If you might be in a rush, the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow is the very best pillow for backpacking.
The key to a enjoyable and successful backpacking journey is an effective evening’s relaxation.
How will you have the ability to stroll miles a day with out recharging your batteries correctly at evening?
Both sleeping pads and luggage are a should, however backpacking pillows will not be on everybody’s guidelines.
And I don’t perceive why.
Does your neck hurts after falling asleep on the couch? Well why would sleeping in your jacket be any totally different?
But there’s no purpose to tough it up if you go backpacking. Especially when there are pillows specifically designed for this kind of journey.
Sounds good?
Today, I’ll share with you all the pieces you should know to seek out the very best backpacking pillow available on the market.
Let’s leap straight in!
Best Backpacking Pillow: Our Top 10 Picks
Best Inflatable Backpacking Pillow
Best Stuff Sack Backpacking Pillow
Best Car Camping Pillow
Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow
Type: Inflatable | Fill: Down | Weight (oz): 2.5 oz | Packed Size: 3 x 2.5 in
This pillow by Sea to Summit would possibly simply be the very best tenting pillow ever, when you ask me.
First, it’s very light-weight and packs down compactly right into a bag that’s no larger than your palm. This means you’ll be able to virtually retailer it in any pocket in your backpack.
And with 2.5 ounces of weight, you gained’t even discover it there.
Thanks to the multifunction mini-valve situated on the again, the pillow inflates in simply three breaths. Fully inflated, it gives agency assist that doesn’t budge by the evening.
But when you want one thing softer, you’ll be able to simply modify it by releasing some air from the valve.
With the scale of 13.4 x 9.4 x 4.7 inches, this isn’t the biggest tenting pillow on the market.
But its dimension makes it nice for becoming inside a mummy bag hoodie, so it gained’t transfer round whereas sleeping.
Differentially reduce baffles actually made a distinction, as they preserve the loft in place for a cushty good evening’s sleep.
To be trustworthy, if I didn’t know this was an inflatable pillow, I might have by no means guessed it from simply laying on it. Yes, it’s that cozy.
Pros
- It’s light-weight and compact, which makes it appropriate for backpacking
- The Pilowlock system permits you to connect the pillow to a Sea by Summit sleeping mat to stop sliding
- Horizontally-positioned baffles preserve the fill in place, stopping chilly spots
- Fits inside most mummy sleeping luggage’ hoodies
Cons
- Not essentially the most coziest face cloth on the record
Best for: Fast inflation
Trekology ALUFT 2.0 Ultralight Camping Pillow
Type: Inflatable | Fill: Air | Weight (oz): 3.9 oz | Packed Size: 5 x 2 in
A great tenting pillow doesn’t need to price an arm and a leg. And this mannequin by Trekology is sweet proof of that.
Now, the very first thing that you simply discover about this mannequin is the ergonomic design.
Slightly curved upwards, this pillow is appropriate for any sleeping place, be it in your again, abdomen or facet.
So even when you’re not a relaxed sleeper, you’ll discover this pillow very comfy.
This pillow doesn’t transfer round whilst you’re sleeping due to anti-slipping rubber dots on the underside.
But to stop it from budging, it additionally encompasses a latch strap so to connect it to the sleeping mat.
This pillow is fabricated from thermoplastic polyurethane, which is a sturdy and waterproof cloth. This makes it appropriate not only for sleeping in a tent, but additionally on a ship or seashore.
What makes this pillow appropriate for backpacking is its small dimension and weight. It packs right down to the dimensions of a can, so it may well simply match wherever.
It inflates in not more than 8 breaths, and deflates inside seconds.
Pros
- Anti-slip rubber dots and latch strap preserve the pillow from transferring
- Made of waterproof and durable materials
- The ergonomic design makes it appropriate for various sleeping positions
- Very inexpensive in comparison with most fashions on the record
Cons
- TPU cloth shouldn’t be essentially the most light in your face
Best for: First-time campers and occasional backpackers.
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium
Type: Inflatable | Fill: Down | Weight (oz): 2.8 oz | Packed Size: 2.8 x 3.3 in
If including just a few extra ounces to your gear shouldn’t be a difficulty, then the Aeros Premium is certainly a mannequin value contemplating.
With a barely added weight, you’ll be able to benefit from the luxurious consolation just like the one you have got at residence.
When packed, this pillow takes much less area than a can of soda. Once inflated, it’s nonetheless on the smaller facet.
