Your Fido is a perfect companion for your outdoor trip – be it camping, hunting, fishing, kayaking or any other excursion. And if your outdoor adventure is in or near a pond or lake, it is a perfect opportunity for your pooch to take a dip in the water.
However, it is equally important to dry down the pet quickly and effectively after such an activity. Your pet’s thick fur coat is not going to make it easy and you are better off using a special dog towel for the purpose. And these towels also work well to cool the pet down.
In this article, we will list some of the best dog towels for camping, hunting, fishing, kayaking, and other off-road excursions.
We will briefly discuss how these specialized pet bath towels are different from ordinary human towels and how can they make the task of wiping or cooling down the pet as easy and effortless as possible. We will also cover the major factors to keep in mind before picking the best dog towel for your pooch and share our top picks. Read On!
If you are looking for a lightweight and compact drying towel for yourself, check out our article on some of the best ultralight bath towels available in the market. Some of them would also work well with short-hair pets.
Best dog towels for camping list
Some of the best dog towels, shammies and dog robes available in the market for drying your pet are listed below:| Picture | Product | Specifications | |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel | 44” x 27.5”, 4.5 oz. | |
  | Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel | 31” x 13”, 15.2 oz. | |
  | The Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog Towel | S: Neck-20", Back-24", Height-12", 1.6 oz. M: Neck-22", Back-26", Height-14", 3.2 oz. L: Neck-24", Back-29", Height-15.5", 3.9 oz. XL: Neck-26", Back-31.5", Height-17", 4.8 oz. | |
  | Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel | 31” x 14”, 7.2 oz. | |
  | Tuff Pupper Large Dog Shammy Towel | 35” x 14”, 12 oz. | |
  | Furinator Super Absorbent Pet Towel | 26” x 17”, 8 oz. | |
  | Zwipes 781 Microfiber Pet Towels | 36” x 30”, 3 oz. | |
  | DRI Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Pet Towel | L: 40” x 28”, 9.6 oz. XL: 55” x 28”, 12.8 oz. | |
  | Total Pet Dog Towel with Zipper Bag | 57” x 27.5”, 12 oz. | |
  | Sinland Microfiber Hooded Pet Bath Towel | 39” x 39”, 11.2 oz. |
What are dog towels and how can they be useful?
Whether they get wet during baths in the rain, or after a swim in the pond or lake, most canines prefer to dry themselves down as soon as possible. After all, no-one cherishes that “wet-dog smell”.
One way you can dry your beloved pooch is by thoroughly grooming it with a dog towel.
Pet or dog towels are special pieces of soft fabric that are made specifically to wick the moisture from a pet’s body, quickly and effectively. These towels are also effective in getting the dirt, mud, and hair off the dog’s body and fur.
Dog towels are available in multiple types and designs – standard towels, hooded towels, shammies with hand pouches, even robes. Dog bath towels, shammies, and robes are generally made of microfiber blends which may be considered rough for humans but are still durable and soft to use with canines. The microfiber blend used is generally 80% polyester and 20% polyamide (a nylon fabric variant) – providing a nice balance between wicking capacity and comfort.
They also have special sizes, shapes and some even have pet-friendly design features such as grip pockets and pet hoods. Most dog towels also work equally well with other furry pets such as cats.
You basically have three broad categories of dog bath towels to choose from – standard dog towels, shammy towels, and dog bathrobes.
- Standard dog towels: Standard dog towels are just like human towels with a rectangular shape and stitching the bindings on the borders. These towels are versatile and can be used on canines of all shapes and sizes. They can even be used in the cars or dog crates as pads or mats.
Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel and Zwipes 781 Microfiber Pet Towels are two examples of standard dog bath towels.
- Dog Shammy towels: Shammy towels are specially designed dog towels with quick-absorbing microfiber noodle string surface on one side and non-slip terry surface on the other. They generally also have hand pockets for better grip while wiping the dogs.
Shammy towels are more absorbing and work really well on dogs with thick furs but they are generally heavier and costlier than standard dog towels. And they take a long time to dry – typically a full day in the sun or a full dryer cycle.
Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel and Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel are two examples of shammy dog towels.
- Dog towel robes: are designed to cover the canine’s body like a robe. They are available with a securing belly belt and with or without the hood. These robes work really well in keeping the pet warm and preventing accelerated cooling after a bath or dip in the water. And they also work well in drying the dog, though they are not as wicking as standard bath towels or shammies.
The Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog Towel is one such option.
In addition to these three common types, you have synthetic PVC pet chamois clothes like the Furinator Super Absorbent Pet Towel which can be wrung again and again to remove excess water from the pet’s fur.
The first question that would obviously come to your mind is why do you even need specialized dog towels? All things considered, there are quite a few reasons:
- Dog towels work better for pets than normal towels. Dog towels (or other pet towels) are made of special materials that can wick away moisture, dirt, and hair more effectively than standard human bath towels.
- Most dog towels have specialized sizes and design features which make them easier to use with pets. Features such as hand pockets, neck hoods, and large size make them comfortable and efficient to use with pets.
- Having a separate bath towel for your dog is just more hygienic and convenient. Some of the ways a dog towel can be used during outdoor trips are:
- As a towel after a swim in the pond or lake or a bath outdoors.
- As a towel for drying the pet after rain.
- As a cooling towel to cool down an overheated pet.
- As a cleaning cloth to wipe-off muddy paws and grime/insects off the fur.
- As a pet bed liner or travel blanket.
- As a car/RV seat liner.
- Dog towels are available in pet-friendly colors and generally not too costly, at least for their size. So, it is a good idea to get a special dog towel anyway.
As you can see from the above discussion, it is a good idea to have a separate dog or pet towel for your pets, more so during multi-day outdoor excursions.
In the next sections, we will look at some of the best dog towels for camping and other outdoor adventures and also share our top picks. We would also cover the main factors to consider before picking the best dog towel for your needs and some alternatives to these pet towels.
Which are the best dog towels and pet bath towels for camping and outdoors?
Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel – Best dog towel (standard)
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Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber fabric towel with double-stitched borders.
Size: 44″ x 27.5″, 4.5 oz.
Price: $.
Features:
- Most popular durable and plush dog bath towel with double-sided 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber drying surface. Made in China under strict quality control measures.
- Features an absorbent, soft drying surface that absorbs twice as much moisture as conventional towels (5-6X times its weight) and quickly removes dirt, mud, and bacteria.
- Has an oversized 44″ x 27.5″ surface that is suitable for cats and dogs in different breeds and sizes. May not be as effective as shammy towels on dogs with thick furs.
- Offers multi-purpose uses as a crate or kennel mat or cover to protect the couch, carpet, or car.
- Machine washable and tumble dry in the gentle cycle. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately. Quick-drying.
- Available in a single large size and over twelve elegant color combinations with an embroidered paw or bone print. Comes packaged with a hanging panel.
- Backed by a 30-day, 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment by the manufacturer.
Detail Review:
If you are looking for a versatile, absorbent and soft standard dog bath towel, then the best-selling Bone Dry Microfiber Pet Bath Towel by DII is a perfect option. This dog towel has been the most-popular standard dog towel for years and there is a good reason for that. These towels are made in China under the US-based company’s quality control measures.
The Bone Dry Microfiber Pet Bath Towel features a double-sided, soft and plush 80/20 polyester-polyamide (nylon) microfiber-blend fabric surface. Most pet owners agree that the towel surface looks and feels like one of the softest among all the dog towels in the market.
And the towel is super-absorbent too. Each towel is capable of absorbing 5-6X its weight in water, which is more than twice the absorbing capacity of conventional towels. And the towels are also effective in removing grime, dirt, and bacteria from the pet’s surface. Furthermore, the towel is quick-drying and dries 2-3 times faster than a standard cotton towel.
The Bone Dry towel is available in an oversized dimensions of 44″ x 27.5″, which is about 30% more than most other standard dog towels. This extra-large size means that the towel works really well even for the largest dogs. Despite its large size, the towel is not too heavy and packs reasonably small.
These towels are quite versatile and can also be used as travel blanket and as protector sheets over your tent floor or car seats.
Like other microfiber dog towels, the Bone Dry towels are machine washable and can be tumble-dried in the dryer (in gentle settings). The manufacturer recommends that you do not use any fabric softener or bleach and wash the towel once before the first use.
One of the biggest advantages with the Bone Dry towels is that they are available in the widest selection of color combinations (over 10) – each with a weaved paw or bone print, so you have plenty of options to pick from. And like other dog towels, the towel is backed by a 30-day, hassle-free satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment by the manufacturer.
- Best-selling standard dog bath towel with double-sided 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber drying surfaces.
- Features an absorbent, 44″ x 27.5″ soft drying surface that absorbs twice as much moisture as conventional towels and also removes dirt and bacteria. Bindings on the side prevent fraying.
- Offers multi-purpose uses as a crate or kennel mat or cover to protect the couch, carpet, or car.
- Easy to clean and machine washable and tumble dry in the dryer. Dries twice as fast as standard cotton towels.
- Available in a single large size and over twelve elegant color combinations with an embroidered paw or bone print.
- Competitively priced and offers great value-for-money when compared to most other dog towels.
- Because of the big size, may be difficult to handle while using with small dogs and cats.
- May not work as well as shammy towels for dogs with long hairs and thick furs.
Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel – Best dog towel for thick coat dogs
Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide Chenille microfiber fabric strings with bindings on the sides and non-slip terry surface on the other side. Microfiber noodle design with hand pockets on the ends for comfortable wiping.
Size: 32″ x 13″, 15.2 oz.
Price: $$.
Features:
- Popular, soft and plush shammy dog towel with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide chenille microfiber noodle-strings surface on the drying side and non-slip microfiber terry surface on the other side. Made in China under the US-based company’s quality control measures.
- Features an ultra-absorbent, delicate surface that absorbs 20X times its weight in water and also removes mud, dirt, and sand. Dries the dog 8X times faster than standard cotton towels. Anti-microbial.
- Comes with two elastic hand pockets – one on each side of the towel for easy grip while wiping the pet.
- Machine washable in the gentle cycle and air dry. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately from other clothes.
- Available in a single convenient size and two non-bleeding colors – grey and brown. Suitable for all dog breeds and cats too.
- Backed by a 30-day, 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment by the manufacturer.
- The manufacturer also offers the best-selling Dirty Dog Doormat, available in four sizes and multiple color combinations.
Detail Review:
If you are looking for a high-quality shammy towel to mop-up a wet or snowy dog quickly and conveniently, then the best-selling Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel is an ideal choice. This super-absorbent towel is especially suitable for grooming and drying dogs with a thick fur coat.
The soft and plush Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel features an 80/20 polyester-polyamide chenille microfiber noodle-string surface on the drying side and a non-slip microfiber terry surface on the other side. The edges of the towel are double-stitched with microfiber polyester lining to provide extra durability and also minimize fraying. These shammy towels are made in China under the US-based company’s quality control measures.
Each noodle string on the towel is made of millions of textured, ultra-fine strands woven together to provide a 1-inch thick, super-absorbent surface. What makes the towel better than others is that it has a Grams Per Square Meter (GSM) absorption density of 3000 which is about 50% more than that of most other shammy towels, without adding too much extra weight.
This shammy towel is capable of absorbing as much as 20X times its weight in water – about 6-8 times more than the standard cotton towels. And the large microfiber drying surface also does a good job in expelling bacteria, mud, dirt, and sand from the pet’s fur.
The back or the holding side of the towel is made of textured terry microfiber material to provide a non-slip surface. Each towel comes with two, easy-on oversized hand pockets with elastic – one on each side, to provide easy grip while drying the underbelly of the pet.
The towel is available in a decent 32″ x 13″ size that is suitable for most dog breeds and can also work as grooming towel for cats. Each towel weighs just around 1 lbs.
The Dirty Dog Shammy Towel is easy to clean and machine washable and air dry. The manufacturer suggests that you wash the towel in cool water with no chlorine bleach and air dry. And do not use any fabric softeners or bleach.
