We took just one travel towel to Everest Base Camp in an effort to save weight. That was stupid, nobody wanted to share a used towel and we were unable to get it washed.

With a smooth ultra-suede finish, we found it was super comfortable to lie on, didn’t collect sand and was nonabrasive on our skin when we rubbed ourselves down. But for our money it isn’t quite as absorbent as some of the more fibrous towels on the market. The fabric is 85% recycled, which is excellent, and while we found it wasn’t as absorbent as some microfiber towels made with fluffier materials, it does the job it’s designed for admirably (Sea to Summit state it soaks up three times its weight in water, but then it weighs next to nothing when dry).The material mix is soft, but occassionally caught on dry skin. There is no antibacterial treatment in the fabric either, so bacteria can build up over extended periods of time if you can’t get to a washing machine, which we found resulted in the towel getting a bit stinky. READ NEXT: The best Dryrobes and alternatives to keep you cosy The best microfibre towels 1. Fit-Flip: Best all-round microfibre towel For adventures where every ounce of weight and inch of storage space counts, the ultra-compact, multifunctional Airlite is perfect. You can leave the towel securely in place and wear it kilt-style, with or without a top, leaving your hands free to grab bags, paddles, wash bags and other gear, or to enjoy an ice cream, beach beer or picnic. And when you want to peel it off there’s a fabric pull hoop, which also comes in handy for hanging the towel up to dry.

Unfortunately, they are not biodegradable and are made from non-renewable resources. Like most things, it’s a compromise, nothing is a perfect solution to saving the planet. Wrap up warm after an exhilarating swim with a microfibre towel from Decathlon. You’ll find a great selection in our swimming towel range featuring a wide array of different colours, sizes and styles. Whether you are looking for something distinctive that your kids won't be able to lose at the school pool or vibrant holiday designs, we're sure you'll find your fit here. There’s no bag included with this one, but you can wrap the large elasticized hanging loop around the rolled-up towel and that keeps everything nice and tidy. The same loop is ideal for securely hanging the towel from a tree (or whatever else you have nearby) while it dries in the wind. The Nomadix is a bit more expensive than other towels and quite larger as well. That being said, the larger price tag is more than justifiable – this towel will last longer than most and you will definitely get more use out of it.

The best microfibre towels

This choice is heavily influenced by gender and by the proposed use. My husband is more than happy with a tiny towel to wrap around his waist, these towels are super-efficient at drying so size isn’t really a consideration when it comes to absorbance.