Its small pouch fits beside sunscreen for unexpected swims. Sand brushed away once the fabric had dried in the sun.

An early shower left enough time for the microfibre towel to dry near the window. It was ready to roll into its pouch before we left.

One towel handled both stops and dried between uses. Its drawstring bag kept the compact roll together in the car.

Cotton would have filled a large section of my bag, while this left room for shoes. It washed clean in the hotel sink.

In practice, the 75 by 130 centimetre size covered me after a swim but occupied little backpack space. Grey also hid minor travel marks.