If you’re in a rush, the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow is one of the best pillow for backpacking.
The important thing to a enjoyable and profitable backpacking journey is an efficient evening’s relaxation.
How will you be capable of stroll miles a day with out recharging your batteries correctly at evening?
Each sleeping pads and luggage are a should, however backpacking pillows aren’t on everybody’s guidelines.
Many backpackers declare they go with out! However there’s no motive to tough it up once you go backpacking. Particularly when there are ultralight pillows specifically designed for any such journey.
Listed here are one of the best backpacking pillows in the marketplace right this moment:
Greatest Inflatable Backpacking Pillows
Greatest Stuff Sack Backpacking Pillows
Greatest Compressible Tenting Pillows
Greatest Ultralight Backpacking Pillow: Our High Picks
Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow
Sort: Inflatable | Fill: Down | Weight (oz): 2.5 oz | Packed Dimension: 3 x 2.5 in
This pillow by Sea to Summit would possibly simply be one of the best tenting pillow ever, in case 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 received’t even discover it there.
Because of the multifunction mini-valve situated on the again, the pillow inflates in simply three breaths. Totally inflated, it gives agency help that doesn’t budge by the evening.
However in case you choose one thing softer, you possibly can simply modify it by releasing some air from the valve.
With the size of 13.4 x 9.4 x 4.7 inches, this isn’t the biggest tenting pillow on the market.
However its dimension makes it nice for becoming inside a mummy bag hoodie, so it received’t transfer round whereas sleeping.
Differentially reduce baffles actually made a distinction, as they maintain 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 may have by no means guessed it from simply laying on it. Sure, it’s that cozy.
You may take a look at our video evaluation of the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Deluxe right here:
Professionals
- 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 maintain the fill in place, stopping chilly spots
- Suits inside most mummy sleeping luggage’ hoodies
Cons
- Not essentially the most coziest face cloth on the record
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 Dimension: 5 x 2 in
tenting pillow doesn’t should price 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 facet.
So even in case 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.
However to forestall it from budging, it additionally encompasses 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 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 all the way down to the dimensions of a can, so it might probably simply match anyplace.
It inflates in not more than 8 breaths, and deflates inside seconds.
Professionals
- Anti-slip rubber dots and latch strap maintain the pillow from shifting
- Manufactured from waterproof and durable materials
- The ergonomic design makes it appropriate for various sleeping positions
- Very reasonably priced in comparison with most fashions on the record
Cons
- TPU cloth shouldn’t be essentially the most light 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 Dimension: 2.8 x 3.3 in
If including a couple of extra ounces to your gear shouldn’t be a difficulty, then the Aeros Premium is certainly a mannequin price contemplating.
With a barely added weight, you possibly can benefit from the luxurious consolation much like the one you have got at residence.
When packed, this pillow takes much less area than a can of soda. As soon as inflated, it’s nonetheless on the smaller facet.
However its comfiness makes up for that. Artificial fill makes it gentle in your head, whereas on the similar time wicks any moisture away.
The brushed polyester exterior guarantee a gentle really feel in your face.
The underside 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, it’s also possible to use it whereas sitting upright in a chair.
What’s nice about this mannequin is that it is available in three sizes: common, massive and deluxe.
The bigger you go, the heavier and costlier a pillow will get. But when that’s not the difficulty, yow will discover the dimensions most much like the one you employ at residence.
You may take a look at our video evaluation of the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Common right here:
Professionals
- Artificial fill and brushed polyester make the pillow gentle 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
- Generally is a bit heavy in comparison with different fashions
Greatest for: Facet sleepers.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow
Sort: Stuff Sack | Fill: You stuff it | Weight (oz): 1.7 oz | Packed Dimension: n/a
For those who’re going additional gentle on a tenting journey, then you possibly can’t go mistaken with this mannequin by Hyperlite Mountain Gear.
With simply 1.7 ounces of weight, it’s unlikely yow will discover something remotely as gentle as this.
Manufactured from Dyneema composite cloth, this pillow will wick away any water it is available in contact with.
That is additional secured by the taped seams throughout.
In the course of the day, you should utilize 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 offers you head help whereas sleeping.
This mannequin is among the bigger ones on the record, and it offers you ample area to relaxation your head on.
However don’t fear, you don’t truly set your face in opposition to the composite cloth.
This pillow has a reversible facet which is roofed with gentle Polartec fleece, that’s extraordinarily cozy and heat.
Professionals
- With 1.7 ounces of weight, this is among the lightest pillows yow will discover in the marketplace
- Dyneema composite cloth and taped seams guarantee 100% waterproofness
- Will also be used as a stash sack
- Contains a reversible facet with a cushty face cloth
Cons
- Comparatively costly for a stash sack pillow
Greatest for: Extremely lightpackers.
Purchase Direct from Hyperlite
Huge Agnes Q Core Deluxe Inflatable Journey Pillow
Sort: Inflatable | Fill: Air | Weight (oz): 3.1 oz | Packed Dimension: 4 x 3 x 2 in
Seeing a Huge Agnes product on this record is nothing shocking, because the model makes a speciality of light-weight but comfy and high-quality tenting gear. And this pillow isn’t any completely 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 sophisticated warmth reflective expertise that displays your individual physique heat again to you.
