As someone who wanderlust and loves explore, I needed the best backpacking pillow to make sure I'm comfortable wherever! This goes especially when I'm hiking or backpacking around various countries. Why? I know hostel pillows or sleeping bags don't give me enough support!
If you're like me, then read on as I show you my five top choices!
Product Comparison Table
Top 5 Best Backpacking Pillow Review
After doing a ton of research, tests, and checked out the customer reviews, these are my top five backpacking pillows reviews:
What I love most about the Trekology Pillow is that it's one of the most lightweight ones I've ever tried! It doesn't even feel like I'm carrying anything when bringing this around in my pack. It holds minimal space and weight, best for when I'm going on long hikes.
Although the pillow isn't the most comfortable, it supports and cradles the head and neck well with its design. Instead of having a hard time sleeping when hiking, I'm able to drift off quicker and wake up without neck or shoulder pain!
Plus, I appreciate that it's very enduring. When I received it and began testing it out, I could see that it's built to last regardless of where you place it and the weather.
Using and packing it is straightforward, only taking three to five breaths before it inflates! Deflating takes a few seconds and fold it up and place it in a small pocket of your backpack. It's that small and lightweight.
From its excellent quality down to its relaxed feeling, I can say it's worth. It's made best for backpackers who need something small and light but still keep comfort in mind.
- Very lightweight and small to fit in backpack pockets
- Great support to lessen ache and relieve pressure
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Made of long-lasting materials built to last
- Doesn’t have the most comfortable
- Difficult to open the valve during low temperature
If air pillows aren't for you, then I recommend the Therm-a-Rest Pillow.
What makes this a fantastic choice for a compressible pillow is its lightweight properties. But, it's still is very comfortable and auxiliary.
It's one of the most lightweight compressing pillows I've tried, packing down efficiently to suit with my backpack. It isn't like an inflatable version, but it does well in wrapping small enough to conform without it bulking in my luggage.
The pillow is blowed up to a four-inch pillow, which is at a right size to befit my head. I love its soft filling, which makes it comfortable to use wherever I go. Whether I'm on the plane, car rides, hiking, or even in bed and in the office, this gives me the great nap and night of sleep compared to others I've tested!
It's also nice durable and doesn't flatten out while you use it. The material squeeze as well as it expands, which makes it's perdurable and long-lasting.
Because it's lightweight yet still is big enough to cover you, I can say it's
well-earned. I highly suggest it for those who would like to get more comfortable without having a large pillow to put in their pack.
- Soft filling for good comfort
- Lightweight for a compressible pillow
- Easily air pump and compactes to save space
- Very sturdy and long-lasting
- A tedious task to dry it out (takes a few hours)
- Senses a bit abrasive to the skin
For those who want something compact and very economical, then the CHANODUG Camping Pillow is your best bet. Not only do I admire it for its low-priced, but also the fact that it's so easy to bring around when on trips!
The pillow comes with a bag and only uses a few inches of space, weighing less than a can of soda. And when inflated, it's able to cover both your head and neck, providing superior support when sleeping away from your house.
Inflating it only needs three to five breaths. Deflating is less than two minutes before packing it back in and place it in a small pocket of your backpack. The entire process only takes a few mins, and you're able to be comfort anytime, anywhere!
Sure, it isn't the most comfortable and not like a memory foam pillow. But distinguished to sleeping on the grounds or without one, you'll enjoy even better and rest all night without waking up erratically.
- Pillow comes at an affordable cost
- Feels comfortable for an air pillow
- Occupies very little space but inflates to a sizable pillow
- Slip-resistant and doesn’t slide when you lie down
- The valve can be a little difficult to open sometimes
- Not the most permanent and might start leaking after a year
For an inflatable pillow, the Nemo Fillo might seem comparatively pricey. But if you're looking for something that's both compact and extremely comfortable, then it will be the appropriate investment.
This pillow is made of luxury foam and has air insulation, which makes it alterable to how high and firm you want it to be. That way, it's suitable for ALL types of sleeping positions and wherever you go. It seems soft and supported, and I've had great nights of sleep with the pillow, especially since it has a plush cover to go with it.
I commend the fact that it's got all the features I need in one trip pillows. This product is light and compact, only weighing nine ounces and can pack tinier than your bottle. It's also easy to wash and machine-washable, including the cover
All in all, it's meritorious because it's long-lasting and you don't scrimp on its support and comfort. Furthermore, any type of traveler can use this, from long
flight time to equally tedious hikes
For those who can use relatively more and are always on-the-go, this product is the one for you.
- Strong and can last long of traveling
- Soft and comfortable, with a suede cover
- Made of foam and flexible for your preferred firmness
- Comes at expensive
- There’s a bit of a sound when you move your head
The Coop Home Goods Pillow probably provides comfort and support. That's because it's made of memory foam and is adjustable and compressible to your liking!
It definitely likes my daily pillow, because it's made of the most quality materials. I was amazed that backpacking pillows can enjoy this comfortable! All the while coming at a size that covers my whole head and neck, providing adequate support regardless of where I'm sleeping.
The pillow also compresses well and save up on space. It isn't as small and lightweight as the air pillow and is slightly heavier than most compressing pillows. BUT, if you're one who prioritizes luxury and has enough space in your backpack or luggage, then this is a good buy.
I also appreciate that it's made of bamboo-derived cover, which sleeps coolly. That way, it's made for any type of weather, and I can sleep straight without worrying about heat and soreness!
