If you’re in a rush, the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow is the perfect pillow for backpacking.
The important thing to a enjoyable and profitable backpacking journey is an effective night time’s relaxation.
How will you be capable to stroll miles a day with out recharging your batteries correctly at night time?
Each sleeping pads and baggage 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? Effectively why would sleeping in your jacket be any completely different?
However there’s no cause to tough it up once you go backpacking. Particularly when there are pillows specifically designed for such a journey.
Sounds good?
Right this moment, I’ll share with you every thing it’s good to know to search out the perfect backpacking pillow in the marketplace.
Let’s bounce straight in!
Greatest Backpacking Pillow: Our High 10 Picks
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Greatest Automobile Tenting Pillow
Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow
Sort: Inflatable | Fill: Down | Weight (oz): 2.5 oz | Packed Measurement: 3 x 2.5 in
This pillow by Sea to Summit may simply be the perfect tenting pillow ever, when you ask me.
First, it’s very light-weight and packs down compactly right into a bag that’s no greater than your palm. This implies you possibly can virtually retailer it in any pocket in your backpack.
And with 2.5 ounces of weight, you gained’t even discover it there.
Due to the multifunction mini-valve situated on the again, the pillow inflates in simply three breaths. Absolutely inflated, it offers agency help that doesn’t budge via the night time.
However when you favor one thing softer, you possibly can simply regulate 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 most important tenting pillow on the market.
However its dimension makes it nice for becoming inside a mummy bag hoodie, so it gained’t transfer round whereas sleeping.
Differentially lower baffles actually made a distinction, as they preserve the loft in place for a cushty good night time’s sleep.
To be sincere, if I didn’t know this was an inflatable pillow, I may have by no means guessed it from simply laying on it. Sure, it’s that cozy.
Execs
- 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 forestall sliding
- Horizontally-positioned baffles preserve the fill in place, stopping chilly spots
- Matches inside most mummy sleeping baggage’ hoodies
Cons
- Not essentially the most coziest face material on the listing
Greatest for: Quick inflation
Purchase Direct from Sea to Summit
Trekology ALUFT 2.0 Ultralight Tenting Pillow
Sort: Inflatable | Fill: Air | Weight (oz): 3.9 oz | Packed Measurement: 5 x 2 in
A superb tenting pillow doesn’t should value an arm and a leg. And this mannequin by Trekology is sweet proof of that.
Now, the very first thing that you just discover about this mannequin is the ergonomic design.
Barely curved upwards, this pillow is appropriate for any sleeping place, be it in your again, abdomen or aspect.
So even when you’re not a peaceful sleeper, you’ll discover this pillow very snug.
This pillow doesn’t transfer round whilst you’re sleeping because of anti-slipping rubber dots on the underside.
However to forestall it from budging, it additionally includes a latch strap in an effort to connect it to the sleeping mat.
This pillow is fabricated from thermoplastic polyurethane, which is a sturdy and waterproof material. 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 scale of a can, so it will probably simply match wherever.
It inflates in not more than 8 breaths, and deflates inside seconds.
Execs
- Anti-slip rubber dots and latch strap preserve the pillow from shifting
- Made from waterproof and durable materials
- The ergonomic design makes it appropriate for various sleeping positions
- Very inexpensive in comparison with most fashions on the listing
Cons
- TPU material isn’t essentially the most mild in your face
Greatest for: First-time campers and occasional backpackers.
Purchase Direct from Trekology
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium
Sort: Inflatable | Fill: Down | Weight (oz): 2.8 oz | Packed Measurement: 2.8 x 3.3 in
If including a number of extra ounces to your gear isn’t a difficulty, then the Aeros Premium is certainly a mannequin value contemplating.
With a barely added weight, you possibly can benefit from the luxurious consolation much like the one you could have at house.
When packed, this pillow takes much less area than a can of soda. As soon as inflated, it’s nonetheless on the smaller aspect.
