What do I need to consider when purchasing a camping pillow?

Camping should be a fun activity but there is nothing fun about not getting a good night’s sleep, so finding the right pillow that suits you is important. There are various options when it comes to a pillow. For a start there is the inflatable pillow which is very portable, economical, small and easy to use. Find a brand that is machine washable. A compressed pillow is made up 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. Finally, the hybrid pillow contains elements from both the compressed and the inflatable pillow. They are more expensive than the choices above but offer the most adjustability for individual comfort needs. When choosing your pillow you will be looking for the most comfort. The shape, filling and type all create different levels of comfort. You will want enough support to distribute the pressure while you sleep. Of course all of these things are the same common attributes you would be looking for in a personal pillow at home. What you will want to take in consideration as well in a camping pillow is its size. You will want a pillow that is a good size when it is in use but also packs down to a small size for easy portability. Also take in consideration the weight of the pillow as you do not want a pillow that is heavy to carry.

Why do you need a camping pillow?

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. Why not just bring your pillow from home instead of getting a camping pillow? Because you will want a pillow that is lightweight, portable and you don’t want to be tracking 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 while still keeping in mind the comfort and support of the camper.

How do you wash a camping pillow?

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.

Are camping pillows and travel pillows the same?

The big difference between camping pillows and travel pillows is that travel pillows are designed to create an ease of sleeping in an upright position on an airplane. To do this, most travel pillows are shaped like a horseshoe, a structure that creates neck support and a pillow for your head while you remain upright. Camping pillows can be used as a travel pillow as they are made to pack well. Their lightweight and portability work well for travel but they are not designed for use while sitting upright.

Best Pillows for Camping - The Sleep Judge

Rank	Product	Highlights	Warranty
#1	REDCAMP Outdoor Camping Pillow check price	Small compression, but larger pillow size Very lightweight Washable cover is soft and convenient	1 year
#2	Chillax UltraLight Camping Pillow check price	Easily adjustable Very light and easy to pack Durable construction	100% lifetime guarantee
#3	Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow check price	Fast and easy to inflate, deflate, and pack Soft sleep surface Wipes clean easily	N/A
#4	Cozy Hut Portable Memory Foam Camping Pillow check price	Very conforming Washable cover is a perk Rolls up easily but doesn’t flatten when in use	30 day distributor returns
#5	COOP Home Goods Camping Pillow with Bamboo Cover Review check price	Fully adjustable Machine washable Full size feel in a compact package	30 day guarantee

If you like to camp, then you know the experience of trying to minimize your camping materials, but still create a comfortable experience. This is especially true if you are hiking and carrying your gear. What you lay your head down upon each night can make the difference between the rest you deserve after a long day of fresh air, or dragging yourself around in exhaustion the next.

Unfortunately, the pillows we are used to are larger and cumbersome, and hardly conducive to a camping and/or backpacking trip. Investing a good camping pillow is most definitely worth the investment, as it most likely last you the rest of your camping lifetime due to its more irregular use. The best camping pillow is one that will help support your sleep position, and yet pack down small enough to be lightweight and take up little space- leaving you more room for other necessities.

What is a Camping Pillow?

A camping pillow is a small pillow made specifically for travel situations. It is usually much smaller than your regular sized bed pillows you are used to. It is often compressible in nature and fits into smaller spaces, or clips onto backpacks with ease. It also is usually very lightweight in order to keep from adding unneeded additional heft to your pack. It usually is only large enough to hold your head in one position, and is not made for side to side movement, but is much more comfortable than going without.

You may be interested in: The Best Sleeping Bags for Camping

Types of Camping Pillows

There actually are quite a few different type of camping pillows that you can choose from in order to find what is most comfortable for your sleep position. Camping pillows can also fit your style of camping as you may have more room when traveling by vehicle compared to backpacking, and carrying all your needed supplies

Inflatable

Inflatable pillows may either be self inflating, or needs a pump (or your own power) to inflate. Those that require inflation are actually adjustable to better fit your own personal preferences. Both styles are very lightweight, and have various covers for protection against sharp objects.

Compressible Foam

Foams often compress or roll into a small packages, and then inflate rather quickly when you are ready to sleep upon it. They take up small spaces when compressed, but may weigh a bit more due to the density of the material.

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Best Pillows for Camping

What is a Camping Pillow?

Types of Camping Pillows

Inflatable

Compressible Foam