Cocoon Air-Core Hood/Camp Pillow Review

Since its first pillows hit the market, Cocoon has consistently produced high-quality products, and the Air-Core Hood/Camp Pillow is no exception. Its air cell inflatable center is surrounded by a layer of synthetic insulation and topped off with a dual-sided removable pillowcase consisting of polyester microfiber (top) and quilted 20 denier Nylon (bottom). When compared to current and past Cocoon inflatables, this pillow's primary unique feature is its curved design, which matches the shape of most mummy bag hoods and accommodates the ergonomics near the neck and shoulders.

Performance Comparison

The Hood/Camp's arched design fits most mummy bag hoods. Its close in weight and packed size to premium backpacking models, but costs a touch less. Notably, the removable pillowcase has two different fabrics so you can choose which you find more comfortable or suited to the night's temperature.

Photo: Jason Wanlass

Comfort

The words "general purpose" came to mind when we first placed our hands on this model. Cocoon's pillows are designed for use on a plane or train just as much as the outdoors, giving them a "one size fits all" kind of vibe. Most of the company's inflatable pillows all share the same fabrics, colors, design features, and internal air cell. In our experience, the comfort between each model doesn't vary much. This opinion holds true with the Hood/Camp. Like other Cocoon's we've tested, you get two options for face fabric. One side of the pillowcase is a silky polyester top fabric that feels cool and smooth against the skin on warm nights. The other side is microfiber and better for colder nights.

Our testers enjoyed sleeping on the quilted backside of the Hood/Camp as much as the silky top side. However, regardless of the air setting, most felt the pillow was just a titch too firm.

Photo: Jason Wanlass

Additionally, the pillow is well-made, but the air cell tends to be a little more firm than other inflatables. Even after reducing the air volume in the pillow, we still sensed a firmer, less forgiving nest for our heads. There just wasn't as much stretch or give — a common characteristic we've noticed in most Cocoon inflatables. That said, we still enjoyed sleeping on the Hood/Camp. If you like firmer pillows, this is a good pillow for you.

Its quality design and plush exterior result in a slightly heavier pillow; however, the Hood/Camp is still lighter than one would expect, making it a legitimate choice for backpacking.

Photo: Jason Wanlass

Weight

Given its plush materials and sturdy design, we were pleasantly surprised when we placed the Hood/Camp on the scale. We've noticed this with other Cocoon products. Even their largest inflatable pillows are surprisingly lighter than their overall appearance and feel would suggest. Cocoon doesn't innovate often on the basic components of their inflatables. The overall design has remained the same for several years. However, pillows like the Hood/Camp have a long reputation of being well-crafted. The end result is a solid product that can easily handle the rigors of the backcountry, despite being surprisingly more lightweight than one would think.

The Hood/Camp inflates in about 4 to 6 large breathes. The pillow's twist valve makes it easy to inflate and deflate. The stuff sack is perfectly sized, making stowing a breeze.

Photo: Jason Wanlass

Ease of Use

A simple, thoughtful design scores the Hood/Camp high marks in our Ease of Use metric. The air valve is very easy to use and is ideally placed on a lower corner of the pillow, giving the user the perfect amount of fabric to hold onto when inflating the pillow and closing the valve. Inflatables can often be tricky balance of gripping the pillow, blowing into the valve, and twisting the valve shut — all without allowing air to escape from the bladder. Placement of the valve on the Hood/Camp makes this process a lot easier.

We love the zipper. All Cocoon inflatables come with a wide zipper opening that allows the interior air cell to be easily removed and separated from the pillowcase. This allows for easy cleaning of the exterior fabric or repair of the air cell. Additionally, the Hood/Camp's quilted nylon base does a great job of clinging to whatever it's placed upon, keeping the pillow easily in place. Lastly, this pillow rolls up and stows easily into its stuff sack. It also fits most hooded sleeping bags well and has a nook at the bottom that allows it to ergonomically accommodate the shoulders and neck. The only thing we don't like about the Hood/Camp is that its silky polyester exterior noticeably absorbs and holds oils from the face and hair during a multi-day jaunt in the backcountry. This makes us appreciate how easy it is to clean the face fabric, though.

It doesn't boast the smallest packed size on the market, but it certainly was smaller than we anticipated, making the Hood/Camp a legit contender for most backpacking trips.

Photo: Jason Wanlass

Packed Size

Cocoon doesn't skimp on stuff sack size. However, despite its spacious storage vessel, the Hood/Camp still holds its own in our packed size metric, measuring in at well under one cubic liter. It doesn't boast the smallest packed size but is certainly small enough to deserve space in a backpacker's bag.

We feel the Hood/Camp offers great support; however, its support came with only average comfort. It always felt a little too firm.

Photo: Jason Wanlass

Support

Cocoon inflatable pillows tend to be on the sturdy side, which translates into a firmer pillow. The support it provides cannot be mistaken and is excellent for side and back sleepers. However, it doesn't provide a lot of cozy support. Its cupped air cell will keep your head in place and off the ground, but regardless of the level of air, the Hood/Camp tends to always feel like a typical inflatable pillow.

Value

Having purchased and tested one of the first Cocoons on the market, we can honestly say the Hood/Camp's features, functions, and fabrics are very similar to the early models. The result is a time-tested product that is built to last. We feel this gives this model the value it deserves. Based solely on its durability, this pillow is worth the price. That said, there are more comfortable inflatables on the market that pack up smaller and weigh less. But, they all cost more than this one.

Conclusion