But its comfiness makes up for that. Synthetic fill makes it mushy in your head, whereas on the identical time wicks any moisture away.
The brushed polyester exterior guarantee a mushy really feel in your face.
The backside fringe of the pillow is barely curved on the heart, making it appropriate for each sleeping on the again and on the perimeters.
What’s extra, you too can use it whereas sitting upright in a chair.
What’s nice about this mannequin is that it is available in three sizes: common, giant and deluxe.
The bigger you go, the heavier and costlier a pillow will get. But if that’s not the difficulty, you could find the dimensions most just like the one you employ at residence.
Pros
- Synthetic fill and brushed polyester make the pillow mushy and comfy in your head
- A barely curved backside edge makes the pillow appropriate for sleeping in numerous positions
- A Multifunction mini-valve permits you to modify how supportive your pillow is
- There are three sizes to select from
Cons
- Can be a bit heavy in comparison with different fashions
Best for: Side sleepers.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow
Type: Stuff Sack | Fill: You stuff it | Weight (oz): 1.7 oz | Packed Size: n/a
If you’re going additional mild on a tenting journey, then you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with this mannequin by Hyperlite Mountain Gear.
With simply 1.7 ounces of weight, it’s unlikely you could find something remotely as mild as this.
Made of Dyneema composite cloth, this pillow will wick away any water it is available in contact with.
This is additional secured by the taped seams throughout.
During the day, you should use the sack as a storage sack for the gear you wish to stop from getting moist from the rain.
At evening, the stuff sack turns right into a pillow that provides you head assist whereas sleeping.
This mannequin is likely one of the bigger ones on the record, and it offers you ample area to relaxation your head on.
But don’t fear, you don’t really set your face towards the composite cloth.
This pillow has a reversible facet which is roofed with mushy Polartec fleece, that’s extraordinarily cozy and heat.
Pros
- With 1.7 ounces of weight, this is likely one of the lightest pillows you could find available on the market
- Dyneema composite cloth and taped seams guarantee 100% waterproofness
- Can even be used as a stash sack
- Features a reversible facet with a cushty face cloth
Cons
- Relatively costly for a stash sack pillow
Best for: Ultra lightpackers.
Big Agnes Q Core Deluxe Inflatable Travel Pillow
Type: Inflatable | Fill: Air | Weight (oz): 3.1 oz | Packed Size: 4 x 3 x 2 in
Seeing a Big Agnes product on this record is nothing stunning, because the model makes a speciality of light-weight but comfy and high-quality tenting gear. And this pillow is not any totally different.
Now, it’s true that inflatable pillows aren’t recognized for being insanely heat when it’s chilly, however that’s probably not the case right here.
This nylon pillow options a complicated warmth reflective expertise that displays your individual physique heat again to you.
With the scale of 20 x 14 x 4.75 inches, this pillow is barely bigger than most fashions on the record.
But the scale are fastidiously thought out in order that the pillow matches into any Big Agnes sleeping bag.
The pillow is coated with an aviation-grade TPU, making it extraordinarily rugged and sturdy.
The materials can also be simple to wash. Just remember the fact that it ought to solely be hand-washed, because the machine can injury it.
We may also recognize the tiny particulars Big Agnes implements to make their product stand out.
In this case, that’s the antimicrobial remedy contained in the pillow that stops microorganism progress.
Pros
- Reflective expertise makes use of your individual physique warmth to maintain you heat whereas sleeping
- Aviation-grade TPU coating makes the pillow very sturdy
- Antimicrobial remedy prevents microorganisms from rising contained in the pillow
- The micro launch button permits you to modify how mushy the pillow is
Cons
- Can be giant for sleeping luggage from different producers
Best for: Campers in search of essentially the most sturdy choice.
Therm-a-Rest Air Head™ Down Pillow
Type: Inflatable | Fill: 650 Fill Duck Nikwax Hydrophobic Down RDS | Weight (oz): 4.9 oz | Packed Size: 5 x 4 in
If you set consolation above all else, you then’ll certainly be happy with what the Air Head mannequin by Therma-a-Rest has to supply.
Filled with down of 650 fill energy, this pillow will preserve you heat even at excessive winter temperatures.
Not simply because the down fill is cozy, however as a result of it’s hydrophobic as effectively.
Since it stays dry, it retains its insulating talents even when it’s freezing chilly outdoors.
While it may not be apparent at first look, that is really a hybrid pillow, which means the center half is inflated with air.
But the air bladder of this pillow isn’t as agency as it’s on different fashions. For that purpose, it’s extra just like your pillow at residence.
