Microfibre towels for hiking, trekking & travel

An essential for your backpack, the microfibre towel stands out for its lightness, compact size, and rapid drying. Discover our selection of ultra-absorbent towels for hiking, trekking, and bivouac, along with our tips for choosing the right model for your needs.

Why choose a microfibre towel for hiking?

Microfibre towels are compact, quick-drying, and highly absorbent. On the trail, where every gram and cubic centimetre in your pack matters, these three qualities make all the difference compared to a traditional bath towel, which is why they are favoured by both day hikers and those heading out for week-long treks.

These towels are ideal for all outdoor activities, sports, and travel.

Lightweight and compact

A microfibre towel can be rolled or folded into a tiny size and easily fits among your tent, water bottle, and other accessories. Most models, such as those from Sea to Summit or Packtowl, come with a breathable carry pouch and a loop for hanging to finish drying while you walk. This ability to compress without adding weight is what sets a true hiking towel apart from a makeshift spare towel.

Absorbency and quick drying

The effectiveness of microfibre lies in its structure: its fibres absorb several times their weight in water, then release this moisture in just a few minutes once wrung out. On multi-day treks, this becomes crucial, as a fast-drying towel prevents you from carrying damp fabric, which can cause odours and bacteria to build up in your pack. A vigorous wring is usually enough to make it ready to pack away, without risking wetting your sleeping bag or spare clothes. Explore our full range of trekking and camping equipment to complete your kit.

Choosing the right size for your trip

Do you need a small towel or a large one? It depends on your intended use and the length of your outing. For a day hike or a quick sports session, a compact size is more than enough and barely noticeable in your bag. For longer treks, multi-night bivouacs, or extended travel, a larger model is best: it will dry your whole body after a shower at a hut or a swim in a waterfall, and can double as a camp towel. Before buying, consider these three criteria:

• Weight and packed size, which should remain minimal to avoid weighing you down.
• Absorbency, often given as a multiple of the towel's weight.
• Main intended use: short outing, long-distance trekking, or water activities.

Our microfibre towel recommendations

Whatever your activity, a microfibre towel goes everywhere with you without adding bulk. Our range features leading outdoor brands, from Sea to Summit to Packtowl and Matador, meeting the needs of trekking, camping, and water sports alike. The Tek Towel from Sea to Summit, lightweight, soft to the touch, and available in several sizes, is a great example of a versatile and reliable model for long-term use.

For those concerned about their environmental impact, the Cocoon range is also worth a look: their recycled polyester microfibre towels offer the same drying performance while supporting a more responsible approach, a factor increasingly important when choosing outdoor gear.

The benefits of this type of towel go beyond the trail. Compact and quick-drying, it's just as useful at the pool, the beach, on a climbing trip, or travelling the world-anywhere you want to travel light without sacrificing comfort.

How to care for your microfibre towel?

A few simple steps will keep your towel absorbent for longer. Wash it at a low temperature and avoid fabric softener: it coats the fibres, blocking their structure and significantly reducing their ability to absorb water, which defeats the purpose. After hiking, always let your towel dry completely before packing it away, otherwise damp smells will linger. On the go, the simplest habit is to hang it outside your pack, where sun and wind will finish drying it in minutes. For more tips, browse our section dedicated to body hygiene for hiking, from biodegradable soap to compact wash kits.

FAQ: Microfibre towels for hiking

Is microfibre really suitable for hiking?

Yes, it's the go-to material for this use. While cotton absorbs a lot of water but takes hours to dry, microfibre combines lightness, compactness, and rapid drying-exactly what you need when pack weight and volume are at a premium.

How can you avoid damp smells?

The key is drying: wring your towel thoroughly after use and let it air dry before packing it away. Occasional washing without fabric softener, followed by complete drying, is enough to eliminate bacteria that cause bad odours.

Can you use a microfibre towel for other outdoor activities?

Absolutely. Its versatility is one of its main strengths: the same towel will serve you for climbing, by the lake, at the pool, when travelling, or even as a spare mat at camp. It's an accessory you pack once and use for almost every outdoor activity.