We compared two ultralight quick-dry towels for travel, camping and the gym: the Sea to Summit Airlite and the Lifeventure HydroFibre.
What we looked at
Stated weight and size, material, drying and absorbency claims, odour control, packing, and price. We compared the Large size of each.
The verdict
If you want the lightest towel, a stated 67g at 60 x 120cm, with a snap-on stuff sack that also hangs it to dry, the Sea to Summit Airlite is the featherweight pick, at £17.99. If you would rather pay about £3 less for a larger 110 x 65cm towel with a Polygiene odour-control treatment, a stated 15 times faster drying than a conventional towel and a packing bag, the Lifeventure is the value option, at 98g.
A stated 67g microfibre towel with a hangable stuff sack, but it costs about £3 more and had few left.
A cheaper, odour-treated 98g towel with stated fast drying and a packing bag, but it is heavier and comes in two sizes.
Sea to Summit Airlite Microfibre Towel L, 60 x 120cm, Moonlight Blue (67g) — Lightest Pick
Intended for: Marketed as an ultra-lightweight, ultra-absorbent, quick-dry 100% polyester microfibre towel weighing 67g, with a snap-on 15D nylon stuff sack, for travel, backpacking and the gym.
What we liked
- Weighs a stated 67g in the 60 x 120cm size, lighter than the Lifeventure
- 100% polyester microfibre construction, ultra absorbent and quick dry
- Snap-on 15D nylon stuff sack to hang the towel for drying and stow it away
- Tiny pack size, marketed for travel, backpacking and the gym
Worth knowing
- Costs £2.96 more than the Lifeventure on these listings
- Only 13 were left in stock when checked
Best for
- Backpackers and travellers counting grams
- Anyone who wants a towel with a snap-on stuff sack that also hangs to dry
- Gym-bag and carry-on packing
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants a stated odour-control treatment
Lifeventure HydroFibre Ultralight and Compact Adventure Sports Towel, Large (110 x 65cm, Grey) — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as an ultralight, compact and super fast-drying adventure sports towel that absorbs 5 times its own weight in water and dries 15 times faster than a conventional towel, treated with Polygiene odour control, in Large (110 x 65cm, 98g) or Extra Large.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Sea to Summit Airlite on these listings
- Stated to absorb 5 times its own weight in water and dry 15 times faster than a conventional towel
- Treated with Polygiene permanent odour control to go longer between washes
- Comes with a neat bag to pack it away
- Large size stated as 110 x 65cm and 98 grams, with an Extra Large option
Worth knowing
- Heavier than the Airlite: 98g in the Large size against 67g
- The listing offers two sizes, so check the size before buying
Best for
- Campers, athletes and wild campers who want an odour-treated towel
- Buyers who want the lower price
- Anyone who wants a stated drying-speed claim
Not ideal for
- Weight-conscious backpackers
- Anyone who wants a hangable stuff sack