Like other shammy towels, drying is somewhat of a hassle and they take a long time to dry – sometimes about a day in the sun to dry completely, so you will need to carry a Ziploc bag to store the towel after use.
The Dirty Dog Shammy Towel is available in two standard color combinations – grey, and brown. We did find the dark brown towel bleeding a little, so we recommend that you wash the towel before first use and then wash it separately from your own clothes. The towel is backed by a 30-day, hassle-free warranty, and money-back commitment.
- Best-selling soft and plush shammy dog towel with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide chenille microfiber noodle-strings surface.
- Features a super-absorbent 1-inch thick drying surface that can absorb 20X time its weight in water and also removes bacteria, mud, dirt, and sand. Grams Per Square Meter (GSM) absorption rate of 3000 – 50% more than other shammy towels.
- Comes with two oversized hand pockets with textured terry cloth holding surface for a comfortable grip while wiping the pet.
- Easy to clean and machine washable and tumble dry in the gentle cycle.
- Available in a single large size and two color combinations. Backed by a 30-day satisfaction guaranteed commitment.
- Heavier than most shammy and microfiber dog towels.
- Like other shammy towels, takes a long time to dry – a full day in the sun.
The Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog Towel
Material and design: Thick 400GSM, 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend fabric dog drying towel-cum-robe with a securing belly belt. No hood.
Size:
- S: Neck – 20″, Back – 24″, Height – 12″, 1.6 oz.
- M: Neck – 22″, Back – 26″, Height – 14″, 3.2 oz.
- L: Neck – 24″, Back – 29″, Height – 15.5″, 3.8 oz.
- XL: Neck – 26″, Back – 31.5″, Height – 17″, 4.8 oz.
Price: $$$.
Features:
- Versatile dog drying robe-cum-towel with a soft and plush 400GSM, 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend fabric surface. Made in China.
- Features a super-absorbent, fluffy double-sided drying surface that can wick up to 7X times its own weight in water. Quick-drying and lightweight.
- Comes with an adjustable neck toggle and button with an elastic loop to secure the towel around the tail and prevent rapid cooling by staying on the pet. A fabric belly belt is also included as a bonus to secure the towel as a robe. But does not have a hood.
- Machine washable and air dry. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
- Available in four sizes and two standard colors – blue and red. The colors are non-bleeding. Suitable for all dog breeds.
- Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer.
Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel
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Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide Chenille microfiber fabric strings on one side and non-slip terry surface on the other side. Microfiber noodle design with hand pockets on the ends.
Size: 31″ x 14″, 7.2 oz.
Price: $$.
Features:
- Popular shammy dog towel with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide chenille microfiber noodle-strings surface on one side and soft terry surface on the back side. Made in China.
- Features an ultra-absorbent, one-inch thick drying surface that absorbs 7X times its weight and also removes bacteria, mud, dirt, and sand.
- Comes with two, easy-on oversized hand pockets – one on each side of the towel for easy grip while wiping the pet.
- Machine washable and tumble dry in the gentle cycle. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
- Available in a single large size and four color combinations. Suitable for all dog breeds and cats too.
- Backed by a 30-day, 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment by the manufacturer.
- The manufacturer also offers the popular Soggy Doggy Dog Doormat, available in two sizes and multiple color combinations.
Tuff Pupper Large Dog Shammy Towel
Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide Chenille microfiber fabric strings with bindings on the sides and soft terry surface on the other side. Microfiber noodle design with hand pockets on the ends for comfortable wiping.
Size: 35″ x 14″, 12 oz.
Price: $$.
Features:
- Oversized shammy dog towel with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide chenille microfiber noodle-strings surface on the drying side and soft microfiber terry surface on the back side. Made in China.
- Features a super-absorbent, one-inch thick drying surface that absorbs 20X times its weight and also removes bacteria, mud, dirt, and sand.
- Large 35″ x 14″ size makes it perfect for large and extra-large dog breeds and other animals such as pigs and goats.
- Comes with two hand pockets with elastic band – one on each side of the towel for easy grip while wiping the pet.
