"Size doesn't matter." "Bigger isn't always better." "Good things come in small packages." If you've ever heard this from a woman, I have only two things to say: 1- I am truly sorry. And 2- That's a very nice Hummer H2 you're driving.

There are, however, times when very small is very good. The iPod Shuffle is a good example. Small cell phones? Sure. Even better are small bluetooth earpieces, so you don't look like you're on your way to a Star Trek convention. (Those earpieces are a perfect example of something necessary that I just won't use, because there is no way to not look like a dork wearing one. If anyone knows of a good, small, decent looking one, tell me immediately.)

Any camper or hiker will tell you the smaller the gear is - and the lighter - the better. That's where Lightload Towels come in. Originally developed for camping, they are a 12" x 24" reusable towel made of 100% viscose packed in a 2-inch diameter disc. Toss a bunch in your pack and go. And they're disposable, so no having to pack them for the trip home.

They also make a portable beach towel that expands to three feet by five feet. Either one can be used for just about anything from a picnic blanket to a head wrap to an emergency flag. They can be rinsed out and used over and over, or just tossed away. The cost is so low you can keep several around just in case. I have a few stashed in my glove compartment to clean up spills on road trips.

Hikers, campers, cyclists, hunters, travelers... all swear by them. And it's one of the only times you can pull something out and have her say, "Wow, look at how small that is!" and be OK with it.

Towels about $1 each, Beach Towels - 3 for $6

www.ultralighttowels.com