackTowl’s slightly larger UltraLite body size is 3.4 ounces. However, because it’s more absorbent than the PackTowl, the pocket towel is better for backpacking because you can get away with using a smaller towel. And I think the skin feel is worth an extra couple ounces if you plan to be near water while in the backcountry. I also like that the pocket towel comes with a carrying case; the size medium’s case weighs 0.9 ounce.

Likely due to its soft texture and stellar absorbency, this towel did stain pretty heavily after using it to clean out my trunk, and it doesn’t have any antimicrobial properties to protect against smell.

• Sizes: 38 x 64 inches (regular), 51 x 68 inches (large), 72 x 76 inches (extra large)
• Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Material: 100 percent Turkish organic cotton
• Great skin feel
• Doesn’t dry as quickly

This trendy beach towel is marketed as softer, stronger, and more absorbent than traditional cotton. I’ve used and abused this towel for four years and it’s holding up impeccably. It feels great on my skin and it is super absorbent, though I wouldn’t say it’s more absorbent than a normal towel. This is the best beach towel to bring camping because it’s slimmer than a normal towel, dries faster, and is easily cleaned. You can shake off most sand and dirt, and in the car trunk cleaning test, it had very minimal staining. 

This towel is heavier and dries slower than the microfiber and synthetic options on this list, but it’s miles better than a normal beach towel. I travel and car camp with this towel frequently because of how comfortable and stowable it is. 

• Sizes: 47 x 24 inches (large), 15 x 15 inches (small)
• Weight: 2.9 ounces (large)
• Material: Nanofiber
• Included mesh storage bag
• Not a great skin feel

The ultrathin and lightweight Matador travel towel surprised me when it effortlessly absorbed all the water on my absorbency test. And it dries extremely fast. When I dried my arms off, the Matador felt dry to the touch just minutes later. The absorbency and drying capabilities are great, but the feeling on your skin is less than appealing. The edges have a triangular cut that also feels abrasive. And phew! It certainly smells like the inside of my ski boots after wiping out my trunk. But the dirt brushed right off and there was no staining. This is a great back up towel for traveling or to keep in your car, but I wouldn’t rely on this one for a camping trip.

Read Next: Best Travel Backpacks

• Sizes: 16 x 32 inches (small), 20 x 39 inches (medium), 24 x 47 inches (large), 30 x 59 inches (extra large), 34 x 67 inches (XXL)
• Weight: 5.1 ounces (large)
• Materials: 80 percent recycled polyester, 20 percent nylon microfiber
• Not very absorbent

The Drylite towel from Sea to Summit left a lot of water on the floor, similar to the PackTowl’s performance in the absorbency test. It dried my arms fine, but didn’t efficiently absorb the ¼ cup of water passively. It has a good skin feel, and the fabric has some heft to it. There are lighter options for backpacking, but this would make a good car camping towel. It dries quickly, but doesn’t resist smells or stains.

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Towel for Camping

Unfortunately, not all microfiber towels are capable of really the only job a towel has, absorbing moisture. I made note of the most and least absorbent towels on this list. While all of them are capable of drying you off and don’t just move water around, balance this crucial function with your other priorities.

While your conditions, location, and frequency of use will affect the dry time of your camping towel, all of the options on this list dry faster than a standard beach towel; in most cases, much faster. 

Size (and Weight)

Part of the beauty of a camping towel is that it takes up less space in your car. If you’re backpacking, weight is a huge factor. Luckily there are some great lightweight options on this list, regardless of what size you’re looking for.

Microfiber towels are lighter and dry much faster than standard towels, but they can have a less than appealing texture and less absorbency. However, there are microfiber towels on this list that are doing it right, and if you’re short on space or drying time, it’s worth the switch.

Dry times will vary depending on your conditions, location, and frequency of use, but after the absorbency test, the fastest options were dry in a few hours just hung up in my house. Keep in mind this is from thoroughly soaking the center through with water, not rub drying after a dip.

If you want your towel to completely wrap around you, you’ll want to get the beach sized towels. The bath sized towels are large enough to dry off and sit on, but won’t cover your entire body at once. The smaller towels are sufficient for washing your face, wiping condensation off your tent, drying your hair, or patting down after a swim.

Final Thoughts

Don’t resort to a musty beach towel while camping; a soft and dry towel is one of those creature comforts that is worth it every time. Whether you’re car camping, traveling, or backpacking one of the best camping towels on this list will fit your needs. 

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The Most Packable and Absorbent Travel Towels of 2024

For everything from hot spring trips to campground showers, you’ll never be sorry you packed a travel towel.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

A travel towel might seem like an unnecessary addition to your travel kit. After all, you have plenty of towels at home, and how often will you use a travel-specific towel? 

The answer: more than you think. Consider gym outings, beach days, backpacking excursions, extended road trips, frontcountry camping trips, and hostel stays. Need we say more? 

A travel towel is a fast-drying, absorbent accessory that takes up a fraction of the space as your at-home beach or bath towel. These are durable and made to get dirty on the road, and can be used multiple times between washes. Travel towels come in a range of sizes, from face towels to large beach towels, and are often antimicrobial, which means they won’t get stinky between washes. Do keep in mind that the absorbency, quick-drying, and packability of these towels means they’re less fluffy than your home towels. They’re usually polyester instead of cotton, but most are still super soft to the touch. 

Best Overall

Packtowl personal towel.

An antibacterial treatment helps prevent odors on this ultra-absorbent towel.

It doesn’t come with a storage bag.

This durable, fast-drying towel is incredibly absorbent, making it our top choice for travel, camping, and beach days. Sand and debris doesn’t cling to the fibers, so it’s easy to shake out after a day outside. The antibacterial treatment helps prevent odor buildup, and we were able to use this for a week straight during a road trip without any offensive smells. It comes in four sizes, from a washcloth-sized face towel to a generous 36 x 59-inch beach towel, and the standard “body size” towel is comparable to an at-home bath towel in size and absorbency. 

The only knock against this towel is that it used to come with a carry pouch, but doesn’t anymore. However, it rolls up small to fit in your pack or beach bag , and you can always use a spare mesh bag to transport it. We listed the price and dimensions for the body (large) option. 

The Details: 25 x 54 inches | 80 percent polyester, 20 percent nylon | 6.4 ounces | Machine washable

Best Budget

Wise owl outfitters camping towel.

It’s packable into its own carry case.

It’s not as odor-resistant as others on this list.

Compact, packable, and with a brushed-suede feeling finish, this microfiber towel is a great option for travelers and campers looking for an affordable travel towel. It has a hanging loop for drying (we clip it to the outside of our pack while hiking ), and it resists dirt and sand buildup better than cotton towels. This towel isn’t treated with any antimicrobial components though, so unless you fully dry it between uses and wash it regularly, it will start to smell. You can buy this in a medium, large, or extra large, and some options come in a set with a washcloth-size as well. We listed the price and dimensions for the large option. 

The Details: 24 x 48 inches | 80 percent polyester, 20 percent nylon | 5.3 ounces | Machine washable

Most Absorbent

Flow swim chamois.

It dries instantly after being wrung out.

There’s no full-size option.

These (almost) magical towels have long been a swimmer and triathlete's secret — when it comes to absorbency and rapid drying, nothing beats the humble swim chamois. Ultralight and ultra-absorbent, the swim chamois is used to quickly wick away water, and can be wrung out to near-instant dryness. The classic chamois is small (13 x 17 inches), but it does come in a larger 26 x 17-inch option. Most people use a standard chamois by drying one part of their body, wringing it out, then drying another part. You can also use these to dry off raincoats, pack covers, and other wet gear. The chamois packs into its own tube to help keep the material from getting stiff (just make sure it’s fully dry before sealing the tube), and it stayed fresh for the entire season we used it for swim workouts. We listed the price and dimensions for the standard size. 

The Details: 13 x 17 inches | PVA | 3.2 ounces | Machine or hand wash, avoid dryer 

Best Ultralight

Sea to summit airlite towel.

It’s half the weight and packed size of other travel towels.

Less material means it won’t absorb as much water as bulkier towels.

At 2.4 ounces, the Airlite makes taking a full-size towel backpacking not even seem like a luxury. This is the lightest offering from Sea to Summit, absorbing more than three times its own weight in water and drying fully in just a few hours in the sun. Sea to Summit cleverly designed their storage pouch to snap onto the towel, creating a hanging loop for easier drying. This compact towel rolls up into a palm-size pouch so small you have to be careful not to lose it in your pack . We listed the price and dimensions for the large size.

The Details: 48 x 24 inches | 85 percent polyester, 15 percent nylon | 2.4 ounces | Machine washable

Best for the Beach

Packtowl luxe towel.

It has a Polygiene antimicrobial treatment for maximum odor resistance.

At 16 ounces, this is a heavier towel.

Our beach choice had to be large, soft, and shake off sand and debris easily … and this towel hits all the notes. The looped terry construction feels comparable to a standard beach towel while allowing it to roll to half the size of a cotton one, saving space in your beach bag. It absorbs five times its weight in water, and dries quicker than standard towels while avoiding that mildew smell thanks to the Polygiene antimicrobial treatment. We listed the price and dimensions for the beach size. 

The Details: 36 x 59 inches | 85 percent polyester, 15 percent nylon | 16 ounces | Machine washable

Most Versatile

Rei co-op multi towel lite.

The ribbed construction helps clean off stubborn sweat and grime.

Color options are extremely limited.

Light enough to stash in your pack for backpacking, durable enough for extended frontcountry camping trips, and absorbent enough for a hot springs trip , this reasonably priced towel comes in three sizes, weighs just 6.5 ounces for the large, and sheds dirt with ease. We keep the 2.3-ounce medium version of this towel stashed in our vehicle to wipe off post-run sweat and grime, and a large version in our car camping bin. It comes with a convenient mesh carry pouch and resists odor buildup as long as you let it dry completely before packing it away. We listed the price and dimensions for the large size. 

The Details: 50 x 25 inches | 85 percent polyester, 15 percent nylon  | 6.5 ounces | Machine washable

Best Prints

Nomadix original towel.

This 72-inch towel offers plenty of coverage.

It’s not as soft as others on this list.

Would you like to dry off with a '90s-sitcom patterned towel? What about a leaf motif that looks like it belongs in the White Lotus theme song? Nomadix has you covered (literally) with their wide variety of fun and fantastical prints, all on a sizeable travel towel that stands up to season after season of use. This is one of the more rugged towels on the list, with an abrasion-resistant fabric that might not feel as soft as others, but can be used on all sorts of outdoor adventures . At 72 inches long, their original size is also bigger than other large towels on this list, giving you more coverage at pools and hot springs. We listed the price and dimensions for the original (large) size. 

The Details: 72 x 30 inches | Polyester, nylon | 19 ounces | Machine washable

Softest Feel

Sea to summit drylite towel.

The material has a buttery-soft, suede-like feel.

The large size is a few inches smaller than comparable towels.

Available in five sizes, from a 2.5-ounce hand towel to a 67-inch long full-body towel, this super soft travel towel won’t feel rough against your face, and the dish-towel size won’t scratch non-stick camp cookware. The hanging loop is easy to attach to drying lines or a pack for drying in the sun, and it’s machine washable to help keep it fresh. This towel is not treated to be antimicrobial, so it’s extra important to make sure it’s dry before packing it away. As with most ultra-absorbent towels, we recommend avoiding fabric softener when washing it as it can reduce the absorbent properties of the material. We listed the price and dimensions for the large size.

The Details: 47 x 24 inches | 80 percent polyester, 20 percent nylon | 2.2 ounces | Machine washable

Tips for Buying a Travel Towel

Look for convenient features like hanging loops and carry bags.

As with any purchase, bonuses like hanging loops and convenient carrying pouches add value and ease-of-use to travel towels. Carrying bags for travel towels often have secure snap or zippered closures, and most feature a breathable mesh side to keep the towel dry and avoid funky odor buildup. Hanging loops snap shut and can be used to securely hang the towel from a pack loop or clothesline for drying on the road or trail. 

Consider antimicrobial and odor-resistant properties

Antimicrobial treatments help reduce the spread of bacteria buildup and can keep mold and other microbes from developing, reducing the spread from material to skin. Antimicrobial fibers include ultrafine silver strands woven into the fabric, or a chemical treatment applied during the manufacturing process. 

Antimicrobial treatments are good to consider when shopping for a travel towel, as these are often used multiple times between washes, and it can be harder to fully dry them out. While all the towels we listed dry fast and resist odor buildup to some degree, a towel with antimicrobial or odor-resistant treatment stays fresh longer, and you have more wiggle room if you have to pack it before it’s 100 percent dry.

Know your absorbency needs

Most towels on this list absorb three to five times their weight in water, proportional to the size you choose. We listed the price and dimensions for the large option in our top picks, but most towels come in a variety of sizes, from hand towels to large beach towels. Pick the one you think will be the most useful. Will you mostly be wiping sweat from your face and drying your hands? A smaller towel will suffice. Plan on taking this to the hot springs or pool or using it at hostels? Opt for a full-body size. 

Most travel towels come in a range of sizes. A face towel (or washcloth size) is around 14 x 10 inches, a hand towel is slightly larger at around 30 x 15 inches, body towels will be at least 45 x 25, and a beach-sized travel towel comes in around 60 x 40 inches. These are smaller than standard towels, but travel towels have a higher absorbency rate and are made to pack down for convenient travel, whether you’re carrying it in a pack or a suitcase. The size you choose depends on what you’ll be using it for, but these are so portable and convenient that sizing up isn’t a bad idea. 

Travel towels made with a blend of polyester and nylon take less than half the time to dry as cotton towels. In the sun, most travel towels on this list can go from saturated to dry in less than 90 minutes after being gently wrung out. Some of them dry even faster. Indoors, travel towels will fully dry in about six hours. 

Unless otherwise specified, most travel towels are machine washable on a gentle cycle with standard detergent. With the exception of the Swim Chamois, all travel towels we listed can be dried on a gentle cycle in the dryer. However, they dry so quickly on their own you can also just hang them up. Avoid fabric softeners or other fabric treatments, as it can negatively impact the absorbency. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Maggie Slepian is a Montana-based writer and editor with a decade of professional gear-testing experience in the outdoor world. She is an avid backpacker, bikepacker, skier, and camping fiend, heading out backpacking and frontcountry camping in all seasons. Maggie also travels throughout the year, and has written extensively about her packing gear and apparel strategies. 

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The 7 Best Backpacking Towels of 2024

Few camping and backpacking gear items provide as much functionality for the weight as the humble microfiber towel. Find the towel that's best suited to your needs in this guide.

Let’s face it; the great outdoors doesn’t always smell so great. Just because you’re going on a camping expedition doesn’t mean you should neglect basic hygiene. One of the best tools you can use to wipe away all the sweat, oil, and grime that inevitably accumulates on your body and tent is a high-quality, lightweight towel.

Backpacking and camping towels aren’t like the standard cotton hand towels you use at home. Usually made with microfiber, they have been designed to absorb a ton of moisture, dry quickly, and fit into any backpack with ease. Below, we’ll explain what to look for in a good towel and share a few of the best options on the market today.

Table of Contents

REI MultiTowel Lite

Sea to summit tek towel, packtowel ultralite, the many uses of a camping towel, why not bring a towel from home, what to look for in a backpacking towel, the major camping towel fabric materials, clean your microfiber towels often, bonus tip: how to get rid of nasty towel smell, r.e.i. multitowel lite, sea to summit pocket towel, packtowel personal, packtowel nano, active roots microfiber travel towel, editor’s choice.

The standout feature of the REI MultiTowel Lite is that it can absorb eight times its weight in water. Yes, you read that right: eight times! You’ll be hard-pressed to find a camp towel with a higher absorbability rating than REI’s MultiTowel Lite.

Made out of 85 percent polyester and 15 percent nylon microfiber, the REI MultiTowel Lite isn’t only highly absorbable, it’s also fast drying, durable, and easy to pack. The largest MultiTowel in REI’s catalog will add 6.4 ounces to your backpack, and all of these camp towels are thin and easily compressible.

Hikers looking for superior absorbability technology will get good use out of the REI MultiTowel Lite. Even if absorbability isn’t your primary concern, the REI MultiTowel Lite is a good all-around microfiber camping towel that’s easy to pack and will last for years.

If you’re the kind of hiker who needs a camping towel that feels just like your hand towel at home, then you need to look into Sea to Summit’s Tek Towel. Although this towel is made out of a standard microfiber, it has a unique overlay of soft terrycloth. This special layer of terrycloth feels exactly like a regular hand towel against your skin.

Unlike most thin microfiber travel towels, you won’t have to bother delicately patting yourself dry with the Sea to Summit Tek Towel. Feel free to rub this towel’s incredibly durable and absorbable fabric against your skin after a long hike or a quick dip in a stream.

Of course, since the Tek Towel has a layer of plush terrycloth, it can be a tad cumbersome to pack. If you don’t mind sacrificing ease of transport for luxurious quality, however, then you have to check out Sea to Summit Tek Towel.

Campers who prioritize how much weight a towel will add to their backpack should consider the PackTowl UltraLite. The UltraLite lives up to its name offering customers four towel sizes that all weigh under 5.1 ounces. No matter how heavy your backpack is already, you shouldn’t have an issue squeezing this thin microfiber towel into your travel gear.

Although the UltraLite’s main selling points are its weight and compressibility, this tiny towel is quick-drying and can handle a ton of moisture. The PackTowl UltraLite dries 80 percent faster than cotton products and can absorb at least four times its weight in water. Since this towel is so thin, however, you should dab your skin dry to avoid tearing.

Bottom line, if you’re someone who’s looking for one of the lightest towels on the market and doesn’t mind sacrificing a bit in the durability department, then look into the UltraLite.

Benefits & Features of a Great Backpacking Towel

When most people think of camping towels, they tend to think of drying off after taking a quick bath in a nearby stream, lake, or river. While that is a common use of traveling towels, there’s so much more you can use these towels for on your expeditions.

Most campers use camping towels while out in the wild is to quickly wipe away excess sweat, body oils, and dirt both on your body and around your camping area. Since most hiking towels are antimicrobial , there’s no better way to keep yourself clean than by using a quick dry towel.

Anyone traveling to hot or humid areas will get a ton of use out of their camping towel to wipe away puddles of sweat and naturally ward off mosquitoes or flies. You could even put your towel over your head to provide some extra UV protection.

Camping towels in colder regions, on the other hand, can provide extra safety against serious conditions like hypothermia .  Since hypothermia sets in faster if your body is wet, it’s critically important to stay dry while out at night in the wild. If you happen to be caught in a damp area, or if it starts to rain, you’ll need a fast-drying towel to reduce your risk of developing this deadly condition. In an emergency scenario, a good camping towel can even provide much-needed additional warmth.

New hikers might be tempted to just pack a regular hand towel on their trek into the wild. Using a standard cotton hand towel, however, is a bad idea for a multitude of reasons.

First off, most of the towels we use at home take a long time to dry. When you put this damp towel in your sack, all of the accumulated odors, oils, and dirt can more easily pass from your towel to other products and into your backpack’s fibers. This creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and fungi, which you obviously don’t want to happen on your trip.

Besides poor hygiene, a regular hand towel will take up more space and add more weight to your backpack than a microfiber towel. It’s also easier to dry out camping towels made out of microfiber fabrics than standard hand towels.

First off, every camping towel should have a high degree of absorbability. What’s the point of taking a camping towel with you if it can’t pick up water and sweat? So you know, most manufacturers measure their product’s absorbability against the towel’s weight.

After you’ve ticked off absorbability from your checklist, you should examine how long it takes for your towel to dry. If your towel doesn’t dry off in a timely fashion, then it will leach all the nasty odors it has absorbed into other items in your backpack. Ideally, your towel should also be durable enough to handle a good strong wring after usage without tearing.

Lastly, closely examine the size and weight of your camping towel. There are a few camping towels now on the market that are touted for their ability to cover your entire body like a beach towel. Most hikers recommend, however, that you look for a small, lightweight towel that’s easy to compress in your pack. For the average backpacker, camping experts recommend getting towels that measure 17 inches by 35 inches or lower and weigh no more than four ounces.

Never Use Cotton Towels

Here’s a simple rule every new camper needs to memorize: never buy a cotton towel. Indeed, don’t wear or use anything made of cotton while backpacking, especially in damp areas. Cotton towels are heavy, difficult to compress, and slow drying, three factors that will really slow you down on hiking treks. Although you might find some companies trying to sell cotton products to campers, we highly recommend leaving all your cotton towels at home.

Why Microfiber & Synthetic Are The Preferred Fabrics…

Of all the materials on this list, microfiber and synthetic towels (particularly nylon and polyester) are the most commonly used in the world of camping towels. The reasons for these fabrics’ broad appeal are simple: they are thin, lightweight, highly absorbable, antimicrobial, and dry off quickly. All of the towels on our list are microfiber.

Most campers say microfiber towels have a gentle, soft feel against the skin. While most of these towels are quite durable, you should get in the habit of patting yourself dry to extend your hiking towel’s lifespan. It’s easy to tear one of these thin towels if you rub your skin too aggressively.  

The major drawback of using microfiber towels is that they tend to leach odors more than other towels. While a layer of antimicrobial treatment like Polygiene can help with odor protection, you should get in the habit of regularly washing your microfiber towels to keep the stink under control.   

Uses Of Linen Towels 

Although nowhere near as popular as microfiber, you might run across linen products in your quest for the perfect camping towels. A major pro for linen over microfiber towels is that it takes a longer time for them to pick up an odor thanks to linen’s antimicrobial properties. Linen towels are also highly absorbable and comparable to microfiber in terms of weight.

On the downside, linen takes a longer time to dry than microfiber. Linen towels are a better option for people who do a lot of traveling (especially in hostels) and want to have a reliable, clean towel.

The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Bamboo

Yes, bamboo can be used as a towel fabric! Amazingly, these bamboo towels have a greater absorbability than their cotton counterparts and feel comfortable against the skin.

While their absorbability is a great feature, bamboo has issues in the toughness department. Plus, bamboo towels are often difficult to compress and nowhere near as lightweight as microfiber towels. While you might be tempted to check out these towels due to their exotic allure, it’s better to stick with the tried-and-true microfiber towels.   

As soon as you get your first microfiber towel, put it through one wash with just detergent and hot water. This will get rid of any synthetic smells sometimes attached to the towel and cut the risk of color bleed. After the wash, either put your microfiber towel in the dryer on low or hang it in a sunny or well-ventilated area.

Note, microfiber towels have a nasty habit of attracting lint. Be very careful if you choose to put your camping towel in with another batch of laundry.   

As mentioned above, one common complaint campers have using microfiber towels is that they easily leach odors. People who go on a ton of camping adventures will probably notice their backpacking towel gets a little stinky after a few uses. Thankfully, there is an easy and cheap solution to this common dilemma.

All you need is a bottle of distilled white vinegar, a washer, and a dryer. Put your microfiber towel in the washing machine and use hot water. Add about a tablespoon of white vinegar to the washer and put it through a complete cycle.

Once the washing cycle is complete, take out your towel and give it a good whiff. If it still smells funky, you could put it in the washer again with hot water and a pinch of baking soda. Lastly, put your towel in the dryer for about ten to fifteen minutes.

Best Backpacking Towels: The Results

The most impressive feature about the REI MultiTowel Lite is its high absorption rate. Every MultiTowel Lite is designed to retain eight times its weight in water, which is one of the highest absorbability rates in the camping towel world. Not only is the REI MultiTowel Lite good at absorbing, it can also dry off quickly after usage.

REI’s MultiTowel Lite is made out of 85 percent polyester and 15 percent nylon microfiber. As with many other camping towels, the REI MultiTowel Lite is available in four sizes ranging from small to x-large. The large REI MultiTowel Lite measures 36 inches by 16.5 inches and weighs 2.9 ounces.

Environmentalists will be happy to know that every REI MultiTowel Lite is created following Bluesign System’s standards for sustainable textile production. Each of these towels is also has a layer of antibacterial treatment.

The REI MultiTowel Lite is a good companion for intermediate or experienced hikers who need a durable, lightweight, and highly absorbent camping towel that can handle extreme camping adventures.

• Absorbs eight times its weight in water. 
• Highly durable microfiber with anti-bacterial finish.
• Lightweight and convenient to pack.
• Only two colors designs to choose from.  
• Absorbent microfiber fabric soaks up 4 times its weight in water, which can be…
• Dries 80% faster than comparable cotton towels
• Soft fabric packs down tiny when space is at a premium
• Hang loop and zippered storage pouch included for easy drying and packing
• Hand size measures 16.5 x 36 inches weighs 1.5 ounces. Machine washable

The PackTowl UltraLite towel is manufactured in South Korea out of 80 percent polyester and 20 percent nylon microfiber. This particular brand of towel is available in four different sizes: face, hand, body, and beach. PackTowl’s body towel measures 54 inches by 25 inches when opened and weighs 3.4 ounces. When it’s compressed into its Velcro backpack, the PackTowl towel will only take up about 12 cm by 18 cm of space.

Although this towel’s strong points are its compressibility and weight, that doesn’t mean the UltraLite can’t handle a fair amount of water. Manufacturers claim the PackTowl UltraLite can absorb four times its weight in water and dry off 80 percent faster than cotton products.

One slight con for the PackTowl UltraLite is that it’s not as durable as other towels. Remember, this towel was designed with ease of transport in mind. When you get this towel in your hands, you’ll notice that it’s thin and delicate. It’s important to always dab yourself dry when using the PackTowl UltraLite and to wring it with extreme care.

The main positive for the PackTowl UltraLite is that it’s one of the most lightweight towels in the industry. If you’re a true weight weenie and don’t mind sacrificing on durability, this is one of the best backpacking towels out there.

• One of the lightest camping towels in the industry.
• Soaks up four times its weight in water.
• Four different sizes available.
• Dries 80 percent faster than cotton.
• Sacrifices durability for lightweight construction.
• You must dab your skin and wring gently to avoid tearing.

• Lightweight, portable towel fits in a jacket pocket for camping, backpacking,…
• Made from silky, durable, woven microfiber fabric that absorbs three times its…
• Dries in a flash; microfiber has a surface area around 40 times that of a…
• A press-stud tab attaches towel to a pack or clothesline; includes a molded EVA…
• X-Large / Beach Towel measures 30 x 60 inches, packs to 8 x 3.25 x 2.25 inches,…

While you can’t fit every Sea to Summit Pocket Towel in your pocket, this camping towel deserves props for its compactness. Sea to Summit sells its Pocket Towels in four sizes ranging from small to extra-large. The medium Sea to Summit Pocket Towel measures 40 inches by 20 inches when open and weighs 3.8 ounces. These Pocket Towels come with a zipper EVA case that has a few holes to help with drying.

All of Sea to Summit’s Pocket Towels are made with a fine knit construction. This enhances the durability of the microfiber towels and gives them a softer, almost silky, feel. The ratio of polyester to nylon in each Pocket Towel is 70 percent to 30 percent, respectively.

Each Pocket Towel is designed to absorb three times its weight in water. While this isn’t the highest absorption rate in the camping towel industry, it will get the job done on shorter camping trips.

The Sea to Summit Pocket Towel is a good choice for campers who are most concerned with portability. What it lacks in the absorbability and weight departments the Pocket Towel makes up for in convenience and durability.

• Easy to pack and compact.
• Knit construction increases durability.
• Four sizes to choose from.
• Ideal for occasional hikers who want a convenient, nice-feeling towel.
• Absorption rate isn’t as high as other towels.
• A tad heavy, especially in the cases. 

• Quick-drying microfiber towel for camp, beach, sport, and travel
• Super absorbent fabric soaks up four times its weight in water; wrings out…
• Dries nearly 70 percent faster, and is much more compact than comparable cotton…
• Polygiene keeps towel fresh, even during extended use
• Body towel measures 25 x 54 inches and weighs 6.4 ounces; hang loop and zippered…

PackTowl designed its popular Personal line of towels to mimic the feel of ordinary towels as much as possible. Available in four sizes, PackTowl Personal towels are made out of 85 percent polyester and 15 percent nylon microfiber. The body towel measures 54 inches by 24 inches when it’s unrolled and will add 6.4 ounces to your pack.

One nice feature of the PackTowl Personal towels is that they come with a Polygiene odor control layer. Each PackTowl Personal can absorb four times its weight in water and dries off 70 percent faster than cotton towels.

Living up to the “Personal” name, PackTowl’s Personal line has a wide variety of colors and prints to choose from. Whether you want an understated or a flashy towel, one of PackTowl’s color/print designs is sure to make you smile.

Although the PackTowl Personal is often used by budget travelers roaming from hostel to hostel, it’s a good option for hikers who want a decent camping towel. While there are other towels that excel in certain categories (often at the expense of another feature), the PackTowl Personal is average in all common specifications.

Campers looking for a reliable all-around camping towel that wasn’t designed to highlight any specific quality should look into the PackTowl Personal.

• Good for campers looking for all-around use.
• A decent four-times absorbability rating.
• Soft microfiber texture and lightweight construction.
• Dozens of prints and colors to choose from.
• Doesn’t excel in any one category. 
• Designed with hostel travelers in mind. 
• Ultra-plush bath towel is ideal for camping, backpacking, hiking, boating, and…
• Made from thick, soft, super-absorbent microfiber fabric with a terrycloth…
• Large / Bath Towel measures 28 x 48 inches, packs to 7.5 x 4.75 x 3.25 inches,…

When you hear the name Tek Towel, you should immediately think of texture. Yes, Sea to Summit’s Tek Towel is made out of standard microfiber materials like almost all other camping towels, but it also has a special terrycloth overlay. This layer of terrycloth makes the Tek Towel thicker and softer than most other microfibre travel towels.

You don’t have to be as gentle patting yourself dry with the Tek Towel in hand. If you’re used to rubbing against your face, hands, and body with a ton of force, then the Tek Towel is perfect for you. This towel is durable and won’t fade easily even after years of use.

In addition to its durability and softness, the Tek Towel’s unique design helps with absorbability. The Tek Towel can absorb six times its weight in water and dry off within a few minutes. Don’t worry about tearing this towel when wringing it out after you’ve finished using it.

The Tek Towel is available in five different sizes ranging from x-small to x-large. The medium Tek Towel measures 40 inches by 20 inches and weighs 7.2 ounces.

As you can see, the Tek Towel is a bit bulkier and trickier to pack than other towels on our list. The hikers who will most appreciate Tek Towels are those willing to sacrifice extra space in their backpacks for a superior quality product. Our pick for the best camping towel.

• Feels just like a standard hand towel. 
• Can handle aggressive drying and wringing.
• Absorbs six times its weight in water.
• Available in five sizes.
• Difficult to compress.
• Heavier than most other camping towels.

• Ultralight: size Medium (19″ x 19″) weighs just 0.9 oz making it the lightest…
• 2X rapid-cycle absorbency: soaks up twice its weight in water; then wrings out…
• Laser cut: smooth finished edges without stitch bindings or fraying on This…
• Easy care: Machine wash, then hang Dry using the convenient towel snap loop or…
• Best uses: perfect multi-sport ultralight towel for when space is limited and…

The Nano is a special towel design created by PackTowl primarily for active campers who are looking for optimal sweat absorption. Although you can use the Nano for drying your entire body and campsite, it was primarily designed to be worn around your head as a bandana.

The PackTowl Nano is only available in a medium size that measures 19 inches by 19 inches and weighs 0.9 ounces. Manufacturers claim the PackTowl Nano can absorb double its weight in water, which is perfect for campers who are only interested in using their towel to wipe away excess sweat.

The main selling point for the PackTowl Nano is its fast drying rate. PackTowl executives say the Nano can dry off 90 percent faster than cotton towels, which is one of the fastest rates in the industry.

Although it’s primarily used as a headband, the PackTowl Nano is so thin and delicate that it can be used to wipe off eyeglasses or goggles without scratching the glass.

The PackTowl Nano comes with a pocket-sized mesh packet that has a Velcro opening. One unique feature about this packet is that you can attach the towel to a clip on the top of the pack.

Hikers looking for a thin, lightweight, and easy-to-carry towel designed to keep the sweat out of your eyes should look into the PackTowl Nano.

• One of the fastest drying towels in the industry. 
• Superb for sweat absorption.
• Weighs 0.9 ounces.
• Thin and versatile microfiber fabric.
• One size available.
• Can only handle double its weight in water. 

Adventurer Will Hatton, founder of “The Broke Backpacker” website, personally designed the Active Roots Microfiber Towel with campers in mind. Hatton claims his towels are made of 100 percent microfiber and great traveling companions for campers, hikers, and globe trekkers.

Active Roots Travel Towels only come in medium and x-large sizes. There is a smaller face towel available, but you have to order this towel as a part of a combo deal.

The medium Active Roots Travel Towel measures 20 inches by 40 inches and weighs just under four ounces. Designers say this towel can hold several times its weight in water and has a quick-drying technology. Every Active Roots Towel comes with a 100 percent money back guarantee.

There are three colors in the Active Roots Travel Towels line: purple, grey, and blue. Whatever color you decide on, you’ll get your Active Roots Travel Towel with a microfiber pouch that’s thin and easily compressible into a travel sack.

Anyone who’s interested in protecting the environment will appreciate Active Roots’ dedication to conservation efforts in Laos. A small portion of every Active Roots Travel Towel purchase is donated to the Elephant Sanctuary in Laos.

Campers who want to minimize their footprint on the environment and don’t mind using a thin microfiber towel with few frills should look into Active Roots’ Travel Towel. In our opinion, the best travel towel.

• Thin microfiber fabric easy to pack. 
• Can absorb several times its weight in water.
• 100 percent money back guarantee.
• Part of your purchase will help elephants in Laos.
• Only two sizes available.
• Heavier than other options.
• Not compact enough to fit in your pocket.

Last update on 2024-05-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Brian Conghalie

Brian has been an avid hiker and backpacker since he was a small kid, often being taken out into the wilderness on trips with his father. His dad knew everything about nature and the wilderness (or at least that's how it seemed to a ten year old Brian).

After high school, he went to university to read for both a BS and MS in Geology (primarily so he could spend his time outside rather than in a classroom). He's now hiked, camped, skied, backpacked or mapped on five continents (still need to bag Antarctica) & 30 of the US states.

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Hiking Gear and Adventures

Best Travel and Backpacking Towels for 2024

Best Backpacking Towels

Here we selected and reviewed the best towels for backpacking and travelling. A regular towel is a bad choice for backpacking or travelling as regular towels are heavy, bulky and slow to dry. Therefore, they occasionally need to be packed moist/wet inside your backpack. This is not recommended because such moist environments are an ideal place for bacteria to thrive and breed. Furthermore, by squeezing a wet towel in your bag you are also risking that the bacteria will spread to other items (garments, food etc.).

Travel and backpacking towels differ from regular towels by material. Regular towels are typically made of cotton which dries slowly while travel and backpacking towels are made of polyester and nylon microfibers. Therefore, they dry much faster than cotton towels and are also lighter and very compressible (usually they come with a stuff sack).

However, they are slightly less water-absorbent than cotton towels and can feel synthetic to the touch. Nevertheless, they are the best option for travelers, backpackers, hikers and others who spend a lot of time on the move.

See Best Products Read Buying Guide

Updated Content

We regularly update our reviews and selections to always recommend you the best products on the market.

Expert Selections

We only list top-tier products. Read how our selections of best hiking products differ from others here .

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.

1. Our Backpacking Towel Picks

Best Travel and Backpacking Towels

PackTowl Ultralite

Sea to Summit Pocket Towel

PackTowl Personal

Sea to Summit Tek Towel

PackTowl Nano

2. Comparison of Backpacking Towels

3. the selection.

1. PackTowl Ultralite

Suitable for:

• Mountaineering
• Backpacking

The PackTowl Ultralite towel is extremely light and thus perfect for hikers, backpackers and others who want to have super lightweight equipment for their challenging trips. The towel is made of a polyester/nylon fabric with a density of merely 100 g/m 2 . In comparison, most summer base layers have a higher fabric density (typically more than 130 g/m 2 ).Nevertheless, the towel is very water absorbent – it absorbs up to four times of its own weight in moisture. Due to the thin fabric the towel can be also packed very small. It comes with a storage pouch with a loop so that you can easily attach it to a backpack or other gear in the rare case where the towel wouldn’t dry before you hit the road again. The towel is available in four different sizes and three different colors.

• Packed size
• Quick drying
• Water absorbent
• Storage pouch with a loop

Where to buy?

PackTowl UltraLite Microfiber Towel, River, Hand- 16.5 x 36-Inch

Also available at:

EVO | Moosejaw

2. Sea to Summit Pocket Towel

The Sea to Summit Pocket towel is heavier (fabric density of 190 g/m 2 ) than the PackTowl Ultralite towel but on the other hand it also absorbs more water. Therefore, it is very popular among outdoor enthusiasts and travelers. The towel is very soft and silky to the touch for increased comfort. It dries fast and comes with a zippered EVA case for easy storage. The Sea to Summit Pocket towel is available in four different sizes and six different colors (cobalt, eucalyptus, lime, berry, grey and orange). It is slightly less expensive than the above listed PackTowl Ultralite towel (at the time of posting).

• Soft and silky material

Sea to Summit Portable Pocket Towel for Camping, Gym, and Travel, X-Large/Beach Towel, Cobalt Blue

Sea to Summit

3. PackTowl Personal

The PackTowl Personal towel has a fabric density similar to the Sea to Summit Pocket towel mentioned above. The fabric is soft and smooth to the touch and absorbs four times of its own weight in moisture. Therefore, the towel provides great comfort. The fabric is also treated with Polygiene in order to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Polygiene uses silver salt (naturally present in water and soil) to safely eliminate the ability for bacteria and fungi to grow. Therefore, the towel stays fresh for longer without any harmful consequences for you or the nature. The towel is available in four different sizes and five different colors. It comes with a zippered pouch which has a loop so that you can easily attach it to a backpack.

PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towel for Camping, Yoga, and Sports

4. Sea to Summit Tek Towel

The Sea to Summit Tek towel is best for those who want a towel that dries faster than a regular cotton towel but provides similar comfort. The Tek towel is extremely water absorbent and super comfortable to the touch. However, with the fabric density of 400g/m 2 it is also the heaviest product in this review. As the fabric is fairly thick it also doesn’t pack as small as other towels listed here. The towel is available in five different sizes and seven different colors. It comes with a zippered mesh pouch.

• Very water absorbent

Sea to Summit Tek Towel, Plush Camping and Travel Towel, Small/Hand Towel, Cobalt Blue

5. PackTowl Nano

The PackTowl Nano towel is best for hikers and backpackers who regularly do trips away from the civilization (limited possibility for showering) and thus need a small and handy towel.  The PackTowl Nano towel is super light (it weighs merely 0.9 oz.) and comes only in one size (19×19 in.).  The fabric absorbs up to two times of its own weight in moisture and is very soft to the touch. The towel can be also used as a headband to keep the sweat out of your eyes. It comes with mesh pouch and carabiner clip so that you can easily attach it to a backpack or other gear.

• Can be worn as a headband
• Lightweight
• Storage pouch with a carabiner clip
• Water absorbency

PackTowl Nano Towel, Blue Mountain, 19" x 19"

4. Backpacking Towel Buying Advice – What is important?

The material influences the drying time, weight and packed size of a towel and is therefore very important. Travel and backpacking towels are made of polyester and nylon microfibers in order to be compressible, lightweight and quick drying. The fabric usually contains modified polyester and nylon fibers which trap the water in pockets between them (note that polyester and nylon fibers by themselves absorb very little moisture). Therefore, water can be squeezed out after use and the towel will dry very fast.

Travel and backpacking towels are available in different sizes. Which size to choose depends on your personal preferences but keep in mind that large towels are heavier, bulkier (packed size) and dry slower than small towels. For backpacking and hiking trips we recommend a relatively small towel (18×36 in. or smaller) as possibilities for showering are usually limited on such trips.

Lightweight equipment allows you to move faster and easier and thus towels for backpacking and travelling should be lightweight. Body towels for backpacking and travelling typically weigh around 4 oz.

Antimicrobial Treatments

Some travel and backpacking towels utilize antimicrobial treatments such as Polygiene . Antimicrobial treatments inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria and thus such towels stay fresh for longer. However, note that antimicrobial treatments eventually get washed out – there is no such thing as a permanent antimicrobial treatment.

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Outdoor enthusiast with experience in all types of hiking and mountaineering. Hiked in the Alps, Iceland and other countries. In love with via ferrata trails and snow-covered slopes. Check out my hikes .

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The Best Travel Towel to Buy Right Now for Summer Camping

If you’re an ultralight thru-hiker, or backpacking across Europe, an ultra-light, quick-drying travel towel in an often overlooked necessity.

By Meg Lappe

If you’re an ultralight thru-hiker, the idea of bringing a towel is pretty low on the list of things to carry, but if you have a few more days in the woods and are near a lake, river or ocean, a quick-drying travel towel holds a certain appeal. It works as a blanket , wash cloth, napkin, poncho and sandy-feet cleaner. Here are eight quick drying travel towels to add to your summer camping kit.

Personal Microfiber Towel by PackTowl $7+

Microfiber Travel Towel by Healthy Home $8+

Quick Dry Towel by Incite Elite $15

Microfiber Towel by RainLeaf $9+

Luxe Microfiber Towel by PackTowl $9+

DryLite Antibacterial Towel by Sea to Summit $9+

Microfiber Travel & Sport Towel by Shandali $8+

Footprint Lightweight Camping Towel by Biospired $8+

Related Topics

Best Travel Towels – Quick Dry, Microfiber, Camping & Adventures

Looking for the best travel towels? Then sit back and relax because you’ve come to the right place. Adventurous trips like hiking, sailing, diving and exploring jungles sound uber fun. The sweat trickling down the side of your forehead and beach sand on your body and clothes are proof of your hard work and victory. But unless you have the right gear, washing off that gunk and muck can be quite a pain.

Whether you’re camping at some of the best music festivals in Europe or beach-hopping different islands in South-East Asia , a good quality travel towel should be one of the top items on your packing list.

But why not just carry a regular towel? That’s because travel towels are so much better than normal ones. With your own towel, you also don’t have to worry about using hotel towels which may not always be clean and sanitized.

Travel towels are lightweight, quick-drying, simple to pack, and can be used for various different purposes. They also come in different shapes and sizes to suit your traveling needs. Most of them are made of microfiber material which allows them to absorb more moisture and air dry faster. The versatility of this product, now a need in the market instead of a luxury, is impressively endless.

Quick Top 5 Travel Towels

Packing in a rush? Here’s a list of some of the best travel towels that cater to different purposes. These towels are my favorite for their premium quality and different functions. Choose the appropriate one based on your traveling style and needs.

• The Best Microfiber Travel Towel – Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Towel
• The Best Camping Towel – 4Monster Camping Towel
• The Best Quick Dry Towel For Travel – Micro-Miracle 2in1 Quick Dry
• The Best Compact Travel Towel – Olimpia Fit Microfiber Towels
• The Overall Best Travel Towel – Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

Also, be sure to read my guides on the Best Beach Hats and Best Beach Bags for your beach focused travel trips!

The 10 Best Towels For Travel, Hiking & Adventures 

Picking the right towel is important so you don’t waste your money. In this post, you’ll find the top ten travel towels with superhero-like qualities that will save you when you’re sweating or need cleaning up. Even if you’re not headed on an adventure-filled outdoorsy trip, these travel towels will come in hand at beaches, in cities and on the road.

Most of these towels have high absorbency, are antimicrobial, and made of gentle fabrics that are skin-friendly. They’re also fit for compact spaces and dry a lot faster than normal towels.

1) Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Towel

The best microfiber travel towel.

Youphoria’s microfiber camp towel checks all the boxes when it comes to choosing the most perfect traveling towel. This multipurpose towel has you covered – literally and figuratively!

The travel towel is fast-drying, lightweight, and can be used for backpacking, camping, gymming, swimming and even hot yoga. This magical item can wick sweat and even sand. It can hold up to five times its weight in water and dries up to ten times faster than normal towels. And here’s the best part, the towel is made of the finest blend of microfiber that is thin, soft and compact, giving the towel an extra-soft feel.

This all-in-one travel towel by Youphoria comes with a carry bag and a quick-snap easy hang loop so you can hang it on a towel rack, tree branch at a camping site, or your umbrella at the beach. Choose from three convenient sizes (small, medium, or large).

Read Reviews and Buy Now

2) 4Monster Camping Towel

The best camping towel.

4Monster’s camping travel towel is really the ultimate monster because it fights the real baddies – germs and odor. This microfiber travel towel is made with special anti-germ technology, making it 100% safe and ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

It’s also more absorbent than normal towels, can be air-dried and reused multiple times in a day, and lightweight to pack in your backpack or wrap around your neck. The professional makers used 100% sterilized fabric and natural plant dyes, so the towel is gentle and friendly for normal to sensitive skin types.

Pretty for a gift too, 4Monster’s camping travel towel comes in a unique carrying case (the EVA box) which protects the towel, saves space in your backpack, and is easy to carry around. Choose from a wide variety of six different sizes (extra small, small, medium, large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large).

3) Micro Miracle 2-in-1 Quick Dry

The best quick dry towel for travel.

Micro Miracle’s 2-in-1 is hands down the best quick drying towel for travel. Hold your breath folks, this towel dries 300% faster than normal cotton towels AND it can dry while it’s folded or sitting in your bag.

Bye-bye, stinky wet towel smell in the car. You’ll never have to worry about waiting for this towel to dry. It’s anti-bacterial, luxuriously soft, and you can choose from a versatile palette of 13 different colors.

The towel is a 2-in-1 combo with an extra-large towel (60×30 inches) and a bonus small one (14×22 inches). Both the towels can fit in compact spaces and come in a carry bag (8×8 inches) weighing less than 11 ounces. The towel is also multipurpose and easy to clean – hand wash it or put it in boiling water.

4) OlimpiaFit Microfiber Towels – 3 Size Pack

The best compact travel towels.

OlimipiaFit’s travel towel pack includes three multipurpose towels in different sizes for the body (51×31 inches), head (30×15 inches), and face (15×15 inches). These towels can be used for backpacking, camping, gymming, sports and at the beach and are super soft and lightweight.

The best part about OlimpiaFit’s towels is that they fold down to almost nothing in the mesh bag that comes with your purchase. These towels can condense in size four times smaller than a towel of the same size.

The fibers are much thinner than a standard towel, making them absorb more water and dry three times faster than other towels. These microfiber towels have the smooth quality of satin, are odor-resistant, skin-friendly, and slip-resistant. We rate these travel towels as an ultimate option for someone looking for an all-in-one pack of towels.

5) Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

The overall best travel towel.

Like most travel towels, Rainleaf’s Microfiber towel is compact, lightweight, fast-drying, skin-friendly, and has high absorbency. It can be used as a travel towel, a sports towel and a beach towel so it serves multiple purposes too. It’s also ideal for outdoor activities like backpacking, camping and swimming.

The towel’s high absorbency rate means it can absorb five times more than its weight. It can be repeatedly used in a short time, making it a good option for multiple uses in one day. It also uses natural plant dyes and has a soft-suede-like feel on the skin and face.

For convenience, while traveling, the towel has a hanging snap loop and comes in a reusable carry bag. Choose from six different sizes and ten beautiful colors, also making for a great gift.

6) Matador NanoDry Towel

Available in three colors, the Matador NanoDry Towel is an interesting concept that looks at travel towels made of fabric other than microfiber.

This towel is made of nanofiber material which is a lighter material than microfiber. It also absorbs 2.3 times its own weight in water, dries faster, and is machine washable.

For convenience, the towel comes in a silicone travel case with a carabiner to clip onto bags when traveling. The towel also has a snap loop for hanging.

7) Nomadix Natural Park Map Towel

If you’re tired of the boring plain solid colors when it comes to travel towels, Nomadix’s Natural Park Map Towel is the one for you. This single-sided towel has a really smart and cool design of the National Parks of the United States on one side and solid charcoal on the other, also making it one of the best travel towels for gifts or holiday souvenirs.

It’s not just pretty on the eyes, the towel also serves multiple purposes. It’s fit for yoga or relaxing at the beach and is made with GRS-certified post-consumer recycled plastic. The recycled polyester and nylon material is not only environmentally friendly but also quick-drying, slip-resistant and super absorbent. The towel is premium quality and won’t stretch out over time either.