- Relieves pressure while keeping you comfy when sleeping
- Feels like your home pillow, cooling and hypoallergenic
- Comes with a soft and lasting cover for extra comfort
- Perfect quality product to last for any type of travels
- Heavy for backpackers and occupies more space
- Kind of difficulting to stuff in its casing
The Difference Between Backpacking Pillows and Every Day Pillows
The main distinctness between both backpacking and the everyday pillow is its portability. These are usually inflatable or compressible pillow, fitting inside your bag without taking up too much space or weight.
Compared to the more large and less portable normal pillows, these camping pillows feel less fancy. But, it still provides suitable support and comfort to relieve pain. The pillow offers comfort while sleeping outside or uncomfortable airplane rides.
These pillows are for the simple backpacker who needs something quite more comfort. All the while sleeping without lugging the usual ones used in your house!
The Types of Camping Pillows
There are different kinds of pillows to choose from. Each of these has distinct advantages based on your preference and needs:
1
Compressible Pillows
These are the pillows you can compare to the ones you have at home (but not as deluxe and big). They're usually made of synthetic fillings and come in various shapes and fabrics for better comfort. You can also use this as a travel pillows.
Pros
Cons
2
Inflatable Pillows
These pillows are the lightest and most comfortable pillows to carry along. These either inflate on its own or need a few blow before you can begin using it.
Pros
Cons
3
Hybrid Pillows
A hybrid pillow is a combination of both the compressible an inflatable version. It has the internal air bladder and a full outer layer. That way, it can be packed smaller than the compressing pillow but is still more convenient and comfy than the air one.
Pros
Cons
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Camping Pillow?
There are some things you need to check before you looking at the more technical parts of the product. Here are some important factors to consider when doing so:
What's Your Sleeping Posture?
You'll be able to figure out the best loft depend on how you sleep.
Space You'll Be Sleeping In
Look into how much space you have in your backpack, as well as the area you'll usually sleep on. You might need something more minor and comfortable to pack if you're always outdoors and have limited space. But if you're on a jet or car, then a larger one that covers your head and nape may be more preferred.
Furthermore, who will be using it? If you need a travel pillow for kids, something of a smaller size can work!
What's Your Budget?
Consider how much you're willing to spend for the backpacking pillows. These products have a price range between $30 to $80, so find the middle and see what you can afford so you can begin doing your search!
How to Choose the Camp Pillow?
You already figured out how and where you sleep, as well as how much you can shell out for a pillow. Now, what are the things you need to consider on the best camping pillow? Here are the guide on how to select an option for your next travels:
Weight
Weight is a little essential for many people when packing, especially if there's a weight limit or they'll bear the pillow to hikes!
If you want something ultra lightweight, then go for an inflatable or hybrid pillow. But if it's for car or train rides, or for the hotel, then a compressible product will do fine.
Shape
There are two major shapes a backpacking pillow has:
The u-shaped are more common for air pillows, which cradles the head and nape.
If you're more accustomed to the traditional shape to cover your head, neck, and part of your shoulders, then a square-shaped pillow is best for you.
Size and Packability
If you usually don't have much space in your luggage or backpack, then you'll need something small and foldable, like the air pillow.
For those who want something slightly bigger to fit their head (though not foldable), then a compressible pillow is best.
Durability
Your pillow will experience a lot of tention and movement, may it be from the climate to weight. That's why it's important to find one that's easy to maintain and made with the wonderful material to last for years of traveling.
Tips on Caring and Maintenance
Now that you're equipped with what you need to know about the camping pillows, how can you care for it? Follow these steps below:
Wrapping it Up
If you're always want to journey on a budget, then backpacking is the way to do it! With the best camping pillow you can take around, you'll be able to sleep comfortably. No more waking up with strains because of using the inexpensive and lousy pillow.
Of all the products I tried and tested, I believe that the Trekology Pillow is the best one. It isn't only compact and inflatable, but I love how comfortable it is, coming at the right size that fits my head AND bag!
Sure, it isn't the luxurious memory foam pillow you expect, but it's also pretty satisfying. It keeps my neck aligned with my spine. That way, it frees more injury compare to sleeping on cheap hostel pillows or on the cold land. With all the features, it's become my favorite travel buddy whenever I'm backpacking!
- Small in Size - Big on Comfort! This is the most compact & lightweight inflatable camp pillow on the market – folds down to 5x2 inches, smaller than a soda can! Inflates to a comfortable pillow for...
- Newly Designed with Your Ultimate Comfort in Mind - Improved Ergonomic Design with Enhanced neck support for a restful night’s sleep! The Dreamer Comfort Air Pillow is ideal for back, side and...
- Now More Durable Than Ever! Enhanced design with added layers for head support that is constructed from highly durable elastic TPU fabric that boasts water resistance. So, whether sleeping under the...
- Ease Of Use! With the simple click of a button, Inflate pillow by mouth with approximately 3-5 breaths. Once you are done you can conveniently deflate the pillow with the Quick Deflate feature which...
- Sleep Without Worry with Our Propitiatory Slip-Resistant Design - No more slipping off your pillow in the middle of the night! The Dreamer Comfort pillow back is made up of a slip resistant material...
Hopefully, this guide on the best backpacking pillow helped you find what to buy. So don't wait any longer and check any of these products out for your next trip now!
Got any questions or want to share your sleeping experiences when backpacking? Then comment below! I would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations.