Looking for the best hiking towels to keep your adventures fresh and easy? I’ve tested and found lightweight, quick-dry towels that stay soft, pack small, and are ready for any trail.
Finding the right hiking towel can make your outdoor trips smoother and cleaner. You want something that’s light, quick to dry, and easy to pack.
I’ve tested towels on muddy trails, sweaty climbs, and rainy hikes. The best ones stayed fresh, felt soft, and dried in no time.
They don’t smell. They dry fast. They pack small.
List of Top 10 Hiking Towels
| Image | Title | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Zumi 100% Cotton Quick Dry Large Travel Towel – Soft, Thin, Compact, Highly Absorbent, Lightweight Camping Towel for Beach, Gym, Bath, Shower, Swimming, Dorm, RV – Gray |
Perfect for travelers, campers, and active families who need a soft, fast-drying, and odor-free towel that packs light but works hard. Great for the beach, gym, or daily showers. |
|
 |
Zumi 100% Cotton Quick Dry Travel Towel – Soft, Thin, Compact, Highly Absorbent, Lightweight Camping Towel for Beach, Gym, Bath, Shower, Swimming, Dorm, RV – Green |
This towel is perfect for travelers, campers, and gym-goers who need a lightweight, highly absorbent towel that dries fast. It’s soft and gentle on the skin, making it ideal for beach days, showers, or swimming. Whether you’re packing for a trip or just need a quick-drying towel, Zumi’s compact design is the perfect fit. |
|
 |
Zumi 100% Cotton Quick Dry Large Travel Towel – Soft, Thin, Compact, Highly Absorbent, Lightweight Camping Towel for Beach, Gym, Bath, Shower, Swimming, Dorm, RV – White |
Perfect for travelers, campers, gym lovers, and anyone who needs a soft, quick-dry, and lightweight towel that’s always ready to go. Great for the beach, swimming, showers, or daily use at home. |
|
 |
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Perfect Travel & Gym & Camping Towel. Quick Dry – Super Absorbent – Ultra Compact – Lightweight. Suitable for Trip, Beach, Shower, Backpacking, Pool |
This towel is perfect for travelers, gym lovers, and outdoor fans. It’s light, fast-drying, and easy to carry anywhere. |
|
 |
OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel – 3 Size Pack of Lightweight Microfiber Travel Towels w/Bag – Fast Drying Towel Set for Camping, Beach, Gym, Backpacking, Sports, Yoga & Swim Use |
Perfect for travelers, gym lovers, campers, and beachgoers who want a towel that is light, fast drying, and easy to pack. Ideal for anyone who values comfort and quality on the go. |
|
 |
Eunzel Quick Dry Camping Towel, Microfiber Travel Towel 3 Size at 1 Pack,Fast Drying Towel Set for Camping, Beach, Gym, Sports, Yoga & Swimming Pool, Army Green |
Perfect for travelers, campers, and fitness lovers who need a towel that’s light, fast-drying, and easy to pack. Ideal for anyone who wants comfort and convenience anywhere they go. |
|
 |
HOEAAS 2 Pack Microfiber Camping Towels, Quick Dry Towel, Super Absorbent Ultra Compact Travel Towel Soft Lightweight Sports Towel for Sweat Fast Drying Towels for Pool,Gym,Hiking,Backpacking,Fitness |
Perfect for travelers, campers, gym lovers, and anyone who needs a fast-drying, lightweight towel. Great for sports, beach days, and outdoor adventures. |
|
 |
APEXUP Microfiber Travel Towel, Ultra Absorbent Quick Dry Towels, Lightweight Gym Sports Camping Towel for Workout, Yoga, Beach, Shower, Swimming (24″×12″, Army Green) |
This towel is perfect for active people who need a light, quick-dry, and soft towel they can take anywhere. It’s great for gym workouts, yoga, swimming, camping, hiking, or the beach. |
|
 |
BOGI Microfiber Travel Sports Towel-Quick Dry Towel, Soft Lightweight Microfiber Camping Towel Absorbent Compact Travel Towel for Camping Gym Beach Bath Yoga Swimming Backpacking (M:40”x20”-Nblue) |
Perfect for travelers, campers, gym lovers, and anyone who needs a fast-drying, lightweight, and compact towel. Great for sports, beach days, and outdoor adventures all year round. |
|
 |
Elite Trail Magic Ultra-Lightweight Small Quick Drying Microfiber Travel Hand Towel with Hang Loop – Compact and Small, Fast-Drying, Durable, Perfect for Backpacking, Hiking, Yoga |
Perfect for hikers, backpackers, and travelers who need a super-light, fast-drying towel that fits anywhere. Also great for sports lovers who want quick comfort after any workout. |
Detailed Reviews
We picked the top 10 hiking towels using expert reviews and real user feedback. Each towel is tested for comfort, drying speed, and packability. Whether you want something soft, light, or long-lasting, this guide has you covered. Find the perfect towel for your next adventure.
