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Hybrid978 OP t1_j20ij6e wrote

Bought this for backpacking in 2012 because they are very thin and can be squeezed until almost completely dry. Used it exclusively for the 4+ month trip, even when hotel towels were provided. Have continued using it regularly since.

It's made of the type of fabric that effortlessly pulls the water right off of you (think Shamwow infomercial). After wringing, dries in a matter of minutes in front of a fan and can be rolled up to about the size of a soda can.

There have been multiple occasions when my wife and I, and even my son have all been able to use this one towel to dry off completely.

I've done lots of research over the years, and bought many different products for travelling, but I can easily say that this is the single best travel item I've ever purchased.

I'm fairly certain they're still sold on the manufacturer's website.

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mike_pants t1_j20q67x wrote

Unless you're trying for some sort of ultralight-backpacking goal, a good camping towel in your pack is invaluable. Ranks right up there with a decent sit pad in the ranks of "never thought I would want one until I had one" items.

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Hybrid978 OP t1_j211tts wrote

Replying to mike_pants (#1,126,000)

I'd say this one is more of an all purpose type of towel. Can put it in a day bag or even in my pocket and just forget it's there.

They actually make a much larger one that I personally wouldn't have had any use for.

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MrStoneV t1_j21xji4 wrote

I sweat a lot so that could help me a lot, but Im wondering what they do to achieve this? Doesnt sound like that is normal? Like unhealthy for the skin unnormal

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Hybrid978 OP t1_j222vus wrote

Replying to MrStoneV (#1,133,430)

It's just the fabric, 100% polyester according to the label. Made in USA/Canada. I have sensitive skin and have never been bothered.

I don't know how it works, but I'm pretty sure any weird chemicals would have washed out of this a long long time ago.

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MrStoneV t1_j224qow wrote

Replying to Hybrid978 (#1,134,442)

Does it soak a lot of water or does cotton do a lot more? Because it would make sense, my sportwear also does dry a lot faster since it has a lot of surface area for the amount of soaked water.

Generally thank you for the post, I woll look forward into it buying such a towel. I agree the chemicals would be long time gone in 10 years. Did you use softener on it?

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Anon_819 t1_j226laf wrote

Replying to mike_pants (#1,126,000)

I had forgotten about the "situpon" as it was called in my girl guides camping kit list. I have a folding one from girl guides that was waterproof on one side and fabric on the other to double as a
camp pillow. It also manages to fit in a square cushion cover so now it has a second life as a couch cushion, 20 years later.

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Hybrid978 OP t1_j226u3x wrote

Replying to MrStoneV (#1,134,757)

It's about half the size of a normal towel and I can dry my entire body with it. Probably mainly dries so fast because of how much water you can squeeze out of it.

I didn't use softener on it for a while, but after several years, I gave up on the washing instructions and just started throwing it in with the rest of my clothes. I've honestly seen a little bit of a difference in the texture of the fabric over time, but it still works like a charm.

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Shadowcat7490 t1_j22vakp wrote

What size do most people get? For basic outdoor/hiking/camping use?

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Hybrid978 OP t1_j22x7wr wrote

Replying to Shadowcat7490 (#1,139,109)

I honestly have no idea about most people. I bought a small and a medium to see which one fit my purpose better. I wanted it as small as possible since I was spending a few months away from home with just my one backpack. Ended up going with the medium.

Easy to pack, easy to wring out, easy to hang. Can still dry myself off after a swim/shower.

Edit: the one downside compared to a large is that you probably won't be able to drape it over yourself or tie it around your waist.

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the_ocifer t1_j23kqd8 wrote

This is the kind of post I'm here for. Not a pic of someone fishing for praise on a thing they just bought. This stuff. Ban the rest.

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CMDR-OIIIIIIIO t1_j23t583 wrote

Bought 2m and 2l. We'll see what happens! Thanks for the rec!

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DiscoverytrekkingGal t1_j24q64u wrote

According to Polartec the moisture-wicking is mechanical vs chemical. In other words, the way the fabric is knit incorporates 2 sizes of yarn knit together, creating a capillary action. So that would never wash out like a chemical additive that draws water. The technology is for apparel, drying you fast when you sweat. But it works well for towels and pillowcases as well.

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MrStoneV t1_j24uspb wrote

Replying to Hybrid978 (#1,151,498)

Thank you a lot :)

​

First time in reddit ever that somebody did this, even thought Ive easily said 100 people to u/ me when there is something new and important. So thanks a lot :)

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