With the size of 20 x 14 x 4.75 inches, this pillow is barely bigger than most fashions on the record.
However the dimensions are fastidiously thought out in order that the pillow matches into any Huge Agnes sleeping bag.
The pillow is coated with an aviation-grade TPU, making it extraordinarily rugged and sturdy.
The fabric can be simple to wash. Simply remember that it ought to solely be hand-washed, because the machine can harm it.
We are able to additionally respect the tiny particulars Huge Agnes implements to make their product stand out.
On this case, that’s the antimicrobial remedy contained in the pillow that forestalls microorganism development.
Professionals
- 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 gentle the pillow is
Cons
- Will be massive for sleeping luggage from different producers
Greatest for: Campers on the lookout for essentially the most sturdy choice.
Therm-a-Relaxation Air Head™ Down Pillow
Sort: Inflatable | Fill: 650 Fill Duck Nikwax Hydrophobic Down RDS | Weight (oz): 4.9 oz | Packed Dimension: 5 x 4 in
For those who put consolation above all else, then you definately’ll absolutely be happy with what the Air Head mannequin by Therma-a-Relaxation has to supply.
Crammed with down of 650 fill energy, this pillow will maintain 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.
Because it stays dry, it retains its insulating talents even when it’s freezing chilly exterior.
Whereas it may not be apparent at first look, that is truly a hybrid pillow, which 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 motive, it’s extra much like your pillow at residence.
This pillow has a spherical form, in order that it matches completely inside your sleeping bag’s hood.
That approach, it assures it doesn’t budge all through the evening.
The underside edge is barely curved inwards, in order that if sits effectively round your neck, whatever the place you’re sleeping in.
Professionals
- Hydrophobic fill assures the pillow stays dry and heat in all climate situations
- The pillow is difficult sufficient to supply help but gentle 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 gentle and comfy
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 Dimension: n/a
Want a pillow that’s extraordinarily gentle and reasonably priced? This mannequin by Therma-a-Relaxation is each.
It weighs barely over 2 ounces and prices lower than your tent stakes. For those who ask me, that’s a steal.
This pillow is a stuff sack, so it’s as gentle as what you set inside.
However due to the brushed polyester face cloth, it’s additionally very comfy to relaxation your head upon.
Moreover, the fabric is abrasion-resistant, and it doesn’t slide round at evening.
With the size of 17 x 14 inches, this can be a fairly massive pillow.
It’s nice for many who transfer lots 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 despite the fact that it’s so huge, the pillow folds down fairly compactly.
In actual fact, it may be packed in order that it matches inside a shirt pocket, if you’ll.
Professionals
- It’s light-weight and compact, making it appropriate for trekking and backpacking
- Tender polyester cloth wicks away moisture and makes a cushty floor
- Bought at a really reasonably priced worth
- Will 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 non permanent answer.
Test Value at Therm-a-Relaxation
REI Co-op Trailbreak Foam Pillow
Sort: Foam | Fill: Foam | Weight (oz): 10 oz | Packed Dimension: 18 x 4 in
A few of us merely choose a conventional 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 best foam filling – not too gentle, not too agency. It’s gentle, heat, and nothing much less essential, it’s actually quiet.
This pillow options two sides, cooler and hotter. That approach, you possibly can 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 reasonably priced 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.
Professionals
- As soon as unpacked, the pillow expands immediately
- You may change between cooler and hotter cloth relying on the temperature
- One of the reasonably priced choices on the record
- It’s secure for machine washing on a mild cycle
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier than most different fashions
Greatest for: RV and automobile tenting.
Nemo Fillo
Sort: Inflatable | Fill: Air/Artificial (Air with Luxurious Foam) | Weight (oz): 9 oz | Packed Dimension: 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 approach 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, gives help whereas nonetheless remaining gentle and versatile.
The quilt is fabricated from microsuede, which leaves cooling really feel in your face.
And whereas gentle and plush, the fabric gives 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 like the truth that the storage bag is built-in into the design.
That approach, 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 laborious to place the pillow again in.
Professionals
- A mixture of air and reminiscence foam makes the pillow gentle however supportive
- Tender microsuede cowl for a clear and cooling really feel
- Takes not more than three breaths to inflate
- The quilt 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 Dimension: 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 with no good steadiness of consolation and softness.
For those who 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.
However let me guarantee you, each penny is effectively justified.
What makes this pillow stand out from the group is the truth that it’s crammed 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 modify the fill by the zippered entry.
The pillow encompasses a PU-coated nylon cowl which retains it shielded from 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 you could 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.
Professionals
- The reminiscence foam fill presents help with out sacrificing consolation
- Its curved form sits round your neck, permitting you to sleep even in additional upright positions
- The quilt is detachable and machine cleanable
- Eacy carry loop permits you to connect it to your backpack, leaving extra room inside for different tools
Cons
- Fairly costly
- The heaviest mannequin on this record
Greatest for: Campers who want a gentle pillow with good head help.
