Trekology Aluft 2.0 Review

Kudos to Trekology for offering new and improved pillow features to an already saturated inflatable camping pillow market. One of those new features is a one-of-a-kind, proprietary air valve, which makes inflation and deflation as simple as pushing a button. This pillow inflates into a large 17 X 12" ergonomically designed cushion, perfectly shaped to fit in most mummy hoods. Its stretch nylon material is relatively comfortable and supportive, making it a decent choice for backpacking. It also comes with some added features that most inflatables don't even offer — and it does it all at nearly a third of the price.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Aluft is a typical inflatable pillow, ideal for backpacking, where weight and size often overrule extreme comfort. Overall, this pillow performs adequately in this metric. It has a depression which does a good job of cradling the head. It also has a bean-shaped, ergonomic bend in its lower half, allowing the pillow to fit comfortably between the neck and shoulders. This is particularly helpful to back and side sleepers. We wouldn't recommend this pillow to stomach sleepers, although it could work in a pinch if enough air was removed.

We do prefer the single-layer design of this pillow over its peer inflatables which employ a separate air bladder covered by a fabric pillowcase. Basically, the bladder (a thermoplastic polyurethane membrane) and outer fabric (stretch nylon) are fused together to make one single layer. In the end, we feel this all-in-one design has more stretch, resulting in more dynamic comfort.

Weight

A simple design gives this pillow higher scores for weight. It certainly isn't the lightest pillow in the group, but keep in mind that the difference between its score and the scores of our top performers is determined by less than a half-ounce.

The Aluft is still heavier than our very top-tier performers. However, at 3.8 ounces, it's still a legitimate option for backcountry enthusiasts searching for a very affordable, adequate backpacking pillow. We were most impressed with the manufacturer's ability to maintain a reasonable weight while still including many ground-breaking features.

Packed Size

We were impressed when comparing the inflated size to the packed size of the Aluft. It packs down quite small for how big it becomes when it's time to rest.

We were also wowed by new features on the Aluft — things we hadn't seen before — while still maintaining one of the smallest packed sizes in our lineup. This, all at a price that crushes most of its competition. Quite often, small packed size equals a very tight fit in a stuff sack that's a little too small. This was not the case with the Aluft 2.0. It rolled up and slid into its pouch with ease.

Support

Determining a support score can be tricky. If we just look at the basics, then the Aluft — like most all inflatable pillows — offers a tremendous amount of support. However, this support is static rather than dynamic. In other words, static support doesn't adjust with the sleeper, accommodate their individual body shape, or adapt to pressure and movement.

The Aluft is similar to most other basic inflatables. Its air-filled design is supportive yet stiff and less forgiving, earning it just a slightly above average score in this metric. Still, we recommend this pillow for anyone on a budget and who loves cool, innovative features.

Ease of Use

Our score for this metric is determined by averaging several individual tests given to each product. We look at a variety of aspects, including unique features. We were extremely impressed with Trekology's ability to develop new thoughtful features on the Aluft 2.0 that actually add to the value of the pillow.

Our favorite feature is its brand-new take on the air valve. The proprietary double-decked air valve on the Aluft allows the user to click to inflate and click again to deflate. We feel the design is easier to use than current flat valves used on many inflatable pillows.

Additionally, the underside of the pillow is textured with raised rubber dots, designed to keep the pillow in place during the night. It also comes with a detachable elastic strap which loops around nearly any single-sized air mattress and locks the pillow firmly in place. This is the first pillow we've seen to offer these two designs as standard features at about one-third the price of other inflatables.

Value

A new and improved air valve combined with a lightweight design, tiny packed size, and built-in creative features results in a camping pillow that offers value to any backpackers or other backcountry enthusiasts. Additionally, when we consider the Trekology Aluft 2.0 costs half or less of the price of more popular brands that perform about the same, we unanimously feel this pillow is a great value.

Conclusion

We love the innovation of the Trekology Aluft 2.0. We feel the manufacturer improved upon or added features that other inflatable pillows lack, all at a fraction of the price. We wouldn't recommend it for basic car camping, because there are more comfortable options. However, it performs well against other similar inflatable pillows and is a viable option for backcountry use thanks to the light weight.