8) PackTowl Personal Towel

One more travel towel that’s not a boring solid color, the PackTowl’s Personal Towel comes in eight stunning colors and interesting designs. This towel can be used for multiple different sports and is most perfect for the beach.

Made with a blend of polyester and nylon microfibers, the PackTowl is super soft on your skin. The fabric can absorb four times its weight in water and continues to absorb water even when wet . The towel also dries quickly, has special antimicrobial treatment, and has a snap loop so you can hang it to dry while out.

9) PackTowl UltraLite Towel

Soft, lightweight and quick to dry, the PackTowl UltraLite Towel is another good choice for a traveling towel.

Every ounce counts when it comes to wet towels and even in the largest size, PackTowl’s UltraLite towel is less likely to weigh more than 5.1 oz. This impressive feature is due to the towel’s super absorbent microfiber fabric which soaks up to four times its weight in water and is quick to dry. In fact, it dries 80% faster than most same-sized cotton towels.

The towel has a hanging loop and is machine washable. It also comes in a zipped storage pouch for easy packing.

10) REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite

On the hunt for an extra-large towel that is still lightweight when packing? The REI Co-Op Multi Towel is designed to pack small and next to nothing.

Measuring 25×54 inches, it’s large enough to wrap your body after a swim and weighs only 6.4 ounces. The towel is suitable for camping and the beach. It easily wrings out almost completely, allowing it to also dry faster. The towel comes in a small carry pouch and has a quick-attach loop so you can hang it wherever you need to for it to dry.

Other Recommended Reading

If you’re headed for a trip some time soon to attend a music festival, or just anywhere in America, check out my list of festival essentials, the best music festivals to visit before you die, and the most incredible Airbnbs to stay at. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

• 44 Festival Accessories, Gear & Must Haves | Festival Packing List
• The 10 Best Festival Hydration Packs, Rave Backpacks & Camelbaks
• Best Beach Hats | 10 Amazing Summer Hats for Optimal Sun Protection
• Best Beach Bags | 9 Incredible Beach Totes & Backpacks
• Best Camping Canopy | Essential Pop Up Tents for Your Next Adventure
• Top 15 Liveaboards in the Caribbean: Bahamas, Mexico, Cuba & More

Photography Gear

• Top 6 Stunning Black Sand Beaches in Iceland (2021 Edition)
• THE ULTIMATE MUSIC FESTIVAL CAMPING LIST | Festival Essentials
• 7 Music Festivals in Central America To Experience Before You Die [2020]
• The 20 Best Music Festivals in NEW YORK To Experience Before You Die

So Which Travel Towel Are You Investing In?

So there you go folks, a comprehensive list of some of the best travel towels to invest in. Now it’s your turn to pick the most suitable one for you! Consider your travel style, needs and budget before picking the most suitable one for you.

Travel towels are an important traveling essential and you want to ensure you have a good-quality one to stay clear and refreshed. A pair of facial and bath towels together will make all the difference in your traveling experience. And once you start using them, you’ll never catch yourself traveling without one.

Planning a camping trip? Check out my list of some of the best camping canopies .

THANKS FOR READING MY TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST TRAVEL TOWELS!

SHARE THESE TOWELS WITH YOUR TRAVEL BUDDIES SO THEY CAN ALSO INVEST IN GOOD QUALITY!

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The Best Gear for Travel

By Wirecutter Staff

Traveling well can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re alone or with family and friends.

But what does it mean to travel well? We’d say that along with traveling safely (of course), traveling well involves avoiding hassle, carrying a single bag (if possible), and bringing only the necessities.

“Traveling well is a fine balance between finding inspiration in the unknown while being grounded in something,” said Wirecutter founder Brian Lam. “Sometimes that is a memory of home, a family, a significant other, friends, etc. Sometimes it’s just the familiar, reliable stuff in your bag.”

Over the past 10 years, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing dozens of products to find the most dependable items that will help you travel well. On top of that, we sought the advice and wisdom of Doug Dyment, author and creator of OneBag—a traveling businessman and public speaker, he has logged millions of miles over the past few decades—as well as travel-gear reviewer Eytan Levy, the Snarky Nomad.

And we relied heavily on the experiences of Wirecutter staff, an especially mobile group of individuals. Our staffers have worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica—the five most frequent flyers among us travel about half a million miles in any given (normal) year.

The research

Flying/riding, just in case, travel tips.

A well-packed bag is one that contains less than you think you need but everything you actually need. If possible, fitting everything into one carry-on and personal item will give you more freedom compared to checking a bag or two. You’ll be glad you did if (and when) things don’t go according to plan. While carry-on-only isn’t feasible (or advisable) for every trip—especially extended business trips or weddings where you need multiple outfits to maintain appearances—if in doubt, it’s better to cut.

Carry-on backpack (non-roller)

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

(limited colors)

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind, but most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility and clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts depending on how much you’ve packed. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

We spent six months testing 22 bags, and in the end we chose two as our top picks for travelers determined to never check luggage again: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it, and the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The bag is protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Its front panel is made of a waterproof, TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester (a strong fabric covered in a flexible plastic coating), which means you can lay it on its back in a wet field or in gravel without worrying about moisture soaking through or jagged edges ripping the fabric. The rest of the paneling is made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which feels similar to a strong canvas but with a more prominent weave. After four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item to store under the seat) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage that Kit Dillon, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer who covers luggage, uses.

One caveat: The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth—which is where the personal item comes in handy. As the name suggests, “personal items” are very, well, personal, and no one bag will work for all travelers; we offer a range of recommendations in our full guide to them .

The larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack. You can access the bag through a back panel, which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch, as well as through a front one, if you unzip the pass-through divider. You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps that run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters.

If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. It still feels larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for the ability to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400D nylon and polyester fabrics—it feels tough, but not as tough as the Cotopaxi Allpa. As for flaws, it is expensive, especially if you commit to the entire system of packing cubes and camera cubes . The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses, though Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty.

Finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we have picks in our full review of carry-on travel bags that can double as traveling offices , bags that are easy to carry while you’re walking long distances , and budget options for travelers who want to give the one-bag strategy a try.

Carry-on bag (rolling)

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Great features, great value.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Since 2015, we’ve researched several dozen suitcases and gone hands-on with the 67 most promising candidates in a variety of tests—including having active flight attendants test bags for us in a fake plane fuselage in their training facility. We determined that for most people the  Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner  offers the best balance of features, durability, and price for most flyers who log less than 25,000 miles annually.

It features smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels; solid and comfortable, telescoping handles; and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And at 7.8 pounds when empty, this carry-on bag is about half a pound lighter than its predecessor. Compared with other bags in this price range, you also get surprisingly high-end components and a warranty that covers anything, even airline damage, for the life of the bag (as long as you register the suitcase within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone).

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

For frequent flyers.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles a year, invest in a bag with unique features, superior details, and plenty of expandable room. This manufacturer guarantees your satisfaction.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles annually and you’re willing to invest in a higher-quality product, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner. It can fit more clothing than any bag we tested, thanks to a cavernous interior and clever expansion and compression system that can adjust to variable levels beyond open and shut. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter’s founder, Brian Lam, put more than 150,000 miles on his. His only complaint was that longer pants will need an extra fold, or to be rolled. In taller bags, pants will only need to be folded over once.

Checked luggage

If you need to pack more stuff than a carry-on and a personal item can hold, our first piece of advice would be to reconsider whether you need that extra outfit “just in case.” But you’ll have times when you need to travel with several pairs of shoes, formalwear, a winter coat, special equipment (like diving or camping gear), or all of the above. In these cases, there’s no way to avoid checking a bag.

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

If you’re going somewhere where you’ll need to walk a lot (particularly if there’s dirt or cobblestone roads), we recommend a travel backpack. We like the Farpoint 55 and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 because they’re comfortable and have plenty of room to store, and separate, our essentials. The front of the main pack unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). It’s also easy to stow. The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

These bags are made of a heavy-duty recycled polyester that stands up even to long trips–one of our testers has traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time, without damaging it. If something does happen, though, Osprey has a lifetime warranty.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

The bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most people without going over airline weight limits.

If you don’t plan on walking around while carrying all your stuff, the  25-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Suiter is our favorite piece of checked luggage for all of the same reasons we loved the carry-on size: It has excellent organizational features, it’s especially durable, and it has a better warranty than anything in its price range.

Luggage tags

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Strong and easy to see.

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

A good luggage tag should be durable, simple to use, and discreet. Ultimately, a tag should allow someone to get your luggage back to you quickly and easily, and it should withstand the wear and tear of being thrown onto conveyor belts time and again. After researching the top-rated and best-selling models, reading existing luggage-tag reviews, and comparing fourteen tags , we recommend the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag for most travelers because it’s the only one we’d trust to survive being smashed by other bags, jammed into walls, and generally abused by baggage handlers. It’s the most durable tag we tested, and it comes in a wide selection of colors to help any bag stand out from the rest.

The Ovener tag’s silicone body seems nearly indestructible and is available in a rotating selection of colors (you get two tags per pack). Whereas other tags also feature metal cables, this tag has a metal grommet to keep the cable from eventually wearing through the silicone case.

Should you lose your bag, the Ovener makes it easy for a Good Samaritan to find your contact information. To fully access the info card, you have to unscrew and remove the metal strap; this lets the card slide out of the case. Most luggage tags we tested secure their info card in this way. It isn’t a difficult or time-consuming process, but it is an extra step compared with using a tag that displays all of your information openly. Still, for anyone who wants to keep their contact information out of view, the extra step is worth it.

Another approach to increasing privacy is to hide information in a QR code, as the Dynotag Smart Deluxe Steel Luggage Tag  does, or to provide a user ID number, as the Okoban UID Luggage Tags do. But these seem like overly complex solutions to a problem that doesn’t really exist.

Compression sacks

Originally designed for reducing the bulk of lofty sleeping bags, compression sacks are stuff sacks modified with additional nylon end caps that can be pulled together by strings or straps to remove air and create a smaller, denser package that’s easier to pack. Most travelers use compression sacks to condense socks, underwear, and other stuff you don’t mind getting wrinkled into a package with half as much overall volume. For example, an 8- to 12-liter sack can compress a fleece jacket and a long-weekend’s worth of socks and underwear into something that fits in one hand. They also make a decent pillow in a pinch.

Osprey StraightJacket (8L)

Easier access, less compression.

It has a full-length zipper on its side that allows access to the bag’s entire contents. However, it doesn’t compress as tightly as traditional designs.

Most compression sacks require you to empty out the stuff at the top to get to the stuff below it, but the side-zipper design on the Osprey StraightJacket allows access to the entire contents of the bag at once. The compression straps attach sideways, and are less likely to get tangled and twisted like on most compression sacks with lengthwise straps. It can also sit up on its own, and the handle design lets you break it out as a last minute carry-on to avoid an overweight-baggage fee. However, it doesn’t compress down as compactly as the traditional designs we tested so it’s not the best option if compression is your top priority.

GobiGear’s SegSac takes a different approach to solving the same access issue: It has four inner dividers that run the length of the sack in order to keep your socks separate from your underwear, winter accessories, towel, what have you. This means you don’t have to take out your T-shirts to get to your socks. Unlike the Osprey, it compresses just as much as a normal compression sack, but it loses points for versatility because the segmentation prevents it from handling large items like a down jacket or sleeping bag.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes could change your life. (Okay, maybe just your traveling life.) Packing cubes are basically bags to hold your clothes that you organize within your luggage. Though seemingly superfluous, they’re brilliant in action. If you imagine your suitcase as a dresser, you can think of these cubes as individual drawers: Put all your underwear and socks in one container, all your shirts in another, and your workout clothes in yet another. Then pull out only the cube you want. They make packing and repacking wonderfully simple.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, these packing cubes keep your bag organized while you’re traveling.

The three-piece Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set keeps a week’s worth of clothes organized and moves easily from suitcase to hotel dresser. We’ve been recommending the previous version of these cubes for years, and after testing this updated set, we now recommend this version.

The full-size cube is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube and quarter-cube are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics such as stockings or sleepwear. These cubes are made of 300-denier polyester (a strong fabric) and stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. The Pack-It cubes’ windows are made of the tightest mesh link we tested—better for resisting snags—and the smooth zippers close easily around all corners, even when a cube is overstuffed.

The Eagle Creek cubes have the ability to unzip fully to allow full access to their contents while sitting in a dresser drawer. That means your clean clothes stay protected against some potentially dicey motel dressers. In 2022, Eagle Creek updated the design of these cubes, and now the company no longer uses YKK zippers, which are widely accepted as the best around . That said, we couldn’t tell any difference between Eagle Creek’s zippers and other brands’ YKK zippers, even with a magnifying glass, and their performance was indistinguishable. (For what it’s worth, an Eagle Creek product manager assured us that the proportion of zipper-related warranty claims hasn’t changed since the company made the switch from YKK.)

Most travelers are likely to be well served by the Reveal set. But if you value lightness above all, the more expensive Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is about 50% lighter than similar-size competitors (just over 1 ounce for a medium cube, whereas the Eagle Creek classic style weighs about 4 ounces). Unlike the Reveal set, this set is water resistant. However, the Isolate design’s thin sides—which don’t allow the cubes to stand up on their own—make those cubes a bit more challenging to pack than the Reveal cubes.

Buying the right gear can help organize your existing travel kit, but it’s a red herring if your goal is better portability. “It’s mostly the clothing that allows you to reduce what you need to carry,” explains veteran traveller Eytan Levy, better known as the Snarky Nomad . That’s because clothing, which is very voluminous, makes up the bulk of what’s in your bag. He recommends traveling with basic-looking clothes because you can always buy or rent something nice in a pinch, whereas lugging around formalwear just in case will always be a pain. It also helps if you can avoid cotton and stick to merino and synthetic fabrics, which dry faster. This allows you to do laundry by hand in the sink as needed to reduce the amount of clothes you need to carry.

Travel underwear

Good travel underwear keeps you feeling fresh and clean, even when your destination is gritty.  To find the best , we researched an array of underwear designed for men and women to find 37 pairs meeting our criteria: moisture-wicking and breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, stretchy, stylish, and cut to fit a variety of body types.

We then conducted rigorous pretesting (wearing the underwear for two days at a time, machine-washing them repeatedly, and tracking their drying speed when hung on a clothesline) before taking them out into the real world. Our testers went backpacking 215 miles throughout Portland, Oregon; hiking in the Canadian Rockies, including walking from the lowest point in the Continental US to the highest; and road-tripping to the national parks of the West. Testers who flew to their destinations wore the underwear on the plane, too.

Afterward, we checked for signs of wear, such as seam breakage and pilling on the fabric. As we continued to test the finalists, we repeatedly checked for durability problems. In addition to comfort and fit, we noted whether each pair seemed lightweight and packable.

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

Best for most men.

Durable, quick-drying, and relatively inexpensive, this soft-fabric version of ExOfficio’s time-tested Give-N-Go undies will get the job done for years.

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men’s underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we’ve tested. The Sport Mesh fabric excels at breathing and wicking and has better odor-resistance than other fabrics. It feels soft on the inside and smooth on the outside so it slides against your pants instead of creating friction, reducing potential for chafing. It also features a sculpted crotch area that gives wearers some much-appreciated support, without feeling stifling. These boxer briefs dry quickly, pack compactly, and weigh less than almost all the other boxer briefs we tried—basically they’re everything you’d want from a pair of excellent travel underwear.

Patagonia Women's Active Hipster

Best for most women.

These light, stylish, quick-drying hipsters stay in place whether you’re walking, flying, or hanging upside down.

The Patagonia Active Hipster doesn’t appear special upon first glance. Only after trying everything else and living through their failures to stay put did we remember what “special” really means in a pair of underwear: Feeling as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The Patagonias have the best fit, comfort, and style out of all the panties we tested. The nylon material is fast-wicking and better than most synthetics for odor-proofing, making it well suited for athletic activities. The Active Hipster is lightweight and packable, and is the fastest-drying underwear we tested—making them perfect for minimalist travelers who go weeks at a time with just one or two pairs. But these same characteristics make them great for any traveler looking for comfortable, packable panties, regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Budget pick

Uniqlo Men Airism Boxer Brief

Comfortable, compact, and fast-drying, these are a great value but don’t fit quite as nicely and aren’t as supportive in the crotch.

Uniqlo Women Airism Ultra Seamless HipHugger

Similar fabric to the Men’s Airism, with a no-ride cut for women, these underwear are the least expensive of any we tested and among the best performing.

May be out of stock

If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing performance, the Uniqlo Airism line has long been a great choice for men and women who can wear sizes small and medium. In recent years, both lines have expanded their size range somewhat (men to 3XL, and women to XL). If these fit, you can replace an entire underwear drawer on a tight budget, as long as you can deal with the slightly odd cut and less-effective odor-control treatment.

If you’ve never traveled with merino wool socks, you’re missing out. These aren’t the scratchy wool socks your grandpa wore in the army; they are soft and stretchy ones that have natural sweat-wicking and odor-resisting properties that keep your toes comfortable under all conditions—even when wet. This combination of odor, moisture, and temperature regulations makes them ideal for traveling. "Because of its natural anti-bacterial properties, washing merino wool on a daily basis isn’t absolutely necessary,” explains Snarky Nomad , "after letting it air dry overnight while you sleep, it’ll seem brand new.” The only major downside is that merino tends to be a bit pricier than synthetic counterparts. But it’s a worthy trade-off, since you can go for longer with fewer pairs.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Women’s)

The best quality for women.

The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Men’s)

For the best quality.

The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.

Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew socks (both the men’s and women’s versions) have been our favorite hiking socks for years. Darn Tough made its name through its quality guarantee : “Our socks are guaranteed to be the most comfortable, durable, and best fitting socks you can buy. In a nutshell, if you wear a hole in them, we will replace them free of charge, for life.” Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers (hardcore backpackers who walk from Mexico to Canada in one continuous trip) praise them for their durability, comfort, and blister resistance. When you hold a pair of Darn Toughs next to a pair of Smartwools (which only have a two-year guarantee ), the difference is clear. The Darn Toughs are more tightly knit, the yarns are finer and feel sturdier, and the stitching is tighter.

Darn Tough Women's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool women’s hiking sock.

This midlevel cushioned sock for women is the best synthetic option for most climates and terrains.

Darn Tough Men's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool men’s hiking sock.

This synthetic men’s sock is perfect for day hiking in most weather.

If you are sensitive to wool, prefer a vegan product, or want a cooler option for the summer, we also like the Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, which comes in women's and men’s sizes.

We appreciated how breathable this sock felt. While wearing the Coolmax Micro Crew in hot summer weather, our testers’ feet stayed dry and sweat-free. The shorter micro-crew height makes the Coolmax Micro Crew suitable for both boots and shoes, too. And like all Darn Tough socks, this model comes with a lifetime warranty.

Indosole Flip Flops (women’s)

A quality flip flop in women’s sizes.

These stylish beach sandals come in a wide range of colors. Be careful, though: Indosole sizes tend to run a little small.

Indosole Flip Flops (men’s)

A quality flip flop in men’s sizes.

These beach sandals are the same as the women’s version but cut a bit wider; we still think they run a little smaller than regular shoe sizes.

A good pair of travel flip-flops should be lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof. The men’s and women’s Indosole Flip Flops offer the best combination of quality, comfort, and easy packability. Unlike many flip flops, which slap against the ground with every step, the subtle arch support of this flip flop kept it secure against our feet. Plus they’re made from waterproof, recycled materials. Keep in mind, though, that our testers found these shoes to run a bit small, so we suggest sizing up for the best fit.

Clothesline

While doing laundry at home can be a large weekly event, OneBag author Doug Dyment recommends approaching travel laundry as a part of your daily routine, especially if you’re trying to pack as little as possible: “The laundry should be more like cleaning your teeth—something you do everyday. It only takes about five minutes to do it. Every night, do your socks and underwear and you’ll have clean socks and underwear everyday.”

A secure, hassle-free option

The Flexo-Line attaches easily to a door handle or faucet and grips garments securely between its loops.

Check out OneBag’s laundry packing list if you want specific tips on how to do it and what you’ll need, but it’s a pretty simple setup: All you need is a toiletry bottle of powdered detergent, a towel to help expedite drying, and a travel clothesline to finish the drying process while you sleep at night.

Specifically, you want a braided—not twisted—surgical latex clothesline with looped ends, which means you want a Flexo-Line . The Flexo-Line can stretch up to 7 feet long, which is enough to span most hotel bathtubs, and it has loops that you can attach easily to a door handle, bath spigot, or faucet. The braided construction is superior to twisted designs made from other materials because the latex does a better job of gripping garments securely between the loops, which means you don’t need any additional clothespins.

Dyment has tried them all, but the Flexo-Line is the one he comes back to. As he explained to me in an interview, “There are others that are fine, but there are far more that are not fine.” More specifically, Dyment says to avoid anything that’s not made of latex , because clothes will inevitably slip out of them. He also says to never, ever trust a suction cup: “They don’t work, period.” If the Flexo-Line is unavailable, Dyment says that the Rick Steves collection from Kiva Designs also makes a nice braided line that is a bit more expensive. If you have a latex allergy, Dyment recommends going with a length of cord ( paracord is nice because it’s durable and you can use it for other things as well) and stainless steel safety pins meant for cloth diapers , because they take up far less space than a clothespin and won’t rust. In fact, it’s worthwhile to get these items even if you can use a latex line because they’re great for making luggage repairs and performing other MacGyver-ish tasks in a pinch. To hang up the clothesline, we recommend using a bowline knot on one end and a taut line hitch on the other. These knots work well together because the bowline creates a simple, slip-proof loop to anchor one end while the taut line hitch allows you to adjust for tension and locks tightly in place. If you could commit any two knots to memory forever, these are the ones to learn.

Laundry detergent

Minisoak Travel Packs

A travel size version of the best delicates detergent.

Perfect for traveling because you don’t even need to rinse it out.

When you’re washing your underwear in a hotel sink, you want a fast and easy experience. For this, we recommend the no-rinse detergent Soak . That’s right, we said no rinse . You just add a drop to the sink, fill with water, and leave your garments to soak. Then press out the water and hang. Done.

In our tests of delicates detergents , Soak cleaned almost as well as our top laundry detergent, Tide; plus, it comes in individual packets of powder  that are great for traveling, as well as in  travel-size bottles of the liquid version . In addition to unscented, it's available in a variety of scents, although Lacey and Celebration are not the most descriptive of scent names. They all smell nice, not overpowering. Soak also comes in an assorted travel pack with two single-use packets of each scent, if you want to test-drive one or two before you buy. In that mini size, you get eight packets for $11 currently, but you really need only a squeeze, not the the whole packet, to wash a couple of pairs of socks and underwear.

One downside to Soak is that you won’t find it in a grocery store or big-box store. But it is available online at Soak’s site . And if you really want to walk into a store and put your mitts on a bottle, you can find it at most local yarn stores.

Don’t feel like buying Soak or bringing along a bit of your own detergent? Shampoo also works pretty well for cleaning garments in a pinch, so make use of that free bottle from the hotel. But a caveat: Neither Soak nor shampoo contains enzymes , which are biological molecules in laundry detergent that break down certain stains. If you have especially stinky or stained clothes, you might need to break out the Tide .

When we first published this guide, this section addressed only toiletry kits and bottles, razors, and packable towels. The times, and traveling, became more complicated. One thing we've learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick and don’t want to share your misery. Fortunately, compared with early 2020, medical-style N95s and KN95s (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel. 

Toiletry kit

We’ve researched dozens of travel toiletry bags and dopp kits over the past several years, and we tested 23 of the top-rated contenders in our most recent round of tests. After packing and unpacking a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries, conducting spill tests, and living out of the top performers on the road, we have a few different picks that stand out thanks to their style, packability, and quality of construction.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is compact and durable. It’s small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. You can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair-care items.

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

For more stuff and longer trips.

With a 6.4-liter capacity and over a dozen compartments, this toiletry bag has a place for everything—and everything will stay put during transit, too. It can also accommodate non-travel-size bottles.

