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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Julian on July 16, 2017, 08:37:00 PM

Title: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: Julian on July 16, 2017, 08:37:00 PM
For you folks that hike out and hunt what kind of towel do you bring along? I've seen people recommend those shamwows that you see on tv anyone tried them? There are a ton of options out there just wondering what y'all personally use.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: northener on July 16, 2017, 08:48:00 PM
Wet wipes
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: Mike Vines on July 16, 2017, 08:54:00 PM
Washcloth and a TINY bar of unscented soap.  Place in a ziplock and head out.  If only out for a couple days, forgetaboutit.  Wet wipes are a godsend most days.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: ron w on July 16, 2017, 09:08:00 PM
My wife bought camp towels from Camp-Mor. Kind of like a shamwow but better quality. Folds up to very small and dries very fast. Have used them on an elk hunt and motorcycle camping. Also used them camping at Compton this past June.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: Hackbow on July 16, 2017, 09:08:00 PM
Took the chamois type camping towel once on a backpack hunt. Now I do exactly as Mike posts above. If taking a full blown bath in a creek, I'll either use a t-shirt or just air dry for a few minutes.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: Roadkill on July 16, 2017, 09:51:00 PM
It is 90 +degrees here during bow season. I use a weed sprayer to shower and dry off with a small hand towel.  Handiwipes are God send, too.  I fill the sprayer, put it in the sun and use it-sometimes twice a day.  The wild fires burning here in Nevada are eating up some prime hunting areas-maybe charcoal will be the odor of choice this year-one fire is over200,00 acres
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: Jon Stewart on July 16, 2017, 09:58:00 PM
Same as Ron W and I also carry baby wipes (unscented)

Something else that works well on a hunt is a 2 1/2 gallon zip lock bag. Works as your shower and folds up small.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: Julian on July 16, 2017, 10:29:00 PM
Appreciate the input but I was just asking about different quick dry towel materials that anyone may have used.

I saw the chamois towels in several different styles but I have never seen them in person. Maybe I can find some in a store somewhere so I know what it is before I buy something over the internet.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: Roadkill on July 17, 2017, 12:18:00 AM
It is 90 +degrees here during bow season. I use a weed sprayer to shower and dry off with a small hand towel.  Handiwipes are God send, too.  I fill the sprayer, put it in the sun and use it-sometimes twice a day.  The wild fires burning here in Nevada are eating up some prime hunting areas-maybe charcoal will be the odor of choice this year-one fire is over200,00 acres
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: LongbowArchitect on July 17, 2017, 11:31:00 AM
Unscented baby wipes for me also.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: M60gunner on July 17, 2017, 03:39:00 PM
Try a Wally World, sure one must be near buy, they seem to be everywhere. I would start where the kitchen/cleaning supply's are then head to camping dept. At least you could possibly touch the products to get an idea.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: ozy clint on July 17, 2017, 11:24:00 PM
Binocular lense wipe doubles as towel.
  :p
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: Russ Clagett on July 18, 2017, 09:11:00 AM
Look for a "micro towel"...it's like a chammy and comes in different sizes....they dry immediately, and even when wet they will dry you off.

They can be used for a month without washing and never stink.

If I remember right they cost anywhere from 10 bucks for the small ones to around 25 for the full size. Most of my time in the field in the Army I used a medium sized one I got in the PX and it lasted me many years. And...they don't take up any room in a rucksack....that might be the best part.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: Jerrynocam on July 18, 2017, 07:48:00 PM
I use a micro-fiber towel that was given to me as a gift and it works great. It does the job and dries out fast. I think they sell them at Cabelas.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: tracker12 on July 18, 2017, 07:58:00 PM
Micro finger towel I got from REI.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: Lonehowl on July 18, 2017, 11:53:00 PM
https://youtu.be/dP9U7cuzpuY
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: Kevin Hansen on July 20, 2017, 11:17:00 PM
Used a Shamwow for the past 8-10 years. I have no complaints with it.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: Julian on July 20, 2017, 11:41:00 PM
You folks always come through, the micro towel seems to be a popular option. I've got until the second week in September to narrow down my options. I appreciate everyone's input and you knowledge has been invaluable.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: NY Yankee on July 24, 2017, 09:44:00 AM
I won't travel without my custom made, white Egyptian cotton, extra extra thick, 84"x60" terry cloth bath towel and the 32 oz bottle of special detergent to wash it in to keep it soft. Yah, the package weighs 15 pounds and it takes it 3 days to air dry but hey, when you're out on the trail chasing big game, the only thing that keeps me going is a nice wipe down and wrap up.
Title: Re: Backpacking towel options??
Post by: YosemiteSam on July 24, 2017, 01:01:00 PM
Typically I bring 2 small kitchen towels.  One for hands, the other for face and for a second hand cleaning before putting in contacts.  Both are hung next to a spare 3L camelback bladder that I use as my backpacking faucet at camp.  The high elevation and warm days during the season mean that they usually dry off pretty quick.  But even in cool, high humidity conditions along the coast, I've been fine with that setup.  

Often, I'll also carry an orange shemagh (middle eastern head/neck scarf) and that has been helpful for a quick wipe when field dressing, marking my kill spot (easier to find at night) or even my stand location in case other hunters are nearby.  Tons of uses for those things.  I learned to use one in the late 90s when I was studying over there & now feel like it's a core piece of gear.  I have one in a few colors but the orange goes out with me during deer season.