The Original Merino Wool Trail Rag
Before there were blankets, sleeping bag liners, gaiters, hats, or anything else carrying the Glacial Gear name, there was the Trail Rag.
In 2020, we set out to create a better hiking and backpacking towel using one of our favorite natural performance fibers: Merino wool.
That simple idea became the product that launched Glacial Gear.
The Trail Rag Classic preserves our original construction and is still sewn in small batches in Taylors, South Carolina using premium New Zealand ZQ-certified Merino wool.
It’s where our story began — and for hikers who prefer a larger-format Merino wool towel or appreciate the original handmade construction, it’s still hard to beat.
Premium New Zealand ZQ Merino Wool
The Trail Rag Classic is made from premium 18.9-micron, 200 GSM New Zealand ZQ Merino wool.
ZQ is a recognized standard for responsibly sourced New Zealand Merino wool, with an emphasis on quality, animal welfare, environmental responsibility, and traceability.
The result is an exceptionally versatile Merino wool trail towel that’s soft against skin, naturally odor-resistant, lightweight, and built for repeated use outdoors.
One Trail Rag. A Lot of Jobs.
Since 2020, Trail Rags have accompanied hikers on long-distance trails, weekend backpacking trips, campsites, road trips, international travel, and countless everyday adventures.
- Wipe away sweat
- Dry your face and hands
- Dry cookware and utensils
- Clean glasses and gear
- Handle hot cookware
- Freshen up at camp
- Clip it to your backpack and let it air dry
Merino wool naturally resists odor-causing bacteria and manages moisture exceptionally well, making the Trail Rag Classic especially useful for hiking, backpacking, camping, and travel.
Handmade in South Carolina
Every Trail Rag Classic is sewn in small batches in our Taylors, South Carolina workshop.
Each Trail Rag includes a reinforced clip loop so you can attach it to your backpack, shoulder strap, hip belt, or other gear and keep it accessible throughout the day.
Simple construction. Premium materials. Made in South Carolina just as our Trail Rags have been since the beginning.
Choose Your Trail Rag Classic
Trail Rag Classic
Approximately 14.5" × 10.5"
Approximately 0.9 oz (26 g)
Our larger-format everyday Classic provides additional surface area while remaining lightweight and highly packable.
It’s a great choice for hiking, backpacking, camping, travel, and everyday outdoor use when you want a little more towel.
Trail Rag Classic XL
Approximately 16.5" × 12.5"
Approximately 1.0 oz (28 g)
Our largest Trail Rag Classic provides even more coverage for drying off, camp cleanup, cookware, and anyone who simply prefers a larger hiking towel.
Which Trail Rag Is Right for You?
For most hikers, backpackers, travelers, and everyday outdoor use, we recommend our current-generation 10" × 10" Trail Rag. It combines an ultralight 0.6 oz weight with our most refined Trail Rag construction, including reinforced edging, rounded corners, and an integrated hanging loop.
Choose the Trail Rag Classic or Classic XL when you want more surface area, premium New Zealand ZQ Merino wool, or the original handmade Glacial Gear construction.
Different sizes. Different construction. Same idea that started Glacial Gear in 2020.
SHEEPishly Superior.
Trail Rag Classic Specifications
Material: 100% New Zealand ZQ-Certified Merino Wool
Micron: 18.9
Fabric Weight: 200 GSM
Construction: Sewn in small batches in South Carolina
Trail Rag Classic
Size: Approximately 14.5" × 10.5"
Weight: Approximately 0.9 oz (26 g)
Trail Rag Classic XL
Size: Approximately 16.5" × 12.5"
Weight: Approximately 1.0 oz (28 g)
Care
Hand wash and lay flat to dry.
For deeper cleaning, machine wash on a delicate cycle and tumble dry low.
Origin
Sewn in small batches in Taylors, South Carolina using premium New Zealand ZQ Merino wool.
