Long Term Report - Britanne Aquis Microfiber Towel

reviewed by Rob Davidson

Manufacturer:  Aquis

Manufacturer URL:  www.aquis.com

Year of manufacture:  2003

Listed weight: Under 4 oz (113 g)

Weight as delivered:  Same

Listed Dimensions:  15" x 29" (38 cm x 74 cm)

Review Date:  April 12, 2004
MSRP:  $13.89 US

The Aquis Microfiber Towel that I tested is a size medium with a listed dimension of 15” x 29” (38 cm x 74 cm) and with a listed weight of less than 4 oz (113 g).  The color is listed as blueberry, and looks like a navy blue.  The towel is made of Aquitex, a patented microfiber (a microfiber is half the size of silk fibers, and one-third the size of cotton).

Other available sport towel sizes include small (10” x 14”; 25.5 cm x 35.5 cm) large (19” x 30”; 48 cm x 76 cm) and x-large (29” x 55”; 74 cm x 140 cm).  Other available colors include graphite, plum, seafoam, and stone.

The towel’s packaging includes the statements:

            • Super absorbent

            • Ultra-lightweight

            • Fast-drying

            • Compact

Other comments about the towel include “especially gentle on hair and skin”, and that the towels are machine washable.  The towel features a plastic snap close loop at one corner and is designed to assist with hanging to dry.

Initial testing included checking the absorption and drying time of the towel.  A bowl was filled with 1 litre (1 quart) of water.  The towel was placed in the bowl and completely submerged and allowed to soak-up water.  The towel was removed from the bowl, and excess water was allowed to drip off back into the bowl.  When the dripped stopped, the towel was set aside.  The remaining water in the bowl was measured at 550 ml (18 ½ oz).  This meant that the towel absorbed 450 ml (15 oz) of water.  The water left in the bowl was tinted with navy blue, suggesting that the dye from the towel had run.

The towel was squeezed out and hung outside in the sun by it’s snap loop.  The air temperature was +24º C (75º F) with a light wind.  The towel was checked after one hour, and was damp.  After 2 hours and 30 minutes the towel was completely dry.

The towel has been tested on numerous day hikes, climbs, and various backpacking trips as well as a "road trip" to Scotland.  The towel was used in both summer and winter conditions.

Overall the towel has performed extremely well and shown no signs of wear or damage.  The towel easily absorbed water for drying after showers and washing. The towel feels like it clings to my skin, so I prefer a patting technique rather than the usual wiping. 

I have found that the towel hangs too low for drying when hiking and therefore carry it in my pack.  I would modify this towel by moving the handy loop to shorten its length when hanging.

The towel has been machine washed over 10 times and has not shown any sign of wear or damage.

OVERALL IMPRESSION

The material in the towel has performed far superior to any backpacking towel that I have used in the past.  It absorbs a lot of water and dries quickly.  I am very pleased with the quality and performance of the Britanne Aquis Microfiber Towel and it has become a regular piece of backpacking equipment.

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Rob Davidson
30

Male

5'10" (1.8 meters)

188 lbs (85 kg)

rob@canadianbackcountry.com

Calgary

Alberta

Canada

Backpacking Background: I have been backpacking since 1990 in various locations in Western Canada and the North Western United States. I spend the majority of my time in mountainous terrain and trek throughout the year regardless of the weather. I am a certified hiking/backpacking guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and spend most of my time working (and playing!) in the mountains. I am a recreational climber and climb mostly ice and alpine routes. On personal trips I prefer remote locations using minimal equipment.