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We bought 17 different camping pillows from Nemo, Sea to Summit, Therm-a-Rest, and other brands, conducting head-to-head tests to find the best one for your next night out in the great outdoors
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated September 8, 2026
No camping pillow matches your favorite from home. But the best get shockingly close, delivering true comfort at a fraction of the weight and pack size of a standard pillow.
By far the best camping pillow in our tests is the Nemo Fillo. It hits that perfect balance of being relatively compact and lightweight while nearly topping our comfort test.
If comfort is your top priority, get the Klymit Drift. Its clever design offers multiple cozy surfaces and is easy to wash.
For backpacking, you'll want something lighter, like the 2.9-ounce inflatable Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight, which boasts an impressive size once inflated and is a top recommendation for weight-conscious campers.
We tested camping pillows worldwide—backpacking, car camping, hammocking, and flying. After hundreds of hours evaluating comfort, weight, packed size, and support, our comparative data reveals the top performers.
Editor's Note: We updated our camping pillow review on September 8, 2026, to retest some classics and add 4 new models.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Camping Pillow recommendations.
We've been at this camping pillow thing for quite some time, but we still haven't found one that can crush our tests the way the Nemo Fillo can. We've lost count of how many years this amazing head cushion has remained number one, but to be sure, we purchased the newest version and put it to the test again. We compared it to older models we've kept over the years, and we're pleased to find nearly identical quality and function. The Fillo's secret to success is its hybrid layered design that combines foam and air. It inflates in just a few breaths and has a twist nozzle to release air for customized support. Even better, the pillowcase washes separately. “I love that this pillow can be customized to accommodate me if I choose to sleep on my back, side, or stomach,” said our lead tester.
We've simply exhausted ourselves searching for a pillow that can compete, leaving the Fillo sitting squarely on its throne for another year. It's perfect for nearly any activity, but it isn't our first choice on extended backpacking trips because it packs up a little larger. However, many of our backwoods experts still choose to carry it anyway. “My main complaint for years is that the built-in stuff sack is just too small,” said one of our longtime testers. “It's difficult to pack up the Fillo. In fact, it's kind of a pain in the rear.” Otherwise, our love affair with the Fillo continues. If you need the lightest option available, check out the Sea to Summit Aeros Down, which weighs just 2.6 ounces but isn't quite as comfortable.
70D polyester, jersey cotton, shredded memory foam
Measured Weight
34.6 oz
Measured Length
21 in
Measured Width
15 in
If you don't want to leave the comforts of home behind, put the Klymit Drift on your radar. This plush model rivals the size and cushion of an at-home pillow, but includes a dual-textured pillowcase to keep it dry and clean until your tent or van is set up for the night to camp. The jersey cotton side of the pillowcase is soft and inviting against the skin, and the Drift is plenty wide enough to roll over or adjust sleeping positions without falling off. The shredded memory foam and gel fiber filling makes the Drift supportive but soft enough to keep your ears, neck, and head comfy all night long. As our head camping pillow reviewer shared, “I was even happy using the Klymit Drift as my primary pillow at home, not just for camping.”
Besides a single Velcro strap, the Klymit Drift has no compression, so we'd suggest a model like the Hest Travel Pillow if you need more packable car-camping or van-lifing gear. The Hest offers similar comfort to the Drift but compresses into a much smaller size in transit. If you need something more versatile for backpacking and roadside camping, consider the Nemo Fillo, which is substantially lighter and smaller. The Drift doesn't have much firmness adjustability, though it comes well-stuffed from the manufacturer, and you can remove the filling if you want a softer feel. As long as the weight of the Drift isn't a deal breaker, it's a phenomenal option if your tent is right next to your vehicle or you like camping in a van or truck.
If you're seeking both comfort and a low price, the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Cinch might be your find of the year. This soft, compressible pillow gives your head a cushy landing and comes as close to the real thing as any camping pillow (except the Hest). The Therm-a-Rest Compressible is stuffed to the gills with high-quality foam bits left over from the manufacturing of foam sleeping pads. These spongy discards are cocooned in a soft polyester case and then topped with a layer of polyester batting to even out the bumps. “I've owned several past versions of this pillow, and I love the extra batting,” said one reviewer. “Past models didn't have it, and I think it's a great addition.”
This pillow is ideal for campgrounds where you don't have to carry your gear far from your vehicle. Its weight and size mean it's not suited for backcountry excursions. It's also great for back and stomach sleepers, but some side sleepers may need a hoodie or duffel bag to create a little extra loft under their heads.
