This list of 10 alternative towel uses lists multiple ways to use a towel when spending time in nature.
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Alternative towel uses make your backpack lighter and your life easier on outdoor adventures.
Best Versatile Towels
Rumpl Everywhere Towel
From $50
Size: 29.5″ x 72″
Features: Packable, machine washable;
repels stains, hair, sand, and odors.
The Everywhere Towel by Rumpl is the perfect product for hiking, camping, kayaking, the beach, or any other outdoor activity. This towel packs down to a compact size, making it easy to bring everywhere with you!
Turkish Towel
A turkish towel is another great product for outdoor activities. This towel is larger than an average towel which makes a perfect beach blanket, picnic blanket, dress, and more.
Alternative Towel Uses
1. Dry and Absorb
Towels are made to absorb moisture, which is the most common use of a towel. Use your towel to dry yourself or your dog after swimming, soak up spills, or dry wet surfaces.
2. Blanket
A towel can also be used as a blanket. Larger sized towels work best as a blanket, like a Turkish towel. Towels are best used as a blanket in warmer weather, since they don’t provide much insulation like a normal blanket would.
3. Tote Bag
When spending time outside, you’ll most likely be carrying many items at once. Having a bag to hold your essentials helps free your hands to take photos, hold your dog leash, etc. To make a tote bag out of a towel, connect two opposite sides and tie a knot where the towel folds. Then, create another knot at the other side of the fold and turn inside out. Then tie the remaining sides together. Click here to view a visual demonstration of the three knot method.
4. Sitting Mat
When spending time outside, there are plenty of surfaces to sit on that might be rigid or muddy. A towel provides a simple solution. Simply fold up your towel a few times to create a cushiony mat to provide a soft place to sit.
5. Sun Cover
Especially in warmer seasons, it is important to protect your skin from sun damage. Most sources say that water reflects the sun, making the UV rays stronger on your skin. Especially if you’re swimming outside all day, a towel can be used as a barrier between harmful UV rays and your skin by draping it over your shoulders. You can also hang a towel over a branch to create shade away from the sun.
6. Privacy
If you are hiking or camping, privacy can be hard to find in the wilderness. Towels can be hung on a branch or in between two trees to create a quick privacy curtain for changing, rinsing off, etc.
7. Pillow
Pillows can be difficult to pack and annoying to carry when camping or backpacking. Using a towel as a pillow reduces your pack weight and provides a multi-purpose essential. Simply fold your towel a few times until you’ve reached your desired thickness for a quick and easy place to rest.
8. Sarong/Dress
When spending time outside, nature can be unpredictable. Whether you get splashed or encounter a surprise rain shower, sometimes your clothes can get wet. Throw your towel on as a makeshift cover up while your clothes dry, or after swimming. Simply hold the ends of your towel behind your back, then wrap them forward around your body. Cross them at your chest, and tie at the back of your neck.
9. Tablecloth/Picnic Blanket
A towel makes a great picnic blanket or tablecloth for outdoor meals. Outdoor surfaces aren’t always clean in nature, so placing a barrier between your food and the elements keeps your food as fresh as possible.
10. Pot Holder
If you cook your food over a fire when camping or backpacking, your towel can also be used as a pot holder. If you’ve ever cooked over a fire, you know that the pots and pans get very hot and can collect soot from the fire. Use your towel as a barrier between your hands and utensils when campfire cooking. Always use caution as towels can catch fire if they come in close contact with a flame.
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