This pillow has a spherical form, in order that it matches completely inside your sleeping bag’s hood.
That manner, it assures it doesn’t budge all through the evening.
The backside edge is barely curved inwards, in order that if sits effectively round your neck, whatever the place you’re sleeping in.
Pros
- Hydrophobic fill assures the pillow stays dry and heat in all climate circumstances
- The pillow is tough sufficient to offer assist but mushy sufficient for a cushty sleep
- The twist valve makes it simple so that you can make changes whereas laying on the pillow
- Quilted polyester makes the face cloth mushy and comfy
Cons
- Slightly heavier than another picks
Best for: Mountaineering and winter tenting.
Therm-a-Rest Trekker™ Pillow Case
Type: Stuff Sack | Fill: You stuff it | Weight (oz): 2.3 oz | Packed Size: n/a
Need a pillow that’s extraordinarily mild and inexpensive? This mannequin by Therma-a-Rest is each.
It weighs barely over 2 ounces and prices lower than your tent stakes. If you ask me, that’s a steal.
This pillow is a stuff sack, so it’s as mushy as what you set inside.
But due to the brushed polyester face cloth, it’s additionally very comfy to relaxation your head upon.
Furthermore, the fabric is abrasion-resistant, and it doesn’t slide round at evening.
With the scale of 17 x 14 inches, it is a fairly giant pillow.
It’s nice for individuals who transfer quite a bit whereas sleeping and will use extra head resting area.
If you wish to make it smaller, you’ll be able to at all times squeeze it inside your sleeping bag’s hood.
But despite the fact that it’s so huge, the pillow folds down fairly compactly.
In truth, it may be packed in order that it matches inside a shirt pocket, if you’ll.
Pros
- It’s light-weight and compact, making it appropriate for trekking and backpacking
- Soft polyester cloth wicks away moisture and makes a cushty floor
- Sold at a really inexpensive value
- Can be washed in a washer at a delicate cycle
Cons
- Not as supportive as another fashions
Best for: Campers in want of a fast however short-term resolution.
REI Co-op Trailbreak Foam Pillow
Type: Foam | Fill: Foam | Weight (oz): 10 oz | Packed Size: 18 x 4 in
Some of us merely want a standard pillow, and that’s okay.
If weight and space for storing aren’t a difficulty, this Trailbreak pillow by REI seems to be an irreplaceable companion on a tenting journey.
There’s no inflation concerned right here. As quickly as you unpack the pillow, it expands to its full dimension virtually immediately.
This pillow has simply the correct foam filling – not too mushy, not too agency. It’s mushy, heat, and nothing much less essential, it’s actually quiet.
This pillow options two sides, cooler and hotter. That manner, you’ll be able to flip your pillow at any time when temperatures go up or down.
And don’t fear, whichever facet is down, the pillow will keep in place throughout sleep.
I used to be fairly shocked at how inexpensive this pillow is. Its consolation is at par with a number of the extra high-end fashions available on the market.
Part of the rationale for the pillow’s low price ticket lies in the truth that it’s made with foam recycled from previous REI sleeping pads.
Pros
- Once unpacked, the pillow expands immediately
- You can swap between cooler and hotter cloth relying on the temperature
- One of essentially the most inexpensive choices on the record
- It’s secure for machine washing on a delicate cycle
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier than most different fashions
Best for: RV and automotive tenting.
Nemo Fillo
Type: Inflatable | Fill: Air/Synthetic (Air with Luxury Foam) | Weight (oz): 9 oz | Packed Size: 6 x 4 in
Many years of being one of many bestselling pillows available on the market communicate volumes in regards to the high quality of this product.
This hybrid pillow goes manner and past to offer final consolation inside a tent.
Baffled air cell creates the pure form of a pillow, so that you don’t really feel such as you’re resting your head on a ball.
Thick reminiscence foam, then again, gives assist whereas nonetheless remaining mushy and versatile.
The cowl is fabricated from microsuede, which leaves cooling really feel in your face.
And whereas mushy and plush, the fabric gives sufficient friction in order that the pillow doesn’t slide off whilst you’re sleeping.
Once it will get soiled, merely take it off and throw it within the washer at a delicate cycle.
Personally, I really like the truth that the storage bag is built-in into the design.
That manner, you by no means have to fret about dropping it someplace across the campsite.
With that being mentioned, the bag does really feel a bit small, because it’s fairly exhausting to place the pillow again in.
