[Patagonia Peaks]

Hey fellow hikers! As we all gear up for our next backpacking adventure, I couldn’t help but think about one of the simplest yet most underrated items we often overlook: the hiking towel. Seriously, who knew that a good towel could make such a difference on the trail? I mean, think about it – whether you’re wiping off that hard-earned sweat after a grueling ascent or drying your hands after a much-needed lunch break, having a reliable towel can be a game changer!

Today, I’m excited to share my top three favorite hiking towels that have been absolute lifesavers on my trips. Along with a few mini reviews of these trusty companions, I’ll throw in a quick guide on what to look for when shopping for your own towel. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into the world of hiking towels!

• 🧴 Packtowl Personal Towel
• 🏞️ Sea to Summit Drylite Towel
• 🧺 REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite

[Patagonia Peaks]

Packtowl Personal Towel

Well, let me tell you about my little adventure with the Packtowl Personal Towel, a.k.a. the magical cloth that played a big role on my recent hiking trip! I’ve previously been a bit of a skeptic when it comes to the need for fancy lightweight towels. But oh boy, was I in for a fabulous surprise!

Initial Thoughts:
When I first got my hands on this towel, I was a bit skeptical. I mean, really, how could a towel this small and thin possibly be of any use on a trip where dirt, sweat, and unforeseen rain showers are inevitable? My skepticism, however, was short-lived.

Performance:

• Absorbency: For starters, this towel has some kind of wizardry going on because it absorbs water like it’s getting paid for it. After a sweaty climb – and trust me, I mean sweaty like Niagara Falls – this thing soaked it all up without flinching.
• Quick Drying: Here’s the kicker, though. Thirty minutes of sunbathing on my backpack while I stopped for lunch, and it dried as if it had been using its time in the sun wisely. I half-expected it to start asking for sunscreen next. It was dry and ready for round two in no time!
• Portability: It packs into its little pouch like a well-mannered guest, small and hassle-free. I even started using it as a pillow in a pinch – talk about versatility!
• Softness: Also, this Packtowl is softer than a love song, even after multiple washes. There’s just something about wrapping it around yourself that feels like a warm hug from a fluffy cloud.

A Wild Encounter:
I did have a curious incident where a squirrel seemed oddly interested in the towel. I’m not sure if it thought my Packtowl was a vibrant new addition to its nest or just wanted to make sure it passed the squirrel-approved drying test. Either way, the towel survived unscathed, proving its resilience against both the elements and the local wildlife.

In conclusion, if you’re contemplating whether you need one of these magic towels for your next hike, let me tell you: your future dry, comfortable, and slightly more luxurious self will thank you. Plus, it doubles as a great conversation starter with curious squirrels and other hikers admiring your drying game. Happy trails!

[Patagonia Peaks]

Sea to Summit Drylite Towel

Oh, the glorious life of a hiker, where being damp and uncomfortable is just part of the charm, right? Well, not anymore, my fellow trailblazers! Let’s chat about the Sea to Summit Drylite Towel—a true game-changer in the pursuit of dryness and happiness in the great outdoors.

Firstly, size matters. I went for the large, because, let’s face it, I like living dangerously with fabricated luxury. The thing is, it’s surprisingly compact despite its large surface area. It fits perfectly in my pack without sacrificing room for the emergency chocolate stash. Big win in my book!

Absorbency levels: Unreal. I mean, who would have thought a towel could make you feel like you’re drying off with the hand of Zeus himself? This thing absorbs water faster than I absorb trail mix—and that’s saying something. I used it after a rain-soaked day of hiking, and it managed to dry off not just me, but also the tent door, and my soggy dog (yes, she loves hiking too).

Now, let’s talk quick drying. I left it hanging on a tree while I took a short nap (hey, hiking is hard work!) and by the time I woke up, it was mostly dry, ready for round two. Honestly, if only my socks could dry that fast, I’d be a happy hiker.

Weight and packability: Seriously, it’s like carrying a feather. If you hate lugging around a heavy pack, this is your new best friend. It’s light enough that you might forget it’s even there—until it magically saves you from mid-hike dampness.

In short, the Sea to Summit Drylite Towel is the MVP of my hiking gear. Would I recommend it? Let’s just put it this way: if the towel could hike, I’d take it on every adventure. But until then, I suppose I’ll just stick to using it to stay dry and fabulous while out on the trails. Anyone else have a similar experience, or is your towel out there still trying to figure out its purpose in life?

[Patagonia Peaks]

REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite

Hey fellow adventurers,

I recently picked up the REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite for my latest hiking escapade, and oh boy, it was like finding the Swiss army knife of towels. Seriously, who knew a towel could be so impressive? Let me tell you about my experience with this little wonder.

First off, I’m all about packing light, so the fact that this towel is super compact and lightweight is a win in my book. It fits nicely into its own little mesh bag, which means I can easily slip it into my backpack without playing Tetris.