The Therm-a-Rest earned top marks for comfort and ease of use, but it scored lower for packability, support, and weight. “I really liked the drawstring cinch, which scrunches the pillow up into a tighter ball for added support,” said one tester. Despite its split scoring, this pillow is affordable and comfortable, and we think campers looking for both will appreciate this fantastic deal. If you want something lighter and more compact without significantly sacrificing comfort, the Rumpl Stuffable Fleece is a prime pick. It's basically a pillowcase you can stuff with extra clothes or jackets to create the loft you want.
The Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down allows backpackers and campers to have it both ways. Inflatable pillows are rarely associated with this much luxury, making this a clear favorite for balancing comfort and weight. The Head Down consists of a baffled air bladder topped with a layer of 600-fill quilted down. We tested the large Head Down (7.4 ounces), but the regular has a smaller packed size and weighs about 5 ounces, making it a great option for backcountry pursuits. This pillow packs up small (down compresses), offers great support, is easy to use, and is soft and comfortable. Admittedly, we were a little skeptical of a down-topped inflatable; it sounded a bit gimmicky, but during testing, the down layer legitimately added comfort. When fully inflated, it stands about 5 inches tall, making it perfect for side-sleepers. “This pillow is arched at the bottom, so it sits nicely against your neck and shoulders,” said one of our side-sleepers. “If you're looking for a lightweight option that offers more than a little luxury, look no further.”
The thick layer of feathers quilted below fine, silky fabric certainly raises the price point, which might turn away some potential buyers. But if you're willing to pay more for a lightweight pillow that's more comfortable than a typical inflatable, this model fits the bill. That said, those looking to shave weight will find the Sea to Summit Aeros Down very appealing. It's several ounces lighter, but offers a thinner down top. If you don't like down, the Nemo Fillo Elite is a great synthetic option.
The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight is a lightweight model that inflates into a jaw-droppingly large camping pillow. For decades, backpackers have dealt with the comfort-versus-portability trade-off, but the Aeros Ultralight expands to 5 inches thick, 18 inches long, and 12 inches wide, helping us get a good night's rest after a big day on the trail. This model also weighs only 2.9 ounces, making it easy to justify bringing it along rather than using extra layers rolled up into a “pillow ball”, which we never find to be very comfy. “The Aeros Ultralight isn't nearly as plush as my at-home pillow, but it feels amazing in the backcountry,” our pillow lead concluded.
Several camp pillows blend air and padding for cushion, but Sea to Summit had to strip away foam or down to keep the Aeros Ultralight small. Simply put, if you don't like air as your pillow's cushion, this isn't the pillow for you. Consider the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium if you want a packable model that includes memory foam and air for padding. The Nemo Fillo is substantially heavier, but it offers one inch of foam across the entire pillow for campers less concerned about bag weight. Besides these considerations, the Aeros Ultralight is a great choice for backpackers and campers who prioritize packability and weight over comfort.
The HEST Camp Pillow offers exceptional comfort and is one of the largest camp pillows on the market today. When unpacked, it's about 24 inches wide and 8 inches thick, and feels just as inviting as an at-home pillow, especially if you prefer a softer feel. Whether traveling to or from the campground, the Hest also flips inside out to compress down to a smaller size, making it easier to fit in your vehicle and keeping it from getting dirty. After multi-night trips, you can even wash the entire pillowcase in your own washing machine.
The larger size of the Hest Camp Pillow might almost be too big for some campers. Check out the Klymit Drift for a pillow that's just as comfy but with slightly smaller dimensions if your car camping setup is more space-limited. The Drift is also worth a look if you prefer a firmer feel, though Hest offers additional pillow stuffing for free; you just have to email the company. As long as you aren't trying to backpack with the Hest, its 51 oz weight shouldn't be too impactful, and as one of our testers put it, “The Hest is a no-brainer if you want as big and as soft of a pillow as possible.”
If you just want the basics at the best price, the Teton Sports Pillow is your new love. We kept an open mind and were quite surprised by this pillow's abilities. It's comfortable, easy to use, and decent enough to get you through the night. “I needed pillows for a large youth group, and I was very pleased with what the Teton offered,” said our key tester. “This pillow doesn't tick all of the boxes, but it's definitely good enough for one or two short campouts per year.” The Teton's polyester exterior is soft and inviting, and it stays cool against the face. It also has a bit more loft than we expected—a pleasant discovery.