Pros
- Combination of air and reminiscence foam makes the pillow mushy however supportive
- Soft microsuede cowl for a clear and cooling really feel
- Takes not more than three breaths to inflate
- The cowl is machine cleanable
Cons
- It’s robust to pack it again right into a storage bag it comes with
Best for: Campers who put consolation above all else.
HEST Pillow
Type: Foam | Fill: Enhanced reminiscence foam/polyester | Weight (oz): 2 lbs. 3.2 oz. | Packed Size: 14 x 9 x 7 in
Not everybody has the identical sleeping preferences.
While some folks appear to have the ability to sleep resting on no matter they discover close by, others can’t sleep with no good stability of consolation and softness.
If you belong to the second group, you’ll love this pillow by Hest.
Now I do know, this pillow has the best price ticket of all of the picks on this record.
But let me guarantee you, each penny is effectively justified.
What makes this pillow stand out from the group is the truth that it’s full of reminiscence foam.
It doesn’t flatten or lose form no matter what number of hours you’ve slept in the identical place.
Of course, you’ll be able to at all times additional modify the fill by the zippered entry.
The pillow encompasses a PU-coated nylon cowl which retains it shielded from dust and moisture.
Now, as soon as the duvet will get soiled, you’ll be able to simply take it off and wash it within the machine.
There’s additionally an built-in sack that you may retailer it in when not in use, which compresses the pillow and protects it from dust.
When packed, you’ll be able to connect it to your backpack for hands-free motion.
Pros
- The reminiscence foam fill provides assist with out sacrificing consolation
- Its curved form sits round your neck, permitting you to sleep even in additional upright positions
- The cowl is detachable and machine cleanable
- Eacy carry loop permits you to connect it to your backpack, leaving extra room inside for different tools
Cons
- Quite costly
- The heaviest mannequin on this record
Best for: Campers who want a mushy pillow with good head assist.
Compare Backpacking Pillows
Factors to Consider
Not certain which one to decide on? Let’s discuss various factors that may have an effect on your choice.
Weight & Size
These two components are particularly essential when you plan on carrying your whole gear in your again.
With so many items of kit packed, similar to a tent and sleeping bag, the very last thing you wish to drag you down extra is a pillow, proper?
The extra materials is concerned, the heavier the pillow can be. This is very true for filling.
For that purpose, don’t be stunned {that a} compressible or hybrid pillow weighs greater than an inflatable one which’s stuffed solely with air.
If you’re in search of the lightest weight pillow, you then’ll wish to go along with the stuff sack choices just like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow or the Therma-a-Rest Trekker™ Pillow Case.
But If you aren’t a fan of utilizing your down jacket as a pillow and wish to go for extra consolation, then the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow is an effective compromise at solely 2.5 oz.
Slipperiness
A pillow that slides round your sleeping pad doesn’t contribute a lot to a superb evening’s sleep.
Unfortunately, that’s not an unusual case with backpacking pillows, primarily as a result of they’re made with such supplies.
Some fashions repair the difficulty by having connected velcro tapes or cords with permitting you to connect the pillow to the pad.
Frequency of Use & Durability
Since you’ll be utilizing a pillow inside a tent and/or a sleeping bag, there’s little or no likelihood you’ll be able to injury it with one thing sharp.
And even when that occurs, it gained’t be an excessive amount of of a difficulty with a pillow filled with foam, as an illustration.
But with inflatable pillows, even the tiniest prick can pierce them, thus rendering them ineffective.
Of course, that doesn’t imply it is best to steer clear of inflatable pillows normally.
But take note of the fabric they’re fabricated from. Ideally, search for polyurethane or related sturdy supplies that aren’t simply broken.
Comfort & Support
What’s the purpose of a backpacking pillow if it’s no extra comfy than sleeping in your puffy jacket?
Aside from the kind of backpacking pillow (which we’ll get into within the subsequent part), there are different components that affect its comfortability and assist.
Namely, the form and materials that’s protecting the highest half additionally have an effect on how effectively you’ll sleep at evening.
We discovered that essentially the most comfy choices have been the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow, Sea to Summit Aeros Premium, the Therma-a-Rest Air Head™ Down Pillow and the HEST Pillow.
Inflatable vs. Stuff Sack
By inflatable, right here I imply all varieties of pillows that develop when used and compress down for packing.
Choosing between an inflatable or stuffed pillow primarily comes right down to space for storing and weight.
Pillow-case backpacking pillows are the lightest choice, however are as comfy because the stuff you set inside.