The L.L.Bean Personal Organizer (medium) is a great option for longer trips and people who travel with full-size bottles. Its 6.4 liters of storage spread across a dozen compartments means there’s a dedicated place for pretty much everything you could want to bring on a trip—it even has a removable mesh shower caddy for shampoo and body wash. This level of organization is crucial for larger toiletry bags because, as we discovered after years of traveling with our picks, contents that aren’t securely fastened can shift around in transit, which increases the chance of spilling. The downside of all this organization is that the L.L.Bean weighs 14 ounces when empty, so it’s not ideal for carry-on travel.

If neither of these bags seems right for you, read our full review of the best toiletry bags and dopp kits to learn more about our picks and everything we tested.

Toiletry bottles

Sea to Summit TPU Clear Zip Pouch with Bottles

These six TSA-friendly bottles are sturdy and smartly designed, dispensing liquids more precisely than any of the other bottles we tested.

For traveling with liquids in your carry-on, the Sea to Summit set is your best bet. All six bottles conform to TSA size limitations; three of them can hold 3 ounces of liquid each, and three can hold 1.5 ounces each, for a total of 13.5 ounces. Despite the set’s name, the bottles themselves are made not of thermoplastic polyurethane—“TPU" refers to the zip pouch—but a high-density polyethylene material, much like what you’d see used in most plastic milk jugs. It has an almost-smooth, semi-transparent surface just textured enough that it’s not slippery when wet. The plastic is also flexible enough that you don’t have to squeeze very hard to get your shampoo or liquid soap or whatever going. An insert at the mouth of each bottle helps regulate the flow, and the screw tops prevent liquids from leaking in transit.

Razor (faces)

Gillette Mach3

The best manual razor for most faces.

This classic razor’s three widely spaced blades provide the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. Its handle is comfortable and well designed, and replacement blades can be had for a fair price.

We researched more than 100 and tested 11 manual razors for our full razor guide , concluding that the Gillette Mach3 is our top pick for manual razors. Although the three blades require a little extra time for a closer shave, it performs comparably to the latest and greatest offerings for as little as half the price.

The Gillette Mach3 provides the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. The Mach3’s simple, round handle is easy to grip and maneuver, and its three blades offer a close shave without over-irritating the skin or getting clogged with hair. And the price of Mach3 blades—$2 per cartridge or less, whether you buy them online or in a store—came close to, or even beat, the pricing of shave-club rivals, and the Mach3 shaved better than those competitors.

Razor (legs/body)

Gillette Venus Smooth

The best body razor.

This classic Venus is one of the easiest razors to grip and maneuver and its three-blade design keeps the blades remarkably free of hair.

Disposable razors (both the completely disposable and replaceable-cartridge variety) are fine to take through airport security , and among them we like the Gillette Venus Original best for traveling. Although it’s now the runner-up pick in our guide to body razors —it was formerly the top pick—we believe that its simple aloe lubricating strips, which don’t become tacky when wet, make the Venus more travel friendly than our new top pick . Plus, as with any Venus, the Original’s body is compatible with any other Venus head and many heads from Gillette’s facial razors, making replacement heads easier to find when you’re on the road.

The Original’s head has three blades separated by considerable slats of space, making it far easier to clean the head between strokes. The Original is intuitive to hold and secure to maneuver, thanks to a contoured handle with corrugated chevrons of rubber. Though our testers have a wide range of hand sizes, no one found the Original difficult to grasp. Despite the significant ribbing, it doesn’t feel too bulky. Gillette claims its razors have lasted for five weeks; we think one razor for a weeklong trip should be fine.

(Know that, confusingly, the Venus appears for sale on some retail sites under the name Venus Close and Clean or Venus Smooth. It’s the same razor. If you’re unsure which Venus model you’re looking at, check for the Original’s three blades and trademark sea-foam blue color.)

Towel (packable)

PackTowl Personal

The best all-around packable towel.

The PackTowl Personal Towel is lightweight, soft, absorbent, quick to dry, and odor-resistant.

With store pickup or REI membership (limited patterns)

We put 20 top-rated towels through a battery of tests including regular shower use, a trip to the beach, camping, and a 48-hour stay in a ziplock bag under the hot Hawaiian sun. After all was said and done, the Packtowl Personal Towel is still the best all-around travel towel for most people. In addition to being the softest lightweight towel we tested, it was more absorbent than competitors made of similar materials. It had the best odor-resisting abilities and comes with a convenient mesh carrying pouch. We also have alternate picks for ultralight and all-natural towels below.

The Personal Towel’s suede-like material was the softest of the thinner towels. The Personal Towel also had superior absorption when compared with other similarly constructed towels such as the Sea to Summit DryLite —in our tests, it absorbed 2.8 times its weight in water, while the others absorbed between 2.3 times and 2.7 times.

One of just two we tested that featured an added antimicrobial treatment, the Personal Towel was only a little musty smelling after 24 hours in a sealed ziplock bag, and remained unchanged at 48 hours.

If you’re looking for a budget option, consider the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel , which is a tad smaller than our other picks and is made from a seemingly lighter-feeling fabric. Unlike most budget options, it has an antibacterial coating and still managed to carry a pleasant smell after being testing in different environments.

Regardless of how you get to your final destination, it’s likely you’ll be stuck in a seat that’s less than ideal. Travel gadgets that claim to reduce this misery, such as compression socks, are popular. But when they take up precious luggage space for the duration of your trip—not just the flight or train ride–they need to be worth every cubic inch of space. The less you can make do with, the better off you’ll be.

Neck pillow

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

More support for most necks.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows we tested because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case. Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, though supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 over-ear set has the most versatile active noise cancellation we’ve ever tested. With 10 levels of noise reduction to choose from, everyone should be able to find a setting that meets their needs. We also enjoyed the lightweight and comfortable design and the easy-to-use controls. What distinguishes the Bose 700’s ANC is the amount of adjustability it gives you: Most noise-cancelling headphones offer controls for only on/off or maybe high/low/off, but with the Bose 700 pair you can set the ANC level from 0 to 10, so you have more flexibility to dial in the ideal setting for your comfort. The 20-hour battery life, while not the best we’ve seen, is more than sufficient to get you to most destinations. We have additional options—including earbuds and surprisingly good budget options for  over-ear headphones and earbuds —in our full guide to noise-cancelling headphones .

Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs

For blocking out the most noise.

These blocked the most noise in our controlled testing and got the most votes from our subjective sleep panel.

When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to fall asleep to unfamiliar noises. That’s why we spent several hours researching new contenders and tested four top-rated models while sleeping in a house that was next to an airport in order to determine that Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs are the best earplugs  for sleeping.

The Mack’s 37.1 dB noise reduction rating was the highest among the models we tested. According to Cooper Safety , that’s enough to reduce the volume of a gas lawnmower to that of a normal conversation. What made the Mack’s earplugs so effective is the fact that we could insert them and rest assured that they would stay in the whole night. Meanwhile, the Howard Leight MAX1 might be a favorite from crowdsourced sleep-aid review site Sleep Like the Dead , but the earplugs would inevitably fall out in the middle of the night. Thus, they failed to block out the noise of planes landing and taking off throughout the night, despite the MAX1’s 33 dB noise reduction rating. The Howard Leights also made our ears ache on occasion, whereas the Mack’s has a tapered shape that was consistently comfortable night after night.

The Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs cost about 20¢-35¢ per pair when purchased in a 50-pair pack. They come in a plastic case is about the size of a large coffee mug, which is small enough to toss in a large bag or suitcase. Many other ear plugs like our runner-up, the 3M’s E-A-Rsoft OCS1135 , can only be ordered in industrial-size lots that, while perhaps appealing to those who travel constantly (or run a hostel), are annoying to store and often lack a reusable container of any sort.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

For air travelers and back-sleepers.

The lightweight and contoured Nidra mask is a light-blocking win for most face shapes, with deep eye cups that allow the wearer to blink freely and arrive feeling refreshed.

When bright lights hamper peaceful shut-eye, we recommend the light-blocking, contoured Nidra Deep Rest sleep mask. Of the 14 masks we tested , the Nidra blocked the most light on the most faces. It’s contoured to rest on your face like a pair of soft goggles, with fabric lenses that sit around your eyes (instead of directly over them). This design provides more space for your eyes to flutter during REM sleep, ensuring that you come through red-eye flights with less redness in your eyes. Makeup wearers will also appreciate that, with the Nidra’s elevated eye cups, there’s a smaller chance of smudging.

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat, silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

Mzoo Sleep Mask

A smooth, contoured eye mask.

Soft, structured, and contoured, this mask stays on all night and prevents any light from seeping through

If the Nidra Deep Rest doesn’t fit your face quite right, we also recommend the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask and the Mzoo Sleep Mask . The Alaska Bear mask lacks contoured eyecups and thus applies some pressure to the eyes overnight like any regular eye mask does. But its flat design easily conforms to fit your face, and its silk exterior feels smooth and soft against skin (the padding is made of cotton). Its relative lack of structure makes it more difficult to knock off when you’re tossing and turning.

The Mzoo mask’s eyecups have a convex gap so your eyes can open and close. That gap is surrounded by a memory foam padding that rests on the perimeter of your eye sockets. The effect is such that you don’t feel like your eyes are being forced closed, but there is a bit of compression near your temples, eyebrows, and cheekbones. Most—though not all—of our testers found this sensation soothing. One liked how the contour of the eyecup kept the mask from brushing against their eyelashes, which makes it a good choice for people who wear eyelash extensions.

Few things are better than landing at an airport, turning on your phone, and having it just work. No hassles, no stress, no worries about brutal roaming fees. You can check in with loved ones, scope out the route to your lodgings, and maybe post an Instagram story or two—because your phone works just like it does at home. This is especially freeing, and it makes travel so much easier. (Of course, phones aren’t the only useful tech to bring: Check out our accessories reviews for guides to the best cables ( USB-C , Lightning , and Micro-USB ), Wi-Fi hotspots , Bluetooth speakers , and more.)

Unlocked mobile phone

One of the most useful gadgets for international travel is an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with cheap, prepaid phone plans you can sign up for at your destination. Unless your carrier offers plans including high-speed data that you can access internationally (i.e., you’re with T-Mobile or Google Fi), traveling with a phone under contract with a major carrier means paying an arm and a leg for data. Being able to access data-guzzling apps like Google Maps or Google Translate on the fly is worth the hassle to unlock a phone. Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp are free, easy ways to communicate with people you meet on your trip and people from home. Plus there’s checking email, TripAdvisor, banking, social media, and so on.

An “unlocked” phone means you can buy prepaid SIM cards in the country you’re visiting, letting you access their local network for significantly less money than the roaming fees incurred by your home carrier. With a prepaid SIM, your phone effectively becomes a new phone with a new (now local) phone number. Instead of seeing “Verizon,” “AT&T,” or “Sprint” at the top of your phone, you might see “Vodafone,” “Yes Optus,” “M1,” or whatever provider you choose in the country you’re visiting. The first thing to check is if your phone will work where you’re going. If you’re unsure if your phone will work where you’re going, check the Wikipedia page for your phone or contact your provider.

Your phone will also require a removable SIM. (If your phone has an eSIM, as all new iPhones do, check out our blog post about those.) Most countries require a passport or other ID to buy a prepaid SIM without a contract, but switching the SIMs is easy. Most stores will do it for you while you’re there. Depending on the country/provider, this could take as long as 10 minutes but is often faster. The next question is easily the most complicated: Can you unlock your phone? Each carrier has different rules and criteria. Generally, if you have a brand new, expensive phone, they may not let you unlock it (there’s usually a waiting period after the purchase date). But if it’s a little older, or if you’ve paid it off, they probably will. The thing to remember is that a provider can deny an unlock request without giving a reason. You might be lucky, though; certain phones on certain providers are unlocked by default. Here are Verizon and AT&T’s pages on unlocking. Alternately, you can buy a pre-unlocked phone just for travel. Amazon and Best Buy, for example, sell unlocked phones. This is also a good option if you think you might lose your expensive phone and a cheaper one will suffice while you travel.

Plug adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we look for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it charged more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with an extra USB cable and a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), a plug adapter could be what you need.

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

The tiny plug adapters from Ceptics are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics set will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter. These charts should help you find the shape you need before you order.

However, getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland a few years back. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on those charts, and the plug adapters she had used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) The world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

Whether two-prong or three-prong, an adapter just changes the shape of your plug, not anything about the electricity coming through the wires. However, this usually isn’t a problem because almost every power brick that comes with modern electronic gear is capable of accepting both the 110-volt standard used in the US and the 240-volt commonly used abroad. If your device has a power block on the cord, it likely says something like  “100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz”—that’s the all-clear to use it without a voltage converter so long as the range covers the voltage of the country you’re visiting . This includes the vast majority of modern laptop and USB chargers.

Products without some sort of power block at the end or with a non-detachable cord—in particular, things with heating elements like hair dryers and curling irons—are more likely to need a voltage converter. Putting 220 V through a US 110 V device would be like attaching a firehose to a drinking fountain—you’re likely to blow your face off. But voltage converters are tricky devices, and most of the inexpensive ones have awful (or dishonest) reviews. Since hotels and hostels will often have hair dryers and most newer gear can do the full range of voltages, we strongly recommend that, whenever possible, you only bring items that work with a much simpler (and more reliable) adapter.

Wire/gadget organization system

Now that every device has a battery, every battery has a charger, and every charger has a cable—never mind power-plug adapters if you’re traveling abroad—the sheer quantity of accessories needed just to keep your gadgets running can take up more space than the devices themselves. And unless you organize them, you can bet on having to blindly fish them out of the least convenient spot at the bottom of your bag. Recently, our pick for carrying tech necessities, the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer, which had been out of stock for a few years, returned to the Incase website and appears to be in stock. If you prefer mesh to easily see your contents, , we also like the Container Store Micro Mesh Pouches .

The Incase cable organizer is a poly-nylon blend, so it’s durable. It is a soft-shell bag, however, so its contents can distort the bag’s shape when it’s full. But the bag’s edges remain rigid—so the seams don’t pucker—its contents don’t fall out, and zipping and unzipping the bag is still easy. We have other picks in our full guide to bag and cable organizers , including a roll-up bag and a stylish duo of cosmetics travel pouches ; we’ll also start testing other options to replace this one.

USB battery packs

A USB battery pack (also called a power bank) can keep your small electronics—from phones and cameras to tablets and more—going while you’re on the road. Although the length of your trip will determine exactly how much extra juice you’ll need to have on hand, whatever your requirements, we have a great USB battery recommendation for you. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K weighs about half a pound, and its rounded edges make it easy to hold or slip into a pocket. Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices and recharge itself at top speed (with the right USB-C cable and wall charger), and it can pass power to another device while being recharged from a wall outlet. It only comes in one color, but it has enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones up to three times, as well as built-in USB-C and Lightning cables that are easy to slide in and out of their holsters.

If you’re traveling for leisure, try not to get too wrapped up in technology because you might miss what you’re actually there to do: experience a new place. OneBag’s Doug Dyment said in an interview, “Wearing headphones and staring at a screen is like putting a digital wall around yourself when you’re traveling. It makes you seem unapproachable and uninterested in what’s around you.” That may be a good thing if you do truly want to be left alone, but Dyment went on to say that some of his most memorable traveling experiences were the result of just looking lost and getting help from the locals. “One minute, you’re a lost foreigner in an unfamiliar village, then someone asks if you need directions. Before you know it, you’re eating dinner with his family.”

Travel binoculars

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The overall best binoculars.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars have performance comparable with that of many models that cost thousands more.

Our top pick for binoculars is durable and great for near-home hikes. In hot or dusty environments that may call for a clearer optical boost, the Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42 binoculars deliver top quality. Its focus dial offers a wide range of depths that makes it easier to see whatever it is you desire—birds, grass or darkened areas of the forest. Our recommendation comes with the assistance of a professional ornithologist who spent over 100 hours putting 17 pairs of binoculars to the test in the mountains of Southern California and the rain forests of southern Mexico.

Although the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars don’t offer a clear edge-to-edge view to the same degree of the Athlon Optics Midas EDs , they’re a comparable runner-up model that’ll be lighter on your wallet if having binoculars while traveling is a must. The TrailSeekers are equipped with great light-gathering qualities, close focus, and impressive optical resolution. Or, if you’re concerned about saving space, we liked the Pentax AD 8x25 WP binoculars. While not quite as powerful as our other picks, this compact pair of binoculars is well made and easy to fit into a carry-on while traveling via plane.

Ebook reader

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, and it’s finally been upgraded with sharper text on its 6-inch screen and support for USB-C charging. Those features bring it in line with much-pricier e-readers.

The entry-level Amazon Kindle finally got an upgrade and is now our favorite e-reader , with the same crisp display and USB-C charging as the pricier Kindle Paperwhite has (and with double the storage space of the previous entry-level model). Amazon’s well-stocked ebooks store remains its biggest selling point, along with the ease of checking out library books via Libby and sending them directly to a Kindle.

Even if you don’t have time for pleasure reading on your trip, it’s worth investing in a Kindle because many major travel guides are available in fully searchable ebook formats now. Furthermore, e-texts will also work on your phone, tablet, and computer, thanks to the Kindle ecosystem.

Packable daypack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, we think you’ll prefer one of our more-structured picks.

Packing a stowable daypack, one that stuffs down to fit in your luggage when not in use, is a relatively small investment of space in exchange for a high return of function and flexibility. After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it is very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water-resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, allowing the Ultra-Sil to carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more structured picks.

If comfort or waterproofing is important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

Field Notes 3-Pack Original Kraft Memo Books

For ultimate portability.

Field Notes are cheap but contain high-quality paper that earns praise from pen and stationery geeks across the web.

For writing your adventures as you travel, you can’t beat the portability, practicality, and romanticism of a pocket notebook. There’s nothing better in that category than Field Notes (three-packs available in a variety of styles and types ). These pocket-sized notebooks are widely praised for their excellent paper quality, and the Pen Addict’s Brad Dowdy tells me “Field Notes is pretty much the runaway pocket notebook champ.” Dowdy has praised it for the lack of feathering or bleedthrough with almost any pen, as well as for the light brown ruled lines, which are easier to write over than solid black. Austin Smith of Art Supply Critic told us in an email that his recommendation is “Field Notes has it, no question.” The Well-Appointed Desk has reviewed a slew of different Field Notes variants for those looking for something a bit more interesting.

Field Notes Expedition

A weather-resistant option.

Weather-resistant Expedition Field Notes are great if you’re writing in wet conditions, but don’t get them if you don’t need them. The synthetic paper feels weird and can cause some inks to smear.

If you think you’re going to be writing in foul weather, Field Notes also has the waterproof Expedition version with pages made from a synthetic water-and-tear resistant paper. You should only get these if you really need them, because otherwise, they just feel unnaturally slick and are more prone to smearing ink. At least one user has said that the paper shows less soaking through when wet than the similar Rite in the Rain books . The one caveat is that the synthetic paper will only work with pencils and certain inks ; thankfully, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT , our pick for best pen , definitely makes the grade.

Things can go wrong while you’re traveling, both where you are and where you’re not. Though you can’t prepare for every worst-case scenario, the peace of mind that a little bit of preparation grants will allow you to focus on what’s in front of you, instead of having to worry about what could go wrong. But preparation doesn’t simply mean buying more stuff just in case; it also means making efficient use of what you already have.

Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit

For the best combination of sewing tools.

The Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit is the only travel kit we found that had objectively high-quality thread and scissors.

There’s nothing quite like a wardrobe malfunction to put a damper on vacation, especially when traveling with limited clothing. A good travel-size sewing kit allows you to mend a popped button or ripped seam on the fly—or even tackle more pressing issues like fixing a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack. After 15 hours of research, interviews with sewing teachers and avid home sewers, and tests of six travel and full-size kits, we found the Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit had by far the best tools and was the easiest to keep organized. Standard travel sewing kits usually contain mediocre thread and plastic-handled scissors that break easily. They can also be hard to keep organized (a truth we confirmed when testing six top-rated travel and full-sized kits). The Merchant & Mills set was the only one that had high-quality thread, all-metal mini scissors (don’t worry, the TSA shouldn’t stop you ), and a durable tin case (about the size of a deck of cards) to keep everything well organized.

Because the sewing pins are neatly stuck into paper inside a slim envelope and the three needles are housed in a mini glass vial, this kit also limits the risk of losing a sharp object in your bags. We found the Merchant & Mills needles easier to thread than others (no need for a fussy needle threader!) and we also like the vintage-looking safety pins that come clipped together along with two small white buttons. Although this kit only comes with black and white thread, the thread is strong and there’s more of it than you’d get in a flimsier set with shorter strands of multiple colors. We do think it would be nice if the kit included a more durable measuring tape than the paper one included, but overall everything about this kit is leagues ahead of anything else we considered. We didn’t find editorial reviews for any of the kits we tested, but the Merchant & Mills rapid repair kit was recommended by several sewing bloggers and is sold in many reputable indie fabric shops.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best umbrella for most people.

This is a solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella that holds up in high winds. It also comes in a variety of colors.

price may vary by color or style

An umbrella you take traveling should be small, light, sturdy, and affordable. After putting in 66 hours of research and evaluating a total of 48 umbrellas across five rounds of testing (including one thunder-snowstorm), we found that the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is the best umbrella for most people. Its durable, nine-rib construction held up admirably against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice as much.

The Repel folds up to an 11½-inch long, 14-ounce package that fits easily into most bags and glove boxes. And it forcefully expands at a touch of a button to reveal an ample 37-inch-diameter canopy that protects your head and torso from precipitation in all but the windiest of conditions. Its lengthy, textured handle is easy to grip for hands of all sizes. We also appreciate that the Repel comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s easier to pick yours out of a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, despite its affordable price, it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under the company’s warranty.

Packing method for clothes

While packing cubes and other organization tools are helpful for maximizing your bag’s usable space, efficient packing is also achievable without the aid of tools and compartments. One Bag’s Doug Dyment tried all manners of folding aids and compression products but was unsatisfied with their claims of compression and wrinkle prevention. Frustrated, he developed his own method of packing clothes compactly called the Bundle Method, which he’s used and perfected over several decades of traveling.

The Bundle Method involves layering your shirts and pants at opposing angles on a flat surface, then wrapping them around a small “core” parcel (e.g. a packing cube full of underwear and socks). We won’t get into details, but Dyment does on his website ; you can watch this easy-to-follow video from NBC . The resulting bundle is compact and has no sharp creases that will require ironing out later on. Additionally, Dyment explains that “the slight tension created in the fabric by the wrapping process, along with the anchoring of the resulting bundle, greatly reduces the chances of wrinkling.” You then put it in your bag and use the tie-down straps to provide just enough pressure to keep it together.

While simple to perform, this packing method isn’t something you can master in one go. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get it, it’s like riding a bike. The downside is that you can’t just leave your clothing packed and expect to be able to access your underwear without fully unpacking your clothes first. But unpacking is a good habit to get into anyway, as it allows your clothes to breathe and avoid wrinkles or mildew. Wirecutter founder and frequent traveler Brian Lam says that unpacking the moment he enters a room has a grounding effect that allows him to feel a bit more at home in a new environment.

If this sounds like too much of a hassle for you, you can do what we did before we found out about bundling: roll up your socks and underwear tightly and place them in packing cubes, then put your wrinkle-prone items (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets) in a garment folder—we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder . This is also travel guru Rob King’s preferred method of packing. Though the garment folder is not quite as space-efficient as the bundle method due to the added bulk of the folder and folding board, the plastic backboard does go a long way towards preventing wrinkles. Just be aware that if you leave your clothes in there for longer than a day, they’ll begin to develop unsightly creases that require an iron to get rid of.

A big thank-you to the Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland, Oregon, for lending us a suite to use for the photos in this guide.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

• There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more. The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks  
• After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry. The Best Carry-On Luggage  
• After researching 30 models, we found that Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who check bags. The Best Suitcases for Checking  
• We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. The Best Luggage Tags  
• After researching and traveling with packing cubes for more than five years, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is what we keep in our luggage. The Best Packing Cubes  

Further reading

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

Road-Trip Essentials

by Eve O'Neill

We spend a lot of time driving each year, and this is our list of essential road-trip gear to include in your packing list.

Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

by Elissa Sanci

These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

Best in Class Reviews

The 8 best camping towels.

Commonly backgrounded in favor of tools that seem tougher, a good camp towel is a vital item for camping, backpacking, hiking, and many other outdoor activities. No matter what your pursuit, there is always a chance of rain, spills, and dirt. They’re useful for necessary chores like washing as well as more leisurely sports like swimming and fishing. A camp towel won’t add much weight to your backpack and you’ll always be glad to have it along to clean up or dry off .