The Teton does tend to compress under the weight of the head and shoulders, so larger side-sleepers may not enjoy it as much. Our testing season was admittedly only a few months, so we're not sure about the Teton's long-term durability. But we are sure about its attractive price tag. “I loved how it can be easily washed and dried,” said one tester who still has a few kids at home. The closest comparison to the Teton is the Wise Owl Outfitters Memory Foam. In fact, it's just a tad more comfortable. However, if you'd just rather blow the doors off of the whole thing, then go big and buy the HEST Pillow. She's the real thing.
Fall camping with the Teton Sports Pillow,. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Product Comparison Table
We've tested camping pillows all over the world, from our own backyards to 70-mile treks through the Swiss Alps. Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Tested
For this review, we've spent several years buying and using the best and most popular camping pillows to determine which ones you, the consumer, will enjoy most. After hands-on field testing, we've narrowed our list to what we believe are some of the best pillows on the market. With the help of camping buddies and backpacking partners, we nestled these pillows under our heads each night for months of testing. Our field testing locations span several regions and climates, from Zion National Park and Yosemite to Montana's backcountry to the Appalachians. Many of our testers even frequent more dramatic camping areas, including the Himalayas and Nepal.
Our camping pillow testing is divided across five different metrics:
Comfort (25% of total score weighting)
Weight (20% weighting)
Packed Size (20% weighting)
Support (20% weighting)
Ease of Use (15% weighting)
To get the full scoop on our testing process, visit our How We Test page.
Our Sleeper-in-Chief, Jason Wanlass, hard at work testing camp pillows. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Zach has spent most of his life camping and has logged over 15 years as a professional Mountain Guide. Zach holds an IFMGA/AMGA guiding license/certification and spends up to 6 months a year camping, whether on a ski expedition in Alaska, a family van camping trip in the Sierra Nevada, or alpine climbing in the Himalayas. He's worked in product testing and writing for over a decade and loves putting camping pillows through their paces.
Our pillow review team has been camping most of their lives, and enjoys many types of outdoor recreation. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Jason has spent the last 25 years exploring the outdoors. He's an avid trail-seeker who has hiked, backpacked, and camped in Iceland, Nepal, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy, and the Patagonia region of Argentina and Chile. Closer to home, he hikes weekly in the foothills above his home in Utah and has backpacked countless miles in nearly every Western state. Whether wandering vast U.S. mountain ranges like the Sierras, Tetons, and the Cascades or catching a plane headed for one of the remote corners of the world, Jason knows the value of getting good sleep while on the move.
We're a team of passionate campers, hikers, skiers, and climbers who don't leave home without a camping pillow.
Analysis and Test Results
Whether you're car camping, backpacking, or paddling into the wilderness, we've carried pillows around the world, taken detailed notes, and carefully compared products side by side. We then tested each model in five important areas: comfort, support, ease of use, weight, and packed size. After assigning scores in each metric, we gave each pillow an overall score from 1 to 100. While many pillows scored competitively, each model shines in different ways. For example, an inflatable pillow and a compressible one might have similar overall scores, but the inflatable model may be less comfortable while being better in weight and packability. A compressible pillow might be the most comfortable but not as lightweight or compact. Comparing total and category scores helps you find the pillow that best fits your camping adventures.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Unlike other camping gear, camping pillows tend to be quite affordable. Even at lower prices, some pillows still provide better value than others. Generally, you pay a premium for lighter weight and a smaller packed size, often achieved with inflatable air bladders in high-end models. Cheaper pillows tend to be bulkier because they use foam or soft padding, which also makes them more durable over time and offers greater long-term value.
From bulky car-camping options to ultralight backpacking designs, pillows are a relatively friendly gear class on your bank account. Credit: Zach Lovell
For its performance and low price point, we like the Therm-a-Rest Compressible, which offers a great cushion for anyone who doesn't need something ultralight or ultra-packable. Made of foam and fabric, it's simple and has few moving parts. Although not as well-made, we also think the Teton Sports Pillow brings a fair amount of value to the table, considering both its price and decent comfort.
The Trekology Aluft 2.0 is another really well-priced option, especially if you want backpacking-focused features. If you want at-home comfort, a model like the Klymit Drift offers great value. It even has a handy pillowcase that can be switched from a protective shell for travel to soft cotton for sleeping.
The Drift might be a favorite for close-to-the-car camping, but it won't damage your bank account too much. Credit: Zach Lovell
One of our pricier options is the HEST Camp Pillow. It's one of the largest pillows in the review and uses a reversible packing system that puts a durable fabric on the outside during travel. That durability increases the pillow's value, and since it doesn't use air inflation, there's no risk of it popping.