However its comfiness makes up for that. Artificial fill makes it smooth in your head, whereas on the similar time wicks any moisture away.
The brushed polyester exterior guarantee a smooth really feel in your face.
The underside fringe of the pillow is barely curved on the middle, 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 when that’s not the problem, you will discover the scale most much like the one you utilize at house.
Execs
- Artificial fill and brushed polyester make the pillow smooth and comfortable in your head
- A barely curved backside edge makes the pillow appropriate for sleeping in numerous positions
- A Multifunction mini-valve permits you to regulate how supportive your pillow is
- There are three sizes to select from
Cons
- Is usually a bit heavy in comparison with different fashions
Greatest for: Aspect sleepers.
Examine Value On Sea to Summit
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow
Sort: Stuff Sack | Fill: You stuff it | Weight (oz): 1.7 oz | Packed Measurement: n/a
Should you’re going further mild on a tenting journey, then you possibly can’t go unsuitable with this mannequin by Hyperlite Mountain Gear.
With simply 1.7 ounces of weight, it’s unlikely you will discover something remotely as mild as this.
Made from Dyneema composite material, this pillow will wick away any water it is available in contact with.
That is additional secured by the taped seams throughout.
Throughout the day, you should use the sack as a storage sack for the gear you wish to forestall from getting moist from the rain.
At night time, the stuff sack turns right into a pillow that provides you head help whereas sleeping.
This mannequin is among the bigger ones on the listing, and it provides you ample area to relaxation your head on.
However don’t fear, you don’t really set your face towards the composite material.
This pillow has a reversible aspect which is roofed with smooth Polartec fleece, that’s extraordinarily cozy and heat.
Execs
- With 1.7 ounces of weight, this is among the lightest pillows you will discover in the marketplace
- Dyneema composite material and taped seams guarantee 100% waterproofness
- Will also be used as a stash sack
- Includes a reversible aspect with a cushty face material
Cons
- Comparatively costly for a stash sack pillow
Greatest for: Extremely lightpackers.
Purchase Direct from Hyperlite
Large Agnes Q Core Deluxe Inflatable Journey Pillow
Sort: Inflatable | Fill: Air | Weight (oz): 3.1 oz | Packed Measurement: 4 x 3 x 2 in
Seeing a Large Agnes product on this listing is nothing stunning, because the model makes a speciality of light-weight but snug and high-quality tenting gear. And this pillow isn’t any completely different.
Now, it’s true that inflatable pillows aren’t identified for being insanely heat when it’s chilly, however that’s probably not the case right here.
This nylon pillow options a sophisticated warmth reflective expertise that displays your personal 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 listing.
However the dimensions are rigorously thought out in order that the pillow matches into any Large Agnes sleeping bag.
The pillow is coated with an aviation-grade TPU, making it extraordinarily rugged and sturdy.
The fabric can also be simple to scrub. Simply take into account that it ought to solely be hand-washed, because the machine can injury it.
We are able to additionally respect the tiny particulars Large Agnes implements to make their product stand out.
On this case, that’s the antimicrobial therapy contained in the pillow that stops microorganism development.
Execs
- Reflective expertise makes use of your personal physique warmth to maintain you heat whereas sleeping
- Aviation-grade TPU coating makes the pillow very sturdy
- Antimicrobial therapy prevents microorganisms from rising contained in the pillow
- The micro launch button permits you to regulate how smooth the pillow is
Cons
- May be giant for sleeping baggage from different producers
Greatest for: Campers on the lookout for essentially the most sturdy possibility.
Therm-a-Relaxation Air Head™ Down Pillow
Sort: Inflatable | Fill: 650 Fill Duck Nikwax Hydrophobic Down RDS | Weight (oz): 4.9 oz | Packed Measurement: 5 x 4 in
Should you put consolation above all else, you then’ll absolutely be glad with what the Air Head mannequin by Therma-a-Relaxation has to supply.
Full of 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 nicely.
