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Printed Oct 31, 2022 3:04 PM
In the event you peek into the pack of a seasoned long-distance hiker, there may be one merchandise which may shock you: a backpacking pillow. Why, when you’re aiming for a sub-10-pound base weight, would they carry a luxurious merchandise like a pillow? I spent a whole lot of nights sleeping outdoor with my puffer jacket balled up beneath my head earlier than I began constantly sleeping via the evening with a backpacking pillow. After testing out quite a lot of the highest choices out there, listed here are my picks for the most effective backpacking pillows:
| Pillow | Value | Weight | Width | Top | Fill |
| Therm-a-Relaxation Air Head Down | $60 | 4.9 ounces | 15.5 inches | 4 inches | Air, Down |
| NEMO Fillo | $40 | 9.2 ounces | 17 inches | 4 inches | Air, Reminiscence Foam |
| Sea to Summit Aeros Down | $60 | 6.7 ounces | 23 inches | 4.7 inches | Air, Down |
| Therm-a-Relaxation Air Head Lite | $35 | 2 ounces | 15.5 inches | 4 inches | Air |
| Out of doors Vitals Ultralight Stretch | $25 | 2.6 ounces | 16 inches | 4 inches | Air |
| Rumpl Stuffable Pillowcase | $35 | 3.2 ounces | 16 inches | – | Further clothes |
Why It Made the Lower
The Air Head Down Pillow has the most effective stability of consolation, heat, and weight out of every thing I attempted.
Key Options
- Weight: 4.9 ounces
- Dimension: 15.5 inches x 11 inches
- Packed measurement: 5 inches x 4 inches
- Top: 4 inches
Execs
- Light-weight
- Retains some heat in a single day
- Mid-height will work with most individuals
Cons
- Slim
- Much less comfy material than different deluxe pillows
- Costly
Product Description
One of many largest complaints folks have concerning the air-only backpacking pillows is that they are often very chilly. After a midnight toilet break, it may be disconcerting to climb into one of many greatest sleeping luggage and really feel the chilly polyester shell of an ultralightweight backpacking pillow.
The Thermarest Air Head Down Pillow makes use of a smidge of 650-fill energy duck down, targeting one aspect of the pillow, to repair this downside. Down, the feathers discovered closest to the pores and skin of geese and geese retain heat air in small pockets created by the various barbules alongside the brief shaft of the feather. Along with including heat, in addition they add a little bit of cushion. Regardless of the down, the dimensions and form of this pillow is much like different ultralight designs, saving on weight. My solely criticism is that the material on the aspect with the down wasn’t as easy or comfy as that used on different high-end backpacking pillows.
Why It Made the Lower
In the event you favor a stiffer, taller pillow that also cushions and conforms to the form of your head, then the NEMO Fillo is the best selection for you.
Key Options
- Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Dimension: 17 inches x 11 inches
- Packed measurement: 6 inches x 4 inches
- Top: 4 inches
Execs
- Built-in stuff sack is less complicated to seek out within the morning
- Snug material on the pillow aspect
Cons
- Stiffer than basic reminiscence foam pillows
- Valve is barely extra difficult to make use of
Product Description
Of all of the pillows I examined, that is the one I’ve probably the most blended emotions on. Its comparatively cumbersome packed measurement and vital weight addition raised my eyebrows, however once I put my head down, it was far and away the closest to the reminiscence foam pillow I used at residence. The knit material towards my face was additionally comfy for my pores and skin, not like a number of the clammy polyesters and nylons utilized by the ultralight set. Not dangerous for simply over half a pound.
The issue was once I awoke in the midst of the evening with a stiff neck—I deflated the pillow some to attempt to create some “give,” to minimal impact. After I gave the NEMO Fillo to fellow campers to attempt, critiques had been blended—some discovered it extremely comfy all through the evening; others had the identical expertise that I did. I like to recommend having one other particular person verify your neck alignment when mendacity down to make sure it isn’t at an angle earlier than committing to a purchase order.
Why It Made the Lower
The Aeros Down is sort of as huge as an ordinary mattress pillow for less than a few ounces greater than my greatest total choose.
Key Options
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Dimension: 23 inches x 15 inches
- Packed measurement: 6 inches x 3.5 inches
- Top: 4.7 inches
Execs
- Closest to an ordinary mattress pillow of something in my check
- Down provides each cushion and heat
Cons
- Costly
- Could also be too tall for some people
Product Description
Like my greatest total choose, the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow makes use of a layer of down so as to add each heat and a little bit of cushion. In contrast to my greatest total choose, the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow is large—simply one of many widest in my check. In case you are the form of one who tosses and turns at evening, waking as much as discover your pillow anyplace apart from below your head, this could possibly be the answer you’ve been searching for. That goes double when you are likely to stack two pillows on high of one another at residence, because the 4.7-inch peak of this pillow is pretty vital.
Why It Made the Lower
This 2-ounce pillow packs up small and makes use of a knit polyester that’s comfy to the contact.
Key Options
- Weight: 2 ounces
- Dimension: 15.5 inches x 11 inches
- Packed measurement: 4 inches x 3 inches
- Top: 4 inches
Execs
- Light-weight
- Cheaper than extra high-end choices
- Low profile
Cons
- Not as comfy as pillows that use down or reminiscence foam
Product Description
That is the basic backpacking pillow—light-weight, low profile, and full of nothing however air. It’s removed from probably the most comfy pillow I examined, however it might be my first selection for an extended backpacking journey, the place I count on to spend a lot of the day on my toes, and I’m so exhausted that I’m asleep by 9. On these days, I’m lots much less prone to admire the creature comforts of a down or reminiscence foam pillow anyway.
