I wasn't talking about the microfiber towels. I think they might make a fine backpacking towel as well, but I haven't tried them.

But ones I was talking about are PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) foam, not a fabric. They're more like a really thin but tough sponge. That's what a lot of specialized backpacking towels are.

Ah, I wasn't aware of that, never having had the opportunity to fondle one live and in person. I just assumed they were microfiber.

I have a couple of these towels from REI and they work well for me. I'm going to get one of the bigger ones one of these days for home use.

Thanks, Ors. I really should go poke around one of the REI stores one of these days. Bought stuff from them mail-order years ago but haven't done much business with them lately.

I have to do all my shopping online...no REI in my state <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I find my 'pack towels' at the dollar store -- they're car cleaning cloths.

tro