Because it stays dry, it retains its insulating talents even when it’s freezing chilly outdoors.
Whereas it won’t be apparent at first look, that is really a hybrid pillow, that means the center half is inflated with air.
However the air bladder of this pillow isn’t as agency as it’s on different fashions. For that cause, it’s extra much like your pillow at house.
This pillow has a spherical form, in order that it matches completely inside your sleeping bag’s hood.
That means, it assures it doesn’t budge all through the night time.
The underside edge is barely curved inwards, in order that if sits nicely round your neck, whatever the place you’re sleeping in.
Execs
- Hydrophobic fill assures the pillow stays dry and heat in all climate situations
- The pillow is difficult sufficient to supply help but smooth 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 material smooth and comfortable
Cons
- Barely heavier than another picks
Greatest for: Mountaineering and winter tenting.
Purchase Direct from Therm-a-Relaxation
Therm-a-Relaxation Trekker™ Pillow Case
Sort: Stuff Sack | Fill: You stuff it | Weight (oz): 2.3 oz | Packed Measurement: n/a
Want a pillow that’s extraordinarily mild and inexpensive? This mannequin by Therma-a-Relaxation is each.
It weighs barely over 2 ounces and prices lower than your tent stakes. Should you ask me, that’s a steal.
This pillow is a stuff sack, so it’s as smooth as what you place inside.
However because of the brushed polyester face material, it’s additionally very snug to relaxation your head upon.
Moreover, the fabric is abrasion-resistant, and it doesn’t slide round at night time.
With the scale of 17 x 14 inches, this can be 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 possibly can at all times squeeze it inside your sleeping bag’s hood.
However though it’s so huge, the pillow folds down fairly compactly.
Actually, it may be packed in order that it matches inside a shirt pocket, if you’ll.
Execs
- It’s light-weight and compact, making it appropriate for trekking and backpacking
- Smooth polyester material wicks away moisture and makes a cushty floor
- Offered at a really inexpensive value
- May be washed in a washer at a mild cycle
Cons
- Not as supportive as another fashions
Greatest for: Campers in want of a fast however short-term resolution.
Examine Value at Therm-a-Relaxation
REI Co-op Trailbreak Foam Pillow
Sort: Foam | Fill: Foam | Weight (oz): 10 oz | Packed Measurement: 18 x 4 in
A few of us merely favor a conventional pillow, and that’s okay.
If weight and cupboard space 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 fitting foam filling – not too smooth, not too agency. It’s smooth, heat, and nothing much less vital, it’s actually quiet.
This pillow options two sides, cooler and hotter. That means, you possibly can flip your pillow every time temperatures go up or down.
And don’t fear, whichever aspect 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 few of the extra high-end fashions in the marketplace.
A part of the rationale for the pillow’s low price ticket lies in the truth that it’s made with foam recycled from outdated REI sleeping pads.
Execs
- As soon as unpacked, the pillow expands immediately
- You possibly can swap between cooler and hotter material relying on the temperature
- One of the inexpensive choices on the listing
- It’s protected for machine washing on a mild cycle
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier than most different fashions
Greatest for: RV and automotive tenting.
Nemo Fillo
Sort: Inflatable | Fill: Air/Artificial (Air with Luxurious Foam) | Weight (oz): 9 oz | Packed Measurement: 6 x 4 in
A few years of being one of many bestselling pillows in the marketplace converse volumes in regards to the high quality of this product.
This hybrid pillow goes means and past to supply 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, offers help whereas nonetheless remaining smooth and versatile.
The duvet is fabricated from microsuede, which leaves cooling really feel in your face.
And whereas smooth and plush, the fabric offers sufficient friction in order that the pillow doesn’t slide off whilst you’re sleeping.
As soon as it will get soiled, merely take it off and throw it within the washer at a mild cycle.
Personally, I really like the truth that the storage bag is built-in into the design.
That means, you by no means have to fret about dropping it someplace across the campsite.