Towels are a household luxury most people don’t think about bringing with them, but hiking back to the campsite sopping wet or waiting forever for your other camp tools to dry off will certainly put a damper on your good time if you forget to bring a camping towel. The right towel, especially when paired with these other cool camping gadgets , is a great way to show off your preparedness. 

In a hurry? Here’s the test winner after 10 hours of research:

[amazon box=”B01MDNHHEK”]

8 Best Camping Towels – Overview

And here’s an overview of the best camping towels on the market today:

[amazon table=”14486″]

A versatile towel that you can use at the beach, the campground, or on the boat at one of these best fishing lakes can give a lot of peace of mind to anyone who likes to stay relatively clean or maintain their other tools in the proper condition to preserve their longevity. In fact, you can think of these towels as an investment in the upkeep of your clothes and other camping equipment. Just make sure to invest in one that has all the qualities you need.

The perfect camping towel can be used everywhere from the woods to the beach.

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1. Sunland Microfiber Towel

[amazon box=”B00MGGYNN6″]

This Sunland towel has a good amount of versatility. It’s super absorbent but the towel dries fast if you wring it out first. Unlike other towels made out of microfiber material, this one isn’t sticky and feels nice and gentle on the skin. They’ve designed this one for multiple uses, so it’s pretty ideal to carry with you on long outings.

It comes with a mesh bag carrying case for quick transport. Both the towel and the carrying case have a hanging loop for storage or for hanging them out to dry. At 6 ounces, this towel is convenient for backpackers and hikers who want to keep the pack light. And at only about $9.00, the small size is definitely worth the money.

The Sunland Microfiber Towel is made out of 80% polyester and 20% polyamide. Keep in mind that a microfiber towel isn’t going to dry you off as quickly as a regular cotton towel, but the microfiber variety will dry out faster. This one definitely does a faster, better job than other brands’ microfiber towels.

It also comes in different sizes so you can choose depending on your particular needs. If you’re an animal lover and have a short-haired pet, it can probably help you dry them off a little bit, but might not work for long-haired animals. It’s also machine washable, but sometimes the colors bleed. 

• Lightweight
• Quick drying
• Mesh carry bag included
• Colors may bleed
• Limited hair drying ability

2. Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

[amazon box=”B01A4ZXXR2″]

Another microfiber travel towel, this Rainleaf has some similar limitations but tons of great benefits as well. It’s fast-drying, has great absorbency, and is machine washable. All the basics of a high-quality towel are here, and they’ve added a lifetime warranty to the mix, which is rare at this price point. The Rainleaf only costs $12 and is offered in many different colors and several sizes. It’s soft and skin friendly, lightweight and folds up into a compact size. The carry bag is partially made of mesh material, which allows the towel to breathe a little while it’s being carried, preventing mildew. 

The carry bag also has a convenient hang snap loop for storage purposes, and there’s a hang loop on the towel itself for drying. This towel has a little more polyester at 85%, and the remaining 15% is polyamide, so the feel will be slightly rougher than other microfibers, but it’s still really soft. One of the best features of this Rainleaf is that it’s been treated with an antimicrobial called Silvadur. Long story short, this treatment leaves silver ions on the towel (the same kind found on silver spoons) that are lethal to odor-causing microbes, so the towel stays odor free for a long time. That all depends on what you’re using it to clean up, of course!

• Inexpensive
• Antibacterial treatment
• Lifetime warranty
• Carry bag included
• Slight roughness
• May deteriorate if tumble-dried

3. PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel

[amazon box=”B01MXM27YB”]

Perhaps the best of the microfiber camping towels, this PackTowl is super absorbent and quick drying. It can hold four times its weight in water and you can wring it out easily, which allows it to dry out faster. It’s been treated with a polygiene odor control that protects against bacteria and mildew, similar to the antibacterial treatment of the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel.

It’s machine washable but like other travel towels you might extend its lifespan if you hang it to dry instead of tumble drying it. The PackTowl is lightweight, although not the lightest on this list. It comes with a hang snap loop on the towel itself and the included carrying bag has a hang loop as well. The carrying bag isn’t made out of mesh, which means it isn’t going to dry while you’re carrying it, but since it dries so fast you can probably hang it out to dry before you go on the move.

The color may bleed a little after the first machine wash, but after that it will be fine. The dimensions when folded are small enough to carry in your pack, and one of their multiple sizes is ultra compact, even small enough to fold up and carry in your pocket, so you can keep it with you for use as a washcloth or hand towel.

One of the nicer backpacking towels, this PackTowl also has some attractive design patterns outside of the normal solid color varieties. If you travel in a large group and everyone comes prepared with a camping towel, it’s nice to be able to add some personality to yours to make sure you can quickly identify it.

• Polygiene odor protection
• Ultra absorbent
• Fast drying
• Attractive design
• Slightly heavier
• Colors may bleed 

4. Sea to Summit Drylite Towel

[amazon box=”B001Q3KLF4″]

This Summit camping towel is ultra light and ultra portable, and it comes in several different sizes. The extra small and small size towels are perfect for backpackers and hikers. They are quick-drying, partly due to the microfiber material, which is 70% polyester and 30% nylon microfiber. Another benefit of the material is its remarkably soft suede finish, which makes it very soft on the skin.

This Summit is about as absorbent as other brands, but it offers a few more colors to choose from. One drawback is that these towels are thinner than others, which helps them dry faster but limits the amount of water it can retain before you have to wring it out. That’s not a deal breaker by any means, but the Summit may not be the best for big spills.

If you need a convenient swimming or fishing towel, this one will do just fine. But it is more expensive, costing a little more than $30, so unless you’re specifically looking for a thinner towel, this might not be the one for you. It comes with a carry bag for added portability and has a similar silver-ion antibacterial treatment as some of the towels already mentioned. The deciding factor for this Summit Drylite Towel is probably going to be the price, but it is definitely a convenient towel that covers all the basics. 

• Wide color variety

5. Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel

This Wise Owl Outfitters Towel has everything you need out of a good camping towel. It is super high quality, plush, and absorbent. It has the quickest drying time out of all the towels on this list, and you’ll find tons of variety in both color and size options. The towel sports a snap loop and the included mesh bag has a hanging loop for storage, transport, and drying off.

This is one of the softest towels on the market, which makes it ideal for drying yourself off after swimming or bathing, and it has enough thickness to hold any amount of water you might need to dry up. The only downside to this towel is that it doesn’t have any antibacterial treatment, but that can actually be a huge plus for those looking for a chemical-free towel alternative.

Two offers from Wise Owl Outfitters make this towel a savvy purchase. One is their “Two Towels for the Price of One” sale, which makes the already inexpensive $14 price tag an absolute steal. They also offer a money back guarantee, promising to accept the towel back no questions asked if you aren’t satisfied with it for any reason.

If you’re traveling, hiking, or camping in a really sunny location, this towel can dry in as little as 10 minutes in direct sunlight, and in less than an hour in a shadier location. These times depend on the temperature outside of course,  but you definitely won’t be stuck sitting around waiting on your wet towel to dry with this great little camping towel from Wise Owl. That quick dry time and the unbeatable price are what make this towel our Top Pick for best camping towel. 

• Great price
• Money back guarantee
• Two for the price of one
• No antibacterial treatment

6. Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Travel Towel

[amazon box=”B01LYH76YW”]

This Youphoria towel is a neatly designed, lightweight, and packable camping towel. It is quick drying and absorbent. Youphoria promises it can hold up to five times its weight in water, which is the highest rate of absorption on this list. It’s produced to be mildew and odor resistant, perhaps the only advantage it has over the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel, although that difference is subjective and may not be appealing to some.

The mesh carry bag for the Youphoria Microfiber Towel is definitely one of the best looking bags on offer, so for the stylish who are looking for camp-chic, this might be the towel for you. It’s super packable but not the smallest when folded up, so it really depends on your priorities. 

The price for this towel is pretty fair at $10, and they have a support staff that they promise will have your back in case of any issue with the towel, which is certainly nice but conspicuously stops just short of an outright warranty or money back guarantee. There aren’t many complaints about this towel, but it is worth considering that it doesn’t come with as much assurance as other models.

It has a sewn-in hanging loop rather than a snap loop, which some prefer for added stability when storing or drying the towel. A pro-tip for this towel: if you plan to be traveling for an extended period and hand-washing your clothes, you can roll your wet clothes up in this towel and it will absorb enough of the water for the clothes to dry faster. Using this method, you won’t need to wring your clothes out.

• No guarantee
• Thinner than other towels

7. Northbound Train Microfiber Camping Towel

[amazon box=”B077JCF6N1″]

This Northbound Train camping towel is a solid, fast drying, and portable model that will definitely serve any purpose you can put a camping towel up to. It has enough absorbency to dry off after swimming or exercising, and its machine washable to you can also use it to clean your other tools or wipe up spills.

It also comes with a mesh bag carrying case with a zipper. The Northbound Train towel stays odor free and it’s mold and mildew resistant, so you can use it for a long time without experiencing any bad smell. It doesn’t have a snap loop, but the hanging loop is made of a sound enough material that shouldn’t unravel after longtime use. 

They’re selling this towel as part of a towel set as well, so you can purchase the extra large size and the large size towel at once and carry them both together. Northbound Train offers a lifetime warranty for peace of mind, and promises a “better than money back” guarantee, which means they’ll give you your money back and send you a replacement towel if you have any issue with their product.

At $18, this isn’t the most bang for your buck on the market, and it doesn’t quite have the popularity of our Top Pick, but this model surely won’t disappoint. If you’re looking for a tidy and lightweight travel towel with some buyer’s assurance, this one could suit you perfectly.

• Super absorbant
• Mildew & mold resistant
• Comes in a towel set
• Moderately priced
• No snap loop
• Less portability

8. Dock & Bay Microfiber Towel

[amazon box=”B00W22FZAY”]

This is the most vibrant of the selected camping towels in terms of color scheme and design. It’s advertised as a beach towel, so it’s great for drying off skin but may not be appropriate for keeping the rest of your kit clean or for use on a fishing boat unless you’re suntanning there.

If you want a standout design, then this is the towel for you. It also has some features typical of a good travel towel, like a quick dry material and lightweight portability. The one thing that sets this towel apart is its sand-free design. They promise that sand will not stick to this Dock & Bay model, a further indication that it is more specialized than the other towels on this list. 

If you’re looking for a towel that is especially handy for swimming at the beach or lake, this could be the towel for you. But with a price tag of $25, anyone looking for more versatility in their travel towels should probably opt for another model. This Dock & Bay does have a 12 month warranty and a 30-day return policy, which is all good and well but isn’t the best offer on the market in terms of buyer’s assurance. Still a very useful towel for beachgoers, and it’s absolutely the towel for anyone who wants to be a standout on the sand!

• Unique design
• 12 month warranty
• Limited functionality

Features of a great camping towel

When looking at towels there are some features that will make a big difference. The material of the towel, whether microfiber, terrycloth, or polyamide, should be absorbent and antibacterial. Any towel that isn’t might grow mildew and turn your pack into a smelly mess.

An ultra-compact, ultra-light towel that’s quick-drying and plush will prepare you for any surprise nature can throw at you. There are generally several different sizes to choose from depending on its purpose: a small towel for quick cleaning, a medium-sized towel for more detailed jobs or longer per-chore use, a large towel for bigger jobs, and an extra-large size for personal hygiene and swimming. Stay clean and dry on your next journey with a high-quality camping towel!

[amazon table=”14487″]

For its super absorbency, soft-to-the-skin touch, fast drying capabilities and the additional guarantees from the company, we’ve chosen the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel as our Top Pick for best camping towel. You can’t beat the number of benefits this towel offers. It’s construction and design make it perfect for use as a beach towel or bath towel, and it dries you off just as fast as cotton towels would.

It’s great for backpackers and hikers alike, but the durability and the way this towel looks means it can easily be brought along as a sports towel or gym towel. Wise Owl offers different sizes and a variety of colors. The carry bag is nice and makes this towel super portable. You can attach the bag to a carabiner so you can attach it to the outside of your pack and don’t have to take up any space inside it.

This is a savvy deal financially and a great deal in terms of use value. It can handle any amount of water and it’s easy to wring out and hang dry. This Wise Owl Outfitters towel is the perfect mixture of comfort and usability, and the price is just right. That’s what makes it our Top Pick for best camping towel.

Bonus tip: To learn more about the Wise Owl Outfitters camping towel, check out this useful video below!

Riley Draper

Riley Draper is a writer and entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a world traveler, he has been to more than fifty countries and hiked some of the most elusive trails in the world. He is the co-founder of WeCounsel Solutions and has published work in both national and global outlets, including the Times Free Press, Patch, and Healthcare Global. When he’s not writing, he’s probably on a hiking trip or climbing in the mountains.

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5 best tackle boxes for fishin.

With so many products available on the market, finding the right tackle box for your needs can be a bit overwhelming. For this reason, we’ve tested and selected the best-value, top-performing options on the market, guaranteed to enhance your fishing adventures.

January 3, 2023/ Samantha Bos Table of Contents

No matter what type of angler you are, a quality tackle box or bag is a must-have item. Not only does a tackle box protect your fishing accessories during transport, but it also allows you to neatly organize your tackle so you’ll always know exactly where each lure is – no more digging around, fumbling through tangled hooks. 

With so many products available on the market, finding the right tackle box for your needs can be a bit overwhelming. For this reason,  we’ve tested and selected the best-value, top-performing options on the market, guaranteed to enhance your fishing adventures . 

Our Best Tackle Box overview includes 5 of the most top-rated products available on the market in terms of customer ratings, value, and quality.

5 Best Tackle Boxes – Overview

• Best Overall: Plano Guide Series Tackle System (also on Bass Pro )
• Best Lightweight: Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag
• Best Budget-Friendly: Flambeau Outdoors 2-Tray Tackle Box
• Best for Versatile Storage: Wild River Tackle Tek Backpack
• Best Easy Access Storage Rack: Plano Angled Tackle System

We’ve included something for every fisherman, regardless of preference and budget.  From compact tackle boxes with budget-friendly pricing to super spacious and highly portable tackle backpacks, there’s bound to a tackle box on our list for you.  Whether you’re interested in a hard or soft case model, we’ve got you (and your tackle box requirements) covered. 

If you’re not quite sure about what type of tackle box matches your needs, be sure to check out our handy buyer’s guide at the bottom of this post. 

I n our buyer’s guide, we take a detailed look at the different factors that need to be considered when buying a tackle box. We’ll also provide you with more information on the pros and cons of each type of design.

1. Plano 7771-01 Guide Series Tackle System

[amazon box=”B000E39T3C”]

(Also available on Bass Pro Shops .)

The Plano 7771-01 Guide Series Tackle System is one of the best-selling, highest-rated tackle boxes on Amazon.  After testing it out myself, it’s no surprise why this tackle box is so popular among anglers. 

This  spacious, hard-case tackle box  offers ample storage for your tackle, spinnerbait, and tools. 

Related: The best gazebo to take camping

It features a see-through  Duraview cover  and  easy-grip, molded handle  for extra portability.  Manufactured in the USA , this tackle-box adheres to high-quality standards and is made by a renowned brand (Plano) in tackle box solutions. 

The Plano 7771 Guide Series Tackle Box, like all products by Plano, comes with a l imited lifetime warranty.  Should you encounter any manufacturing defects, Plano will provide you with a full replacement.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

• Made in the USA
• 3 removable bait racks
• 4 pull out tackle trays
• Extra bulk storage
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Slightly more expensive
• Not ideal for hikes/carrying over long distances

Check Latest Price

2. Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag

[amazon box=”B003M1IHB8″]

The highly portable Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag features a  soft case design  complete with plenty of storage space. Extremely heavy-duty, this tackle box has a spacious  38.8-liter capacity  and includes  4 large tackle trays.

Its main compartment is  completely customizable  so you can easily adjust it to suit your specific requirements. The total dimensions of this bag are  15.75 x 10.8 x 8.2  inches , and it only  weighs a total of 2.62 pounds . 

Aside from a spacious main compartment, the Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag also includes additional storage options.  There are two front pockets and two holsters that are great for storing small tools such as pliers or a knife . In addition, there’s a  large mesh pocket  on the exterior backside. I love that this tackle bag features  two removable fishing line dispensers  at both ends.

First-class materials

Made from first-class 1680 polyester, this tackle bag is extremely durable. The design features a quality PVC backing, heavy-duty zippers, strong buckles, and a waterproof molded base . Plus, this bag is extra comfortable to carry thanks to a thick webbing on the polypropylene shoulder strap. 

As a testimony to its quality, this tackle bag is backed by a  manufacturer’s lifetime warranty . Even though we don’t expect you to encounter any issues relating to quality, it’s always good to know that a guaranteed replacement is inevitable – that’s what we call a great catch!

• High-quality 1680 polyester fabric
• PVC backing
• Heavy-duty zippers
• Waterproof molded base
• Spacious storage
• Holds up to 4 large tackle boxes (included)
• Adjustable dividers
• Additional front pockets with organizers
• Large exterior mesh pocket on the back
• Comes with 2 plier holsters
• Lifetime manufacturers warranty
• Padded shoulder strap/portability
• Fishing line dispensers
• Not as durable as hard case tackle boxes
• Will weigh you down when filled with gear
• No additional rain-cover included
• The seams may fray with long-term wear and tear

3. Flambeau Outdoors Classic 2-Tray Tackle Box

[amazon box=”B074ZVWPLY”]

If you’re looking for a  compact, budget-friendly tackle box , then the Flambeau Outdoors Classic 2-Tray style just may be the tackle box for you. 

Although this  plastic tackle box  is not very big in stature, simply organizing the storage space will ensure you have plenty of room for your lures, tools, and bait. This tackle box includes  eight built-in tray compartments  and  6 removable dividers  which allow you to keep your gear securely organized.

The efficient layout of the Flambeau Outdoors Classic  2-Tray Tackle Box  is further enhanced with plenty of base storage. Even though it may be on the small side  (14 x 8.2 x 7.6 inches) , this tackle box can pack a whole lot more than you’d expect at first glance. 

The silhouette provides you with instant access to your tackle via a  flip-top lid  compartment, whilst a  Drawtite latch  makes sure your items remain secure. This tackle box features  tip-guard tray supports  to ensure that your fishing accessories stay firmly in place, even when on the go. 

The Flambeau Outdoors Classic 2-Tray Tackle Box is extremely lightweight and portable. When empty,  i t only weighs one pound!

Although this best-selling tackle box is  highly affordable , it does not compromise on quality. Considering its listed price, this tackle system is simply a steal.

• Comes built with eight tray compartments with six removable dividers
• Drawtite latch
• 8 built-in tray compartments
• 6 removable dividers
• Easy Access flip-top lid
• Lightweight (just 1 pound)
• Budget-friendly 
• Too compact for some anglers
• Not the most heavy-duty design
• No space for larger tools
• Can become top-heavy when filled

4. Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack

[amazon box=”B00A0PA46U”]

Note: You can also get this backpack at Bass Pro Shops here .

When it comes to  tackle backpacks , the Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad is just about as good as it gets. Although it’s slightly more expensive than your typical plastic tackle box, it’s well worth the splurge. 

D esigned for heavy-duty, on-the-go use,   this tackle bag is the perfect choice for anglers that love to venture deep into the wilderness.  To make carrying the Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack even easier,  it features large, adjustable padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a padded carrying handle .

This sturdy, functional tackle backpack is a versatile choice for additional gear storage.  It can hold up to 6 medium-sized 3600 tackle trays, and 4 additional 3500 tackle trays . Plus, it features a multitude of  zippered compartments and mesh pockets  to ensure there’s plenty of room for all of your favorite tackle, lures, reels, and more. 

The large upper storage area also includes a  removable divider.  When you need extra space for larger items, simply remove the divider to maximize the interior storage capacity.  I love that this tackle bag includes a front pocket cover that folds down, providing you with a makeshift work surface.

Clever design elements

This smart alternative to a traditional tackle box comes with various clever design elements. For example, there’s  a molded  sunglass  compartment  on the top that keeps your eyewear secure, and an external  removable plier holster  for additional convenience, with or without the tackle bag. 

The Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad Backpack also  includes a  rain cover , ensuring your pack and gear stay dry, no matter the weather conditions. 

This backpack has an integrated LED light system that lights up the pack in the dark, allowing you to easily locate it (and your tackle) even in low light and dark conditions.  This is an ideal feature if you enjoy fishing in the early hours of the morning, or at night.

Read more buyer reviews at Bassproshops.com.

• Heavy-duty, quality construction
• Versatile storage options
• Holds up to 6 #3600 trays
• Holds up to 4 #3500 trays
• Internal mesh pockets
• Removable divider in the upper compartment
• External gear pockets
• External pliers holder
• Sunglasses compartment
• Comes with rain-cover to keep dry in wet conditions
• Integrated LED light system
• Very portable/adjustable shoulder straps
• Can feel too bulky for some anglers
• Does not provide instant overview of gear
• Straps are prone to wear and tear
• Zippers may break with repeated usage

5. Plano 732 Angled Tackle System 

[amazon box=”B006PKXVAA”]

The Plano 732 Angled Tackle System is another firm favorite amongst fishing enthusiasts.  This highly-rated Plano tackle box features a built-in storage rack that holds two medium and three large utility boxes. 

Its total dimensions are  18 x 9 x 10 inches , whilst  its weight is 5.65 pounds  (without gear). Although it’s not the most lightweight tackle box on our list, we reckon it’s a fair trade-off considering its ample storage space and durability.  If you own a boat, this could be the tackle box for you. 

Made from hard plastic, the Plano 732 Angled Fishing Tackle Box features a  built-in storage rack with multiple utility boxes  that sit at a nice 15-degree angle. This ‘angled’ configuration allows you to quickly reach for anything you want, providing you with easy access when you need it. 

This tackle box also includes  additional storage compartments situated on top of the lid and an extra storage area below the lid  that can hold a lot of tackle or other fishing accessories.

The top storage compartments are fitted with  DuraView lens covers  that provide a clear view of the contents. For stability, this tackle box also features  non-skid rubber feet.  These feet are ideal for keeping the box in place, even on slippery or wet surfaces. 

An  oversized handle  helps evenly distribute the weight and provides a firm, comfortable grip.  Two locking latches  keep the contents of the tackle box firmly in place, so you don’t have to worry about losing any of your expensive tackle when rolling over massive waves.

• Integrated storage rack for easy access
• Holds 3 large utility boxes
• Holds 2 medium utility boxes
• Additional storage compartment under the lid
• Additional storage pockets on top of the lid
• Angled silhouette with ‘pull out’ trays
• Duraview Lens Covers
• Non-skid rubber feet
• Strong locking latches
• Might be prone to tipping when filled to maximum capacity
• Quite a heavy tackle box (5.65lbs)
• Not super portable over long distances
• Not fully waterproof according to some reviews

Final Verdict

Every product that we’ve covered on our list will make for a great choice to keep your fishing gear organized. The best tackle box for you really depends on where, when, and how you plan to use it. 

For anglers who love venturing out into nature for days at a time, then a softshell portable-style tackle unit like the Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad backpack or the Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag make for ideal choices. 

For the fishing enthusiasts who want maximum durability and capacity (where portability is not the main priority), a hard case style such as the Plano 7771-01 Guide Series Tackle System will be your best choice. 

No matter what type of angler you are, all 5 products on our list score top-marks for quality, value, and convenience, and have gathered hundreds of 5-star reviews by satisfied Amazon customers. 

Be sure to check out the following buyer’s guide for further details about different factors to consider when buying the tackle box that’s right for you.

[amazon table=”13977″]

In the unlikely case that you do encounter any problems, you can simply contact the manufacturer or seller to request a full refund or replacement.

Best Tackle Box – Buying Guide

Important factors when buying a tackle box .

When buying a tackle box, there are multiple factors to consider. For example, size, the type of shell (hard or soft), the price, the material, and the configuration. A tackle box that is a perfect match with one angler, might be completely the wrong choice for another fishing enthusiast. Which is why it’s crucial to not just pick a tackle box with high consumer rating and fancy features, but one that actually ‘ticks the box’ for your requirements. 

Below we’ve listed the most important factors to take into account when shopping for tackle boxes, allowing you to determine which type and style will be ‘the best’ for you. Get informed about the different possibilities, and learn how to find the best tackle box for your needs by using these handy criteria:

Type of Tackle Box

Generally, tackle storage products can be divided into 3 main types: hard tackle boxes, soft tackle bags/boxes, and tackle backpacks. Each has its characteristics, and pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at each category:

Hard Tackle Boxes

The hard tackle box is a classic choice to store your lures and bait. This trunk-style silhouette was originally a single-tray storage box made of wood or wicker but now comes in a variety of materials and configurations. The first plastic tackle boxes were created by Plano, who noticed anglers needed hard cases that didn’t rust or degrade such as wood or metal boxes did. Still a preferred material of choice, most hard-case tackle boxes are made of waterproof plastic compounds. A smart choice, as these are both lightweight and durable, plus easy to clean. 

Most hard-shell tackle boxes have a trunk-style or suitcase-style silhouette with a handle at the top or side, and clips to lock the box. Some larger hard tackle boxes may also come with wheels, or an extendable handle for extra maneuverability. 

Though the interior configuration of hard tackle boxes differs per brand and style, most designs will feature some sort of cascading/folding trays and/or a sliding drawer. These trays or drawers come with various smaller compartments, allowing you to easily organize your favorite lures. By keeping lures and jigs in various separate compartments or levels, you can quickly locate the right piece of equipment. Plus, this storage solution also ensures your fishing gear is less likely to get tangled, or damaged, during transport. 

Soft Tackle Bags/ Soft Tackle Boxes

We’ve noticed that recently the popularity of soft tackle bags and soft-shell tackle boxes is on the rise. And it’s no surprise why these styles are becoming a go-to choice for anglers: as their portability is a big lure. 

Soft tackle bags are often still shaped like a box/trunk, but the fabric material makes them more pliable and lightweight than plastic counterparts. The silhouette is most commonly made of nylon or polyester. Unlike hard-case tackle boxes that generally tend to only have a single handle, most soft tackle bags also come with a shoulder strap. Allowing you to easily sling it over your shoulder for extra comfort on the go.

Just like hard tackle boxes, the interior of a soft tackle bag will differ depending on the brand, size, and style. Though, as a general rule of thumb, look for a bag that has multiple compartments to keep your gear easily organized. Most soft tackle boxes will include various inner compartments and dividers, zippered pockets, and/or removable trays to comfortably store your lures, reels, and spools in one, lightweight silhouette. Some brands include removable plastic utility boxes with their soft-shell bags, which are quite similar to standard Tupperware containers. Though handy for storing tackle, these boxes don’t quite provide the same overview as tackle trays or drawers. So if a quick overview is a priority for you, a soft fishing tackle bag might not be your best choice, and we would recommend a hard tackle box instead.

Tackle Backpacks

Take a soft-shell tackle bag, add two shoulder straps, and voila: you’ve reached the final category: tackle backpacks. This style is the best of both worlds. Not only does it contain various dividers/compartments to keep your tackle safely secured, but the backpack-style silhouette makes it ideal for longer hikes or fishing trips. The added portability makes it a popular style for multi-day adventures where you have to carry your tackle over longer distances. A downside is, that just like soft-shell tackle boxes, a tackle backpack does not provide an instant overview of your gear. When opened, you’ll have to sift through the contents to locate pieces, instead of instantly seeing which tackle is where. Meaning that separate plastic containers are key to keeping your stuff organized inside the pack. 

Disclaimer:  we’ve chosen not to include any fly fishing tackle gear in this overview and buying guide, such as the “Go-To” Fly Box by New Phase. As fly fishing tackle boxes only caters to a very specific fishing type/type of fish. Instead, we’ve chosen to include versatile options that accommodate a range of tackle/lures/sinkers/fishing accessories, and other saltwater and freshwater fishing gear. 

When looking for the best tackle box, size is one of the most important factors. Every angler needs a design large enough to store your supplies, but size-up too much and the tackle box can be heavy and difficult to carry. It’s tempting to choose a larger option, but you may not even need all that storage space. 

Compare it to a closet for your clothes. You could buy a super large option that has enough room for all your 4-season clothing, but this will take up a lot of space and cost you a pretty penny. Or you could size down and simply alternate between your winter and summer wardrobe. The same goes for a fishing tackle box. You could buy a heavy-duty, extra-large size with dozens of storage compartments to fit all your tackle or gear. Or you could size down and simply pack it based on what gear you’ll be needing on that specific trip. If you’re going on an open-water adventure on a boat, you can leave your surf fishing lures at home. Or vice versa. 

Sometimes bigger is indeed better, but when it comes to fishing tackle boxes, we prefer a mid-sized option that is both spacious enough for fishing essentials, yet also portable enough to easily carry to our favorite fishing spot. However, the choice is of course completely up to you!

The material of a tray tackle box or tackle bag depends mostly on the style. Hard-cased tackle boxes are generally made of metal or plastic, whilst soft shoulder bags and backpacks are produced of nylon or polyester fabrics. There’s not one material that reigns supreme, as each has its specific pros and cons.

Plastic is lightweight, corrosion-proof, easy to clean, and doesn’t retain odor. Metal is more durable but may be prone to rust depending on the type of metal alloy used. Fabric is even more lightweight than plastic, and its pliable qualities make it easier to compress during transport. 

Overall, there’s a simple way to ensure the material of the tackle box lives up to expectation: make sure the material is a high-grade/top-grade choice. For example: if plastic, ensure it’s BPA-free and non-toxic. If nylon, ensure its a durable variety such as ripstop nylon with a water-resistant coating. And if metal, look for a corrosion-resistant option such as stainless steel. Regardless of which material you prefer, quality is key. Check what customer reviews are saying about the durability, waterproof qualities and wear and tear of the plastic/metal/fabric, etc. And double-check the specific type of material used, as listed by the manufacturer. Yes, we know this can be a laborious process, but if you want top performance in the long-term, it does help to do your research. 

Fortunately, there is an alternative: our Best Tackle Box overview. All 5 options listed tick the box when it comes to quality and durability. With a big thumbs up from fellow angling enthusiasts. We’ve only included products that adhere to high-quality standards, to provide you with a premium selection available on Amazon that doesn’t disappoint.

Samantha Bos

Samantha is an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring the great unknown. She’s traveled all across the globe to sample nature’s delights. And her travels have taken her to all corners of the world: from hiking the famous Inca Trail in Peru to ice-hiking on glaciers in Alaska.

Besides hiking, Samantha likes to challenge herself with all kinds of outdoor activities. She doesn’t shy away from testing her limits. For example, navigating Grade 5 rapids whilst whitewater rafting in New Zealand, and avoiding close-encounters with bird-eating spiders and poisonous plants in the Australian rainforest. Currently based in Manhattan, New York, she’s traded in the real jungle for an urban jungle. But she tries to get out and explore nature in the surrounding Hudson Valley, Catskills, and Harriman State Park areas as often as she can.

She shares her knowledge of hiking, backpacking, and outdoor activities in handy ‘Best of’ overviews. Bundling the best-value, top-rated products that will no doubt make every reader a ‘happy camper’.

The Best 10-Person Tents

Love camping with a large group of friends or family members? Then you’re going to need a spacious shelter! 

To help you navigate the market, we’ve created the following comprehensive Best 10-Person Tent overview. In this review, we’ve highlighted the best-value options currently available on the market. 

Explore the top-rated 10-person tents below – discover the perfect fit for your upcoming camping trips! 

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10 Best 10-Person Tents – Overview

Here’s an overview of the best 10-person tents (keep scrolling for detailed breakdowns with pros and cons for each of your options):

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1. Outdoor Products 10-Person Instant Cabin Tent

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This tent is equipped with handy storage pockets  that allow you to keep your personal belongings neatly organized. 

• Extended Eave Technology

The 10-Person Instant Cabin Tent by Outdoor Products is well-ventilated thanks to  dual ground vents and mesh windows  that work together to create ample cross ventilation throughout the tent. 

This tent comes with a water-resistant, particle-cover rainfly, plus a tub floor to keep moisture out.  This large cabin tent also features  ‘Extended Eave Technology’.  This means the automatically extended eaves keep the tent fly away from the tent’s body. Not only does this boost breathability, but it also allows you to keep the windows open in light rain. 

Other Reading: Best Gazebo for Camping

• Instant setup in just 2 minutes
• Removable room divider included
• Dual ground vents
• Mesh windows for proper airflow
• Water-resistant rainfly included
• Great value-for-money
• Integrated storage pockets
• Can fit 2 queen-size air beds
• Heavy-weight 
• Not the most portable
• Not the highest quality standard

2. UNP 10-Person Camping Tent 

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The UNP 10-person camping tent measures 18ft x 9ft x78in . In total, it provides a whopping  162 square feet of space  and can fit up to 10 sleeping bags (or 3 queen air mattresses if comfort is your main priority). Furthermore, this is a  four-season tent  making it a suitable option for camping regardless of the conditions.

This extra-large tent is made from  100% polyester  and  weighs 23 pounds  when fully packed into its carrying bag. It makes use of  fiberglass poles and hooks  for maximum sturdiness and only takes roughly five minutes to set up. 

The spacious interior of this tent features a  mesh mosquito repellent roof  that allows for stargazing while keeping mosquitoes and other annoying insects out. 

A  s pacious Gear Loft  comes built-in that is suitable for storing and air-drying clothes. This tent also features  mesh pockets  that are great for keeping personal belongings and other necessities organized. 

Including an  electrical access port , this tent allows you to extend a cord from your devices to an outside power source. To ensure you stay in one place, this tent is secured via  Patented Foot Sleeves  that hold the included FRP poles securely in place even during the toughest weather conditions. Plus, these handy foot sleeves make setup a breeze. 

The UNP 10-person camping tent combines comfort and privacy thanks to an easily accessible doorway complete with two-way zippers.

• Big enough for 3 Queen air mattresses
• Mesh storage pockets
• Patented Foot sleeves to keep poles from slipping
• Perfect for all four seasons
• Electrical access ports
• Can only be separated into 2 rooms

3. CORE 10 Person Straight Wall Cabin Tent 

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The CORE 10 Person Straight Wall Cabin Tent  measures 14ft x 10ft , with a  center height of 86″.  It includes an expandable, zippered carry bag and  packs down to 28.5″ x 10″ X 10″.  Weighing in at  35.5 lbs , this tent is quite hefty compared to similar options on my list. 

This quality camping tent can comfortably accommodate up to  10 adult-sized sleeping bags or 2 queen-sized air mattresses.  Note: due to its straight wall design, this is one queen-sized airbed less than the previous Ozark Trail XL Family Tent. 

This family tent features  one large D-style door for easy access . Personally, I kind of wished each compartment had a separate entry-point for additional privacy. 

• Advanced Venting System

The CORE 10 Person Straight Wall Cabin Tent’s advanced ventilation system makes use of adjustable vents to draw in cool air from the ground. Simultaneously, warm air is recycled outward via its  large mesh ceiling . 

The CORE 10 Person Straight Wall Cabin Tent also  includes a gear loft with a lantern hook, ample storage pockets, and an electrical cord access port.  

As far as design is concerned, this tent is made from premium materials, including  durable 68D polyester tent fabric, a tough PE floor, and fiberglass tent poles . This tent also makes use of a  removable water-resistant rainfly  to ensure you stay dry. Furthermore, the seams of this tent are thermally heat-sealed to keep water and condensation out.

• Vertical-walled silhouette
• Ample 86″ center height
• 14 x 10 feet – very spacious
• Room divider
• Two entry doors
• A lantern hook, gear loft, and storage pockets
• An electrical cord access point
• Thermally heat-sealed seams
• Setup can take a bit longer 
• Only 2-room tent, not 3-room
• Quite heavy (35.5 lbs)

4. Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Outdoor Tent 

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This 3-season tent comes equipped with  Coleman’s patented WeatherTec System  which is a proprietary series of interworking features designed to keep bad weather where it belongs – outside. 

If you’re looking for a spacious, budget-friendly family camping tent that’s able to easily withstand the elements, then the Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Outdoor Tent could be just what you’re looking for. 

The Coleman WeatherMaster Outdoor Tent  measures 17ft x 9ft with a center height of 76″.  Although it’s less roomy, height-wise, compared to the CORE 10 Person Straight Wall Cabin Tent, it still offers ample headroom for most campers. 

The Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent can  comfortably accommodate up to 10 adult-sized sleeping bags or 3 queen size air beds.  It features a hinged door at the front and a zippered door at the back for easy access. 

When it’s time to head home, the Coleman WeatherMaster Outdoor Tent packs down into its included carry bag – listed as 30.3″ x 10.2″ x 10.2″. This tent  weighs approximately 31 pounds  when packed away. 

Panoramic views

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, family camping tent with plenty of weather-resistant features, then the Coleman WeatherMaster Outdoor Tent may be your best bet. 

Setting up this tent is extremely simple thanks to a  color-coded pole system  and continuous pole sleeve design. Other perks include  large, angled windows  that allow for panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, and  multiple storage pockets  to keep your belongings neatly organized. 

Overall, the Coleman WeatherMaster Outdoor Tent offers plenty of value considering its affordable pricing. For this reason, it’s one of the best 10-person camping tents at the lower end of the price spectrum.

• Quick setup with color-coded pole construction
• Hinged door for easy access
• Can fit 3 queen air beds
• 2 entry points
• Room dividers for privacy
• WeatherTec system
• Waterproof floor and zipper cuffs
• Fully-taped seams on durable taffeta rainfly
• Large angled windows for panoramic views
• Less generous in headroom
• Setup can be a bit tricky
• WeatherTec system can still fail in heavy downpours

5. HIKERGARDEN 10-person camping tent  

The HIKERGARDEN tent is  waterproof, wind-proof,  and provides all of the ventilation needed to comfortably house 10 people. Requiring only  10 minutes to set up , this tent  measures 168 x 132 x 74 inches  when fully erect. 

This tent can comfortably accommodate  up to 10 sleeping bags . It’s very spacious and offers plenty of privacy thanks to a  dividing curtain . 

The tent also features  electrical access ports  so you can run a cord from the inside of the tent to an exterior power source. Furthermore, there are  mesh gear pockets  so you can keep your small trinkets organized.

When properly set up, the HIKERGARDEN tent is comfortable, safe, and provides privacy and protection, even when camping in large groups.

• Waterproof and wind-resistant
• Mesh door and windows
• Carrying bag for storage and transport
• Presence of electrical access ports and mesh pockets
• Might take a while to set up
• Can only be divided into two
• Rain fly only opens from outside

6. Tahoe Gear Olympia 10-Person Family Camping Tent

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The Tahoe Gear Olympia 10-Person Family Camping Tent measures  18ft x 10.5ft in floor space (216″ x 126″) and has a center height of 84″  – this is ample headroom even for taller campers. 

This large tent is surprisingly lightweight, especially compared to other 10-person camping tents. The total packing weight of the Tahoe Gear Olympia is approximately  23 lbs . 

The roomy interior space of the Tahoe Gear Olympia can comfortably accommodate  up to 10 adult sleeping bags or 2 queen air mattresses.  A minor con is that this tent does not include a room divider, meaning privacy is a bit limited. 

Great ventilation options

What the Tahoe Gear Olympia 10-Person Family Camping Tent lacks in privacy, it more than makes up for in quality and construction.  This tent features a durable, waterproof polyester rainfly with taped seams and a polyethylene binding floor with water-resistant properties.  In addition, the Tahoe Gear Olympia is also well-ventilated, thanks to a  mesh roof  and  ground vents  that ensure proper airflow. 

This tall 10-person tent also includes an  electrical cord access point, an awning over the front door, and a carry bag.  It also comes with a  1-year product warranty , ensuring that if you encounter any manufacturing defects, you can get a refund or a replacement (subject to conditions).

Aside from the lack of a room divider, another minor con is that the Tahoe Gear Olympia 10-Person Family Camping Tent only has 1 door. This makes entering and exiting slightly less convenient, especially when nature calls in the middle of the night and you have to crawl over your camping buddies. That said, it’s not a major issue. Still, it’s something to keep in mind if you plan on packing the tent to full capacity with 10 campers…

• Pin-and-ring-system setup
• Large floor space
• Rainfly included
• Mesh ceiling and ground vents for proper ventilation
• Can fit 2 queen-sized air mattresses
• Electrical cord access port
• 84″ center height ideal for taller campers
• Included carry bag
• Only 1 entry door
• No room dividers
• Fiberglass frame may damage in strong winds

7. Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent

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Another best-selling tent by Ozark Trail is the 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent. Not only does this tent feature a super easy setup that can be completed in minutes,  but it also comes with ‘Dark Rest’ technology that allows you to easily customize the interior illumination.  The result: a better night’s sleep, and a tent that stays cooler, longer. 

The  steel-framed  Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent is very easy to pitch, with  no assembly required . Its silhouette features  poles that come pre-attached to the tent shell.  According to the manufacturer,  setup is possible in just 2 minutes , thanks to its instant, pre-assembled construction.

Dark Rest Technology

Though its roomy interior and easy assembly are great perks, the real attraction of this 10-person tent by Ozark Trail is its Dark Rest Technology. Dark Rest refers to this tent’s special technology that’s designed to block sunlight.  The silhouette of the tent features multiple skylights with interior ceiling panels . These panels allow you to easily customize the amount of sunlight inside of the tent and allow you to block out the light completely when it’s time for bed.  The ceiling panels on the skylights can also be fully rolled back, making this a great tent for stargazing.  If you’re a sleeper that’s sensitive to light, or you simply want a tent that stays cooler, longer, this Dark Rest technology may be the answer to your prayers. 

Other pros of the Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent include  integrated storage pockets  and a  hanging gear organizer  that enables you to keep your camping gear neatly organized and off the ground. 

The Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent also comes with an  electrical cord access port, tent stakes, and a carry bag.  This tent is furthermore covered by a  6-month product warranty  – always a plus. 

Although the Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent isn’t the cheapest 10-person tent on the market, considering its fantastic design quality and unique Dark Rest technology, it’s no doubt worth the investment for campers that want the best night’s sleep possible…

• Instant easy setup, no assembly required
• Excellent quality standard
• Steel frame more durable than fiberglass
• Tent stays cooler, longer
• Dark Rest technology
• Great for stargazing
• Multiple mesh windows for great ventilation
• Removable room divider
• Includes tent stakes
• Not lightweight

8. Columbia Mammoth Creek 10-Person Tent

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If you’re looking for a 10-person tent that maximizes interior space, then the Mammoth Creek model by Columbia may be just what you’re after. 

The Columbia Mammoth Creek 10 Person Tent  measures 14ft x 10ft (168″ x 120″) and offers 78″ of center height.  This spacious tent can fit up to  10 adult sleeping bags or 2 queen-size air mattresses.  

This 10-person tent features  large pull-out window s  that can be kept fully open for maximum airflow on warm days.  Further air circulation is encouraged via an adjustable ground vent and no-see-um mesh panels.  During bad weather conditions, the  waterproof polyester flooring and rainfly  work together to keep you dry and sheltered. 

Omni-Shield coated fabric 

The Columbia Mammoth Creek 10 Person Tent comes with Omni-Shield coated fabric.  This patented type of water-resistant fabric dries 3-5 times faster than regular, untreated polyester.  Not only does it dry quicker, but it also gets less weighed down when wet – reducing the strain and pull on the tent’s frame in heavy rain. 

Although the product description on Amazon lists the shipping weight at an ultralight 4 pounds, this is an error. According to Amazon reviews,  the total packing weight of this backpacking tent is approximately 22 lbs ; this is still relatively lightweight for a tent this size. 

A minor con is that Columbia Mammoth Creek 10 Person Tent isn’t an instant setup tent, meaning you will have to spend more time on assembly than the other, easy setup models in this overview. 

Furthermore, some reviewers mentioned a lack of clear setup instructions. That said, once you’ve figured out which part goes where, the setup will be quicker the second time around.

• Vertical wall silhouette
• Maximum interior space
• Omni-Shield waterproof fabric
• No-see-um mesh 
• Room divider for privacy
• Large pull-out windows 
• Adjustable ground vent for air circulation
• Not the quickest in setup
• Some reviewers mention a lack of clear set-up instructions
• A discrepancy in packing weight in the product listing

9. NTK Arizona 10-person Camping Tent

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The NTK Arizona camping tent is  made from heavy-duty polyester  and is  perfect for 3 seasons . This durable tent can comfortably house up to 10 sleeping bags (or 3 double air mattresses and one single). NTK once again provides a quality product designed to enhance any outdoor excursion. 

One of the best family tents out there, This NTK tent also features an  ultra-slim polyester micro-mesh material  that acts as a means of protection from mosquitoes and other bugs while ensuring the tent stays thoroughly ventilated. 

Featuring a Double layer 190T polyester laminated water column, heat-welded PU sealed seams, and UV protection , this tent provides you with ample protection against the elements and ensures you get the comfort that you deserve. Even its  large D-style doors  are covered with mosquito mesh so you get great views and ventilation, minus the insects.

• Comes with a stuff bag for easy storage and transport
• Offers protection against all elements
• Mosquito mesh
• High-quality floor
• The material of the tent floor is quite prone to wear and tear
• Not the most durable tent on the market
• Only partial-coverage rainfly 

10. Outbound Lightweight Pop up Family Camping Tent

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If your main priority is to find a 10-person tent that’s  lightweight (12 lbs)  and easy to carry, this model by Outbound is a fantastic match. Plus,  not only is it lightweight, but it’s also super easy to set up – enabling you to pitch it within minutes.  The trade-off is that the tent is not the most heavy-duty and durable, but for those that plan to carry their tent over longer distances, it’s worth the compromise. 

The Outbound Lightweight Pop up Family Camping Tent  measures 14ft x 10ft (168″ x 120″) . This is enough room to accommodate 10 regular-sized adult sleeping bags or 2 queen-size air beds.  This tent provides campers with  76 inches of standing center height.  The family camping tent by Outbound comes with an  ultralight fiberglass frame system , which is part of the reason it only weighs 12 lbs in total packing weight. 

This roomy tent includes a partial-cover rain fly with a 600mm waterproof rating . Once again: this is not the most heavy-duty tent on the market, and a waterproof rating of 600mm won’t be enough to keep you fully dry in heavy rain. That being said, for fair weather conditions in the summertime, it should offer sufficient shelter to keep you comfy and secure.  The rainfly includes leakproof seams , whilst the  polyester tub floor  offers adequate protection against wet undergrounds. 

Includes all the essentials

It’s not the most durable tent on the market, nor is it equipped for extreme weather conditions; however, when it comes to portability and lightweight appeal, the Outbound Lightweight Pop up Tent is one of the best family tents you’ll find. Plus, the price tag is equally lightweight compared to other tents on this overview making it a budget-friendly backpacker’s favorite! 

• Very lightweight (12 lbs)
• Affordable and great value-for-money
• Easy and quick setup
• Large D-shaped door with zippered windows
• Mesh ceiling panels for proper airflow
• ​Very portable and suited for backpacking
• ​Includes guy lines
• Includes zippered carry bag
• Fiberglass frame may shatter in heavy winds
• Rainfly only has a 600mm waterproof rating
• Not recommended for bad weather conditions
• ​No room dividers
• Only one entry-point

Every product in this Best 10-Person Tent Overview has its own unique appeal. Which tent ranks the best really depends on the type of camper you are. For example, family campers that aren’t concerned about privacy may be satisfied with a single-door design, such as the Wenzel Big Basin. However, campers who travel with friends and value privacy as a key priority may wish to have easy access to their compartment, without having to disturb others. In this case, the 10-Person Ozark Trail Family Cabin Tent, which features three separate entry points, could be a better match.

These 10-person camping tents also vary in shape and size. If you prefer maximum headroom and maneuverability throughout the entire tent, then straight-walled options such as the CORE Straight Wall Cabin Tent, the Columbia Mammoth Creek Camping Tent, or the Outdoor Products 10-Person Instant Cabin Tent could be a perfect fit. Then again, perhaps your key priority is protection against the elements. In this case, the Coleman WeatherMaster with its special WeatherTec system could be the tent for you. Furthermore, if you want a tent that stays cooler, longer – consider the Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent, which blocks out sunlight to help you get a better night’s sleep…

There’s no need to stress – I can promise you one thing: every 10-person tent on this overview is a great choice; you honestly can’t go wrong with any of them. No matter which style you choose, you have my word, they’ll all keep you comfortable, sheltered, and cozy! All you need to do is determine which style matches your needs best – the tent will take care of the rest.

