Backpacking pillows can tend to be on the small side, so a contoured pillow rather than a square shape can help to keep your head actually "on" the pillow all night. Whats the backpackers mantra again? Because you dont have to carry the pillow around with you or fit it into a backpack, packed size and weight dont matter. Generally, the softest and cushiest sleeping pads are fully inflatable. It also doesnt pack nearly as small as other pillows, if space is your concern. No bigger than a bottle of ibuprofen once youve popped it in the provided stuff sack, it weighs less than three ounces, which is about the same as a pack of cards. Also, take a look at ourcamping pillow buyers guide,comparison chart,andcamping pillow FAQat the end of this article if you need some more help deciding. Many people prefer the supportive cushion of foam pillows and consider their ample comfort to outweigh their bulk. The lightest one weve found is a converted stuff sack from Zpacks. If you cannot, scour online reviews or ask existing owners about the noise level of the pillow you would like to purchase. The signature X shape cradles your head while sleeping. Air filled backpacking pillows are inflated via your own breath through flat or twist-and-pull valves. Unless youre completely new to the outdoor gear world, theres nothing surprising to be found in a backpacking pillow. If you turn it inside out and stuff it with clothes, it makes a great pillow. Remember that this pillow will only be as cozy as whatever you fill it with! This design is not only one of the most comfortable we reviewed but also helped prevent the pillow from moving around while you sleep. This compressible pillow packs down about as small as a lemon, its absolutely tiny packed size and easily light enough to carry wherever backpacking takes you. Expanding out to four inches of thick and plush support, its perfect for use wherever you are, even on public transport. It doesnt matter if its dryer friendly as air-drying is cheaper anyway, but just being able to toss it into a washer when you get a chance is a useful convenience. First, the DriDown Pillow actually has two separate pillow components a quilted down sleeve that has comfort, warmth, and some height to it all by itself, and then a synthetic-fill pillow insert that goes in the topper. And at $60, the Nemo Fillo Elite is the most expensive pillow we reviewed. When its time to bed down, turn the sack inside out, fill it with your clothes, and then seal it up and get some shut-eye. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. This helps organize smaller items in your tent like the aforementioned headlamp, multitool, spare socks, and anything else that will fit. The information below will show you which pillows are best for your sleeping position, the type of cushy insulation theyre filled with, and how easily they will pack away. This has led me to remove it from this years best backpacking pillow winner! New valves, baffle designs, and synthetic materials are just a few of the advancements to look forward to. There are even pillow options for side sleepers. Because theres no inflation involved, they are impervious to tears and punctures. The downside to inflatable pillows is that they provide little insulation from the ground, and they can make a crunching sound when you move on them (to go along with your inflatable sleeping pad). Side sleepers love the Fillo Kings extra loft. If you want your favorite liquids to stay hot all day, check out our roundup of the best thermoses of 2022-2033. Often, these pads and pillows are designed to nest within a sleeve on the sleeping pad. We took a good, hard look. That said, if you want to skimp entirely, you can just ball up some jackets/clothes and use that as a pillow. Were giving you the skinny on the best backpacking pillows around. It is not as comfortable as the Nemo option but does not suffer any durability issues. This will be much easier and quicker for you if the pillow can be machine washed! Side sleepers should consider pillows that are firm and have more loft. In fact, this is the lightest inflatable pillow we reviewed and our pick for the best ultralight pillow. As the best-selling pillow from Nemos beloved camping range, this updated version of the Nemo Fillo is designed with brand-new fabrics and an even better air valve than ever before. On the other end of the spectrum is the closed-cell foam pad. Heck, your favorite camping pillow may just be your nightly bedroom pillow. One common way to soak your sleeping bag is to get caught in a rainstorm without a rainfly. You must consider weight, packed size, ease of use, washability, price, and more. The soft face fabric mimics your favorite pillowcase at home. Your backpack has limited space. I have had two of them replaced under warranty in the last couple of years. The Mega Pillow also takes after the semi-legendary MegaMat, Expeds outstanding 3D-walled camping mattress (LINK), and its goal is maximum comfort and size. I dont want to see anymore creepy early morning wendigos walking the trail. One overlooked aspect of a pillow is the noise that it makes. This keeps your head in place while sleeping, allowing for surprising comfort on your back. Whether youre taking the kids out for a weekend in nature or looking for a solo escape from the city, weve got the complete guide to camping for beginners right here. This is best for back sleepers who want their head in one position for the night. These pillows are filled with various foams and synthetic fibers or some sort of combination. These arent your standard one-size-fits-all fluffy rectangles from Target. Sleeping pads are lighter and are mostly used in conjunction with a backpacking backpack, while mattresses are plusher and are good for general car camping. Overall, if you are an ultralight hiker and are looking for an ultralight pillow then consider the Therm-a-Rest Air Head Lite Pillow as the best on the market in 2023. Stuff sack-style pillows can be used as stuff sacks during the day, making them the smallest option to pack. Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow 4.5 Midnight Gray $59.95 Sapphire Stripe $59.95 Huckleberry $59.95 $59.95 Add to Cart Typically Paired With: Riff Men's Down Sleeping Bag Riff Women's Down Sleeping Bag Product Locator by Locally This raises and lowers the height of the pillow, as well as modifying its firmness, providing your most customizable sleep yet whilst on the go. If youre new to camping and still trying to figure out what kind of pillow you want, go for a good budget pillow. Chris also wrote How to Hike the Appalachian Trail. Unlike other models we tested, its also relatively noise-free. To deflate, simply open up the valve on the inflatable pillow and give it a squeeze to remove all of the air. If youre handwashing an inflatable pillow, make sure the valve is closed so water doesnt get inside, and then immerse the pillow in soapy water. It weighs under three ounces as well, and yet uses high-quality 50D polyester fabric and a solid flat valve for easy inflation and deflation. If you pack it away in an easily accessible location it can be a comfortable seat or snack table on short rest breaks. If that pillow doesnt work, you can keep it as a spare and kick down a little extra cash for a pricier pillow. The foam packs down into the included waterproof stuff sack, compressing down to 12 x 7 inches for the large pillow. Here is a list of some other pillows that either almost made it to the list of pillows or are yet to be tested. Read our About page for more information, and check out our gear reviews, trip reports, and outdoor guides. The big advantage of inflatable pillows is that they are super minimalist and lightweight. This is one of the best budget camping pillows with loads of comfort at a budget price. Removable cover on the Therm-a-Rest Air Head pillow. You can remove the cover for washing and repairs, and the twist valve doesnt pull, which makes it easier to operate, and allows you to adjust while laying on it. Most backpacks allow you to strap a last-minute item between the brain and the body of the pack, ostensibly the perfect place for a pillow. A recent upgrade to this new model includes an integrated drawstring and cord lock that keeps the pillow nice and securely compressed when its not in use. The Dyneema fabric is waterproof, and it comes complete with a waterproof zipper. And if you spend time camping or backpacking in any season outside of summer, youll be thankful to have a pillow like this when the temps drop. We love the brushed polyester stretch knit on the top and bottom that feels soft against the skin. Even if you only use your pillow inside the tent, debris like pine needles and twigs can get into the tent. Click the arrow in the heading cell to sort the models by preferred spec. Packed size isnt an issue, as youll be using it as a stuff sack, and at around an ounce, you wont even notice this ultralight pillow in your pack. That said, its a full air pillow, and wont be as comfortable when partially inflated because it will be bouncy or feel like it lacks air. I used this pillow for many years and it ticks a lot of boxes and gives me all the comfort and support that I need. Simply inflated in a maximum of seven breaths, as well as swiftly deflated or adjusted using the patented Multi Function Valve, its up and running in seconds and then down again even faster, for even the busiest of budding travelers. Even the most spectacular outdoor getaways can be ruined by an uncomfortable night in a tent. Versatile and multi-purpose, the Stuff Sac pillow from Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a two-in-one special pillow youll regret not purchasing sooner. The pillow has a nice and even shape, does not use air for height, and packs up quite small. That compression does have its benefits, however, such as when you need to stuff the pillow into your pack.
Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow - NEMO Equipment The Klymit Pillow Xs price, size, and simple design has taken the backpacking market by storm, and many people are popping this in their packs without a second thought. We recommend testing the pillow in a store before you purchase it, if possible. When you wake up, you dont even have to deflate the pillow. Deep in the mountains or on a long airplane flight, the compact and comfortable Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight pillow provides shapely support that can be packed away into a neat, small stuff sack. You might think that all there is to consider when looking for a good pillow for backpacking is whether it feels nice to lay your head on. It is the second heaviest pillow we reviewed, but for under $20, you can buy it and try it. The humble Backpacking Pillow is one of the most overlooked items that we take into the backcountry. One of our favorite details of this premium inflatable pillow is the three-way mini valve, which allows for rapid inflation and deflation. Absolutely. They are the softest, most compressible, and lightest to carry.
Founded by a group of Ph.D. engineers in Portland, Ore., its clear that the designers put their degrees to good use. Required fields are marked *. When youre looking for a lightweight backpacking pillow, look for one that weighs well under a pound. The insert, overall, could be better, or made of down, or foam, which would make it a must-have. Packed inflatable pillow (Sea to Summit Aeros). X marks the spot in the Klymit X Pillow, providing specific position-locking support for back sleepers. Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. It inflates quickly and is super comfy, thanks to its scoop design. We love the fact that its machine washable and can go in the dryer. Plus, it fits in the hood of a mummy bag to store securely when not in use. Full-sized yet super light, this pillow retains all of the usual Sea to Summit quality, whilst reducing down to the footprint of a paperback book, weighing less than that would at a tiny 2.1 ounces (when you chose the regular size). Theyre also lighter and take up less pack space than foam pads. Often, these will have venting options that let warm air out if you get too hot in your sleep. Different pillows have different requirements when it comes to cleaning. Cocoons Air-Core Hood Pillow ($30) weighs less than 4 ounces, packs down to 4 x 3 inches, and sports a soft microfiber face. It will give you a dream-catching night's sleep, but you will have to be prepared to sacrifice a moderate amount of space and weight. The Trekology pillow, like the Aeros, weighs 2.8 ounces, packs up incredibly small, has a rough Kidney shape, and utilizes a flat valve, though the valve isnt as robust. We recommend the Klymit Pillow X for back and stomach sleepers only. Pro Tip: Personally, Ive found that Im a side sleeper at home, but I sleep on my back when lying on a backpacking pad, and so the Klymit Inertia O Zone sleeping pad with attached X Pillow is my go-to backpacking set up. Gone are the days of wadding up your down jacket and turning it into a makeshift pillow while you try to get a few winks. We like the simple design and that its made from light and strong Dyneema fabric. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Its essentially a stuff sack with a soft interior. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Chile. The minimal investment of money, pack space, and weight is nothing compared to the comfort a pillow provides. You can combine these for a full pillow experience, or leave the insert at home and stuff the quilted topper with a jacket on the trail, thereby saving space and making a piece of gear multipurpose. Another is to let condensation accumulate on the tents inner walls. Keep in mind, though, that if youre looking to save a few bucks, why not carry your home pillow or ball up a bunch of your hiking clothes into an on-the-go pillow? Finally, the testing doesnt stop here, and as new camping pillows hit the market well be chucking them in our packs and continue testing, ensuring that our lineup is as fresh as can be. If youre trying to save weight and pack space, an inflatable pillow is a good idea. Most of you might be more concerned about the lightweight sleeping mat or ultralight sleeping bag or a Backpacking Quilt for your big trip, but for now, let us focus on the lightweight backpacking pillow. And you can always take your pillow from home just sandwich it between your backpacks top lid and main chute. If you value sleep and dont mind the extra weight, we dont really see a legitimate reason why bringing a pillow is a terrible idea, so consider it. That said, these still work great car camping and especially backpacking. The only thing we werent crazy about on the Aeros Ultralight was the price, which is on the high end. The most ultralight of the pillows in this review is about the size of a lemon and weighs 2 ounces or less. Its main downsides are thicknesses because of the synthetic fill and down feathers it compresses quite a bit, so is best for those who like a very flat pillow (stomach sleepers!). (http://www.exped.com/usa/en/mega-pillow-1). The