When you’re packing for any adventure, whether it’s a week-long trek or a 4WD trip through the dust, space and weight are always the enemy. We all know a regular cotton bath towel is a non-starter, it’s heavy, takes up half your pack, and takes days to dry, becoming a breeding ground for damp odors.
The good
- Packs into small pouch (17x12x3cm)
- Weighs only 107g in medium size
- Dries significantly faster than cotton
- Generous 40cm x 90cm size for showering
- Durable 88% Polyester/12% Nylon blend
The not-so-good
- Absorbs water using pat-drying method
- Microfibre can feel rubbery on skin
- The Dark Blue colour shows lint easily
This is why the humble microfibre towel, specifically the Kathmandu Microfibre Towel, is an essential item. It promises high absorbency, rapid drying, and incredible packability. I tested the medium, dark blue version to see if this kathmandu microfibre towel lives up to its legendary status as the ultimate Camp Hygiene tool.
What You’re Getting
A lightweight, highly absorbent, and quick-drying travel towel (40cm x 90cm) made from a polyester/nylon blend, complete with a snap-fastening hanging loop and a zip storage pouch.
Quick Specs
If you’re ready to dive into the details, here are the key specs for this product. The table below gives you a clear and quick overview of everything you need to know.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kathmandu |
| Size Tested | Medium |
| Weight (Medium) | 107g |
| Towel Dimensions | 40cm x 90cm |
| Packed Dimensions | 17cm x 12cm x 3cm |
| Composition | 88% Polyester, 12% Nylon |
| Features | Zip storage pouch, Quick drying, Hanging loop |
| Colour Tested | Dark Blue |
First impressions
Unpacking the medium size Kathmandu Microfibre Towel was great. It comes neatly tucked into a nice little zip storage pouch, which is a huge bonus for keeping your clean items separate from everything else in your pack. The towel itself, even though it’s a decent size at 40cm x 90cm, feels incredibly light (107 grams). That tiny packed size is phenomenal, proving why it’s branded as part of their pack&GO solution.
The Dark Blue color I tested looked sharp, and the material felt soft to the touch, though anyone familiar with microfibre knows it’s a different sensation than cotton. The built-in hanging loop is clearly a thoughtful design element for immediate convenience at camp.
Materials & Build Quality
The fabric composition of the Kathmandu microfibre towel is an 88% Polyester and 12% Nylon blend. This combination is what gives the towel its fast-drying and highly absorbent properties. The material feels surprisingly resilient, suggesting it will hold up to repeated washing and the general abuse of life on the road. Stitching around the edges of this microfibre towel is neat and strong.
The included zip storage pouch is also well-made and uses the same lightweight material, ensuring the towel is protected when compressed into a pack. Everything about its build quality points toward durability and long-term travel use, making it far superior to flimsy, cheap microfibre options.
Ergonomics & Weight
The ergonomic genius of the Kathmandu microfibre towel is all about its lack of presence. At just 107 grams in the medium size, you simply won’t notice the Kathmandu quick dry towel in your pack. This makes it crucial gear for anyone focusing on Ultralight Gear. Despite the low weight, the 40cm x 90cm dimensions are actually quite generous for use after a Camp Shower. While it won’t wrap around you like a beach towel, it provides ample surface area to dry your entire body effectively.
The included hanging loop is another fantastic feature. So, you can easily hang it over a thin cord or small branch for maximum air exposure. Since it dries so rapidly, you can pack it away minutes after using it without worrying about that horrible damp smell tainting the rest of your Sleeping Gear. This towel truly earns its place in your kit by being functionally large when needed and virtually invisible when packed.
Performance & Features
The key to microfibre performance is absorption and drying speed. The Kathmandu Microfibre Towel excels at both, but you need to adjust your drying technique. Unlike cotton, which you use to scrub, microfibre works best by patting or pressing the moisture away. It sucks up water incredibly quickly with minimal effort. In decent conditions, the towel goes from soaking wet to bone-dry in well under an hour, meaning you can shower in the morning and have it packed away before you even finish breakfast.
The zip storage pouch is arguably its best feature. It’s perfectly sized so you aren’t fighting to stuff the towel back in, and it keeps it contained, making it easy to grab when you need it and easy to stow away in your vehicle’s 4WD Storage or backpack pocket. This quick-drying capability is essential for multi-day trekking and maintaining hygiene, ensuring you don’t carry extra weight from trapped moisture.
Gear That Complements Your Camping Setup
Since the kathmandu microfibre towel is perfect for Camp Hygiene, you might be looking to upgrade your washing routine. Consider pairing this with a lightweight Camp Showers setup for true luxury off the grid.
For keeping your camp space tidy while showering, our range of fold-up Camp Tables can also be surprisingly useful. For any other minimalist setup, check out our Ultralight Gear section.
The Kathmandu Microfibre Towel is an essential piece of travel gear that performs exactly as advertised.
It successfully balances a generous drying size (40cm x 90cm) with an incredibly low weight (107g) and a tiny packed footprint. The quick-drying, durable polyester-nylon blend ensures that no matter how many times you use it, it’s ready to be packed away quickly and without retaining dampness. For anyone who prioritizes space and weight on their adventures, this towel is a simple, no-fuss solution that delivers fantastic value and performance.
This towel is best for multi-day hikers, backpackers, and anyone trying to shave down weight and space. It’s an essential piece of Camp Hygiene equipment for travelling light where quick drying is a critical requirement.
Yes. Given its durability, rapid drying time, and the convenience of the zip storage pouch, the kathmandu microfibre towel is a superb investment. It eliminates the hassle of traditional towels and lasts for years, making it highly worthwhile.
