Sea to Summit Aeros Review

For this review, we tested the regular size of the Sea to Summit Aeros. We were excited to find an inflatable cushion that offered more comfort than you might expect from a very basic air-filled bladder. This is one of our favorite backpacking pillows for a good reason. In addition to being remarkably lightweight, it also boasts a very small packed volume. Even more impressive, it is significantly more accommodating and comfortable when compared to most run-of-the-mill inflatable pillows we have tested. It's also thick, simple to adjust, and easy to pack away. That said, we should mention that comfort does pale in comparison to more densely padded compressible or hybrid pillows in this review. That said, the Aeros is a worthy addition to your pack on multi-day backcountry ventures where size and weight come at a premium.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Aeros is significantly more comfortable than all of the other traditional inflatable pillows we've reviewed. This noticeably higher comfort level is accomplished by three key components: a soft outer polyester cover, a very pliable, baffled air bladder, and greater thickness. Additionally, one side of the Aeros is elevated an inch higher than the other side, giving you a couple of options to help dial in your ideal thickness. While the contouring did help cradle our heads, there is still a noticeable wobble to the pillow. This is also one of the smallest pillows we tested, so it doesn't offer any extra real estate for your head. It isn't unbearable, but comfort is not where this pillow excelled when compared to beefier pillows on our list.

Weight

Weight, or lack thereof, is an area where this Sea to Summit model performs very well. Weighing only 3.1 ounces on our scale, this pillow is lightweight enough to all but disappear in your pack.

Although it is slightly heavier when compared to other inflatable pillows we tested, we still prefer to take the Aeros on extended trips because it's much more comfortable and easier to use than its inflatable peers. Weight is where spending extra money often pays off.

Packed Size

This backcountry champs packs away into a small cylinder. Taking up only 0.4 liters of space, it is easy to justify bringing it along. Here again, the Aeros is bested by other inflatable pillows we tested, yet it still soars ahead of the rest of the competition because of the other features it brings to the table. This pillow is great for backpacking trips lasting several days or longer. We also like bringing this pillow along while traveling, as it doesn't take up much space and is handy on long car or plane rides.

Support

The Aeros provides firm support in comparison to most other models reviewed, and its convenient air valve also allows you to customize to your preferred level of support. If you like firm pillows, fill this one up full with just a few breaths, and it will stay that way until sunrise. Additionally, the ergonomic shape contours to your head and shoulders, making it a great option for side or back sleepers.

Ease of Use

One of our favorite features of the Aeros is its easy-to-use air valve. It fully inflates in just three breaths. And, if you need to adjust the air level, simply push the small button inside the inflation valve. When depressed, the valve lets you slowly release air until you've reached your desired firmness level. This is a great design that allows for fine-tuned adjustments without the risk of all the air escaping. Additionally, when it's time to break camp, the valve releases air quickly and easily, making easy work of storing the pillow. Packing the pillow back into the stuff sack is a breeze. Finally, the Aeros is shaped to fit nicely into the hood of almost any mummy bag.

Due to its lighter weight, the Aeros did tend to be on the small and slightly wobbly side. During the night, this pillow worked out from underneath our heads because it lacks the density of heavier camp pillows. Another drawback of the pillow is its single-layer design, which prevents it from being machine washed and dried. However, we were able to hand wash and air dry our Aeros without much additional effort. Also, as with all inflatables, blowing it up and adjusting it to our preferred comfort level was more work than merely unpacking the synthetic fill pillows we tested.

Value

If you're an avid backpacker who enjoys taking long trips into the backcountry, this pillow is a legitimate option for any multi-day trek. The standout feature of the Aeros is its noticeable comfort for an inflatable pillow. So if you yearn for an equal balance between lightweight and comfort, this has good value. For its small packed size and weight, it provides way more comfort than your dirty fleece jacket. That said, the Aeros is primarily designed as a lightweight backpacking pillow, so if you tend to spend more time in RVs or campgrounds, this likely isn't your best option.

Conclusion

Overall, we are impressed with the Sea to Summit Aeros and feel it offers an amazing degree of comfort when compared to its relatively simple design. There are more luxurious camp pillows on the market; however, when packed size and weight are a factor, the Aeros shines because of its ability to also provide an elevated level of comfort, which can be hard to find in a basic, single-layer, inflatable. Backpackers using this pillow will immediately feel its value, as it is a definite upgrade from a mound of clothes from your pack or a climbing rope. Its packed size and low weight make it almost unnoticeable in your pack. However, what you will notice is a lack of neck discomfort/pain the following day. While it's not the best choice for car campers, backpackers and travelers who want an actual pillow without the extra baggage will appreciate this one thoroughly.