- Machine washable and tumble dry in the gentle cycle. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
- Available in a single large size and non-bleeding blue color.
- Backed by a one-year, 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment.
Furinator Super Absorbent Pet Towel
Material and design: Bio-degradable and skin-safe synthetic PVA.
Size: 26″ x 17″, 8 oz.
Price: $.
Features:
- High-quality, pet bath Chamois made of 3mm. bio-degradable and skin-safe synthetic PVA. Made in China.
- Unique smooth surface that is capable of absorbing 10X times its weight. Turns dark when saturated and can be reused by wringing the excess water-off.
- Can also be used to cool an overheated pet.
- Hand wash with soap and water. No machine wash. Comes with a plastic carrying box for easy storage and transportation.
- Available in a single convenient size and standard sky blue color. Most suitable for small and medium pets.
- Backed by a 30-day, 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment by the manufacturer.
Zwipes 781 Microfiber Pet Towels
Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber fabric towel with double-stitched borders. Set of two towels.
Size: 36″ x 30″, 3 oz.
Price: $.
Features:
- Ultra-soft, super-absorbent and durable dog towel set of two towels with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend. Made in China.
- Features an ultra-absorbent, soft terry weave that absorbs 8X times its weight and also removes mud, dirt, and sand. Bindings on the edges prevent fraying.
- Machine washable and air dry. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
- Can also be used as a blanket, grooming towel, car seat liner or as a crate pad. Also works for other pets such as cats, turtles, and pigs.
- Available in white with a black bone/paw print. Set of two towels per pack. Competitively priced and cheaper than most other dog towels.
DRI Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Pet Towel
Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber fabric towel with polyester fabric border lining.
Size:
- L: 40″ x 28″, 9.3 oz.
- XL: 55″ x 28″, 12 oz.
Price: $ to $$ depending upon the size.
Features:
- Standard, budget dog towel with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend fabric surface and polyester fabric lining. Made in China.
- Features an absorbent, soft surface that absorbs 7X its weight in water and about 2-3 times as much moisture as conventional cotton towels. Anti-microbial and quickly removes dirt, mud, and grime
- Versatile and can be used as a seat protector, floor liner, or blanket.
- Available in large and extra-large sizes suitable for large and extra-large dog breeds and other animals such as pigs, goats, etc.
- Machine washable and can be tumble dried in the dryer on a gentle cycle. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
- Available in two sizes and two color combinations. The colors are non-bleeding.
Total Pet Dog Towel with Zipper Bag
Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber fabric towel with double-stitched borders. Meshed polyester zipper carry bag.
Size: 57″ x 27.5″, 12 oz.
Price: $.
Features:
- Extra-large standard dog towel with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend fabric surface and polyester-thread, double-stitched borders. Made in China.
- Features an absorbent, soft surface that absorbs 7X its weight in water and about 2-3 times as much moisture as conventional cotton towels.
- Multi-purpose utility and can be used as a seat protector, floor liner, or blanket. Suitable for large and extra-large dog breeds and other animals such as pigs, goats, etc.
- Machine washable and can be tumble dried in the dryer on a gentle cycle. Comes with a hanging loop for air drying. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
- Comes with a meshed, polyester zippered carry bag for easy storage and transportation.
- Available in a single ocean blue color. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment by the manufacturer.
Sinland Microfiber Hooded Pet Bath Towel
Material and design: Soft and plush 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber blend towel with an oversized hood and a securing loop-and-knot button.
Size: 39″ x 39″, 11.2 oz.
Price: $.
Features:
- Hooded pet towel for dogs and cats, made of soft and plush 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend. Made in China.
- Features a super-absorbent surface that can wick up to 6-8X times of its own weight. Quick-drying and dries twice as fast as standard cotton towels. Bindings on the sides prevent fraying.
- Comes with a hood on one of the edges with a securing loop and knot button to prevent shaking down by the pet. Can double-up as a dog coat to prevent accelerated cooling down.
- Machine washable and can be tumble dried in the dryer on gentle cycle. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
- Available in a single size and three non-bleeding color combinations.
Alternatives to dog towels for camping and outdoors
If you are looking for alternatives to dog towels for drying your dogs, you can consider getting dog towel gloves or mitts. Some of the best dog towel gloves and mitts available in the market are listed below:
- Hertzko Pet Towel Gloves: High-quality pair of microfiber pet drying towel gloves, made of delicate and quick-drying, 80/20 microfiber blend. Capable of absorbing 7X the weight in water. Each glove has elastic wristbands to secure the glove in the human hand of any size. Measure 11″ x 8.0″ and are machine washable.
- Bone Dry DII Drying Mitts: Standard pair of microfiber pet drying mitts, made of soft, quick-drying 80/20 microfiber blend. Capable of absorbing 7X the weight in water. Measure 11″ x 8.5″ and are machine washable.
- AKC Dri-Tail Chenille Dog Towel Mitt: A single pet cleaning mitt with an anti-microbial and odor-resistant super-absorbent Chenille Microfiber fabric material. Can absorb 10X its weight and dry quickly. Measures 10″ x 7″ and is machine washable. Available in two color combinations.
- Clean Paws Chenille Dog Towel Mitt: Durable pet cleaning mitt by Ethical Pets. Made of super-absorbent Chenille Microfiber that can absorb 10X its weight and dry quickly. Measures 9.5″ x 7″ and is machine washable.
If you are looking for a lightweight and compact drying towel for travel, you can look at getting a separate human microfiber bath towel for your Fido. You can check our article on the best ultralight bath towels for some options.
How to pick the dog towels for camping and outdoors?
With so many different pet bath towels available in the market, picking the best dog towel for your pooch can be a challenge. After all, you need a towel that feels soft and comfortable on the pet’s skin and fur, absorbs water, mud, and dirt and dries quickly.
Once you have decided on the broad budget that you have, you need to look at a few important factors before picking the best dog towel. These major considerations are summarized below:
- Type and material of the towel
- Wicking and drying capabilities
- Size and weight
- Additional factors and considerations
Type and material of the towel
Before picking the best dog towel for camping or other outdoor adventures, you would need to decide on the type of towel you should opt for.
As discussed above, you basically have three broad categories of dog bath towels to choose from – standard dog towels, shammy towels, and dog bathrobes.
If you have a thick coat dog like a Great Pyrenees, Siberian Husky, Bernese, or English Sheepdog, a shammy would be a suitable choice and worth the extra weight. Our top pick for shammy towel – Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel is an ideal choice to consider.
For other dogs, a standard microfiber dog towel would be a suitable option. Furthermore, if you are looking for something to keeping the pet warm and prevent accelerated cooling after a bath or dip in the water, you can pick a dog bathrobe like The Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog Towel.
Once you have decided the type of the towel, you need to look at the building material and quality – specifically the fabric of the towel and quality of border-stitching. The build quality is an important factor as it governs the softness, drying capabilities and durability of the towel.
The best dog towels are made of high-quality microfiber material which keeps the overall weight of the towel down while providing the same water absorption capacity as cotton or linen towels.
The microfiber blend used is generally 80% polyester and 20% polyamide (nylon) – providing a nice balance between weight and comfort. This material also ensures that the towel is capable of removing dirt, mud, and sand without absorbing this grime. The density of the material of these towels, expressed in terms of GSM or Grams per Square Meter, ranges from 250-400 GSM.
Even the shammies with noodle strings have microfiber strands on one side and terry microfiber surface on the other. These towels have a density of 1500-300 GSM.
The sides of the towel are stitched or hemmed with a microfiber thread or polyester binding. Double and triple stitched rims provide more durability and prevent fraying, though they can increase the overall weight and drying time of the towel.
In terms of the build-quality, our top picks – Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel and Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel have probably the best quality-to-cost combination and hence are our favorite recommendations.
Check out the type and material before picking the best dog towel for your pooch. If in doubt, pick one of our top choices, as we have listed only the most well-built and durable quick-drying pet towels in the market.
Wicking and drying capabilities
The primary purpose of opting for a dog bath towel is to dry the pet after a shower or dip in the pool or wipe away dirt, mud or sand from the fur. So obviously, you need a pet towel that has decent wicking capabilities to actually absorb moisture and grime, not just displace it off the fur.
Considering that many dogs have thick furs, a dog towel must be capable of wicking 0.5 – 1.5 cups of moisture, so you would need a towel that can absorb at least 5x times its weight. And it should also be capable of grooming the pet by removing dirt and mud from the body.
Make sure you check the towel specifications to determine that the option you pick that such wicking capacity. Of the options we listed, our top picks – Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel and Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel have the best wicking capabilities and hence are our favorites.
Closely related to the wicking and absorption capacity is the ability to dry quickly after use. This becomes especially important if you are looking for a towel for outdoor excursions such as camping and beaches.
Most of the options that we listed dry fast – over 40-50% faster than the cotton pet towels of the same size. The presence of a hanging loop can also help in the process, so make sure you pick a towel which comes with such a loop if you are looking for a towel or shammy specifically for this purpose.
Check the wicking and drying capabilities of the towel before picking the best dog bath towel for your canine. You can generally get this information from the specifications, reviews or Q&A section of the product.
Size and weight
The size of the towel – expressed in terms of the overall dimensions and weight, is also something you would need to take into consideration before picking the best dog towel for an outdoor adventure. After all, you want a towel that is compact and lightweight enough to fit in the pet’s travel bag.
Dog towels are available in different shapes and sizes as per their types. We have only listed standard towels and shammies that are above the minimum recommended size of 30″ x 12″. It would be difficult to wipe a canine dry with a smaller towel and you are better off getting a pet towel glove instead.
The size of the towel is more important in case of dog towel robes because you would need to take the size of the neck, back, and height of the dog into consideration to ensure you pick a robe that fits the dog properly. Most manufacturers offer towel robes in multiple sizes, so you can pick the most suitable size as per the size of your pet’s size.
Check out the overall size and weight of the towel before picking the best dog towel for your canine. You can generally get a lot of information regarding sizing from the product details and the manufacturer’s website.
Additional factors and considerations
In addition to the major factors discussed above, there are some other miscellaneous considerations that can make a particular dog towel a preferable option over other options in the market
The ease of cleaning and maintenance is one such factor to consider. Since a dog towel will invariably get dirty, a towel that is machine washable and can be tumble dried in the dryer or air dries quickly is a preferable choice.
All the options that we have listed, except the Furinator Super Absorbent Pet Towel are machine washable and many of them can also be tumble-dried in the dryer. We recommend that you wash the pet towels separately from other clothes to prevent the bleeding of color and transfer of pet-hair to other clothes.
The color combinations and design patterns in which a towel is available is also something to look at. While all the options we listed claim to have non-bleeding colors, some bright shade towels tend to bleed color when washed, so you might want to opt for a light, a neutral color option such as light-blue, brown or grey. The Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel and Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel score big in this category as they are available in more than a handful color combinations, giving you a lot of choices to pick from.
Finally, one of the most important additional consideration is the warranty and after-sales support offered on the towel by the manufacturer. Most of the options that we listed are backed by some sort of satisfaction guaranteed commitment and 30-day to one-year manufacturer warranties. We suggest that you wash the towel as soon as you get it and try it on your pet to ascertain its quality.
You can look at all these features to determine if they make a specific dog towel a better choice over others.
Final thoughts on the best dog towels for camping and outdoors
If you love to have your pooch accompany you on an outdoor trip, then you would know the usefulness of carrying a dog towel. A quality dog towel can not only be used to keep your pooch cool, dry and comfortable but also be used as a travel pad, blanket or car seat liner. But picking the right dog towel is important.
In this article, we listed some of the best dog towels for camping, hunting, boating, kayaking, and other off-road excursions. We looked at the major characteristics of these special pet towels, the advantages of using them, the factors to consider before picking the best dog towel and also shared our top picks.
We hope that you found this article useful and it would help you in selecting the best dog towel for your pet’s next outdoor adventure. Do let us know your feedback and questions by commenting below. Until next time, happy outdoor fun with your Fido!
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