How long does it take to dry after use?

Drying time depends on humidity and sun exposure, but chamois microfiber typically releases moisture much faster than cotton. In direct sunlight or draped over your pack while hiking, it can dry in under an hour. Even in shaded conditions, it dries considerably faster than a standard towel.

Is this big enough to use as a body towel?

It's sized for backpacking efficiency rather than full-body coverage. You can use it to wipe down after washing up at camp or to dry your face and hands, but it's not large enough to wrap around yourself like a bath towel. The compact size is a tradeoff that keeps the weight minimal.

Will the clip damage my pack fabric?

The clip is designed to attach to webbing loops, daisy chains, or similar attachment points on the outside of your pack. It should not damage pack fabric when used as intended. Avoid clipping it to thin mesh pockets or unsupported fabric areas.

Can I wash this in a machine?

Yes, chamois microfiber towels are generally machine washable. Avoid fabric softener, as it can reduce the material's absorbency. Air drying or low-heat tumble drying will help maintain the fabric's performance over time.

Little Towel

The 3-second version

Weighs 0.68 oz—less than most energy bars you carry
Chamois fabric absorbs moisture and dries fast in sunlight
Clips directly to your pack for quick access on the trail
Sized for face and hands, not full-body coverage
Clip needs webbing or loops—won't work on all packs

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Ultralight chamois towel for backpackers who count every ounce

Most backpacking towels are either too small to be useful or heavy enough to make you reconsider bringing one at all. Cotton is absorbent but stays damp for hours, adding weight and breeding bacteria. Synthetic camp towels dry faster but often feel stiff or scratch your face. This chamois version balances absorption with quick drying, so you actually use it instead of leaving it at home. At 0.68 oz, it costs you less carry weight than a single tent stake.

Good gift when

Backpackers obsessed with shaving grams from their load
Thru-hikers who need gear that performs and dries fast
Minimalist campers who value multifunctional essentials
Trail runners who want a towel that won't slow them down

Skip it if If you need a towel large enough for full-body drying or prefer something that feels like a traditional bath towel, this compact chamois option will feel too small and utilitarian for your expectations.

Specs

Weight: 0.68 oz
Material: Chamois microfiber
Attachment: Built-in clip

What's included

Little Towel with built-in clip

If you're giving it

No sizing to guess

Small and practical—pair it with other ultralight gear for a complete kit.

The details

When you're trying to keep base weight under ten pounds, a terry-cloth towel is out of the question. This chamois microfiber alternative handles everything from washing up after dinner to mopping sweat on a steep climb, and it weighs a fraction of what a conventional towel does.

The fabric absorbs moisture efficiently, then releases it fast when you hang it in sunlight or drape it over your pack. You can wring it out and use it again within minutes instead of carrying a damp, heavy mess in your gear bag. The material stays soft even after repeated washings, so it won't scratch your face or irritate skin.

A built-in clip keeps it within reach on the outside of your pack. No more digging through your bag to find a towel at the end of a long day. The compact size fits easily into bear canisters or stuff sacks when you need to store it inside.

Thru-hikers and weekend backpackers alike appreciate gear that performs without adding bulk. This towel holds enough water to be useful but dries fast enough to avoid becoming a liability. Whether you're washing dishes at a backcountry site or freshening up before crawling into your sleeping bag, it does the job without weighing you down.

Gossamer Gear

Little Towel

Quick-drying microfiber towel that clips to your pack and weighs less than an ounce

$10at gossamergear.com

Quantity

Buy from Gossamer Gear

Ships and sold by Gossamer Gear. About this merchant

The 3-second version

Weighs 0.68 oz—less than most energy bars you carry
Chamois fabric absorbs moisture and dries fast in sunlight
Clips directly to your pack for quick access on the trail
Sized for face and hands, not full-body coverage
Clip needs webbing or loops—won't work on all packs

Questions

How long does it take to dry after use?: Drying time depends on humidity and sun exposure, but chamois microfiber typically releases moisture much faster than cotton. In direct sunlight or draped over your pack while hiking, it can dry in under an hour. Even in shaded conditions, it dries considerably faster than a standard towel.
Is this big enough to use as a body towel?: It's sized for backpacking efficiency rather than full-body coverage. You can use it to wipe down after washing up at camp or to dry your face and hands, but it's not large enough to wrap around yourself like a bath towel. The compact size is a tradeoff that keeps the weight minimal.
Will the clip damage my pack fabric?: The clip is designed to attach to webbing loops, daisy chains, or similar attachment points on the outside of your pack. It should not damage pack fabric when used as intended. Avoid clipping it to thin mesh pockets or unsupported fabric areas.
Can I wash this in a machine?: Yes, chamois microfiber towels are generally machine washable. Avoid fabric softener, as it can reduce the material's absorbency. Air drying or low-heat tumble drying will help maintain the fabric's performance over time.