Components to Take into account When Buying a Mountain climbing Pillow
Undecided which one to decide on? Let’s speak about various factors that may have an effect on your mountain climbing pillow resolution.
Weight & Packed Dimension
These two elements are particularly essential in case you plan on carrying your entire 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 will likely be. That is very true for filling.
For that motive, don’t be stunned {that a} compressible or hybrid pillow weighs greater than an inflatable one which’s stuffed solely with air.
For those who’re on the lookout for the lightest weight pillow, then you definately’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 For those who 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 efficient compromise at solely 2.5 oz.Â
Past the load, you additionally wish to take a look at the packed dimension, as you possibly can see within the image above some are MUCH greater than others.
Sort Of Backpacking Pillows
There are a number of completely different pillow choices on the market, they usually all work a bit otherwise.
Selecting between an inflatable or stuffed pillow primarily comes all the way down to space for storing and weight.
Stuff sack backpacking pillows are the lightest choice however are solely as comfy because the stuff you set inside.
Inflatable, then again, makes use of air, down, foam, or different artificial fillings:
Inflatable Pillows
Like your pool float, any such pillow can be crammed with air. This implies it’s light-weight and packs down small when not inflated.
You may simply modify how stiff or gentle it’s by including or releasing some air by the valve.
Besides, the air shouldn’t be essentially the most comfy choice on the market. What’s extra, it may be noisy once you’re shifting round.
The very best of the purely inflatable pillows have been the Huge Agnes Q Core Deluxe Inflatable Journey Pillow and the Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Tenting Journey Pillow
Compressible Pillows
Any such pillow is normally crammed with down, foam or comparable artificial materials.
Whereas which means they’re barely heavier and bulkier, they’re additionally extra comfy. No different sort of backpacking pillow can come shut!
A compressible pillow is de facto much like what your pillow at residence appears like.
However in fact, consolation doesn’t come with out price. The primary draw back to a compressible pillow is the truth that it’s typically bulkier and heavier than different varieties.
This makes it barely extra appropriate for different forms of tenting than backpacking.
The very 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 varieties.
Principally, the underside half is crammed with air whereas the highest half is compressible and crammed with down or foam.
Hybrid pillows are good center floor. They’re not heavy, however not as light-weight as another varieties.
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 any such pillow, you fill it with your individual stuff, be it a jacket or sweater.
So naturally, it’s as much as you ways comfy they end up. Though evaluating them to different forms of pillows by way of consolation is futile.
However when you take away no matter you stuffed it with, a stuff sack pillow turns into extraordinarily gentle and simple to pack.
For that motive, it’s a good selection for longer journeys.
The very best stuff sack pillows are the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow and the Therma-a-Relaxation Trekker™ Pillow Case.
Materials & Supplies Used
Nothing much less essential is the material that you just’ll relaxation your face upon.
A pillow that slides round your sleeping pad doesn’t contribute a lot to evening’s sleep.
Some fashions repair the difficulty by having connected velcro tapes or cords permitting you to connect the pillow to the pad.
Typically, two forms of supplies are used for backpacking pillows:
Polyester
Polyester normally has a slight fuzzy really feel, which makes it gentle and heat on the face.
And whereas it does lots by way of consolation, the brushed polyester is far more durable 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 possibly can at all times put a canopy over it for extra comfy sleep.
Nylon, in comparison with polyester, is far simpler to wash.
Consolation & Assist
What’s the purpose of a backpacking pillow if it’s no extra comfy than sleeping in your puffy jacket?
Apart from the kind of backpacking pillow (which we’ll get into within the subsequent part), there are different elements that affect its comfortability and help.
Specifically, 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-Relaxation Air Head™ Down Pillow and the HEST Pillow.
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 harm it with one thing sharp.
And even when that occurs, it received’t be an excessive amount of of a difficulty with a pillow filled with foam, for example.
However with inflatable pillows, even the tiniest prick can pierce them, thus rendering them ineffective.
In fact, that doesn’t imply you need to keep away from inflatable pillows basically.
However take note of the fabric they’re fabricated from. Ideally, search for polyurethane or comparable sturdy supplies that aren’t simply broken.
FAQs
What Makes A Good Backpacking Pillow?
While you’re backpacking, each ounce issues.
That’s why a pillow, like another piece of substances, must be each light-weight and compact. However on the similar time, it additionally wants to supply consolation and head help whereas sleeping.
Easy methods 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.
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 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, specifically their featherweight and compactness.
Whereas typically not thought-about to be essentially the most comfy sort of pillow, sure fashions show that there’s an exception to every part.
Are you able to get by with no 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 stage for a complete stage is certainly price it.
To Sum Issues Up
As you possibly can see, there are tons of backpacking pillows out there in the marketplace.
However on an extended record of remarkable fashions, one which stands out is the Aeros Down Pillow by Sea to Summit.
This mannequin has a little bit of every part – it’s light-weight, compact, heat and comfy.
Plus, it comes with a fairly first rate price ticket. What extra may you need in a backpacking pillow?
