Best Backpacking Pillow

Going out for a backpacking trip is a good way to see the natural world, but it isn’t always the most comfortable adventure. Even though your goal was to get into nature between the hard ground that you will have to sleep on and the winds, cold, rain, or heat that you may have to deal with, you might start missing some of the luxuries of home.

However, if you take a backpacking pillow with you, you will feel a little bit more at home even while you are away. Having the best backpacking pillow makes a difference in your overall comfort level and can make your trip into the wilderness a little more enjoyable without taking up too much space or weight in your pack.

We have taken the time to find and review some of the top choices around to give you the best choices to pick from. This will help you find the best option for you right away without needing to shop around yourself, and instead you can get started on your backpacking trip.

Backpacking Pillow Reviews

 

TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflating Travel/Camping Pillow

Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 

The TREKOLOGY camping pillow is an ideal choice for backpackers because of the compact nature of the build that is inflatable and folds up into a small carrying case that is easy to store in your pack whenever you are on the move.

The design of this pillow is ergonomic and features padding in the right areas that allow you to lay in any position comfortably. Whether you like sleeping on your stomach, back, or sides you will be able to find a comfy spot to stay in.

This pillow also comes with extra support for your back. This may allow those with back pain to sleep a little more comfortably. The material makes the item durable and the TPU fabric allows for good waterproofing so that it won’t be ruined if it gets wet from the rain or from being thrown into the water.

No matter where you go, this pillow will be a great option to take with you.

 

TETON Sports Camp Pillow; Great for Travel, Camping, and Backpacking

Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 

The TETON backpacking pillow is a great option for backpacking because it is a small pillow that can be kept in a carrying case that is included with your purchase. The plaid fabric fits with most camping gear and will feel soft and comfy while away from home. The fabric cover can be taken off and washed separately if needed.

This pillow is not inflatable, so you don’t have to do anything to it before going to bed. The pillow will roll up to fit into the bag, but it will fluff up by itself when you take it out. Just fluff it up a bit before laying it down and you will be able to get a great night’s sleep.

Unlike other options, this particular pillow comes with an extra soft feel that allows you to sink into it as you sleep for those who like a very soft bed and pillow. It is also made to fit into TETON sleeping bags, so you can get one that matches and is the same firmness.

 

WELLAX Ultralight Camping Pillow, Compressible, Inflatable, Ergonomic Pillow

Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 

The WELLAX backpacking pillow is an inflatable pillow that can be taken along with you on many different types of trips – hiking, camping, or even flying. The pillow easily inflates with just a few breaths of air so you don’t have to take another item to inflate it with, which allows you to keep your pack light while you are traveling.

When you wake up and are ready to start hiking again, you can easily pop open the valve and let all the air out for quick and easy deflation. This pillow also comes with a design that allows your neck to have extra support as you sleep, which will allow for a better night’s sleep and alleviate some of that morning stiff feeling.

The material on the backside of the pillow is different from the material on the front, which is soft and cozy. The other material is made to be slip-resistant and won’t allow the pillow to slide out from under your head in the middle of the night.

 

Inflatable Camping Rest-A-Camp Travel Pillow Ultralight - Best Compact Backpacking Pillow

Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 

The Rest-A-Camp pillow is an inflatable camping pillow that comes in dozens of different colors and patterns so that you can customize the one you want to match your other gear.

This option is inflatable and can be filled with air using only your breath. You will only need to use a few deep breaths to fill the entire pillow. This takes away the need for a machine to inflate it to be kept in your bag, which could add more weight to your pack.

This backpacking pillow also comes with a compact carrying case that the whole pillow will fit into when you are not using it. Just fold up the flattened pillow and stuff it in the case before tossing it into your backpack and you can go on your way within minutes.

 

SUNYAO Ultralight Camping Pillows Inflatable, Comfortable, Ergonomic Pillow

Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 

The SUNYAO camping pillow is an ideal choice for backpackers because of the compact size and lightweight build. This allows it to easily be put into a bag and placed in your pack. The lightweight build also keeps it from weighing your pack down and making it too heavy to carry on a long trip.

This backpacking pillow has a special design that gives added support to your neck and back if you have some pain at night. This will allow you to wake up with less stiffness and pain even when sleeping on harder ground.

This pillow is inflated by mouth but comes with a Quick Deflate feature that allows you to release all of the air in the pillow in just a few seconds when you need to get going. It is also a multi-functional option that can be used for indoor and outdoor use, which is great for travelers who like to have multifunctional gear.

Backpacking Pillow Buyer’s Guide

If you are in the market for a new backpacking pillow for your next hiking or camping trip, you want to get the best option you can. This can be harder to find than you think, but with the options that we have reviewed above, we hope it has been made a little easier.

However, to find the perfect option for you, you should consider a few things before you make a decision as you look at the ones above.

Inflatable or Fixed

An inflatable backpacking pillow is a great option for many travelers because they offer a firm option that will keep them farther off the ground while also giving their neck and backs some padding. However, these can often be a bit too firm for those who like very soft pillows.

So, depending on which pillows you like the best, you will want to decide if you would rather have an inflatable option or one that is foldable but doesn’t need to be inflated to use.

Lumbar Support

Many pillows now come with some sort of back support for those who need it, but not all backpacking pillows will. This is because they are the simplest pillows that you can get, and are made to be portable and durable for outdoor use.

If you are someone who wants to have that added support, then you need to look for a pillow that has padding and lumbar support for your back that will help to keep you from hurting in the morning.

Backpacking Pillows FAQ

Q: How do you inflate a backpacking pillow when you are on a hike? Do I need a bike pump?

A: No, you will not need to bring a pump of any kind. Instead, these inflatable pillows just need you to breathe into them to blow them up to their full size.

Q: Are all backpacking pillows for outdoor use?

A: Not necessarily. Some are made for outdoor and indoor use, but not all. Some are made to take with you while you travel but are designed to be in a tent and sleeping bag. These will not be useful in outdoor conditions.

Summary

Getting to go on a long hike or camping trip can be exciting, but if you don’t have the right equipment, then you will likely run into some issues while you’re gone. Having the best backpacking pillow will aid you in being comfortable on your trip and getting enough sleep.

Whether you want a soft option that will fold up into a bag or you are searching for an inflatable option that you can deflate and toss into your pack, you can find a choice that works for you on our list.