Sleeping in the great outdoors should be a really fun time but there is nothing fun about not getting a good night’s sleep. Taking the correct backpacking pillow will help you enjoy your night outdoors.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Thermarest Compressible
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| #2 |  Nemo Fillo
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| #3 |  Sea Summit Aeros
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| #4 |  Cocoon Air Core
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| #5 |  Sea to Summit Aeros
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There are various options when it comes to a backpacking pillow. For a start, there is the inflatable pillow which is very portable, economical, small and easy to use.
You can choose a self-inflatable pillow where you use your own breath to blow the pillow up or, you can get an auto inflatable pillow where you open a valve and the pillow will expand. You can adjust the amount of air for more comfort but the big advantage with inflatable pillows is that they are super compact for packing and lightweight. The downside is that they are not the most comfortable. Try to find a brand that is machine washable.
A compressed pillow is made of materials that can be easily compressed to a compact size. These are usually made of down, synthetic material or foam and tend to be more comfortable than most inflatable pillows. While they may be really comfortable they tend to be bulky and much heavier. But if comfort is your top priority and you have an ample budget, then go for a compressible pillow with down feathers.
Finally, the hybrid pillow contains elements from both the compressed and the inflatable pillow. A hybrid pillow has the fluff on the top made from foam or feathers which makes it comfortable for sleeping and the inflatable bottom provides you increased support. They are often more expensive than the choices above but offer the most adjustability for individual comfort needs.
When choosing your pillow you will be looking for a pillow that offers the most comfort while still being small, compact and lightweight. The shape, filling and type all create different levels of comfort. You will want enough support to distribute the pressure while you sleep. Make sure you take into consideration its size as you will want a pillow that is large enough for a good night’s sleep when in use but also packs down to a small size for easy portability. Be sure to take into consideration the weight of the pillow as you won’t want to carry a heavy pillow in your backpack.
After a camping trip, you want to be sure that your pillow is properly washed and stored to prolong its viability. For many, the easiest easy is to throw the pillow into the washing machine. If you have an inflatable pillow make sure you have taken the internal bladder out before putting it into the wash. Use a low tumble dry after washing. If your pillow does not have a removable bladder you will need to hand wash it. You can clean your camping pillow with warm soapy water. If your camping pillow is filled with feathers you will want to hand wash it. If your pillow does not have washing instructions, choose the hand wash method to be safe. Make sure your pillow is thoroughly dried before you store it so that it doesn’t get musty.
Top 5 Backpacking Pillows
1. Thermarest Compressible Pillow
SPECS:
- Dimensions: Four size options
- Weight: Varies with size
Best Budget
The Thermarest company was founded in 1972 with the mission to create a better way to sleep outside. The Thermarest compressible pillow provides some serious comfort and is a great purchase for recreational campers. It may not be the most suitable for long backpacking trips as it isn’t the smallest or lightest on the market but it is a great buy for those looking for a truly comfortable night under the stars. The foam is encased in a super soft brushed polyester shell. The pillow comes in multiple sizes all of which pack down smaller and you have many colors to choose from. It is easy to care for as the whole pillow is machine washable. It is a great price point and that is why it is our choice for the best budget backpacking pillow.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who should buy this backpacking pillow:
If you are an occasional camper whose top priorities are comfort and price this is a great pick for you.
2. Nemo Fillo
SPECS:
- Product Size: Size 17 x 11 x 4 inches
- Packed Size: 6 x 4
- Weight: 9 ounces
Best Hybrid Pillow
You will love the Nemo Fill hybrid design, which is a perfect balance for people looking for the comfort of a compressible pillow but really want the adjustability of an inflatable that will pack down to a super small size. The interior has an inflatable bladder surrounded by memory foam that will provide you a good night’s sleep. Since you can customize its firmness by using more or less air it becomes a very versatile pick for sleepers of all styles, from back to side, and even stomach sleepers. It inflates quickly with just three breaths and the air valve makes adjusting easy without the worry of deflating the whole pillow in the process. Make sure you pick up the micro suede option as opposed to the jersey as it has a much more luxurious feel. The cover is removable and washable which makes care for the pillow very easy.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who should buy this backpacking pillow:
If you want a pillow that you can adjust the level of firmness but want the comfort of foam, this hybrid option fits the bill.
3. Sea Summit Aeros
SPECS:
- Product size: 13x9x5”
- Packed size: 3 x 2.6”
- Weight: 2.5 ounces
Best Down Backpacking Pillow
The Sea Summit Aeros Down hybrid pillow gives you a full half-inch layer of down surrounding the internal air bladder to provide you with a luxuriously comfortable night’s sleep. This pillow gives you a generous sleeping area when inflated (13x9x5”) but packs down extremely small and light (2.5 ounces and 3 x 2.6”) and fits into its own stuff sack. The pillow has a two-part air valve that makes inflating and deflating easy. The valve has an internal stopper to prevent air from escaping when inflating and uses a separate deflation valve for instant release when it is time to pack out. Its small packed size coupled with it being so lightweight makes it ideal for longer backpacking trips. But all that comfort and convenience comes with a price and it is a bit more expensive than other models, and it must be hand washed.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who should buy this backpacking pillow:
If you love camping but don’t want to give up the luxuries of home this down topped pillow is your pick.
4. Cocoon Air Core
SPECS:
- Size: 11×15”
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
Best Big Pillow
If having a larger size camping pillow is your primary concern, look no further than the Cocoon Air Core inflatable pillow. While most camping pillows are smaller in overall size than your pillow at home, the Cocoon Air Core is the largest inflatable camp pillow we have found. When it is fully inflated it is very close to a standard bed pillow in length, width and in the loft. It fits nicely into a sleeping bag hood, which prevents any slippage. Even at its large size, it remains extremely light to pack at just 6.7 ounces and packs down tight into its stuff sack. The twist-lock air valve allows sleepers to adjust the air volume in tiny increments so you can find the right level of comfort. The bladder can be removed for repair or replacement but not for washing, so that means it needs to be hand-washed.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who should buy this backpacking Pillow:
If you are a person who likes to have all the comforts of home while camping, this pillow is for you.
5. Sea to Summit Aeros
SPECS:
- Product Size: 13 x 9 x 4 inches
- Pack Size: 2.8 x 3.3 in
- Weight: 3.1 Ounces
Best for Backpackers
If you are a serious backpacker who is not looking for a spa experience while camping but the size and weight of your pack is the priority, you will find the Sea to Summit Aeros to be the choice for the real outdoors person. While it weighs only a few ounces, once it is inflated you have a generous sleeping area. When it isn’t in use it packs down to the size of a large lemon making it nearly undetectable in your backpack. Extremely durable and rugged this is the kind of pillow you can take on endless trips on all kinds of terrain. It inflates with just three breaths and has a small button that allows you to adjust the volume of the pillow slowly so you can find the right support level for you. It isn’t the most comfortable of all backpacking pillows but as a package of support, size, weight and comfort this is the best all-around pillow for extended backpacking trips.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who should buy this backpacking pillow?
If you are a die-hard backpacker who knows that camping is not the same as checking into a four-star hotel, this pillow is an all-around winner for extended camping treks.
Last Words:
If you are going on an overnight camping trip you are going to want to have a good night’s sleep while in the great outdoors but you can’t just bring your favorite pillow from home.
Thankfully there are plenty of great lightweight, portable, comfortable backpacking pillows to choose from that will ensure you don’t track the great outdoors back inside with your pillow from home. Camping pillows are manufactured to deflate or fold into a small size that can easily fit in or clip on to a backpack making them super portable. They are also made with materials to create a lightweight final product so as not to create a heavier pack. Both of these things are accomplished with a good backpacking pillow while still keeping in mind the comfort and support of the camper.