This review has been updated 21 times since it was first published in August of 2021. You might be surprised by how often a gym or fitness towel will come in handy. Workout buffs, campers without much extra room for gear, boaters, beachgoers, and travelers staying in hostels will find these sports towels very portable, and practical. Our selection includes options both small and large in various materials, including microfiber.
10. Swol Fitness Fast Drying
If you struggle with smells, you might check out the Swol Fitness Fast Drying. It’s made from bamboo, which is naturally antibacterial, so it won’t hold unpleasant odors, even if you leave it in your workout bag. Don’t be surprised if its eye-catching design turns heads.
- An eco-friendly option
- No annoying static cling
- Tends to shed lint
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9. Deconovo Microfiber
The budget-friendly Deconovo Microfiber is the perfect travel companion. Despite its relatively large size, its space-saving design lets you roll it up and place it into the provided compact carrying bag. This way it won’t take up the room you need for other items.
- Bag is mesh for fast drying
- Fabric doesn’t feel sticky
- Not as absorbent as other options
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8. Desired Body Fitness
Try something a little different with the Desired Body Fitness. It’s got a waffle texture that helps grab moisture from your skin, and is handily sized at a little over 3 feet long. Unlike many others, it won’t bleed after the first wash.
- Affordably priced
- Good for covering a workout bench
- Doesn’t dry as quickly as stated
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7. Relefree Microfiber
The Relefree Microfiber gives you more bang for your buck. You’ll have two options – one perfectly sized for wiping the perspiration off your hands and face, and one that’s big enough for drying off after a shower or for lounging on at the beach.
- Large one doubles as travel blanket
- Fabric resists mold and mildew
- Can fray at corners
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6. Wise Owl Outfitters Camping
The people behind the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping care deeply about the world and those dedicated to exploring it, and the extremely permeable and compact design certainly reflects that. This is a great multipurpose option, suitable for most outdoor activities.
- Comes with a bonus mini towel
- Gentle enough for small children
- Emits a rather strong smell
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5. Shandali Yoga Travel
The Shandali Yoga Travel is made of an 80 percent polyester and 20 percent nylon blend with a high thread count, for the perfect balance of softness and durability. It’s both functional and practical, and it comes in two sizes.
- Fabric does not shed
- 100 percent money-back guarantee
- Some don’t like its unusual texture
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4. YogaRat SportLite
Grab the YogaRat SportLite for your next trip to the beach or pool and keep your load light. Weighing in at less than 10 ounces, it takes up minimal space while offering plenty of surface area. Plus, it’s the official towel of the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association.
- Stylish contrasting trim
- Extremely tough and won’t snag
- Feels like soft suede
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3. Cages Way 2 Cool
Beat the heat during your summer workouts with the Cages Way 2 Cool. After wetting, it feels refreshing, but not moist, all while providing a powerful UPF of 50 that promises to block 98 percent of UV radiation. And no matter how often you wash it, it’ll stay pliable.
- Dozens of color choices
- Available in two-packs
- Material is free of chemicals
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2. Sunland Ultra Compact
The fast-drying Sunland Ultra Compact is ideal for backpacking, camping, swimming, or boating and comes in an array of different sizes and colors to fit your personal preference and style needs. It features a snap loop that lets you hang it virtually anywhere, too.
- Good for ultralight travel
- Convenient carrying bag with handle
- Offers great sun protection as well
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1. Youphoria Sport Multi-Purpose
The 100 percent microfiber Youphoria Sport Multi-Purpose claims to pack down 5 times smaller than a traditional towel and hold 4 times its weight in water, making it an absorbent option that fits neatly in your gym bag. You can use the loop to keep it off the shower floor.
- Comes in three sizes
- Replacement guaranteed if it tears
- Great gift for athletes