With that being stated, the bag does really feel a bit small, because it’s fairly onerous to place the pillow again in.
Execs
- Mixture of air and reminiscence foam makes the pillow smooth however supportive
- Smooth microsuede cowl for a clear and cooling really feel
- Takes not more than three breaths to inflate
- The duvet is machine cleanable
Cons
- It’s robust to pack it again right into a storage bag it comes with
Greatest for: Campers who put consolation above all else.
HEST Pillow
Sort: Foam | Fill: Enhanced reminiscence foam/polyester | Weight (oz): 2 lbs. 3.2 oz. | Packed Measurement: 14 x 9 x 7 in
Not everybody has the identical sleeping preferences.
Whereas some individuals appear to have the ability to sleep resting on no matter they discover close by, others can’t sleep and not using a excellent steadiness of consolation and softness.
Should 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 listing.
However let me guarantee you, each penny is nicely justified.
What makes this pillow stand out from the group is the truth that it’s stuffed with reminiscence foam.
It doesn’t flatten or lose form no matter what number of hours you’ve slept in the identical place.
In fact, you possibly can at all times additional regulate the fill via the zippered entry.
The pillow includes a PU-coated nylon cowl which retains it protected against filth and moisture.
Now, as soon as the duvet will get soiled, you possibly can simply take it off and wash it within the machine.
There’s additionally an built-in sack which you can retailer it in when not in use, which compresses the pillow and protects it from filth.
When packed, you possibly can connect it to your backpack for hands-free motion.
Execs
- The reminiscence foam fill gives help with out sacrificing consolation
- Its curved form sits round your neck, permitting you to sleep even in additional upright positions
- The duvet is detachable and machine cleanable
- Eacy carry loop permits you to connect it to your backpack, leaving extra room inside for different gear
Cons
- Fairly costly
- The heaviest mannequin on this listing
Greatest for: Campers who want a smooth pillow with good head help.
Examine Backpacking Pillows
Elements to Take into account
Unsure which one to decide on? Let’s discuss various factors that may have an effect on your resolution.
Weight & Measurement
These two components are particularly vital when you plan on carrying all your gear in your again.
With so many items of apparatus packed, comparable 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. That is very true for filling.
For that cause, don’t be stunned {that a} compressible or hybrid pillow weighs greater than an inflatable one which’s crammed solely with air.
Should you’re on the lookout for the lightest weight pillow, you then’ll wish to go together with the stuff sack choices just like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow or the Therma-a-Relaxation Trekker™ Pillow Case.
However Should 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 night time’s sleep.
Sadly, that’s not an unusual case with backpacking pillows, primarily as a result of they’re made with such supplies.
Some fashions repair the problem by having hooked up velcro tapes or cords with permitting you to connect the pillow to the pad.
Frequency of Use & Sturdiness
Because you’ll be utilizing a pillow inside a tent and/or a sleeping bag, there’s little or no probability you possibly can 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 full of foam, for example.
However with inflatable pillows, even the tiniest prick can pierce them, thus rendering them ineffective.
In fact, that doesn’t imply it is best to avoid inflatable pillows usually.
However take note of the fabric they’re fabricated from. Ideally, search for polyurethane or related sturdy supplies that aren’t simply broken.
Consolation & Assist
What’s the purpose of a backpacking pillow if it’s no extra snug than sleeping in your puffy jacket?
Other than the kind of backpacking pillow (which we’ll get into within the subsequent part), there are different components that affect its comfortability and help.
Specifically, the form and materials that’s overlaying the highest half additionally have an effect on how nicely you’ll sleep at night time.
We discovered that essentially the most snug choices had been the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow, Sea to Summit Aeros Premium, the Therma-a-Relaxation Air Head™ Down Pillow and the HEST Pillow.
Inflatable vs. Stuff Sack
By inflatable, right here I imply all kinds of pillows that develop when used and compress down for packing.