1. Zumi 100% Cotton Quick Dry Large Travel Towel – Soft, Thin, Compact, Highly Absorbent, Lightweight Camping Towel for Beach, Gym, Bath, Shower, Swimming, Dorm, RV – Gray
The Zumi 100% Cotton Quick Dry Towel feels soft and gentle on your skin. It is highly absorbent and dries super fast. This towel is large yet lightweight and easy to pack.
It won’t hold odors even if left damp. Plus, it’s easy to wash and safe for your home and the planet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for travelers, campers, and active families who need a soft, fast-drying, and odor-free towel that packs light but works hard. Great for the beach, gym, or daily showers.
Ready to Purchase?
2. Zumi 100% Cotton Quick Dry Travel Towel – Soft, Thin, Compact, Highly Absorbent, Lightweight Camping Towel for Beach, Gym, Bath, Shower, Swimming, Dorm, RV – Green
The Zumi 100% Cotton Quick Dry Travel Towel is soft, light, and built for comfort. Its plush cotton terry feels gentle on your skin every single time.
It’s highly absorbent and dries fast. It’s big, but packs small. It never holds bad smells.
Made from premium Aegean cotton, it’s designed for quality that lasts. Backed by a 1-year guarantee, it’s a towel you can truly trust.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
This towel is perfect for travelers, campers, and gym-goers who need a lightweight, highly absorbent towel that dries fast. It’s soft and gentle on the skin, making it ideal for beach days, showers, or swimming. Whether you’re packing for a trip or just need a quick-drying towel, Zumi’s compact design is the perfect fit.
Ready to Purchase?
3. Zumi 100% Cotton Quick Dry Large Travel Towel – Soft, Thin, Compact, Highly Absorbent, Lightweight Camping Towel for Beach, Gym, Bath, Shower, Swimming, Dorm, RV – White
The Zumi 100% Cotton Quick Dry Large Travel Towel is soft, light, and made for comfort. Its plush cotton terry feels gentle on your skin, even for kids.
It’s highly absorbent and dries fast—perfect after the beach, gym, or a shower. It stays fresh and odor-free, even if left damp overnight.
It’s big but packs small. It’s easy to wash. It’s built to last.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for travelers, campers, gym lovers, and anyone who needs a soft, quick-dry, and lightweight towel that’s always ready to go. Great for the beach, swimming, showers, or daily use at home.
Ready to Purchase?
4. Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Perfect Travel & Gym & Camping Towel. Quick Dry – Super Absorbent – Ultra Compact – Lightweight. Suitable for Trip, Beach, Shower, Backpacking, Pool
The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is built for speed and comfort. It dries fast and absorbs a lot without adding weight to your bag.
It feels soft on skin. It’s light and compact. It’s tough and long-lasting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
This towel is perfect for travelers, gym lovers, and outdoor fans. It’s light, fast-drying, and easy to carry anywhere.
Ready to Purchase?
5. OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel – 3 Size Pack of Lightweight Microfiber Travel Towels w/Bag – Fast Drying Towel Set for Camping, Beach, Gym, Backpacking, Sports, Yoga & Swim Use
Stay dry anywhere with the OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel set. These lightweight microfiber towels are perfect for travel, sports, or the beach. They pack down 4x smaller than regular towels.
The fast-drying fibers absorb more water and dry up to 3x quicker. You’ll never have to pack a damp towel again.
Each set comes with three sizes for every need. They are soft, odor-resistant, and gentle on your skin.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for travelers, gym lovers, campers, and beachgoers who want a towel that is light, fast drying, and easy to pack. Ideal for anyone who values comfort and quality on the go.
Ready to Purchase?
6. Eunzel Quick Dry Camping Towel, Microfiber Travel Towel 3 Size at 1 Pack,Fast Drying Towel Set for Camping, Beach, Gym, Sports, Yoga & Swimming Pool, Army Green
Get three towels in one pack for all your needs. They are lightweight, soft, and quick to dry. Perfect for camping, beach days, and workouts.
