Antibacterial camp towels

[MacHete]

Anyone have any thoughts about or experience with these? I've seen them offered by a couple of retailers. They are apparently a bandana-sized microfiber towel treated to be "permanently" antibacterial. The "Dr. Bacty's" method is supposed to retain 90% of its efficacy after thirty washings.

I can see the value in having a re-usable sanitary cloth when in the woods, but I'm not sure I believe the sales pitch.

 

[mete]

There are socks that have anti-bacterial additives also. I'm not sure of the value.

 

[theedge13]

anti bacterial in socks = silver thread doesnt it?

 

[desmobob]

anti bacterial in socks = silver thread doesnt it?

From what I've read, strands of silver thread produce ions that kill bacteria, or something like that.

Seems like it would be easy to incorporate some strands in a microfiber towel, right? Sounds like a good idea... nothing worse than a skanky pack towel on a camping trip. :thumbdn:

Stay sharp,
desmobob

 

[1Tracker]

There is a cost trade off from what I've read regarding 'silver ion/threaded' gear. My understanding is that it is a very polluting manufacturing process; and is why some of the larger name brands in respected backpacking gear have not embraced the technology of it.

I have had 1 tee shirt that has the thread from when it was new technology a few years back. The shirt wore poorly, and so the effect was diminished by lack of ability to use the product. A towel might not see vigorous use, but then again some camp shower snapping might be in order!

 

[Bushman5]

Safe antibacterial agents containing macrocyclic lactones and/or macrocyclic ketones usable for suppressing the growth of indigenous dermal bacteria. Cosmetics containing these antibacterial agents can, in particular, suppress the evolution of the body odor and are efficacious in preventing and treating pimples. When introduced into clothing, these antibacterial agents achieve an antibacterial/deodorizing effect.

 

[1Tracker]

Yup, Bushman that they do up to a point, then the critter wearing the grament needs to bathe!

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

My Leon Paul fencing jacket/knickers have some form of silver treatment and it certainly works great for keeping the odor off. It has some sort of near-miraculous anti-staining composition as well. I've never seen a set of fencing gear that could stay so brilliant white--it even sheds rust stains! :shock: But to the best of my knowledge I think that the silver is a treatment to the fabric, rather than the thread itself being composed of it.