One thing I appreciated concerning the Air Head Lite is that it is without doubt one of the slimmer fashions (4 inches) I checked out, and it had a flat profile. Different pillows I attempted, such because the EXPED Extremely Pillow, are thicker on the base of the pillow—to assist your neck—however this may be distracting, and I discover my head tends to slip off or relaxation at an uncomfortable angle (as a rule I simply swap the aspect I’m sleeping on and use solely half the pillow). The streamlined profile of the Therm-a-Relaxation Air Head Lite Pillow signifies that it is going to be comfy for the widest vary of individuals.
Why It Made the Lower
This funds backpacking pillow is simply a hair heavier than different high light-weight pillows, whereas coming in at a considerably lowered value.
Key Options
- Weight: 3.1 ounces (as measured)
- Dimension: 16 inches x 10 inches
- Packed measurement: 4.5 inches x 3.5 inches
- Top: 4 inches
Execs
- Cheap
- Packs down small
Cons
- Neck assist could also be uncomfortable for some people
- Not fairly as light-weight as related fashions I checked out
Product Description
This pillow, whereas not as comfy as the opposite picks on this record, will get the job at a considerably lowered value. In the event you’re curious to see how a backpacking pillow can enhance your sleep however cautious concerning the value level of the higher-end fashions, then the Out of doors Vitals Ultralight Stretch Pillow is an efficient place to begin.
In contrast to the opposite backpacking pillows I checked out, this one was barely larger on the backside of the pillow than it was on the high, with a slight melancholy within the center. Some folks benefit from the neck assist the sort of design gives, however it may be uncomfortable for others.
Why It Made the Lower
The tender fleece aspect of this pillowcase felt nice to the pores and skin on chilly nights. The adjustable peak is greatest fitted to abdomen sleepers.
Key Options
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Dimension: 16 inches x 11 inches
- Packed measurement: 6.5 inches x 3.5 inches
- Top: Not relevant
Execs
- Top of the pillow will be adjusted
- Small packed measurement
Cons
- On chilly nights, you’ll need to determine between your puffer jacket and having a pillow
Product Description
I’ll admit that I didn’t get to check the Rumpl Stuffable Pillowcase as a lot as I needed as a result of the second my three-year-old tried it, she claimed full possession. However I see her level: the fleece-lined aspect was considerably nicer to the contact than the chilly nylon or polyester of the opposite fashions I examined (even when these did heat up fast sufficient), and he or she might select the precise peak that the pillow can be when she laid down on one of many greatest backpacking sleeping pads. In her case, the puffer coat was a lot too tall, however a single lengthy sleeve shirt gave her simply the peak she wanted.
Issues to Think about Earlier than Shopping for Backpacking Pillows
Weight
Backpacking pillows can differ in weight significantly, from two ounces to over half a pound. Your objective when selecting a backpacking pillow is to choose the choice that optimizes your sleep with out overly weighing down your backpack.
Packed Dimension
Whereas there are a selection of high-quality foam pillows constructed for the outside, few pack down as small because the NEMO Fillo, making them a no-go for backpackers.
Insulation
The smallest backpacking pillows are easy inflatables. Whereas this helps to maintain the price, packed measurement, and weight down, these pillows don’t retain a lot (if any) warmth. Whereas this may be offset by a sleeping pad with a better R ranking, gentle sleepers could discover that shifting to a chilly a part of the pillow causes them to get up extra usually than they want.
Top
The rationale {that a} pillow can assist to enhance your sleep is that it helps to maintain your neck at a good angle, one thing referred to as impartial alignment. The fitting peak varies by individual, however you may get a way of your pure desire by wanting on the peak and variety of pillows you at present use at residence.
Methodology
I examined backpacking pillows on a sequence of summer time overnights and shared them with the folks I used to be tenting and backpacking with along with utilizing them myself. I checked out how comfy the pillow was, whether or not it was clammy or tender to the contact once I first laid my head on it, and if I awoke in the midst of the evening for any motive (neck ache, pillow shifted, and many others.) Whereas everybody agreed {that a} pillow—any pillow—was higher than balling up one of many greatest puffer coats, not everybody agreed on which pillow was probably the most comfy—and even comfy in any respect. You probably have the choice to check out quite a lot of pillows earlier than making a purchase order (corresponding to at an out of doors retailer), that may enable you to make the best selection for your self.
Along with subject testing the backpacking pillows, I additionally thought-about their value, packed measurement, and weight—all essential issues for backpackers.
FAQs
Q: Are backpacking pillows price it?
Sure, they’re price it.
Q: Can I take advantage of my jacket as a backpacking pillow?
In the event you’re balling up your puffer coat to function a “pillow” within the backcountry, that’s the primary signal that you must get an actual backpacking pillow. The following time you’re out, rely the variety of instances you get up in the midst of the evening and alter the jacket in order that it’s nonetheless comfy below your head. If the reply is greater than “I by no means awoke” then you must strongly think about getting a backpacking pillow.
Q: Do abdomen sleepers want a backpacking pillow?
In the event you constantly sleep in your abdomen, it’s attainable that you just gained’t profit from a backpacking pillow. One option to decide if that is so for you is to swap out your common pillow at residence for one thing low profile or ditch all of it collectively—when you sleep soundly via the evening with out it, then you may in all probability skip the pillow sooner or later.
Last Ideas
After taking a look at quite a lot of backpacking pillows, the Therm-a-Relaxation Air Head Down Pillow is the most effective stability of consolation and weight, whereas the two-ounce Air Head Lite is good for gram counters. These searching for much more consolation admire the extensive profile of the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow or the memory-foam NEMO Fillo.