Each towel is super absorbent and easy to pack and carry. Enjoy an ultra-soft feel every time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for travelers, campers, and fitness lovers who need a towel that’s light, fast-drying, and easy to pack. Ideal for anyone who wants comfort and convenience anywhere they go.
Ready to Purchase?
7. HOEAAS 2 Pack Microfiber Camping Towels, Quick Dry Towel, Super Absorbent Ultra Compact Travel Towel Soft Lightweight Sports Towel for Sweat Fast Drying Towels for Pool,Gym,Hiking,Backpacking,Fitness
Stay dry and fresh with the HOEAAS 2 Pack Microfiber Camping Towels. They’re super absorbent and dry fast, so you’re never stuck with a wet towel.
They’re soft, light, and easy to carry. Sand won’t stick, and odors won’t stay. Use them for the gym, pool, or hiking—they’re ready for anything.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for travelers, campers, gym lovers, and anyone who needs a fast-drying, lightweight towel. Great for sports, beach days, and outdoor adventures.
Ready to Purchase?
8. APEXUP Microfiber Travel Towel, Ultra Absorbent Quick Dry Towels, Lightweight Gym Sports Camping Towel for Workout, Yoga, Beach, Shower, Swimming (24″×12″, Army Green)
Stay dry and fresh anywhere with the APEXUP Microfiber Travel Towel. It’s super absorbent and dries fast.
It comes with a mesh bag for easy carry. Hang it up using the two hang holes. It’s always ready for your next move.
The towel is soft, light, and compact. Use it for the gym, beach, or camping. One towel fits all your active needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
This towel is perfect for active people who need a light, quick-dry, and soft towel they can take anywhere. It’s great for gym workouts, yoga, swimming, camping, hiking, or the beach.
Ready to Purchase?
9. BOGI Microfiber Travel Sports Towel-Quick Dry Towel, Soft Lightweight Microfiber Camping Towel Absorbent Compact Travel Towel for Camping Gym Beach Bath Yoga Swimming Backpacking (M:40”x20”-Nblue)
This towel is soft, light, and quick to dry. It’s made from smooth microfiber that’s gentle on your skin. Use it for camping, gym, beach, or swimming—it works anywhere.
It folds small but opens big. Comes with a gift bag and carabiner so it’s easy to carry.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for travelers, campers, gym lovers, and anyone who needs a fast-drying, lightweight, and compact towel. Great for sports, beach days, and outdoor adventures all year round.
Ready to Purchase?
10. Elite Trail Magic Ultra-Lightweight Small Quick Drying Microfiber Travel Hand Towel with Hang Loop – Compact and Small, Fast-Drying, Durable, Perfect for Backpacking, Hiking, Yoga
The Elite Trail Magic Hand Towel is super light at only 20 grams. It dries fast and packs small for any trip. Use it anywhere from the bathroom to the backcountry.
Its microfiber fabric feels soft but stays strong. The loop strap makes it easy to hang and dry.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
Perfect for hikers, backpackers, and travelers who need a super-light, fast-drying towel that fits anywhere. Also great for sports lovers who want quick comfort after any workout.
Ready to Purchase?
Buying Guide
A good hiking towel makes the trail easier. It keeps you dry. It packs away fast.
I once finished a muddy hill hike in the rain and my quick-dry towel had me clean, warm, and moving again in minutes. It was so light, I forgot it was even in my bag.
- Material: Choose microfiber or cotton based on feel. Microfiber dries faster and is lighter. Cotton is softer and more natural.
- Drying Speed: A quick-dry towel saves time and stops odors. Look for fabrics that dry in under an hour in the sun.
- Absorbency: Pick one that soaks up water fast. You want it to handle sweat, rain, or a dip in a stream.
- Weight: For hiking, go for lightweight towels under 200g. They feel like nothing in your pack.
- Pack Size: A compact towel frees up space. It should roll or fold to fit in one hand.
- Odor Resistance: Fabrics with anti-odor features stay fresh even when damp. This keeps your bag smelling clean.
- Durability: Trails can be rough. Reinforced edges and strong stitching mean your towel lasts longer.
- Softness: A towel should feel gentle on your skin. Even tough microfiber can be brushed to be soft.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for ones that are machine washable. Quick wash and dry cycles keep them ready.
- Extra Features: Loops for hanging or carry bags make drying and storage easier.