Why choose microfiber towels?

This is why you should ditch the microfiber towel and choose cotton on your adventures

When packing for your next big adventure – whether it’s a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, a road trip in Europe or a longer, open-plan journey – a towel is an essential piece of equipment. And for years, one piece of advice has dominated among travelers: “Bring a microfiber towel – it takes up less space and dries quickly.”

But that advice deserves a loving revision.

While microfiber towels may seem smart on the surface, they have a number of drawbacks. Here, we take a closer look at why you should consider packing a cotton towel instead – preferably one with antibacterial technology – and how it can make your trip both more comfortable and sustainable.

Microfiber vs. cotton – what's the difference?

Let's start with the technicalities:

• Microfiber towels are typically made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. They are extremely lightweight, thin, and dry quickly – but they often feel plasticky, don’t absorb well, and start to smell quickly.

• Cotton towels , on the other hand, are made from natural fibers. They are softer, more absorbent and more comfortable against the skin. And if you choose a cotton towel with antibacterial treatment (e.g. with Polygiene BioStatic™), you will get long-lasting freshness – without compromising on quality and comfort.

The disadvantages of microfiber towels

Although microfiber towels are often recommended as “ travel towels ,” there are several reasons to think twice. Microfiber is not very breathable and does not actually dry as quickly as many people think – especially not in humid climates. The result? A clammy, damp towel that quickly starts to smell sour. This requires frequent washing – not easy in a hostel or in the jungle. Many backpackers also find that microfiber towels do not dry the body properly. They slide over the skin without soaking up the water, and this can give a slightly greasy feeling. After a long day of trekking, swimming in the ocean or sweaty adventures, you want to wrap yourself in something comfortable. Microfiber often feels artificial and stiff – especially after a few days of use and washing. Microfiber towels are made from plastic-based materials and every time you wash them, they emit microplastics that end up in our aquatic environment.

Cotton: A better choice – especially with antibacterial technology

A cotton towel is not just a classic choice – it is also the smart choice. Here is why: Cotton is soft, breathable and natural. It feels nice against the skin and gives a real “towel feeling” – unlike the plastic-like alternative. A good cotton towel dries you faster and more thoroughly. Nordifakt uses a technology that inhibits bacterial growth. This means that the towel stays fresh for weeks without washing. Perfect for longer trips where you don’t always have access to a washing machine. Because an antibacterial cotton towel stays fresh longer, it needs to be washed less often. It saves water, energy and washing powder – and that is a win for both the environment and your backpack. In addition, cotton is a natural fiber. When you one day part with your cotton towel, it is far less harmful to nature than a synthetic microfiber product.

Who says you have to compromise?

In the past, the choice was between function and comfort: either microfiber with its quick drying time, or cotton with its better feel. But that is no longer necessary. Modern cotton towels – especially those with antibacterial technology – combine the best of both worlds :

• Light and compact

• Odor-free for weeks

• Super absorbent

• Comfortable and soft

• Environmentally friendly and long-lasting

See Nordifakt's selection of travel-friendly towels here :