The HEST is pricey, but some might find its durability worth the extra money. Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfort
Put simply, this test rates the ahhhhh effect a pillow provides. For car campers, this is the most important criterion for selecting a pillow, and a strong consideration for backpackers, too. However, weight obviously has to take precedence when you're carrying everything on your back. If you aren't comfortable, the likelihood of quality sleep decreases, along with probable harm to your next-day energy. Pillow type, shape, contouring, size, and the fabric of the outer shell are all factors that play into the comfort of a pillow.
If comfort is a priority, the Klymit Drift and the HEST Camp Pillow, in size large, should be put at the top of your list. Both are only meant for camping in or near your vehicle since they're bulky and heavy, but they both feel similar to the pillows that live at home. The Hest leans on a larger size and a softer construction, though you can email the company to get extra shredded memory foam for free to make it firmer.
The HEST is a downright gigantic pillow in the world of car-camping and is very soft, offering as much comfort as an at-home pillow. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Klymit Drift is a bit smaller than the HEST and comes with a ton of shredded memory foam stuffing, making it firmer out of the box. Simply remove that foam to adjust how soft it feels, but we couldn't determine if Klymit also offers free pillow stuffing.
The Klymit Drift uses shredded memory foam to provide plenty of cushioning. To make it softer, simply remove some of the filling. Credit: Zach Lovell
To achieve higher comfort with minimal packed size, hybrid models combine an air chamber with a compressible top layer. We think the Nemo Fillo is one of the best at walking this tightrope between comfort and compressibility. Among the inflatables, the Klymit Luxe is fairly comfortable. The quilted polyester shell combines with a rubber-based inflatable bladder to create a spacious surface that conforms effectively to different sleepers' needs and gives the product a great face feel.
Stretching out in the West Deserts of Utah. The Fillo is perfect for sleeping or lounging. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Sea to Summit Aeros Down and the Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down are both topped with a quilted layer of down. We found both offered a noticeable added comfort, resulting in above-average scores for this metric. As inflatable pillows, each goes a long way and is much more comfortable than many other super lightweight inflatable pillows.
The Sea to Summit Aeros Down was the perfect lightweight, comfortable option during a multi-day backpacking trip in the Tetons.
The Rumpl Stuffable Fleece also did well in this category. The Rumpl is unique because it uses your own clothes, jackets, socks, or hoodies as stuffing. Because the stuffing can vary, we had a little trouble assessing its true comfort. However, with careful and strategic stuffing of the sleeve, it can provide above-average comfort, and you don't have to worry about popping it.
For the price, the Teton Sports Pillow offers a decent amount of comfort. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Weight
The weight of your pillow matters if you plan to carry it in your pack on long-distance backpacking excursions. Shorter backpacking trips lasting a handful of days may allow some leniency, and this metric shouldn't matter at all to car campers. We used our scale to measure each pillow, including the stuff sack. We aimed to identify the pillow that best balances comfort and weight.
The inflatable pillows we tested weigh much less than their hybrid and compressible counterparts. Easily crushing the competition, the Sea to Summit Aeros Down has the lowest measured weight in our lineup at 2.6 ounces. However, the Nemo Fillo Elite comes close at exactly 3 ounces, and the regular Aeros Premium is almost as light at 3.1 ounces. The Nemo Fillo Elite offers more comfort and support than we expected for its lower weight, on par with the Sea to Summit Aeros (non-down version).
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium has one of the lightest weights of all the pillows (3.1 ounces) which is why it's our fave backpacking model. Credit: Jason Wanlass
One of our favorites for performance-to-weight was the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight (in size large), which weighs only 2.9 ounces but offers a 5-inch-thick pillow once inflated. It became a pillow our testers could always bring along, even if the backpacking plan included miles of hiking between campsites.
The Aeros Ultralight gifts tons of inflated pillow real estate despite only weighing 2.9 ounces. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Wise Owl Outfitters Memory Foam isn't the lightest pillow out there, at 16.2 oz, but it's great if you're sticking close to the car. The HEST Camp Pillow (51 oz) and the Klymit Drift (34.6 oz) were our heaviest models. Fortunately, these are not intended for backpacking.
