Little Towel vs Microfiber Towels: Which to Choose
By Gossamer Gear | take less. do more. | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Product Reviews
Compare the ultralight Gossamer Gear Little Towel with standard microfiber towels for backpacking. Find out which camp towel saves weight and dries faster.
Quick answer
For ultralight backpackers, the Gossamer Gear Little Towel (0.68 oz) wins on weight and packability. Standard microfiber towels dry faster but weigh more; choose based on whether ounces or drying speed matters most.
Weight vs. drying speed
The Gossamer Gear Little Towel weighs just 0.68 oz, making it one of the lightest camp towels available. Standard microfiber towels typically weigh 1.5–3 oz for a similar surface area. The tradeoff: microfiber absorbs more water initially and dries faster when you wring it out, while the Little Towel's chamois fabric wicks moisture away and dries quickly in the sun but holds less water overall.
Packability and convenience
The Little Towel clips directly to your pack with a built-in clip, so it's always accessible and dries on the move. Standard microfiber towels usually require a separate stuff sack or carabiner. For thru-hikers who want one less loose item, the Little Towel's integrated design is a clear advantage.
Tradeoffs at a glance
- Weight: Little Towel: 0.68 oz. Standard microfiber: 1.5–3 oz. Choose Little Towel for the lightest carry.
- Drying speed: Standard microfiber dries faster after wringing. Little Towel dries in the sun but holds less water. Choose microfiber if you need to dry off quickly in cold or humid conditions.
- Packability: Little Towel clips to your pack; no extra pouch needed. Standard microfiber often requires a stuff sack. Choose Little Towel for one less loose item. If you prioritize a clean, simple pack with fewer accessories, the Little Towel is the better fit.
Product facts
- Little Towel: The Little Towel weighs just 0.68 oz and clips seamlessly to your pack. Its soft chamois fabric wicks away moisture and dries quickly in the sun. You get a usable camp towel that adds negligible weight and doesn't require a separate stuff sack, simplifying your pack organization.
Little Towel
Which camp towel fits your hike?
Best for
- Ultralight backpackers counting every gram
- Thru-hikers who want a towel that dries on the move
- Anyone who prefers a clipped, no-stuff-sack design
Not ideal for
- Car campers or basecamp users who need a larger, more absorbent towel
- Cold-weather trips where quick drying after a full-body rinse is critical