Best 10-Person Tents – Buying Guide

When shopping for the Best 10-Person Tent for your camping needs, there are several buying factors to take into consideration. By determining which factors are most important to you, you can easily create a checklist to find your perfect fit. These are the most important buying factors to consider when shopping for large family tents:

Size, layout, and silhouette

10-Person tents come in all shapes and sizes. Though they can all accommodate 10 regular-sized adult sleeping bags, some are roomier than others. For example, a 10-person tent with a 14ft x 10ft footprint will fit 10 sleeping bags, but only 2 queen-size air beds. Whilst a 10-person tent with a 20ft x 10ft footprint can easily fit 3 queen-sized air beds. This may sound pretty logical, but it’s worth repeating that just because a tent is listed as ’10-person’, doesn’t mean it can comfortably accommodate 10 campers and their gear. That is why we recommend you to always double-check the floor space of a tent, ensuring it has enough room for your camping requirements.

Additionally, the tent’s center height and shape are also factors to consider. Some tents have a 74″ center height, whilst others reach up to 84″. Those extra 10 inches can make a big difference to your comfort, especially for taller campers. When it comes to the shape/silhouette, vertical-walled tents offer more interior space than a dome tent – maximizing on headroom to move around.

If you want the option to enjoy some privacy from your friends and/or kids, choose a tent that includes a room divider. You may assume that all large 10-person tents come with some type of room divider, but this is not the case. Some tents only have one big main cabin that cannot be separated in the different rooms. Whilst other tents come with multiple room dividers, allowing you to instantly turn them into 2-room or 3-room tents. Creating your makeshift room divider is quite the hassle, so save yourself the effort, and simply choose a tent that includes room dividers instead if privacy is a priority.

Doors and windows

Another thing to consider is whether you want a tent with multiple doors, or if a single-door tent will do. For smaller, 4-person or 6-person tents a single entry point may be adequate, but when camping with a big group in one tent, the more doors, the easier is it to exit and enter the tent. If you don’t want to crawl over your camping buddies in the middle of the night, when nature calls, consider a tent with a front and back-entry point: as this will make your camping experience a whole lot smoother.

Also, take into consideration what type of windows you prefer. Some tents come with larger, pull-out mesh windows, whilst others feature zippered windows integrated into the doors. If you often go camping in the summertime and warm conditions, consider a tent with multiple mesh windows on all sides to enable proper ventilation and airflow. If you often find yourself in wet and rainy surroundings, ensure the tent comes with zippered and waterproof windows to prevent the interior from getting soggy. The type of windows and number of windows may not be your biggest priority, but it’s something to take into account when browsing for family camping tents.

Weather Resistance

Not every 10-person tent is fully able to keep sheltered and dry, even on bad weather days. Though every tent on this list offers some degree of weather protection, some are more capable of dealing with heavy rains and bad weather conditions than others. If you’re looking for a 3-season tent that holds up well in all types of weather, make sure it has enough weather-resistant design elements to battle the elements. For example:

Staying waterproof

Always choose a tent that comes with a rainfly. Secondly, check if the included rainfly is made of quality materials and what its waterproof rating is. The waterproof rating (also known as the hydrostatic rating) refers to how much water the fabric can handle before moisture starts seeping through. For example, a rainfly fabric with a waterproof rating of 500mm is only moderately water-resistant, whilst a rainfly with a 1500mm rating is far more capable of handling heavy rain. As a general rule of thumb: the higher the waterproof rating, the better.

Sealed, welded, and taped seams

A 10-person tent’s weather-resistance also depends on the type of seams. Even if the rainfly is 100% waterproof, the seams of the tent can still let water in and cause leakage. That is why we’d recommend picking a tent that comes with factory-sealed, taped, or welded seams. You can also waterproof/seal the seams of the tent yourself, but this can be quite the hassle. If you want to save yourself the annoyance of having to waterproof a tent at home, choose a silhouette that comes with factory-sealed, welded, and/or taped seams instead.

Picking the right type of materials will ensure you get the most enjoyment out of a tent. Which material is ‘the best’ depends on where, and when, you plan to use the tent. For example, for backpacking trips or family hiking adventures, a tent frame made of lightweight materials is ‘best’. Lightweight material options include fiberglass, aluminum, and plastic. That said, these ultralight materials compromise on durability and stability. Fiberglass may shatter under pressure, whilst aluminum may bend. Alternatives are heavy-duty materials such as stainless steel. The advantage is that steel is more durable, heavy-duty, and wear-resistant than fiberglass and aluminum. However, it also is heavier – and often more expensive – which are also cons to take into consideration…

For the tent’s shell, the most commonly used materials are nylon and polyester. Nylon and polyester are quite similar in standard and performance. That said, there are gradations in quality – which is why we’d advise picking first-class nylon or polyester shell. There are two ways to check a fabric’s quality standard. First, if a fabric is listed as ‘ripstop’, it means its more tear-resistance and less prone to punctures. Second, check the product’s reviews, because other campers are a great way to check if the tent’s materials are capable of keeping you dry and comfy. If you don’t want to bother checking hundreds of Amazon reviews, use our Best 10-Person Tent Overview, as our experts have already researched for you!

Ease of setup

One of the leading buying factors for campers is often the ease of setup. Whilst some 10-person tents only take minutes to assemble, other styles can quickly set you back an hour (or more). How easy setup will be, depends on the type of frame and construction. For a lightning-fast setup, an instant tent is a way to go. An instant tent comes with part of the frame (or the entire frame) pre-assembled, allowing for nearly instant setup. Whilst standard camping tents come with separate tentpoles, instant tents often feature pre-attached poles. This helps you save time (and frustration) when pitching the tent. You simply need to unfold and/or extend an instant tent’s frame and let the parts slide/click into place.

Though instant tents are great, there’s nothing wrong with standard dome tent and/or cabin tents that do require some type of assembly. Especially not if you plan to camp at the same spot multiple nights in a row, as you’ll only need to set up once. That said, it is indeed something to consider, as we know a hassle-free and quick setup is something many campers look for when buying a new tent…

10 Best Gazebos for Camping

Craving some much-needed sun protection for those extra hot days at the beach? Perhaps you’re in need of shelter from the rain while camping? Quick set-up canopy tents make a great addition to all sorts of outdoor activities…

June 13, 2021/ Samantha Bos Table of Contents

Craving some much-needed sun protection for those extra hot days at the beach? Perhaps you’re in need of shelter from the rain while camping?

Quick set-up canopy tents (aka portable gazebos) make a great addition to all sorts of outdoor activities, including camping, backyard BBQs, festivals, trips to the beach, and more. Depending on the climate, they can even make great permanent fixtures to your backyard.

With so many canopy tents available on the market, choosing the right one for your needs can be a confusing ordeal. That’s why we’ve put together the following list of the best camping gazebos suitable for a variety of weather conditions. 

Our team has ensured there’s a match for every preference and budget. From budget-friendly basic  canopy tents to portable, luxurious, heavy-duty screen house gazebos that offer premium comfort. 

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10 Best Gazebos for Camping – Overview

The following overview will help save you time and money by instantly navigating you toward the most top-rated products on the market.

Our Top-10 Best Portable Camping Gazebos are: 

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What are you waiting for? Take a quick look at the best camping gazebos available below. 

BEST OVERALL

1. Coleman Back Home Instant Screenhouse

The Coleman Back Home Instant Screenhouse is a budget-friendly gazebo with a lightning-fast setup time. 

Thanks to its telescopic 1-piece frame construction, we had this gazebo set up in four minutes.  This gazebo features high-quality  screen walls  for bug-free lounging and even provides  ample sun protection  thanks to its double-thick fabric. 

The Coleman Back Home Instant Screenhouse measures 12 x 10ft and has a 100″ center height.  In total, the design offers  90 square feet of protection , with ample room to move around comfortably. The total packing weight of this outdoor gazebo is approximately 45 lbs. 

This gazebo’s telescopic poles are easy to extend thanks to its pinch-free  ‘Comfort Grip™ technology’ . To make setup even easier, this screen house gazebo features large feet which you can step on when extending the poles into place. No matter how tall you are, anyone can set up this tent quickly and easily.

UVGuard 50+ UPF sun protection

The Coleman Back Home Instant Screenhouse offers excellent protection against the sun’s harmful rays. The shell of this gazebo is made from  UVGuard™ material . This rugged, polyester fabric provides  50+ UPF sun protection  which is more than enough to keep you safe and shielded from hazardous UV rays. 

The Coleman Back Home Instant Screenhouse features  two large doors : one at the front and one at the back. Furthermore, this screened tent comes with a  wheeled carry bag  for extra portability. Plus,  ground stakes and pre-attached guy lines are included  for additional support. 

This tent comes with a  1-year limited warranty  making it a risk-free purchase – if you’re not satisfied, simply send it back for a full refund. 

This best-seller from Coleman is a budget-friendly, easy-setup option that’s perfect for escaping the sun, rain, and insects.  We reckon it more than hits the mark and will keep you comfortable and sheltered, come rain or shine!

• One-piece telescoping frame
• Excellent protection against insects
• Breatheable mesh silhouette
• Ample headroom due to 100″ center height
• Great quality standard
• UPF 50+ sun protection fabric
• Comfort Grip Technology
• Wheeled Carry Bag included
• 1-year product warranty
• No shelter from insects
• Not durable in heavy winds
• Limited cover against rain

2. Coleman Instant Gazebo Canopy Tent  

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The Coleman Instant Gazebo Canopy Tent is an instant sunshade shelter designed for a quick and easy setup.  Thanks to its one-piece telescopic frame, this tent can be fully set up in a matter of minutes  – just follow the simple steps outlined in the instruction manual.

This canopy tent is  available in 3 different sizes : 10 x 10ft, 12 x 12ft, and 16 x 8ft – all featuring a quick setup. Although we tested out all three sizes, for our review, we’ve chosen to highlight the 10 x 10ft  instant canopy tent  as this is the best-seller of the series.

The Coleman Instant Gazebo Canopy Tent adheres to a top-notch quality standard and offers great protection against the sun.  Made from UV-Guard material (a patented fabric that provides UPF 50+ sun protection), this tent easily blocks harmful UV-rays. 

Not only will this gazebo protect you from the sun, but it will also keep you feeling cool and refreshed thanks to  vented air roof releases .

The 10 X 10  Coleman Instant Gazebo Canopy Tent  weighs a total of 35 lbs and has a center height of 112 inches . This canopy tent  includes a wheeled carry bag  that’s made from heavy-duty fabric. It also comes with  ground stakes  and  pre-attached guy lines  for extra support in windy conditions.

Quick, easy setup in 3 minutes

The main attraction of the Coleman  Instant Gazebo Canopy Tent  is its quick setup. According to Coleman,  setup can be achieved in under 3 minutes . It took us 5 minutes – which is still amazing.  

The secret to its easy setup revolves around its  ‘Comfort Grip Technology’ . This refers to the tent’s telescopic poles that can be quickly extended and locked in place. This process is pinch and hassle-free and makes setup a breeze.

Furthermore, this Canopy Tent is  covered by a limited  1-year product warranty , ensuring it lives up to expectations and a great quality standard. Although this camping gazebo by Coleman is not ideal for keeping you dry during heavy rains, it’s more than suitable for light rains and mist. Plus,  it’s one of the best options for use as a sunshade.

Mid-budget, high-quality, and super easy to set up, this gazebo tent is a great investment for camping or backyard entertainment.

• Relatively lightweight
• No sidewalls

MOST PORTABLE GAZEBO

3. Alvantor Screen House Room 

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When you’re out camping, you wouldn’t want a large and heavy camping gazebo on your back. After all, there’s a fairly big chance that there’s gonna be a hike or walk to the campsite, and you don’t want to have too many things weighing you down.

That’s why this camping gazebo from Alvantor is a great choice for those that want to pack light. The whole gazebo only weighs around 9 lbs and folds into a very compact carrying bag that’s easy to bring around. On top of that, no setup is needed when you finally want to pop the gazebo out thanks to its instant pop-up build.

It comes in four different sizes, which are 6′ x 6′ x 6.5′, 10′ x 10′ x 7′, 12′ x 12′ x 7.5′, and 15′ x 15′ x 8.5′, so you can easily find the right one for you. This a very roomy gazebo, with a large entrance door and fabric top that offers UV protection. It also has mesh screenings to prevent pests like mosquitos, flies, and other bugs that you might encounter on a camping trip.

If you’ve been looking for a lightweight, easy-to-setup option that comes with a 1-year warranty and satisfaction guarantee, this Alvantor model could just be the right one for you.

• No setup required
• Offers UV protection
• Mesh screening provides protection against mosquitoes
• Spacious interior
• Comes in a variety of sizes
• Not weatherproof or rainproof
• Doesn’t hold up too well against wind

4. EVER ADVANCED Camping Gazebo

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If you plan on camping with your friends and family for a longer period of time, one thing you definitely want to bring with you is a high-quality, water-resistant camping gazebo that can provide you with a comfortable environment away from any bugs or poor weather conditions.

One such example is the camping gazebo by EVER ADVANCED. Spreading at 12ft x 10ft and 85″ in height, this water-resistant pop-up canopy tent can accommodate up to ten people while providing everyone with a great level of protection from mosquitoes, flies, and other pesky insects.

The great thing about this camping gazebo is that it very compact once folded together. Once packed together, this camping gazebo weighs just 21.6lbs, and measures 28.3″ x 7.9″ x 7.9″.

One of the most notable features of this pop-up camping shelter is how quickly you can set it up. To give you a little bit of an idea, you can pop up this shelter in seconds, along. When it comes to packing it together, the process is just as simple.

Despite its great level of protection against insects, this 6 mesh tent also supplies 360-degree ventilation. So, if you end up camping in the summer, rest assured that you will remain cool.

Should you decide to make use of this camping shelter, you can take advantage of a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

• Water-resistant
• Can accommodate up to 10 people
• Provides a great level of protection against insects
• 360-degree ventilation
• Isn’t suitable for extreme weather conditions

5. Eurmax EZ Pop-up Canopy Tent 

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The commercial-grade Eurmax EZ Pop-up Canopy Tent is a best-seller featuring hundreds of 5-star Amazon reviews. 

This pop-up canopy tent measures a spacious 10 x 10ft and can be set up in 5 different ways, including 3 heights.  At the maximum setting, this canopy tent will provide you with  11ft of center height.

As the Eurmax EZ Pop-up Canopy Tent has a commercial-grade appeal, it is often used for professional use at festivals and markets. In other words, it’s more than sturdy enough for casual events, including camping, backyard BBQs, or as a sunshade at the beach. 

This Pop-up Canopy Tent by Eurmax EZ features a   powder-coated steel frame.  This steel frame is rust-resistant and less prone to bending and warping in strong winds.  

The canopy is made of rugged  500-denier polyester fabric  and provides up to  99% UV protection  against harmful sun rays. The Eurmax EZ Pop-up Canopy  Tent also comes with  8 x 250mm stakes  and 0.8 inches of guy  rope which allows you to secure it firmly in place.

Versatile setup options

A big perk of the Pop-up Canopy Tent by Eurmax EZ is its sheer amount of setup options.  Use it without sidewalls, with all 4 sidewalls, or with one or two depending on which direction the sun is shining.  These sidewalls can be easily attached using Velcro strips that run along the edges of the canopy’s fabric.

The only downside to this camping gazebo is its total weight – all in all, it weighs 70 lbs. Still,  transportation is quite easy thanks to a sturdy wheeled carrying bag. 

That said, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty camping gazebo that can stand up to all kinds of weather conditions, then this commercial-grade canopy tent may be just what you’re looking for.

• Commercial-grade quality
• Impressive 133″ center height
• Includes 4 sidewalls
• Multiple setup options
• Adjustable in height
• Up to 99% UV-protection
• Powder-Coated steel frame
• Rust-resistant
• A bit pricey
• No mosquito netting
• Heavy-weight 

LOWEST PRICE

6. COOSHADE Backpack Canopy Pop-up Tent

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If you are on the lookout for a super-compact and portable canopy tent, then this product by COOSHADE is easily the best option for a portable shelter for you.

The overall shelter can be s et up within just 60 seconds  thanks to a fast frame system which essentially allows you to fully assemble the whole shelter in one go. If you’re into solo camping, you won’t have any problems setting up this tent. Thanks to the  ultra-light 3-piece telescoping aluminum legs , you can take advantage of  two extra adjustable heights  for a customizable feel.

The overall shelter measures  6″ x 6″ at the top and 8″ x 8″ at the bottom  for a total space of 36 square feet – which is plenty of space for 4 people. Furthermore, the  150D CPAI-94 frame retardant polyester canopy with solver coating  provides a great deal of protection from the sun – up to  99% UV protection  to be exact.

Within the package, you’ll receive the fully-assembled powder-coated steel frame, silver canopy top, 3/3 sun protection walls with mesh pockets, 600D mini backpack, 8 stakes, and 4 ropes.  That’s virtually everything you could possibly need to assemble a rock-solid temporary shelter in the wild.

Better yet, the canopy can be folded to under 28 inches and  weighs less than 18lbs  which allows you to easily transport it on foot even to the most remote of locations.

• Super lightweight and easy to carry around
• Features a ⅔ wall on one side to protect from wind, rain, or direct sunlight
• It can be installed in just 60 seconds
• Not suitable for windy environments

7. ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy Tent

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The ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy Tent is an affordable,  great value-for-money  canopy tent with commercial-grade comfort. Not only does this outdoor canopy work excellent as a sunshade, but it can also keep you dry on rainy days thanks to its  waterproof  fabric.  

The ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy Tent is  available in 30+ color options . This means that in addition to neutral colors (white, cream, grey, etc.), you also have the option to choose a more eye-catching color, like blush pink, vivid yellow, etc.

The silhouette of the ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy Tent features a straight leg design and measures  10 x 10ft.  This tent has an  adjustable center height of 122″ to 133″ , making it one of the tallest gazebos on our list. 

This also makes it slightly heavier than other pop-up canopy tents –  it weighs 48 lbs . However, for the extra headroom and great quality standard, we think the extra carrying weight is a fair trade-off. 

Reinforced corners and sealed stitching

The ABCCANOPY Pop-up Canopy Tent can be set up in seconds; though the manufacturer does recommend two people to do this swiftly. When erected, this tent can withstand all kinds of weather conditions thanks to its durable construction. 

The inner corners of the silhouette are reinforced, whilst the canopy’s lining features Velcro strips to keep the fabric firmly place. Additionally, the tent’s  polyester fabric features sealed stitching , preventing leaks and keeping the cover  100% waterproof . This waterproof polyester fabric also has a  UPF-50 rating  which shields you from hazardous UV-rays on sunny days. 

For extra portability, the ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy Tent  includes a wheeled carry bag . This carry bag comes with  reinforced stitching  and heavy-duty zippers , keeping your tent safe and secure during transport. 

This canopy tent also  included 4 sandbags  to stabilize and secure the tent during heavy winds. Optional leg weights for the ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy Tent are also available for purchase, but you’ll need to buy these separately via Amazon.

The ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy Tent is covered by a  1-year product warranty.  This means that if you encounter any manufacturing defects with your tent, you can get a refund or replacement within the first year of purchase.

• Tall 133″ center height
• UPF-50 sun protection
• Reinforced corners
• Factory sealed stitching
• Sandbags included
• 1-year Product Warranty
• Available in lots of fun colors
• Limited rain coverage
• Not the most stable in strong winds

8. Outsunny Hexagon Sun Shade Canopy Tent  

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If affordability is a key priority for you when buying a camping gazebo, the Outsunny Hexagon Sun Shade Canopy Tent is a top-contender. This easy setup, large hexagon-shaped canopy tent comes with a straight leg design that maximizes the interior space. 

The Outsunny Hexagon Sun Shade Canopy Tent measures 12.8ft in total width, with a hexagon side length of 6.4ft and an eave height of 6.5ft. The total center height of the tent is approximately 98 inches.  

The frame of this canopy tent by Outsunny is made from  powder-coated steel , which is  rust-resistant  and offers great durability. The steel frame features 6 ribs that make the tent sturdy, while the  reinforced corners  add further stability. 

UV-resistant polyester fabric

The shell of the Outsunny Hexagon Sun Shade Canopy Tent is made of  polyester fabric  with  water-resistant properties,  ensuring you stay dry and comfy, even on bad weather days. Additionally, the polyester cover is  UV-resistant , offering great sun protection against harmful UV rays. 

This canopy tent by Outsunny features  netted sidewalls , ensuring full breathability whilst keeping insects and little critters out. The silhouette of Outsunny Hexagon Sun Shade Canopy Tent has  two zippered doors , allowing for easy access and exit. 

Do note that though this canopy tent by Outsunny does require some assembly. Though an easy setup tent, it’s not as instant as the previously listed Coleman Back Home Instant Screenhouse – so it will take a bit longer to erect. 

Also, according to Amazon reviews, this lightweight gazebo is not equipped to deal with strong winds. Even when secured with tent stakes and ropes, the tent is still prone to lift-off in heavy gusts. Therefore, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty shelter, this isn’t it. But if you want an affordable sunshade, and don’t mind taking it down in-between usage, this could be your best budget-friendly match.

• Lightweight at just 22 lbs
• Excellent value-for-money
• UV50+ sun protection fabric
• Powder-coated, rust-resistant steel frame
• 2 zippered doors
• Waterproof roof
• Great protection against insects
• Only available in one color
• Setup takes longer – no pop-up silhouette

9. COOSHADE Slant Leg Pop-Up Canopy Tent

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This canopy tent by COOSHADE is designed with  patented central lock technology , which allows one person to be able to easy open and close the canopy tent from the center without any hassle at all.

The stable base provides a wide  8″ x 8″ footprint and 6″ x 6″ at the top , which is plenty of space for comfortably accommodating up to 4 people.  The 150D CPAI-84 flame retardant polyester top with a silver coating provides 36 square feet of protection from rain and direct sunlight.

One pretty cool feature that this canopy tent offers is  2-pin adjustable lower legs , which allow you to adjust the canopy tent angle and height in accordance with your preference for maximum protection from sun and rain.

Within the package, you will get the canopy top, frame, eight stakes, four ropes, and the roller bag for easy transportation.  This canopy tent can be fitted within the  lightweight 600x300D wheeled carrying bag  (included in the purchase) for easy transportation. 

Upon purchasing this product, should anything happen to it within a year of purchasing, you can take advantage of the  provided guarantee by the manufacturer.

• Super compact and easy to transport
• It can be set up by a single person in under a minute
• Suitable for protection from UV rays and rain
• Not suitable for carrying on foot
• Not suitable in a windy environment due to its lightweight design

10. EzyFast Elegant Pop-Up Canopy Tent

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This canopy tent provided by EzyFast is an excellent choice for a shelter for a wide array of outdoor activities, including camping, picnics, parties, sporting events, and more.

The actual tent is made out of steel and fabric, which is the reason why it is so lightweight yet relatively stable and reliable. While the steel plays a significant role in supplying the tent with a sturdy structure,  the fabric further helps with providing quality cover from UV rays and rain throughout the day.

As far as sizing is concerned,  this canopy tent measures 7.6″ x 7.6″ at the base and 6″ x 6″ at the top. The tent itself is around 6.8 feet high. When fully assembled, the total size of the tent spread is 27.5″ x 7″ x 7″, which totals around 17lbs in weight.

One of the most notable features of this very simple and compact canopy tent is its  gravity leg fabric  which offers an elegant look while providing the necessary weight to stabilize the shelter into place. Furthermore, at the bottom of each leg, you will see two pockets, which can be filled with water bottles or added weight to ground the tent further into place.

Generally speaking, this EzyFast tent is a great and affordable choice for anyone that requires temporary shelter outside, whether that be for the beach or while hunting out in the wild.

• Lightweight and easy-to-carry design
• Made out of fine combination steel and quality fabric
• Can weigh the tent down further thanks to the available side pockets
• Not a great option for extreme weather conditions
• Not an excellent choice for a permanent shelter

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Although we have chosen to cover a variety of Gazebos for a variety of activities, when it comes to the best gazebos for camping, the Coleman Back Home Instant Screenhouse checks all of the boxes. 

