Choosing The Perfect Travel Towel Size For Iceland's Hot Pots

Iceland is a swimmer's paradise, with volcanically-heated water spouting up all over the country. There are over 100 hot pots and even more swimming pools to choose from. When visiting these pools and hot springs, it's important to come prepared with a quick-dry towel. While towels are available for rent at swimming facilities, many travellers opt to bring their own lightweight and packable towels. Some popular options include the PackTowl Personal Towel, Rainleaf Microfiber Towel, and the Iceland Outdoors Gym Towels. These towels are designed to dry quickly, be compact, and absorb water easily, making them perfect for travelling to and from Iceland's many pools and hot springs.

Quick-drying towels are ideal for Iceland's hot pots and pools

Traditional cotton towels can be bulky and take a long time to dry, making them less than ideal for travel. On the other hand, quick-drying towels are designed to be lightweight, compact, and highly absorbent. They are perfect for packing into a suitcase or backpack and will dry quickly between dips in the hot pots and pools.

When choosing a quick-drying towel, look for one made from microfiber, a blend of polyester and polyamide. These towels are known for their fast drying times and ability to repel dirt and sand. Some towels also feature an antibacterial treatment, which helps prevent odours, ensuring your towel stays fresh even after multiple uses.

The PackTowl Personal towel is a great option, offering a balance of drying time, packability, and odour resistance. It is lightweight, extra-large, and supersoft, making it perfect for both camping and travel. The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is another budget-friendly choice that delivers good absorbency and drying time.

When visiting Iceland's hot pots and pools, it is important to follow proper etiquette. Most facilities require visitors to shower without their swimsuits before entering the pool. It is also customary to leave your towel on the rack by the showers and change before and after your dip.

So, whether you're exploring the natural hot pots surrounded by rolling hills or enjoying the amenities of a spa-like infinity pool, don't forget to bring along a quick-drying towel to enhance your experience.

Microfibre towels are compact, lightweight, and dry quickly

Microfibre towels are ideal for travel, especially to places like Iceland, known for its hot pots and pools. They are compact, lightweight, and dry quickly, making them perfect for throwing in your bag and carrying around all day.

Microfibre towels are designed to be lightweight and highly packable, making them perfect for travel. They are made from a blend of synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, or polyamide, which are durable and dry quickly. This blend of fibres also makes them hydrophobic, meaning they are not very absorbent and dry faster than traditional towels.

When choosing a microfibre towel, consider the fabric construction and weight. The fabric is often a brushed microfiber that feels similar to suede, or a low, flat microfiber pile. The weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM), and a lightweight quick-dry towel will have a lower GSM, usually less than 300.

Microfibre towels are perfect for those who want a compact, lightweight, and quick-drying option for their travels. They are easy to pack and carry, and you won't have to worry about them getting your other gear wet or smelling bad. They are perfect for a range of activities, from camping and hiking to swimming and yoga.

When it comes to size, microfibre towels usually come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. Some common sizes include 24" x 12", 32" x 16", 40" x 20", and even larger options. They often come with carrying cases, making them even more convenient for travel.

In addition to their quick-drying capabilities, microfibre towels are also known for their odour resistance. They are designed to repel dirt and bacteria, so you don't have to wash them as frequently as traditional towels. This makes them ideal for travel, as you won't have to worry about them smelling bad or taking up space in your luggage.

Pack towels with an antimicrobial finish to prevent odours

When choosing a travel towel for Iceland's hot pots, it's important to consider the towel's size, weight, absorbency, and quick-drying capabilities. Iceland's hot pots vary in size, so a good travel towel should be large enough to wrap around your body comfortably. Additionally, a lightweight and compact towel is ideal for easy transport, especially if you plan to hike or move around a lot.

To address the issue of odours, look for towels with antimicrobial or antibacterial finishes. These treatments help prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause unpleasant smells. Here are some recommended towels with antimicrobial finishes:

PackTowl Personal Towel

The PackTowl Personal towel is an excellent choice for a quick-drying, durable, and comfortable option. It has an antimicrobial finish, a soft microsuede texture, and a convenient snap loop for hanging. While it doesn't pack down to a very small size, its other features make it a popular option.

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is an affordable option that delivers good performance. It has an antibacterial coating, which helps prevent odours, and it dries relatively quickly. This towel is also available in various sizes and colours, making it versatile for different needs.

PackTowl Luxe Towel

If comfort is a priority, the PackTowl Luxe is a luxurious option made from a soft, high-pile fabric blend of polyester and nylon. While it takes up more space and dries a bit slower than some other options, it excels in comfort and doesn't retain odours even when packed away wet.

Biospired Lightweight Footprint Pack Towel

For a lightweight option, consider the Biospired Lightweight Footprint Pack Towel. Made from micro suede, these towels are extremely light and quick-drying. They come in multiple sizes, but the lack of colour options might be a drawback for those who want to add some flair to their gear.

Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towels

If you're specifically looking for a beach towel, the Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towels are a great choice. Made from a blend of polyester and polyamide, they are durable and come in several fun colours. The extra-large size is perfect for sprawling out on the beach, and they also work well for drying off.

Bring a towel for each person to Iceland's hot pots and pools

When visiting Iceland's hot pots and pools, it is essential to bring a towel for each person in your group. This ensures that everyone can dry off comfortably after taking a dip in the volcanically heated water. While some swimming facilities in Iceland offer towel rentals, having your own towel provides convenience and peace of mind.

Types of Towels

There are various types of towels to consider when packing for your trip to Iceland:

• Microfiber towels are highly recommended for travel due to their quick-drying, lightweight, and compact nature. They are perfect for packing into suitcases or backpacks without taking up too much space. Many microfiber towels come in different sizes, such as full-body towels and smaller hand towels, so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs.
• Cotton towels, while bulkier and slower to dry, may be preferred by those who value comfort and softness. If you decide to bring cotton towels, make sure to bring a bag or container to store them in when wet.
• Quick-dry towels are designed to dry faster than regular towels, making them a good option for travellers who want to pack light and avoid carrying damp towels for extended periods.

Factors to Consider

When choosing towels for your trip to Iceland's hot pots and pools, consider the following:

• Size: Opt for towels that are large enough to wrap around your body comfortably. Some towels come in different sizes, so you can choose according to your preferences.
• Absorbency: Look for towels that are highly absorbent and can effectively soak up water, especially if you plan to swim or spend extended periods in the water.
• Drying time: Quick-drying towels are ideal, as they will be ready for use again in a shorter amount of time. This is especially important if you are travelling between different hot pots and pools and won't have much time to wait for your towel to dry.
• Odor resistance: Towels with antimicrobial treatments can help prevent odours from building up, especially if you plan to use them multiple times before washing.
• Packability: Consider how much space you have in your luggage and choose towels that can be packed compactly. This is where microfiber towels excel, as they are designed to be lightweight and easy to transport.

Recommendations

• PackTowl Personal Towel: This microfiber towel is quick-drying, durable, and has an antimicrobial treatment to prevent odours. It comes in a "body" size (25 by 54 inches) that is large enough to wrap around most people.
• Rainleaf Microfiber Towel: This budget-friendly option offers good absorbency and drying time. It is available in various sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
• Iceland Outdoors Gym Towels: This set includes a large full-body towel and a small hand towel, perfect for a family or group travelling to Iceland. They are highly absorbent, fast-drying, and lightweight, making them ideal for travel.

Additional Tips

• If you plan to visit multiple hot pots and pools during your trip, bringing a towel for each person ensures that you always have a dry option available.
• Consider bringing a bag or container to store your wet towels separately from your other belongings.
• Quick-drying towels can be laid out in the sun to speed up the drying process.
• If you prefer thicker, more absorbent towels, you may want to bring more than one per person, especially if you don't have access to laundry facilities during your trip.

Towels with carrying cases are convenient for travel

When it comes to choosing a travel towel, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the towel should be compact, quick-drying, and easy to carry. This is where travel towels with carrying cases come in. These towels are designed to be highly absorbent and lightweight, making them perfect for travelling, camping, or any other outdoor activities. Let's take a look at some of the benefits in more detail.

Convenience and Portability

The convenience of travel towels with carrying cases is undeniable. They are designed to be compact and easy to pack, making them perfect for travellers who want to save space in their luggage. The carrying case also ensures that the towel stays clean and dry, so you don't have to worry about it getting your other items wet. This is especially useful if you plan on doing any water-based activities during your trip, such as swimming or kayaking.

Quick-Drying and Absorbent

A good travel towel should be able to dry you off quickly and efficiently. Look for towels made with materials like microfiber or microsuede, which are known for their absorbency and quick-drying properties. These materials are also lightweight, making them perfect for travel. The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel, for example, is known for its absorbency and quick-drying time. It also comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Durability

When you're on the move, the last thing you want is a towel that falls apart after a few uses. Look for towels made with durable materials that can withstand extended use and multiple washes. The PackTowl Personal Towel, for instance, is known for its durability and ability to handle extended abuse while remaining soft and comfortable. It's made with a tear-resistant fabric and has an antimicrobial treatment to prevent odours, making it a great choice for travellers.

Size

Travel towels come in various sizes, so you can choose one that suits your needs. If you're looking for something to keep you dry during hikes or walks, a smaller towel will do the trick. However, if you want something to sprawl out on at the beach, go for a larger option. The Nomadix Ultralight Towel, for example, offers a variety of unique and colourful designs and is roughly the same size as a standard bath towel.

Additional Features

Some travel towels come with additional features that can be useful for travellers. For example, some towels have a snap loop or a fabric loop that makes it easy to hang the towel and let it dry. Others, like the PackTowl Personal Towel, come with a carrying case that makes it convenient for travel. The case also allows the towel to breathe and dry while you're on the move.

Frequently asked questions