The overall best gym bag towel is the Rainbow microfiber travel towel for its superior absorbency and compact size, while the PackTowl Personal Towel is a great alternative for its lightweight and fast-drying properties.
Check price on AmazonPicking the right gym bag towel can make or break your post workout routine. We compared the most popular gym bag towels on the market based on owner reviews, material technology, and real world performance metrics. Our goal was to find towels that dry quickly, resist odors, and pack small enough to fit in any gym bag without adding bulk.
While many towels claim to be quick dry, only a few actually deliver on that promise. We looked at hundreds of owner reviews to see which towels held up after repeated washes and intense use. The winners we selected excel in absorbency, drying speed, and portability features that matter most for gym goers.
How we rank
We ranked gym bag towels based on analysis of owner reviews across multiple retailers, focusing on absorbency, drying time, packability, and durability themes. See our method.
Quick picks
| Best for | Product | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Rainbow Microfiber Travel Towel | Gym goers who want a balance of absorbency and fast drying |
| Best Lightweight | PackTowl Personal Towel | Travelers and minimalists who need ultralight packability |
| Best for Heavy Sweaters | Gymreapers Microfiber Workout Towel | People who sweat heavily and need maximum absorbency |
| Best Quick Dry | The Gym Bag Towel by B-Rad | Gym goers who need a towel dry quickly between uses |
| Best Eco Friendly | Manduka eQua Towel | Eco conscious athletes who want sustainable materials |
| Best Brand | Nike Dri FIT Training Towel | Athletes who trust the Nike brand and want a reliable gym towel |
| Best Budget | SEVENTYFIFTY Microfiber Gym Towel | Budget conscious gym goers who still want decent quality |
The picks, compared
Rainbow Microfiber Travel Towel
The Rainbow microfiber travel towel tops our list for its exceptional absorbency and compact design. Owners report it dries in about half the time of cotton towels and packs down to a small pouch. The material feels soft against skin despite being microfiber, and it resists mildew well. This towel comes in multiple sizes to suit different needs.
What owners say: Owners frequently praise the towel's ability to soak up water quickly and its quick drying time. Many note that it remains odor free even after multiple uses between washes.
- Highly absorbent
- Dries quickly
- Compact when folded
- May shed lint initially
- Not as plush as cotton towels
PackTowl Personal Towel
The PackTowl Personal Towel is incredibly lightweight and packs down to the size of a soda can. It uses a patented fiber weave that dries rapidly and resists bacteria buildup. Owners love how it retains absorbency even after dozens of washes. This towel is perfect for those who want to save space and weight in their gym bag.
What owners say: Reviewers often highlight the towel's weight and packability as major advantages. Many use it for both gym and travel, noting it dries out completely within a couple of hours.
- Ultralight
- Packs very small
- Dries extremely fast
- Thinner material
- Less absorbent per square inch
Gymreapers Microfiber Workout Towel
The Gymreapers microfiber towel is larger and thicker than most gym towels, providing extra surface area for heavy sweaters. It features a silicone grip corner to keep it in place on benches. Owners report it can soak up a significant amount of moisture without becoming saturated quickly. The terry cloth like texture feels comfortable and effective.
What owners say: Owners appreciate the large size and the silicone grip that prevents slipping during workouts. Many note that it holds up well in the wash without losing its absorbency.
- Large surface area
- Silicone grip corner
- Thick and absorbent
- Bulky when folded
- Takes longer to dry than thinner towels
The Gym Bag Towel by B-Rad
The B-Rad towel is engineered for speed drying, using a blend of microfiber and polyester that wicks moisture away rapidly. It features a snap loop for hanging and comes with a carrying pouch. Owners report it dries in under an hour even in humid conditions. The towel is also treated with antimicrobial properties to reduce odors.
What owners say: Reviewers love the built in snap loop for hanging in lockers or on gym bags. Many note that it remains fresh smelling after multiple workouts without washing.