Inflatable, then again, use air, down, foam or different artificial fillings.
Read: Down vs. Synthetic Sleeping Bag (Which is Better?)
While meaning they’re barely heavier and bulkier, they’re additionally extra comfy.
Type Of Backpacking Pillows
There are a number of totally different pillow choices on the market, and so they all work a bit in another way. Here’s a fast recap of every sort so that you simply get an concept.
Inflatable Pillows
Like your pool float, this kind of pillow can also be full of air. This means it’s light-weight and packs down small when not inflated.
You can simply modify how stiff or mushy it’s by including or releasing some air by the valve.
But even so, the air shouldn’t be essentially the most comfy choice on the market. What’s extra, it may be noisy if you’re transferring round.
The better of the purely inflatable pillows have been the Big Agnes Q Core Deluxe Inflatable Travel Pillow and the Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow
Compressible Pillows
This sort of pillow is normally full of down, foam or related artificial materials.
And so far as consolation goes, no different sort of backpacking pillow can come shut.
A compressible pillow is actually just like what your pillow at residence appears like.
But in fact, consolation doesn’t come with out price. The major draw back to a compressible pillow is the truth that it’s usually bulkier and heavier than different sorts.
This makes it barely extra appropriate for different varieties of tenting than backpacking.
The finest compressible pillows are the REI Co-op Trailbreak Foam Pillow and the HEST Pillow.
Hybrid Pillows
A hybrid pillow is a mixture of each compressible and inflatable sorts.
Basically, the underside half is full of air whereas the highest half is compressible and full of down or foam.
Hybrid pillows are good center floor. They’re not heavy, however not as light-weight as another sorts.
They’re additionally fairly comfy, however nonetheless not as comfortable as compressible pillows.
We’ve chosen the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow as our greatest general backpacking pillow, and it’s simple to see why going with the hybrid choice is a good alternative.
Stuff Sack Pillows
With this kind of pillow, you fill it with your individual stuff, be it a jacket or sweater.
So naturally, it’s as much as you the way comfy they prove. Although evaluating them to different varieties of pillows by way of consolation is futile.
But when you take away no matter you stuffed it with, a stuff sack pillow turns into extraordinarily mild and simple to pack.
For that purpose, it’s a sensible choice for longer journeys.
The finest stuff sack pillows are the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow and the Therma-a-Rest Trekker™ Pillow Case.
Face Fabrics
Nothing much less essential is the material that you simply’ll relaxation your face upon. Generally, two varieties of supplies are used for this.
Polyester
Polyester normally has a slight fuzzy really feel, which makes it mushy and heat on the face.
And whereas it does quite a bit by way of consolation, the brushed polyester is far tougher to wash.
Nylon
Resting your face on a pillow with nylon face materials is like resting it on a pool float mattress.
Not precisely the coziest feeling, however you’ll be able to at all times put a canopy over it for extra comfy sleep.
Nylon, in comparison with polyester, is far simpler to wash.
FAQs
What Makes A Good Backpacking Pillow?
When you’re backpacking, each ounce issues.
That’s why a pillow, like every other piece of substances, must be each light-weight and compact. But on the identical time, it additionally wants to offer consolation and head assist whereas sleeping.
How to deflate a backpacking pillow?
To deflate it, open the valve and push it downwards. You’ll hear and really feel the air popping out of the valve.
Start folding the pillow in half and deflating as a lot air as you’ll be able to, then repeating the method.
What is the lightest backpacking pillow?
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow is the lightest choice, weighing simply 1.7 ounces.
From inflatable pillows, Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow weighs comparably lower than different fashions.
Are inflatable pillows any good?
Inflatable pillows have their benefits, particularly their featherweight and compactness.
While usually not thought-about to be essentially the most comfy sort of pillow, sure fashions show that there’s an exception to all the pieces.
Can you get by with no pillow when backpacking?
Technically, you will get by with out one, and many backpackers do that.
But there actually aren’t any causes for that, as sure pillows weigh not more than an oz..
Carrying that tiny quantity of added weight to enhance your consolation stage for a complete stage is certainly value it.
To Sum Things Up
As you’ll be able to see, there are tons of backpacking pillows accessible available on the market.
But on a protracted record of outstanding fashions, one which stands out is the Aeros Down Pillow by Sea to Summit.
This mannequin has a little bit of all the pieces – it’s light-weight, compact, heat and comfy.
Plus, it comes with a reasonably first rate price ticket.
What extra might you need in a backpacking pillow?