I used it after a surprise dip in a mountain stream—because sometimes you just can’t resist—and it absorbed water faster than my dog’s enthusiasm for chasing squirrels. Trust me, it dried me off quicker than I could say, “Where’s the nearest campfire?” Plus, it dried itself pretty fast in the sun, so I didn’t have to deal with that dreaded damp smell.

One of the best parts? It has a little loop with a snap, so I could hang it on a branch to dry while I pretended to be a woodland creature. Also, no more playing tug-of-war with the wind because the snap keeps it secure.

I have to give kudos to whoever decided that the towel should be machine washable. It’s the gift that keeps on giving—cleanliness! Just make sure to follow washing instructions, which I may have skimmed only halfway through the first time around. But hey, it survived and remained vibrant, so all good!

All in all, I’d say this towel is a (surprisingly affordable) must-have for any outdoor enthusiast who enjoys staying dry and packing light. If you’re curious to check it out yourself, you can read more here.

Happy hiking, and may your adventures be as refreshing as a mountain stream!

[Patagonia Peaks]

Best Hiking Towels for Backpacking Buyer’s Guide

Hey fellow trailblazers!

Embarking on a hiking adventure? Your checklist might already include the usual suspects: a sturdy pair of boots, a trusty backpack, and that all-important snack stash for “emergency” breaks. But don’t underestimate the humble towel! Choosing the right hiking towel can be as crucial as finding the perfect hiking boots… trust me, learn from someone who once attempted to air dry using only sunshine and wishful thinking.

So, let’s delve into the world of hiking towels and help you make the best choice, without any soap-box moments. Here’s everything you need to wipe away the sweat and tears of shopping:

• Material Matters: If you’ve ever towel-dried your face with a burlap sack, you know the importance of material. Look for towels made from microfiber or quick-drying material. These magical fabrics absorb moisture quicker than a sponge soaking up a spill in a sitcom. Plus, they dry faster than you can say “soggy mess.” Personally, the first time I realized my microfiber towel dried faster than my dog after a swim, I became a convert.
• Compact and Lightweight: When it comes to backpacking, size definitely matters (and not in the way you’d hope). Save space for more critical things like snacks or… more snacks. A towel that’s ultra-compact is key. Some even come in their own little bags, like posh tea bags, but for sweat. I once managed to lose mine in the depths of my pack, only to find it hiding behind my emergency chocolate stash.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Let’s face it; no one wants their towel to develop a personality. Look for options with antimicrobial treatments. These budding innovations keep the ‘funk’ at bay, so your towel doesn’t start smelling like a week-old gym sock. In a tragic incident involving a river crossing, my towel became an unsolicited science experiment. Since then, antimicrobial towels have been my salvation.
• Size Does Matter (Again): Consider what you’re planning to use it for. A body towel for full coverage or a smaller face towel for those intimate moments with nature? Always think about function. There was that one time I thought I could make a hand towel work after an unexpected swim. Let’s just say, it didn’t cover all the bases.
• Color and Style: Yes, style counts. While it may seem trivial, finding your towel in a sea of greens and browns can be a challenge. A bright color isn’t just for making a fashion statement; it’s about practicality. I’ve been known to color-coordinate my towel with my gear (and occasionally my socks), but at heart, I’m just avoiding camouflaging my towel into oblivion.

Now armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to snag the best hiking towel for your adventures. Remember, it’s not just a towel; it’s a loyal companion on your journey to conquer nature, one footstep— and wipe— at a time. Happy trails!

P.S. If anyone has invented a towel that also acts as a snack holder, sign me up!

[Peak Packer]

I’ve got a confession: I’m pretty sure my hiking towel has more Instagram followers than I do. 😅 Who knew square footage of drying potential could be so social media-savvy?!

But seriously, choosing the right towel is like picking a hiking buddy; you want it to be reliable, lightweight, and preferably not smell like yesterday’s gym socks. Here’s a quick rundown of what I think makes for a perfect hiking towel:

• Super Absorbent: Because drying off is not just an activity—it’s an art form. The last thing you want is a towel that feels like it’s just spreading the wet around.
• Quick Drying: If your towel dries faster than you can say “soggy bottom,” it’s a keeper. Nobody wants to spend the day sharing a damp pack with a swamp impersonator.
• Compact & Lightweight: Let’s keep your pack’s weight dedicated to more important things—like trail mix and extra socks.
• Durable & Resilient: Whether you’re drying it on a tree limb or it falls victim to a squirrel inspection (happens more than you’d think!), it should be tough enough to survive the wilderness.
• Antimicrobial: Trust me, the last thing you want is a towel that decides to throw a bacteria party. Leave the funk at home, folks!

And let’s not forget style! Bright colors aren’t just for fashion; they’re for quick identification in your gear pile. ✨ So, fellow hikers, next time someone asks if you really need a special towel, you can nod knowingly because the secret of fresh dryness is no longer just a myth! Happy hiking! 🏞️

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