The HEST weighs over 3 pounds, making it one of the heavier camping pillows we've yet tested. Credit: Zach Lovell
Packability
Some campers look for campsites that are a few miles (or further) from the car, while others only need to carry their camping equipment a few feet. Whether you're a backpacker or someone who likes to camp close to the car, packability will have a varying degree of importance in your next camping pillow. We simply measured the packed dimensions of each model and compared our findings.
In this test, we measured each product's volume in its packed form. Packing down to just 0.4 liters are the Aeros, Aeros Down, Fillo Elite, and the Hikenture. Even though the Aeros Down includes a top layer of down, it packs up to almost the same size as the regular Aeros. Other top performers were the Trekology Aluft at 0.5 liters and the Cocoon Air-Core Hood and Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down at 0.6 liters. We were also very pleased with the packed size of the Rumpl Stuffable Pillowcase at 0.7 liters, but if you have to bring extra clothes just to stuff your pillow, the packed size benefits disappear.
Packed size on display. The Hest Pillow is on the far left, while the Sea to Summit Aeros Down on the far right. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight is also very packable, despite its large inflated size. One of our testers logged an entire Himalayan expedition with this pillow and was happy with it for over a month.
It's hard to believe a pillow this large fits into such a small stuff sack, but the Aeros Ultralight is truly incredible. Credit: Zach Lovell
Models with compressible fill can be made smaller by using a compression sack. We like to stuff them inside our sleeping bag compression sacks for simplicity and optimal packability.
Support
Here we rate how much loft each pillow provides and how firm it remains from sunup to sundown. A pillow can be soft and comfortable but still not provide enough support to keep you ache-free the next day. Likewise, some inflatable pillows can provide ample support but not comfortable support. Your preferred sleeping position affects how much support you need. In general, stomach sleepers need a flatter cushion with less support, while side sleepers need a thicker, more supportive pillow to keep the spine aligned. Back sleepers tend to prefer support somewhere in the middle. Matching support to your sleeping habits is the best way to wake up feeling fresh and minimize the risk of neck or back pain.
One of the most supportive pillows was the Klymit Drift, thanks to a well-stuffed filling made of shredded memory foam and gel fiber. Some might find this pillow a bit too firm, but you can simply remove the filling to your desired level of support/cushion. Some of our testers even ended up using the Drift full-time at home, sharing, “It had a better balance of support and cushion than the pillow I was using.”
The Drift, pictured in the front of the photo, rivals the support found in some of our testers' at-home pillows. Credit: Zach Lovell
Inflatable and hybrid pillows like the Nemo Fillo aren't always as luxurious, but they do often provide great support. Moreover, inflatables offer a range of support preferences because users can control the amount of air inside the pillow. We also really like the varied support of the Sea to Summit Aeros, which has a lower and higher end.
The Nemo Fillo has a layered support system.
We were very pleased with the support provided by the Rumpl Stuffable. When you get the right combination of spare clothing (one of our favorite combos was a pair of pants wrapped in a fleece or down jacket), the support is substantial and impressive. But if all your clothes are wet, or if you're wearing all your extra clothes for warmth, you'll find support and comfort coming up short. Of the ultralight pillows we tested, the Sea to Summit Aeros and Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down offer the most comfortable support. Our favorites, though, are the Nemo Fillo and Hest Pillow, which offer nearly the same support as a regular home pillow.
Lounging on our Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down Pillow at camp. It provides comfortable support. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Many of the compressible pillows fared very well in this test. The Hest takes top honors, but the Wise Owl Memory Foam and Therm-a-Rest Compressible are also excellent.
If you prefer a softer, flatter pillow, that's okay. Look for a product that earned a lower score in our support metric.
Ease of Use
When you get to camp, you shouldn't have to struggle to keep your head cushion in place during the night. Likewise, your pillow should deploy quickly and pack and unpack with ease. Lastly, your pillow should be a breeze to wash and dry. We considered a myriad of features related to how easy each pillow is to use. For simplicity's sake, we preferred pillows with attached stuff sacks. Searching for a misplaced stuff sack while packing up camp is less than desirable.
Between dirt, dogs, and drool, cleaning your pillow will eventually be necessary. The Teton Sports Pillow is a cinch to clean; just remove the pillowcase and toss it in the wash. The Klymit Drift and HEST Camp Pillow also come with a machine-washable, removable pillowcase for easy cleaning. Models like the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Cinch can be thrown into the washer and dryer as is, which is super convenient. Some models (like the Aeros) are trickier to clean because the manufacturer advises against using a washing machine. We found the inflatable pillows the easiest to clean because a simple wipe-down usually does the trick.