foam gives it a luxurious, fluffy feel, and provides a nice bit of insulation from any cold that comes up from the tent floor. Not as comfortable as a dedicated pillow. The oldest part of the city, cramped between the river and the mountains, lies on the right bank; the major part . Basically a huge rectangular balloon, inflatable sleeping pads will keep you completely off the ground and have the most mattress-like feel you can get when you camp. These are best for minimalist backpacking, and many campers will combine these with the other two to add a layer of insulation and pad protection. Weve found that a pillow that combines foam cushioning and an air core likeNEMOs Fillois a great compromise between the two. Understanding the different types of backpacking pillows, along with their costs and benefits, goes a long way to finding your perfect pillow. The shape is what we call kidney bean, in that its not a full rectangular pillow, and it has a small indent near your neck for solid positioning. Since youre mostly using your pillow in the tent and at night, durability isnt the most important consideration. Camping pillows add a bit of comfort and help you get a better nights sleep than a pile of clothes or a wadded-up jacket. $62.95 EXPLORE OUR CAMPING PILLOWS READ THE GUIDE. We like to be practical, and it would be impractical to leave out a common and easy choice for backpacking pillows. But backpackers need to count every ounce; every bit of weight added to the pack wears on their shoulders, backs, and knees. The Compressible Pillow is so-named because it can roll and stuff into itself just crunch it down into the attached flap, then drawstring cinch it tight, and youve got a relatively small, fully foam pillow to carry. One thing to note is that, when fully inflated, air pillows can feel too firm for some campers. This does not impact how we review products. Most pillows feature a brushed polyester side for a softer touch. Weight: 10 oz / 300 gramsPros:> Available in small, medium, and large> Machine washable> Uses partially recycled materials> Made in the USACons:> Needs regular fluffing. $41.95 - . In general, the more features a pillow has, the higher the price will be. But for when ounces count, its easily a trade-off wed be willing to make again. We'll send you a few emails every week. Backpacking pillows, on the other hand, need to fit snugly into your backpack along with everything else you need for a night (or many) in the wilderness. The Klymit Luxe Pillow will surprise you with its size. The inflatable pillows have the advantage of allowing the head to sink into the pillow depending on how much air was inside. The primary differences between backpacking and camping pillows are weight and packability. The Nemo Fillo Camping Pillow is a combination of comfortable foam and air that you inflate into the pillow. It doesnt matter how light a camping pillow is if it isnt comfortable. Choosing the right pillow depends largely on how you usually camp. It is an interesting combination that just seems to work. Click Here Pay in 4 interest-free installments for orders over $50.00 with Learn more 214 reviews Add to cart Features: Constructed of ultratough 30D stretch nylon that even holds up as a seat! Air is the key ingredient for many backpacking pillows. It has a one year warranty, and there are reports of individual units not holding air, but thats to be expected with a product like this. The integrated contours cradle your head as you sleep so it works well. Click the arrow in the heading cell to sort the models by preferred spec. If youre car camping, packed size isnt an issue, as you can stuff your pillow anywhere. Inflatable pillows tend to feel firmer and are generally noisier than foam but can weigh half as much as foam pillows. The Sierra Designs DriDown Pillow is unique in a couple of ways and differentiates itself from others on this list. The exterior fabrics and interior insulation materials are all familiar to anyone who has browsed the racks at REI before. No huffing and puffing is required, and the comfort is typically more like a real pillow at home. A good backpacking pillow is also versatile. The unique design feature (typical of Klymit) is the large X in the middle, which helps to cradle your head. Theyre heavier and usually more expensive than foam pads and not as compact as inflatables. Your email address will not be published. Sure, thats fine when youre using it inside the house, but things need to be a little more rigorous when it comes to backpacking gear. Add the right amount and youll sleep well! Unfortunately, this is a small pillow and doesn't have as much loft as other pillows we tested. If you want one of the lightest backpacking pillows out there, and prefer air over a rolled up jacket, this may be your best bet. Side sleepers would end up with a crooked nose come morning time as a result of this pillows shape. The Nemo Fillo Elite is a great lightweight backpacking pillow. The only real issue weve had with the pillow is that it doesnt pack down very small. Ideally, your tent will have a vestibule so you can keep them outside without exposure to any potential rainfall.
