Linen as a towel

[Bumpa]

Forgive me if there have been previous discussions on this topic, but I posted this question in reply to some one else and it seems to have gotten lost. New poster....bear with me

I am starting from SJPDP on April 13th and look forward to meeting kindred souls. I have a micro fiber travel towel which seems to push the moisture around my body rather than dry me. Has anyone used linen as a drying towel and a) is it effective and b) does it dry itself relatively quickly

 

[Al the optimist]

You could try using a wash chamois.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I hate microfiber towels. They do exactly what you say, push the water around.
I use an old worn terry cloth towel torn in half.
I've also used unbleached muslin, washed several times, and that worked great as a lightweight towel.
I've also used a knobby cotton towel.
All worked better than microfiber.

 

[FelixBC]

I took a flour-sack tea towel each time, kind of like linen. Very absorbent, very light, dries fast, washed it frequently. Can't stand microfibre. Did appreciate proper bath towels when available!

 

[Icacos]

Although I own a few linen garments (light weight, very absorbent and quick drying) only once have I bought a length of linen material and worked with it; that was to make some linen handkerchiefs for a dear friend, at his request. I would think a bit of linen would be great as a drying towel but, as I recall, might be a bit on the expensive side. I'd try for a light cotton tea towel.
Buen Camino.

 

[mspath]

For more posts re towels see this recent Forum thread. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/the-towels-in-albergues.38601/

 

[CatherineAnn]

Yes, I bought a very lightweight linen yard of fabric and it worked very well. Dries quickly and actually takes the water off instead of moving it around.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I took a flour-sack tea towel each time, kind of like linen. Very absorbent, very light, dries fast, washed it frequently. Can't stand microfibre. Did appreciate proper bath towels when available!

A flour sack towel is a great idea!

 

[Bumpa]

A flour sack towel is a great idea!

Thanks to all for your thoughts. I am on my way to purchase some linen. 33 more sleeps until lift off for Barcelona

 

[Al the optimist]

Now Bumpa we take back all the advice we have given seeing as you have now made all of us who have to wait longer envious! Buen Camino

 

[alipilgrim]

I have shoulder-length hair. Although I love the idea of a linen or sack cloth towel, one wipe over my head would soak the material and leave a damp rag for the rest of me

 

[Bumpa]

Now Bumpa we take back all the advice we have given seeing as you have now made all of us who have to wait longer envious! Buen Camino

Now Al...be optimistic. I'll send updates so you can live vicariously as I have for the past year or so

 

[Bumpa]

I have shoulder-length hair. Although I love the idea of a linen or sack cloth towel, one wipe over my head would soak the material and leave a damp rag for the rest of me

I'll let you know. My hair was long at one time but the pink is starting to show through the top. At least it hasn't affected the walking

 

[gittiharre]

I used a baby muslin wrap and a muslin wash cloth. Dry in minutes and dry body well too. And are super lightweight. Also good to drape over head to keep mozzies off at night.

 

[AlwynWellington]

Each to their own.

I use micro-fibre towels.

I do not notice water being pushed around.

My towels are like flat sheets, are very absorbent and dry quickly.

 

[Icacos]

Now Bumpa we take back all the advice we have given seeing as you have now made all of us who have to wait longer envious! Buen Camino

And this coming from you, Al? You, who trots off every two minutes to another Camino?

 

[Al the optimist]

Well Icacos we had a light hearted group once called "The Friends of Al" for us Caminoholics! I am incurable I am afraid. As my PC told me when I switched on this morning. "Good morning Allan. You have 53 days more to go before your Camino".

 

[Al the optimist]

Now Al...be optimistic. I'll send updates so you can live vicariously as I have for the past year or so

Optimistic? Moi? OK. Just for you I will try to be.