Which would you prefer for multi purpose group, compressed sponge or pack towel?

It seems to me that a pack towel would be better for tying to your ankels to sop up dew, but I've never tried it to soak up water from a puddle of mud with one. It seems the sponge works better at soaking up water from small cracks, puddles, etc.

But what does the forum have to say about it?