This instant screen house can be set up in minutes. Furthermore, it features mesh netting which is great for keeping mosquitos and other insects out. It’s spacious (featuring adjustable height settings) and is made from high-quality materials. Plus, it’s sun and rainproof and comes with a 1-year warranty – what else could you possibly need!

Each of the 10 Best Camping Gazebo’s in this overview will make a great addition to your outdoor entertainment arsenal. Which is ‘the best’ depends on where, when, and how you plan to use the gazebo. 

For example,  if you’re looking for a lightweight and portable gazebo that offers protection against the sun, insects, and other pests, then consider a lightweight screen house with an instant setup, such as the HAPPYGRILL Portable Camo Pop up Gazebo.

However,  if you’re looking for a gazebo to place in your backyard, and don’t plan on moving it anytime soon, perhaps a more durable and heavy-duty screen house like the Sunjoy Cabin-Style Soft Top Gazebo is your match.

Canopy Tent versus Screen House

If you don’t require protection against pests and insects, and simply want a basic cover against the sun and harmful UV-lighting, a canopy tent gazebo may be a better fit. This simple yet functional tent is a great way to create instant sun shelter, and keep you comfy and cool – wherever your travels take you. If pricing is a priority, a budget-friendly option such as the AmazonBasics Pop-Up Canopy Tent maybe your affordable choice. But if you want maximum versatility, sidewalls, and a premium quality standard, the Eurmax Ez Pop-up Canopy Tent is one of the best options. 

Finding the best deal

Rest assured: every product on this list is worthy of your time and attention. We’ve only selected top-rated styles that score highly on value-for-money, comfort, and ease of setup. That said, we do recommend you to review our Buying Guide at the bottom of this post, which will make it easier to find the best match for your camping needs. 

Best Camping Gazebo – Quick Buying Guide

What is a camping gazebo.

A camping gazebo is a type of shelter that protects against the elements, such as sun, rain, and UV-lighting. Additionally, a portable gazebo with mesh sidewalls also helps protect against pests like mosquitos and other insects. 

What types of camping gazebos are there?

The term ‘camping gazebo’ can refer to a few different types of shelter. Camping gazebos come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and configurations. Below, we’ve listed the 3 most popular types: 

Screen House Gazebo

A screen house portable gazebo is a tent with mesh sidewalls and a soft-top or hard-top roof. The roof offers full-coverage to block out sunlight and rain, whilst the mesh walls help keep insects out. This type of screen house offers maximum breathability, helping you stay cool and comfy in warm weather. Some screen house gazebos come with removable mosquito netting, whilst others feature a one-piece shell with a (zippered) door. This type of camping gazebo is ideal if you often find yourself in a bug-infested territory! 

Canopy Tent 

A canopy tent is a basic type of portable gazebo, most commonly used as a sunshade. Often called a portable gazebo or pop-up canopy, this type of silhouette offers easy setup and is easy to transport. Most commonly, canopy tents do not include sidewalls, but there are some options on the market (as listed in our overview) that do come with removable walls – enabling you to create a full-coverage shelter when desired.

Generally, canopy tents are square-shaped, measuring 10 x 10ft – but there are smaller and larger options available. Lightweight, easy to pack, and affordable: canopy tents are a great budget-friendly alternative to high-end camping gazebos. Do note that canopy tents are not known for the inclusion of mosquito netting, which means that though they provide shelter against the elements, they aren’t as equiped to deal with creepy crawlies. 

A pergola is an outdoor structure, consisting of a frame that supports a roof of beams and/or rafters. Whilst screen house gazebos or canopy tents have a full-coverage roof, pergolas often have an open roof. Pergolas are often fixed structures, located in a garden or outdoor decor, providing a partially-shaded seating area. Though decorative and functional in your backyard, we wouldn’t recommend a pergola for camping – unless you have a fixed cabin location – as this type of gazebo is not portable or easy to move. That is exactly why this 10 Best Camping Gazebos Overview does not include any pergolas, as they lack the portability needed to quickly assemble or take them down at a campsite. 

What buying factors do I need to consider?

Type of gazebo.

Firstly, figure out whether you want a canopy tent or a screen house gazebo. A canopy tent is often more affordable and portable, whilst a screen house gazebo offers excellent protection against insects and other pests. Both will keep you shielded from the element, but there is quite a distinct difference in styles. Choosing a type of gazebo before you start shopping, will help you narrow down your search selection and makes it easier to find the best match for your camping and/or outdoor entertaining needs. 

Secondly, decide on how large you want your camping gazebo to be. Gazebos come in all shapes and sizes. From 8-person hexagon-shaped tents to smaller, 8 x 8ft canopy tents: there’s a match for every scenario. Decide how much coverage you want, both in width, length, and center height. Some gazebos peak at 90″, whilst others have a center height of 100″; which can make quite a difference to the available headroom, especially for taller campers. Also, keep in mind that a hexagon-shaped gazebo has a large footprint, but does compromise a bit on interior space in square feet. 

If you plan to take your gazebo camping, picking a tent with a manageable packing weight is a big priority to ensure it actually is a portable gazebo. Even if you’re a car camper, the tent should still be portable enough to carry from your car to your campsite – and back. Fortunately, there are plenty of portable gazebos on the market. Whilst most camping gazebos weigh between 40 and 50 lbs, some are extra-light at just 20 lbs. Similarly, some gazebos can weigh up to 80 lbs – which isn’t ideal for camping. Check the weight before you buy, to avoid hefty surprises! Another tip: pick a gazebo or tent that includes a carry bag, preferably one with wheels, as this will make transport a whole lot easier – plus keeps your tent safe and secure when on the go. 

Ease of Setup

Some gazebos can be set up in just 60 seconds, whilst others require more patience and time. Considering how long you’d be willing to spend on the setup of your tent before you buy. If you want lightning-fast, easy setup – a pop-up canopy tent/instant canopy tent or pop-up screen tent is the way to go. These styles come pre-assembled, meaning you can erect them in just a few simple steps. No hassle of figuring out which pole goes where! 

When picking a camping gazebo, also take the materials of the design into account. Most commonly, gazebos will feature a frame made of either steel or fiberglass. Each has pros and cons. A steel frame is more durable and less prone to breaking or bending, but it tends to be heavier and more expensive than fiberglass. A fiberglass frame, on the other hand, is ultralight – adding to the portability of the gazebo and ease of setup. However, it is also more prone to shattering in heavy-winds and doesn’t have the best durability. That said, both get the job done – but it is worth thinking about which material you prefer. 

Roof and Netting

For the roof or canopy of the gazebo, the most commonly used material is polyester fabric. Affordable, durable, and easy to clean: polyester is a great choice. We do recommend checking whether the polyester is waterproof, as not every type of polyester fabric offers the same water-resistance. Also, fabric with sealed seams/taped seams tends to be more waterproof and less prone to leaking. 

When it comes to screen houses, choose a design that has tightly-weaved mosquito netting. We prefer a screen house with no-see-um mesh, which is so tightly woven that even no-see-ums can’t get through. That said, most screen houses will keep out larger bugs and critters… But for optimal protection, the more tightly-weaved the mesh/netting, the better! 

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The Best Microfibre Travel Towels in Australia for 2024

Written by: The Adventure Lab

Last Updated: August 5, 2022

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Whether it’s a backpacking adventure or short vacation, the size of your luggage matters.

Even when only travelling with carry-on, a good quality travel towel can be one of the most essential, and space efficient, items in your luggage.

Conceived to take up little space and add negligible weight to your bag, travel towels are not only easy to pack, they can come in handy in a wide variety of travel situations.

Top pick: Sea to Summit Tek Towel

Pros: Lightweight, soft, quick-drying, several sizes to choose from Cons: Cheaper options available

The Sea to Summit Tek Towel is the perfect towel for all your adventures. Made of 80% recycled polyester and 20% nylon, it has a blended microfiber material that feels soft like terrycloth.

It’s super absorbent, so you can use it to dry off after a swim or wipe away sweat after a workout. The towel comes in a zippered travel case so it’s easy to store when not in use.

The best part is that this towel is machine washable and quick drying, so you don’t have to worry about it taking forever to dry off after using it. It also comes in sizes small to XL, which means there’s one for all shapes and sizes.

Runner Up: Sea to Summit Microfibre Pocket Towel

Pros: Excellent water absorption power., quick drying material, ultrafine microfibre Cons: A super lightweight option designed for weight-conscious travellers so won’t offer the luxury and absorption of other options

The Sea to Summit Microfibre  Pocket Towel has all it takes to be the perfect travel towel. It’s made from quick-drying and moisture-wicking microfibre and comes packed in a small storage pouch that fits in the palm of your hand.

The ultrafine woven fibre feels extra-gentle on the skin, but the most amazing feature is the absorption power. Measuring 10 cm in length when packed and weighing only 112 grams, this is a smart addition to your travel gear.

Upgrade pick: Kathmandu Microfibre Towel

Pros: Extra-large dimension, deluxe material feels very soft on the skin, two colour choices Cons: Expensive compared to other options

If you don’t mind a slightly higher price tag, check out the Kathmandu Microfibre Towel. This premium product features Polygiene, an advanced odour-control technology developed to keep your towel fresh for longer.

This option suits those who are less weight conscious are keen to retain some thickness in their travel towel. Just what you need on those longer trips.

Best Value: Cooee Shores Travel Sports Towel

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, durable travel pod Cons: Less luxurious than other options

The Cooee Shores Travel Towel is a space-saving, lightweight microfiber towel that’s quick-drying and easy to clean. It’s made from Eco-friendly microfiber material, and is soft and durable.

This towel is larger than other options, so you can easily wrap yourself in it. The carrying pods are also durable enough to withstand the demands of travel.

Also great: Sea to Summit Drylite Towel

Pros: Lightweight and extremely compact, machine washable, very fast drying Cons: May feel thinner than other options

Another great option from Sea to Summit, the Drylite microfibre towel is ultra-absorbent and perfect for taking on your adventures. Whether it’s sunbathing at the beach or drying up after a workout, this towel delivers all benefits you could wish for.

It comes in various sizes and packs so compactly that it can fit even the smallest bag.

What to look for in a travel towel

1. material.

Perhaps the most important thing to check before buying is the material. Fluffy cotton may be comfy, but it’s certainly not practical for travel.

Microfibre is a much more practical choice for  multiple reasons . It has great absorption properties, dries up fast, and folds compactly.

Travel towels come in all sizes, from small face napkins to full-body size.

If you don’t want to carry more than one, we recommend a medium/large microfibre towel.

You can use it for both your face and body, while still taking up very little space in your luggage.

RELATED:  The Best Toiletry Bag

3. Accessories

Some travel towels come with handy carrying pouches.

These are great, as they are easier to reach for in a loaded suitcase, and you can also use them to avoid the bulk when going to the beach.

They also compress the towel when in your luggage, meaning it takes up less space.

Microfibre towels are the best option for travel, outdoor activities, and exercise. This is because they are lightweight and dry quicker than traditional cotton towels.

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The Adventure Lab

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

The Best Bath Towels, According to Testing

We spent six years evaluating more than 90 bath towels in our Textiles Lab.

Finding the best bath towel is largely based on personal preference, but one thing we can agree on is that it should be absorbent to dry you off, comfortable against your skin and long-lasting to stand up to repeated use and laundering. It also doesn't hurt to have one that dries quickly after it gets wet.

• Best Overall: Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel
• Best Value : Amazon Basics Quick-Dry Bath Towel, Set of 2
• Best Quick-Dry: Everplush Diamond Jacquard Bath Towel
• Best Lightweight: Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Quick-Dry Towel
• Best Heavyweight: Brooklinen Super Plush Bath Towel, 2-Pack
• Softest: Riley Plush Bath Towel
• Most Absorbent: RH Ultra Soft Turkish Bath Towel
• Best Luxury: Matouk Milagro Bath Towel

Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towels

LAB RESULTS: Absorbency: 5/5 | Drying speed: 3/5 | Softness: 4.3/5 | Durability: 4.2/5

Frontgate's towel uses a simple, high-quality construction that outperformed most other towels in our review. Part of that is thanks to its material, including long-staple Turkish cotton fibers (which are smoother and more durable than traditional cotton). As an added bonus, it comes in 25 colors so there's something for every preference.

At-home users praised the towel's softness and said it looked great after repeated use. One described it as having "a classic, plush feel and a substantial hand," while adding, "These have stayed soft after months of use thus far." Users also highlighted the appearance and one called it "a perfect size to wrap around my body." Just note that although at-home testers unanimously gave it perfect scores for softness, it didn't earn quite as high softness ratings in our comparison tests when consumers felt it alongside other towels.

When it came to our Textiles Lab evaluations, this one earned perfect scores in our absorbency tests. It's not quick-drying and only had a moderate dry speed in our tests, and though it had some shrinkage in the wash, it was overall durable with strong fabric that didn't show signs of wear after laundering.

Material: 100% cotton | Weight: 700 GSM | Colors: 26 options | Dimensions: 30" x 58" | Matching pieces: Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet

Amazon Basics Quick-Dry Bath Towels, 2-Pack

LAB RESULTS: Absorbency: 3.5 /5 | Drying speed: 3.5/5 | Softness: 4/5 | Durability: 3.8/5

If you're looking to save or prefer to buy towels on Amazon , this one had an standout performance and costs just $10 per towel. It feels lightweight — it's thinner and less dense than other towels — yet is still super soft. I've been using this one at home to get a sense of how it compares to the others we recommend and have been impressed that it feels more expensive than it actually is.

Not all testers loved its lightweight feel, especially those that prefer the heftier weight of a luxe towel. However, users said it feels soft and absorbent during real use after showers. It was somewhat absorbent in Lab tests, though it didn't soak up fluid as easily as other options and had some shrinkage after laundering. Still, its performance for the price can't be beat.

Material: 100% cotton | Weight: Not listed | Colors: 4 options | Dimensions: 30" x 54" | Matching pieces: Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet

Everplush Diamond Jacquard Bath Towel

LAB RESULTS: Absorbency: 5/5 | Drying speed: 5/5 | Softness: 4.4/5 | Durability: 4.1/5

This quick-dry towel is my personal favorite thanks to its unique construction. I especially love how it has cotton on the outside for softness, but microfiber on the inside for enhanced performance. The result makes it an excellent balance of absorbent, quick-drying, strong and shrink-resistant. Testers also noted that they liked the texture, which looks different than typical cotton loops.

One thing to note is that the fabric surface showed fuzzy signs of wear more quickly than other towels in our laundering evaluations. Still, it was a top performer and the only towel to ace both absorbency and drying time tests. We're also fans of the brand's Hokime Ribbed Towels for those who prefer even more of a textured feel as these were also top performers in our tests.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Everplush Diamond Jacquard is the Only Bath Towel I Need

Material: 48% polyester, 40% cotton, 12% polyamide | Weight: Not listed | Colors: 9 options | Dimensions: 30" x 56" inches | Matching pieces: Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet

Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Quick-Dry Towel

LAB RESULTS: Absorbency: 5/5 | Drying speed: 3.5/5 | Softness: 4.7/5 | Durability: 4/5

If you prefer a luxurious towel that's not too heavy , this one is your best bet. It's made of Turkish cotton that's certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), plus it stood out in our tests for being super soft and ultra-absorbent. In fact, it earned perfect absorbency ratings in our evaluations, soaking up all fluid without any liquid running off. Our testers unanimously gave it high scores, referring to it as "comfy," "so fluffy" and the "ideal towel." I tried it at home and agree: It has stayed soft despite repeated use and feels lighter than other absorbent towels I've tried.

Beyond that, it held up well to our laundering tests — the fabric looked and felt good (despite some shrinkage) even after 20 wash cycles. Just note that although the name claims these towels are quick-dry, they actually took longer to fully dry than other bath towels in our test.

Material: 100% organic Turkish cotton | Weight: 550 GSM | Colors: 14 options | Dimensions: 28" x 50" | Matching pieces: Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet

Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels, 2-Pack

LAB RESULTS: Absorbency: 5/5 | Drying speed: 3/5 | Softness: 4.8/5 | Durability: 3.9 /5

This style is ideal for anyone who prefers the comfort of a soft, dense towel: Its cotton fabric has the heaviest weight of all our picks at a whopping 820 GSM. This helped it achieve excellent absorbency in Lab evaluations and superior softness ratings in our consumer tester reviews. One tester noted, "It is a very thick towel that absorbs the water off your body practically in one pass," while another proclaimed, "It's the best towel I've ever used." I've personally used this one at home and can attest to its thick and absorbent construction.

Another highlight is that it didn't shed lint in the wash, which is a common concern with plush towels. It did have some shrinkage after laundering and it wasn't quick-drying, but both of these areas still scored average compared to other towels in our test. On top of that, this one is backed by our Good Housekeeping Seal , which means we stand behind it with our limited warranty.

Material: 100% Turkish cotton | Weight: 820 GSM | Colors: 11 options, with additional seasonal colors | Dimensions: 30" x 58" | Matching pieces: Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet, bath mat

Riley Home Plush Bath Towel

LAB RESULTS: Absorbency: 5/5 | Drying speed: 4/5 | Softness: 5/5 | Durability: 4.1 /5

Riley's towel uses a zero-twist combed cotton construction, meaning the fibers are longer and stronger so it's softer, more absorbent and more durable. At-home users unanimously gave it perfect scores for softness and raved about its luxurious feel. In fact, one tester said, "It was the softest towel I've ever used," while another told us, "I expected the softness to disappear with washing, but it stayed soft. And the fluffiness didn't decrease with washing either."

In addition to the exceptional reviews from consumer testers, our analysts were amazed by how soft it remained after repeated laundering cycles in our standardized tests, though it did have some shrinkage. It also earned perfect absorbency scores in the Lab and dried fairly quickly, which is impressive for a plush, 100% cotton towel. Just note that at times we've seen inventory issues with this style with certain colors and sizes sold out online. We also recently tested Riley's Spa Towel Collection , which is more of a low-pile towel (i.e. not as plush or dense) and was well-loved by testers.

Material: 100% cotton | Weight: 650 GSM | Colors: 6 options | Dimensions: 30" x 58" | Matching pieces: Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet

RH Ultra-Soft Turkish Bath Towel

LAB RESULTS: Absorbency: 5/5 | Drying speed: 2/5 | Softness: 4.9/5 | Durability: 3.8/5

This 100% cotton towel was by far the most absorbent in our tests, quickly soaking up all fluid without any runoff. Plus, our panel praised the fluffiness and rated it softer than dozens of others in a blind comparison. They specifically liked the heavy, blanket-like feel and described it as super plush.

On the flip side, these towels took a while to dry, which is not surprising with such high absorbency. It also shrunk a bit in our wash tests. Still, if you want to wrap yourself in a thick, cozy towel that dries you off quickly, this is the one for you.

Material: 100% cotton | Weight: 750 GSM | Colors: 15 options | Dimensions: 30" x 56" | Matching pieces: Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet

Matouk Milagro Bath Towel

LAB RESULTS: Absorbency: 5/5 | Drying speed: 4/5 | Softness: 4.9/5 | Durability: 4.6/5

Though it's certainly not for everyone, this one's a great choice for anyone who's looking for the most luxurious option that's worth the splurge . The towel size is longer than average at 60 inches, plus it's soft, fluffy and fairly lightweight. The brand says it uses a long-staple cotton and zero-twist construction, which helps the towel become softer and more absorbent.

A tester described this towel as feeling like a "soft, fluffy cloud" and added, "I liked drying my hair with it (it felt less harsh)." It was super absorbent in Lab tests, yet didn't take too long to dry compared to other absorbent styles. It did have notable shrinkage in laundering tests, but the appearance looked like new after repeated washing.

Material: 100% cotton | Weight: 550 GSM | Colors: 17 options | Dimensions: 30" x 60" | Matching pieces: Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet, bath mat, fingertip towel

More types of bath towels to consider

Our tests show that the traditional bath towel style made with cotton terry loops performs best in terms of absorbency, softness and overall tester satisfaction. That being said, there are some novel types of towels that have been gaining popularity for their unique attributes. Here are some that we tested and recommend if you're looking for something new:

• Best Waffle Towel: The Parachute Waffle Towel is super lightweight at 220 GSM and dried quickly in our tests. The downside is that it wasn't as absorbent as traditional towels, which is true for every waffle towel we've tested. We also recently tested the popular Onsen Waffle Weave Bath Towel . It stood out for its durability, but didn't earn high scores in our absorbency, drying speed or softness tests.
• Best Organic Towel: Not only is the Coyuchi Temescal Organic Towel certified by GOTS (so you know the entire production process follows strict standards), but it was also one of the top performers in our softness and absorbency tests, proving that you don't need to sacrifice towel quality by shopping more sustainability. The downside is that this one is extremely pricey.
• Best Linen Towel: Linen towels are not common, but they stand out for having a crisp, textured feel. We recently tested the Linoto Linen Spa Bath Towel , which was overall durable and well-liked by at-home testers. However, it wasn't rated as soft as cotton bath towels in comparison tests and didn't soak up water easily in our absorbency tests.
• Best Hybrid Towel: Boll & Branch's Waffle Terry Bath Towel has a unique construction with a traditional terry fabric on one side and a waffle fabric on the other. It was fairly absorbent with an average drying speed, and at-home testers unanimously loved using it.

How we test bath towels

My team of product analysts and I have tested more than 90 bath towels in the past six years. Each one is put through the wringer in both Lab tests and consumer evaluations. Here's how the bath towels are scored:

✔️ Absorbency: Using the apparatus pictured here, we set up a towel sample at a 60-degree angle and pour water onto it from a standard distance. Any water that the towel doesn't absorb rolls off the fabric and into the container below, which we weigh to measure much runs off. This test is performed multiple times on each towel, including after repeated wash cycles because absorbency can change after extended use. A towel with perfect absorbency doesn't have any runoff.

✔️ Drying speed : We apply a standard amount of water to a towel swatch then hang it to dry. We reweigh the swatch every 30 minutes until it reaches its original weight, indicating that the towel has fully dried.

✔️ Washability: Our analysts wash and dry each towel 20 times, measuring shrinkage and appearance throughout this process. We also measure weight loss from laundering to see how much each towel sheds lint.

✔️ Fabric strength: A specialized machine called the Instron pulls swatches of towel fabric apart and measures the force needed to break each one.

✔️ Consumer tests: Dozens of consumer testers use the towels at home and rate them on factors like softness, appearance, whether they were dried off quickly and more. We also set up blinded softness tests in our Lab, where additional consumers feel and rate each one in a side-by-side comparison.

How to choose the right bath towel for you

One thing we've learned from extensive consumer testing is that picking out the best bath towel is largely based on personal preference. Here's what you should consider:

• If you want a super soft, ultra-absorbent towel, look for 100% cotton with dense, plush loops on the surface. You can also look at fabric weight, which is shown in GSM (grams per square meter). Over 600 GSM is considered heavy, so these will typically be the plushest. Lighter towels like waffle weaves or ribs typically weren't as soft in our test.
• If you want a towel that's quick-drying and more durable, consider a cotton-poly blend or a lighter fabric with a low pile (short loops). Fluffy loops help the towel feel soft and absorb water, but they can take longer to dry and may show more wear from laundering.

Is Egyptian or Turkish cotton better for towels?

It’s not a rule of thumb, but towels labeled as “Turkish cotton” or “Made in Turkey” performed better in our tests than those claiming to be made of “Egyptian” cotton. In theory, they’re very similar: Both are long-staple fibers, helping to make the fabrics softer and more durable. However, Turkish cotton is more popular in bath towels and is known for drying faster than Egyptian cotton, which is more commonly seen in bed sheets. Plus, there have been instances of bedding fabrics mislabeled as Egyptian cotton, especially because it's difficult to verify this claim.

How do you stop towels from shedding fluff?

My best tip is to wash them before use. Sometimes there are loose fibers leftover from the production process, but laundering the towels a few times should help get rid of them. Not to mention, washing them also makes the towels more absorbent because it gets rid of leftover finishes from production.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy & operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she has been researching, testing and writing about bath towels for over a decade. Lexie has developed proprietary evaluations while also following standardized industry test methods to review dozens of styles both in the Textiles Lab and in the homes of consumer testers.

Testing for this article has also been conducted by senior textiles analyst Emma Seymour , textiles product reviews analyst Grace Wu and contributing analyst Rachael Chen .

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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