what's the problem ?!? You don't need to talk, just to read .... <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

sorry... I don't have any english link about those "Compact" towels...
they are compressed "emergency" towels :
- a 60 x 30 cm? (24 x 12 inches?) towel is compressed into an 4.5cm diameter (less than 2 inches) and 1cm heigth (.4 inch) cylinder.
- as for the 150 x 110 cm? (59 x 43 inches?) towel : I don't have one right on hand, but I would say the diam. is less than 8 cm (about 3 inches).
Once "opened", you sure can put them back into such a tiny format... but you can use ( even and wash them in a washing machine) a few times...

________________________

here is a better link :
compressed towels at REI
Look at the first two items ...

Malpaso--

Sorry; been away from the PC for a day or too.

No, we've had no problem with them. Another use for them is as reusable towels for cleaning up spills on carpets & furniture. With an indoor dog (until he died last year), and 2 small children, rest assured they got plenty of use. We cut one of the larger towels into small (8" squares), & they're still in use. I have no idea how many times they've been washed--but it's been a bunch! And, it was in a washing machine, followed by the clothes dryer.

They're very absorbent, as noted, & when dampened before use, have an amazing capillary action that pulls liquids out of carpet & upholstered furniture.

As I mentioned earlier, I've been testing mine this week, using it instead of a bath sheet. I didn't shave this AM, & didn't notice any shredding or tearing when I dried my face. :-) Also, I'm consistently drier than with a terry cloth towel.

Don't know about the review you read, but it certainly doesn't jibe with my experiences. Remember, too, there are those who say you must dry-clean silk & wool. (Hmmm, wonder how they cleaned it for all those centuries before dry-cleaning became available?)

David

Thanks David. It seems that there is always a doom and gloom review out there on every product. Either someone with a grudge, or just wants to get attention. Unfortunately, one bad review cancels out ten good ones.

Coleman's also makes compressed towels like the REI ones. I got a three pack at Target for about $3.

But I also ordered a couple of microfiber towels to try from REI <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />