The MSR Packtowl (yes, it’s actually spelled that way!) is another one of those “Must Have” items. Whether you use it as a personal towel after a swim or as a way to wipe off that expensive composite kayak after a good paddle, you will always find a use for one of these. My favorite application is personally is to use it as a bilge sponge in my kayak. It seems like no matter what I do, I get a little water in the hull of my kayak. If I am using a sit-in touring kayak, I will wedge the towel behind the seat, or just to the side of my thigh, or even between my legs on the floor of the hull. When the water moves around the bottom of your hull, the Packtowl just sucks it up. It’s a really great way to automatically bilge. It holds 10 times it’s weight in water, and it rings to almost completely dry. It’s so absorbent, I’ve actually heard of people urinating on it when they were in deep water and just couldn’t hold it anymore. It soaks it up enough for you to soak it in the water outside the boat and ring it dry again. I don’t recommend it for facial use after using it for a urinal, but I thought it was worth mentioning that it works!

The Packtowl comes in 4 different sizes, from a small washrag to a full size body towel. MSR has created a few different models of the Packtowls in addition to the “Original”. Make sure you see their full line of Camp Towels. I personally prefer the Original for Watersports, but try them all. The “Personal” Packtowl, another model, is really great to wipe off the face during a long paddle, but it doesn’t feel quite as durable as the Original for the more rugged applications.

From the manufacturer:

Our most absorbent camp towel, the versatile Original towel brings high performance to any wet task. Take this durable towel along on all your outdoor adventures, or use it in your kitchen, workshop, or garage in place of paper towels. It’s extremely durable, soaks up to ten times its weight in water, and is made from all-natural, wood-based rayon.

10X Rapid-Cycle Absorbency: Soaks up 10 times its weight in water; then wrings out almost completely dry - over and over. Large size towel can absorb a full liter of water!

Multipurpose: Perfect for everything from campsite to kitchen and workshop use.

Softens with Use: Becomes softer and more absorbent with each washing.

Easy Care: Machine wash, then hang using the convenient snap loop, or tumble dry.

Price: $7.95-$22.95               CALL OR COME BY THE RETAIL SHOP TO GET YOURS TODAY!