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow | REI Co-op If you arent concerned about name brand or a lifetime of backpacking pillow functionality, the Trekology may be the cheap and easy choice for your adventures. Hang them to dry on lines or lay them out to dry during the night. Those products that need you to use all the air in your lungs are not a backpackers friend. (https://www.thermarest.com/compressible-pillow). It packs to what is often described as nothing, which in reality is just a couple inches that can be stuffed anywhere in your pack. It does not fold down really small like the other backpacking pillows in this review but it is a budget price and a great budget car camping pillow. This will determine how much support you need to keep your spine aligned. If you go with this pack, consider buying a small compression bag to really pack the Wise Owl Camping Pillow down to size. For the best comfort, look for a thicker pillow that includes its own pillowcase or has a soft lining. The price is one of the many things to consider when purchasing a hiking pillow. Soft, nylon woven top fabric is quickly and easily inflated, adjusted, or deflated, thanks to their patented mini Multi-Function valve, so youre ready to hit the hay in seconds and easily put it away the next day. The scalloped bottom secures the pillow to your shoulders to keep it in place whether youre sleeping on your back, stomach, or side. Get ready to warm up with a hot drink. If youve got the room for it and you want a more comfortable option, a foam pillow usually packs down to the size of aNalgene bottle. Any small prick in the pad can lead to a slow leak that will have you sleeping on the cold, hard ground all night. HYBRID. Its important to consider the way you sleep before purchasing a backpacking pillow.
Filled with leftover pieces of the high-quality foam Therm-a-Rest uses in its sleeping pads, this pillow expands to a whopping 27 x 16.5 inches for the XL size. 1. Nothing more. This lowers the chance of the pillow sliding around from underneath you. Its a lot easier to get a good nights sleep when you know where everything is. The down is used only in the quilted topper and provides a fine layer of comfort and warmth right where you put your face. It also pairs well with the MegaMat pad, but thats really for car camping, not backpacking. Weve been testing camping pillows for a number of years, and while outdoor equipment wont last forever, weve had good results in getting many seasons of use out of the options weve tried out so far. This is a thin foam sleeping pad that folds up like an accordion or rolls up to save space.
The 7 Best Camping Pillows of 2023 | Tested by GearLab Because it is quite large it is the best backpacking pillow for side sleepers. Not only is camping on angled ground uncomfortable, but it will also have you fighting to stay on your pad all night. You might spend a couple of extra bucks on it, but your incredibly tired backpacking self from the future will absolutely thank you for splashing that cash. When we bedded down for testing, we paid close attention to a number of different factors, including overall comfort, durability, and packed size and weight (someones got to carry these pillows, after all).
12 Best Ultralight Backpacking Pillows [2023] BikeHikeSafari Consider the fabric that your face will be rest on as well. Car camping pillows are made up of materials that are durable and easily cleaned, so you can beat them up at a campsite without worrying about whether theyll be usable when you get back home. The pillow itself can be a little crinkly, so if you toss and turn, beware. HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR Stuff Sack Pillow, HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR Stuff Sack Pillow. The Trekology Pillow is one of those Amazon only products that has taken a top performing pillow (the Sea to Summit Aeros) and copied it as closely as possible, with a few design tweaks, and offers it for much less money. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. The pillow is made of durable, water-resistant TPU fabric thats just stretchy enough to provide some give when you lay your head on it. Make sure to get the size you want, as Therm-a-Rest has pillows that range from Small to Extra Large (almost the size of your pillow at home!) This texturing often comes in the form of small rubber dots that add a bit of stickiness to help keep it on the pad. Like with most inflatable pillows, we like that you can adjust the height and the air pressure to dial in the firmness and the loft to your liking.
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