- Fastest drying time
- Antimicrobial treatment
- Snap loop for hanging
- Slightly rough texture
- May not be as soft as cotton
Manduka eQua Towel
The Manduka eQua towel is made from recycled microfibers, offering a sustainable option without sacrificing performance. It is highly absorbent and dries quickly, making it suitable for hot yoga or gym sessions. Owners appreciate the soft feel and the fact that it is produced using post consumer waste. The towel comes with a mesh carry bag for ventilation.
What owners say: Owners frequently mention the environmental benefit as a key reason for purchase. They also note the towel's ability to stay put during yoga poses due to its silicone grid backing.
- Made from recycled materials
- Soft feel
- Eco friendly packaging
- Higher price
- Silicone backing may wear over time
Nike Dri FIT Training Towel
The Nike Dri FIT training towel uses Dri FIT technology to wick sweat away quickly. It is lightweight and comes in a variety of colors. Owners report it works well for wiping down equipment and drying off after a shower. The towel is machine washable and maintains its shape wash after wash.
What owners say: Reviewers appreciate the consistent quality and the brand reputation. Some note that while it dries fast, it is not as absorbent as thicker microfiber towels.
- Trusted brand
- Dri FIT technology
- Wide color selection
- Less absorbent for heavy sweat
- Thinner material
SEVENTYFIFTY Microfiber Gym Towel
The SEVENTYFIFTY microfiber towel offers good performance at a lower cost. It is made from a blend of microfiber and features a carabiner for easy carrying. Owners find it adequately absorbent for typical gym use and appreciate that it dries relatively fast. The towel is available in two sizes and multiple colors.
What owners say: Owners frequently mention the great value for the price. Some note that it may not last as long as premium brands but is sufficient for regular workouts.
- Affordable
- Includes carabiner
- Decent absorbency
- Less durable over time
- May have a chemical smell initially after unpacking
How to choose
- Absorbency. Look for towels that absorb several times their weight in water. Microfiber towels generally offer high absorbency, but the density of the fibers matters.
- Drying Time. Quick dry towels are essential to prevent mildew and odor in your gym bag. Towels made from microfiber typically dry fastest, while cotton towels can stay damp for hours.
- Packability. Consider how the towel folds or rolls into a compact size. Some towels come with a pouch or carabiner for easy storage. A small packed size is key for gym bag space.
- Material Feel. Microfiber towels vary from silky to terry like textures. Think about whether you prefer a soft feel or a more absorbent, textured surface.
- Odor Resistance. Bacteria buildup can cause towels to smell. Antimicrobial treatments or materials that resist mildew help keep towels fresh between washes.
Frequently asked questions
What size gym bag towel should I buy?
For most gym goers, a medium sized towel around 30×60 inches is ideal. It's large enough to dry off after a shower or wipe down equipment, yet small enough to pack easily.
Can I put my gym towel in the dryer?
Most microfiber towels can go in the dryer on low heat. High heat can damage the fibers, so use a low or no heat setting. Air drying is often recommended to extend the towel's life.
How often should I wash my gym bag towel?
Wash your gym towel after every use if possible. Sweat and bacteria accumulate quickly, leading to odor. If you cannot wash it immediately, hang it to dry out before storing.
Are microfiber towels better than cotton for gym use?
Microfiber towels are generally better for gym use because they dry faster, pack smaller, and are more absorbent by weight. Cotton towels are softer but take longer to dry and are bulkier.
Why does my gym towel smell even after washing?
Bacteria and mildew can build up if the towel is not dried properly. Use hot water and a small amount of vinegar or enzyme based detergent to sanitize. Avoid fabric softeners as they coat fibers.
Can I use a gym towel for yoga or hot yoga?
Yes, many gym towels are suitable for yoga, especially those with a silicone grip backing. Hot yoga towels are often larger and designed to absorb a lot of sweat while staying in place.
The verdict
The Rainbow microfiber travel towel is our top pick for its combination of absorbency, quick drying, and compactness. For ultralight packability, choose the PackTowl Personal Towel. If you sweat heavily and need extra coverage, the Gymreapers microfiber towel is your best bet.
Video Guide
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