I used to think that bringing a small travel towel on an outdoor adventure was absolutely ludicrous … that was until I got one.

Now, I use my super absorbent, quick drying, lightweight PackTowl for so much more than drying off after a rinse. It's become a multi-faceted, much loved member of my adventure arsenal, and I bring it with me (almost) everywhere I go.

Here are 9 ways I find myself using my Personal Towel by PackTowl …

Dry My Feet After a River Crossing

 

I love being able to pat down my tootsies, dry the crevices between my toes and clear out any sand and grit that's gathered after a good wade in the water from one shoreline to the next.

Wipe Condensation Off the Tent

 

Dewy nights in a single-wall Dyneema shelter can often turn into mornings in a wet-roofed tent. I love using the ultra absorbent PackTowl to wipe up the water droplets and help the tent dry quicker.

Pro Tip: take everything out of the tent first so it doesn't get dripped on ; ) 

Dry Off After a Swim in the Springs

 

Few things make me happier than swimming in crystal clear waterways and then standing in the sun while I drip off. I love dabbing my face, wiping down my arms and giving my legs a quick once over with the PackTowl’s soft, supple surface.

 

Cover Up While I Change

 

The towel gives me the perfect full body wrap with a secure little front tuck, so I can keep my bits and bobs private on a busy beach while I swap over into my swimsuit or gear back up into my clothes.

Wash My Face Each Morning

 

After giving up coffee, I needed an effective way to perk up for the day, so I started splashing my cheeks with some nice cold water as soon as I got up. Then, I bury my face in the comfort of the PackTowl, give myself a good pat down and smile at the fact that a new day is upon me.  

Clean My Glasses and Bike Mirror

 

Dirty lenses get my goat, so I make sure to fog them up with my breath and wipe them down with a clean corner of the PackTowl that I reserve for just such occasions. It also works equally well at cleaning dirt and debris off my bike mirror, so I can stay safe and sound when I'm out riding on the road. 

Hide From Mosquitos and Sun

 

When the witching hour hits at camp, I'll sometimes throw my PackTowl around my head to keep those pesky blood suckers from getting to my sensitive skin.

Other times, I like to wet the towel down and wrap it around my hot head to cool me down and block out the sun's rays.

Clean My Feet Before Getting in the Tent

 

I used to think trekking sand in the tent was an unavoidable fact of life, until I started leaving the PackTowl by the tent door so I could clean off my filthy paws before climbing into my sleeping bag. I much prefer having a tent that stays cleaner for longer. Not having to shake leaves, sand and bugs from my UL quilt is definitely an added bonus. 

 

Wipe The Dew Off My Bike

 

Rainy nights or dew filled dawns leave my handlebars, bike bags, saddle cover and mirror cloaked in moisture when I get up.The PackTowl is an easy and effective way to dry down my gear and give myself a fresh start.

Even when I've already washed my face, cleaned my glasses and dried the tent, the PackTowl somehow still has absorbency left to give!

Then I strap it to my front bike bag, keeping it close by, because I know it won't be long before my PackTowl comes to the rescue yet again.

 

Ali Becker is a freelance adventure writer and narrative storyteller who shares compelling conversations about personal transformations, overcoming limitations, wellness education and adventurous situations. You can follow her rambling adventures on social at @thisisalibecker.