The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Cinch is one of the easiest pillows to setup and use. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Inflating a pillow adds another step to the setup, but we don't think it's a big deal. Our favorite valve systems are found on the Nemo Fillo and Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down. Fine-tuning micro-units of air is an absolute breeze with the very effective twist valves on these models. Pillows like the Sea to Summit Aeros and its sibling, the Aeros Down, employ wide-mouth, flat valves, allowing for quick inflation and rapid deflation but a little less control when fine-tuning.
We inflated our Sea to Summit Aeros Premium in just two breaths. It's two-way valve makes it easy to inflate, deflate, and adjust. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight was also easy to inflate, deflate, and pack away, thanks to its lack of padding, which made folding/stuffing a breeze. The one-way valve was great for inflating at altitude, so we could take our time blowing it up, but the deflation valve lets all the air out at once, so it's harder to soften the pillow after it's been inflated.
This incredibly packable model expands to become a large inflated pillow in under a minute. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Klymit Drift has a great pillowcase design that provides the water and dirt protection you need when traveling, but it can be easily converted to its jersey cotton side for sleeping. It doesn't have much compression, but for car camping, we loved not having to inflate the pillow.
The Klymit Drift's pillowcase can be converted from a protective shell for travel to a soft cotton cover for sleeping. Credit: Zach Lovell
Also in the heavyweight class, the HEST Camp Pillow can actually be compressed and flipped inside out to keep it clean. It does require a slight bit of wrestling, but we appreciated hw much smaller the HEST could get.
The HEST is simply turned outside-in to pack it up. Credit: Zach Lovell
A Few Things to Consider Before Buying a Camping Pillow
Do you stick to campgrounds or do you like to go off-grid for high adventure? How you spend your time in the outdoors is a key factor in what type of pillow you should buy. Unlike backpacking pillows, car-camping pillows are not subject to weight or size restrictions. They also tend to be more comfortable. Conversely, the pillow you want for your next rafting trip or wall climb should be lightweight and small when packed. As a rule of thumb, the farther off-grid you plan to go, the smaller and lighter the pillow should be.
Do you lie on your back when you catch some zzzzs or are you a stomach sleeper? If you're either type, a thinner pillow may be more comfortable. However, many sleepers lie on their sides at night, which requires a pillow with more loft to keep the head and spine level. Finding a pillow with adjustable loft is key if you want the most versatile option.
There are three types of camping pillows: inflatables, compressibles, and hybrids. Inflatables are exactly what they sound like. They use an air bladder that you inflate. These pillows tend to be the lightest, but not necessarily the most comfortable. A compressible pillow is similar to a standard bed pillow. It consists of a fabric exterior filled with foam or polyester. These pillows do not use air for their loft. They are the most comfortable (but not necessarily the most supportive) and are called compressible because they need to be compressed to fit into their stuff sacks. A hybrid is generally a cross between an inflatable and a compressible pillow. Hybrids generally have an air bladder that is surrounded by additional batting or padding. Hybrids are heavier than standard inflatable pillows, but offer more support than a compressible pillow.
Other Notable Pillows We Tested
The Trekology Aluft 2.0 uses an entirely new, proprietary air valve to add and release air. It also employs a textured underside, which does a noticeable job of keeping the pillow in place. The strap loops around any sleeping pad and is designed to keep the pillow from moving while you sleep. It's also ergonomically shaped, with a curved top that fits most mummy hoods. The extra strap and more complex air valve add half an ounce or more of weight, which some serious backpackers may take exception to. The fabrics, overall design, and quality are similar to many other brands, so the Aluft doesn't stand out much in these areas.
At 5.6 ounces, the Hikenture could be a decent backpacking pillow for two- to three-day trips. It has just under 5 inches of thickness when inflated, so it's ideal for side sleepers, but it can get pretty uncomfortable for stomach sleepers, as we found out when we woke up with a neck cramp after using it for one night. The best thing about this pillow is its strap, which held on tight to our inflatable sleeping pad even when we moved around throughout the night. But features aside, this pillow doesn't offer much comfort.
Chillin' in the crisp October air on our Teton Sports Pillow. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Conclusion
Choosing a pillow that best suits your camping or backpacking needs and sleeping style is subjective. Focus on high-scoring products in the metrics that matter most to you, rather than overall scores. After all, selecting the right one will improve the quality of your rest, reduce aches and pains, and enhance the experience of overnighting outside. We hope this review helps you choose a pillow that keeps you happy on after-hours adventures at campsites and in the backcountry.
