FYI - Found some microfiber beach towels at Bed, Bath, & Beyond that are much lighter & use less space than a regular towel for my last trip. 2 of them pack nicely into a daypack & are easier to carry around. Or I pack one of those microfiber towels they sell for your hair, they are much smaller, but good enough to dry off when needed like when I went to YS Falls.
I've noticed when travelling with friends that I usually have half the luggage than they do mainly because I try & find clothes of lighter material & dont' bring as much (wear something clean to dinner & it's still good to wear during the next day) & limit my toiletries to small sizes (use a combination shampoo/conditioner instead of one each). Definitely worth investing in the new, lighter luggage or rolling duffle.