Selecting between an inflatable or stuffed pillow primarily comes right down to cupboard space and weight.
Pillow-case backpacking pillows are the lightest possibility, however are as snug because the stuff you place inside.
Inflatable, then again, use air, down, foam or different artificial fillings.
Learn: Down vs. Artificial Sleeping Bag (Which is Higher?)
Whereas which means they’re barely heavier and bulkier, they’re additionally extra snug.
Sort Of Backpacking Pillows
There are a number of completely different pillow choices on the market, and so they all work a bit otherwise. Right here’s a fast recap of every kind so that you just get an thought.
Inflatable Pillows
Like your pool float, such a pillow can also be stuffed with air. This implies it’s light-weight and packs down small when not inflated.
You possibly can simply regulate how stiff or smooth it’s by including or releasing some air via the valve.
Besides, the air isn’t essentially the most snug possibility on the market. What’s extra, it may be noisy once you’re shifting round.
One of the best of the purely inflatable pillows had been the Large Agnes Q Core Deluxe Inflatable Journey Pillow and the Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Tenting Journey Pillow
Compressible Pillows
This kind of pillow is normally stuffed with down, foam or related artificial materials.
And so far as consolation goes, no different kind of backpacking pillow can come shut.
A compressible pillow is de facto much like what your pillow at house appears like.
However after all, consolation doesn’t come with out value. The primary 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 kinds of tenting than backpacking.
One of the best 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.
Principally, the underside half is stuffed with air whereas the highest half is compressible and stuffed with 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 snug, however nonetheless not as comfortable as compressible pillows.
We’ve chosen the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow as our greatest total backpacking pillow, and it’s simple to see why going with the hybrid possibility is a good alternative.
Stuff Sack Pillows
With such a pillow, you fill it with your personal stuff, be it a jacket or sweater.
So naturally, it’s as much as you the way snug they end up. Though evaluating them to different kinds of pillows when it comes to consolation is futile.
However when you take away no matter you crammed it with, a stuff sack pillow turns into extraordinarily mild and straightforward to pack.
For that cause, it’s a sensible choice for longer journeys.
One of the best stuff sack pillows are the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow and the Therma-a-Relaxation Trekker™ Pillow Case.
Face Materials
Nothing much less vital is the material that you just’ll relaxation your face upon. Usually, two kinds of supplies are used for this.
Polyester
Polyester normally has a slight fuzzy really feel, which makes it smooth and heat on the face.
And whereas it does quite a bit when it comes to consolation, the brushed polyester is far tougher to scrub.
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 possibly can at all times put a canopy over it for extra snug sleep.
Nylon, in comparison with polyester, is far simpler to scrub.
FAQs
What Makes A Good Backpacking Pillow?
While you’re backpacking, each ounce issues.
That’s why a pillow, like another piece of drugs, must be each light-weight and compact. However on the similar time, it additionally wants to supply consolation and head help whereas sleeping.
How you can 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.
Begin folding the pillow in half and deflating as a lot air as you possibly can, then repeating the method.
What’s the lightest backpacking pillow?
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow is the lightest possibility, 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, specifically their featherweight and compactness.
Whereas usually not thought-about to be essentially the most snug kind of pillow, sure fashions show that there’s an exception to every thing.
Are you able to get by and not using a pillow when backpacking?
Technically, you may get by with out one, and many backpackers do that.
However there actually are not any causes for that, as sure pillows weigh not more than an oz.
Carrying that tiny quantity of added weight to enhance your consolation degree for a complete degree is certainly value it.
To Sum Issues Up
As you possibly can see, there are tons of backpacking pillows out there in the marketplace.
However on a protracted listing of remarkable fashions, one which stands out is the Aeros Down Pillow by Sea to Summit.
This mannequin has a little bit of every thing – it’s light-weight, compact, heat and comfy.
Plus, it comes with a reasonably respectable price ticket.
What extra may you need in a backpacking pillow?
