Are you looking for a new pillow for your next backpacking trip?
Check out our top picks for the best backpacking pillows and find out why we chose them. We’ve got something for everyone, from ultralight options to those that are extra comfy.
Find the perfect pillow for your needs and prepare for a good night’s sleep on your next backpacking trip!
How We Search For The Best Choice
Choosing the right pillow for your next backpacking trip can be difficult.
You want to ensure you get a good night's sleep on your trip, but you don't want to carry a heavy pillow.
We have read through thousands of reviews to find the best lightweight pillows for your next backpacking adventure, so you can choose the one that is best for you.
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
Made with shredded memory foam, this lightweight backpacking pillow is both soft and supportive, making it perfect for a good night's sleep in the great outdoors.
The durable reversible shell easily morphs from a travel-friendly cover to a soft, clean sleep surface, making it ideal for campers and travelers alike. So why not give yourself the gift of a good night's sleep on your next camping trip?
Things That Are Good To Know
The pillow is 95% polyester and 5% cotton for a comfortable night's sleep, with a water-resistant outer shell that is easy to clean. The soft Jersey cotton inner pillowcase promotes sound sleep, and the shredded foam pillow provides the perfect balance of support and comfort.
The pillow packs down small for your next adventure but expands to nearly full size when you're ready for bed.
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
Do you love spending time outdoors but hate lugging around a bulky pillow? If so, the Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow is perfect for you! This pillow is extremely lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great choice for backpacking trips.
And when it’s time to set up camp for the night, inflate the pillow and enjoy a good night’s sleep. The comfortable fabric and ergonomic design will make sure you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on another day of adventure.
Things That Are Good To Know
The Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow is a small, lightweight, and comfortable pillow that can be easily carried in your backpack or pocket. The pillow is made of a highly durable elastic TPU fabric that is water resistant. The new Dot and Latch design prevent the pillow from slipping off in the middle of the night.
The Ergonomic Design provides superior neck and back support while you travel - sleep like at home. With the simple click of a button, you can inflate or deflate the pillow to your personal sleep preference.
Whether you're car camping with family or backpacking through Europe, the Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow will provide you with the comfort and support you need to get a good night's sleep.
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow is a great option if you're looking for a supportive, comfortable, and compact pillow. It comes in three different sizes so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
And it's made with a soft, luxurious fabric that will make you feel like you're sleeping on a cloud. The pillow can be easily compressed into a small carrying case when you're not using it. So it's perfect for camping, travel, or any time when space is at a premium. But don't let its small size fool you: this pillow provides plenty of cushioning and support to help you get a good night's sleep.
Things That Are Good To Know
The Thermarest Ultralight Compressible Travel Pillow is a soft, foam-filled pillow that packs down small, making it ideal for road trips, plane travel, camping, and backpacking. The pillow expands to 4 inches thick for head-, neck-, and back support.
The compact design packs into a backpack, duffle, suitcase, or tote; the drawstring and cord lock keep the pillow securely compressed when not in use. The pillow measures 14 x 18 x 4 inches (14 x 5 x 6 inches compressed) and weighs 9 ounces.
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
This durable, inflatable pillow provides perfect support for your head and neck, whether you're sleeping in a tent or under the stars. Plus, the removable and washable cover means you can always keep it clean and fresh.
Whether you're an experienced camper or a first-timer, the Hikenture Camping Pillow is a must-have for a comfortable night's sleep outdoors or on your next backpacking adventure.
Things That Are Good To Know
The Hikenture Camping Pillow has been designed with the camping enthusiast in mind. The pillow has been upgraded to prevent air leaks and is made with a separate bladder from thickened TPU material. This makes it both durable and comfortable. The pillowcase is skin-friendly, breathable, and soft, and the inner woven polyester layer adds extra comfort.
The blow-up pillow is also designed for ultimate comfort in multiple positions and can be inflated with just one button click. Additionally, the detachable elastic strap on the back of the pillow keeps it securely in place while you sleep.
When packed down, the ultralight portable neck pillow takes up very little space and can easily be carried with you on your travels. Whether you're an experienced camper or just getting started, the Hikenture Camping Pillow is a great choice for a comfortable night's sleep outdoors.
Best Budget-Friendly Choice
Camping Pillow, AllynX Ultralight Inflatable Compact Pillow
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
If you are looking for a camping pillow that is both compact and lightweight, then the AllynX Ultralight Inflatable Compact Pillow is the perfect choice for you. This budget-friendly pillow is made of high-quality materials, so you can be sure that it will provide you with a comfortable night’s sleep. It is also easy to inflate and deflate, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Things That Are Good To Know
The AllynX Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow is the perfect pillow for any camper or backpacker. This pillow inflates to a generous 16 x 12 x 4 inches in just 3-5 breaths (approx.) and deflates in seconds by opening the valve.
The unique technology allows you to adjust the firmness to your personal sleep preference. This pillow also folds down to 5x2 inches, is smaller than a soda can, and weighs only 3.9oz (110g), making it the most compact and lightweight inflatable camp pillow on the market.
The ergonomic design provides neck and lumbar support and is ideal for back, side, and stomach sleepers. The AllynX Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow is the perfect travel mate for any adventure!
Best Backpacking Pillows FAQ
Not all backpacking pillows are created equal! There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best one for you.
We have put together this FAQ section so that you can arm yourself with the knowledge you need before making your purchase.
What to use as a pillow when backpacking?
When backpacking, an inflatable pillow or one made of memory foam are both good options. An inflatable pillow is lightweight and takes up very little space in your backpack, while a memory foam pillow is more comfortable but can be a bit heavier and take up more space.
Do you bring a pillow backpacking?
Many people enjoy the added comfort and support of a pillow while backpacking; others find that it's unnecessary or even adds extra weight and bulk to their pack.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Suppose you're not sure if you'll need or want a pillow while backpacking, it might be worth bringing one along so you can test it out and see how you like it.
Are inflatable pillows comfortable?
Yes, inflatable pillows are more comfortable than no pillow at all, but they're not as comfortable as a good old-fashioned down pillow.
The main advantage of an inflatable pillow is that it's the lightest pillow and the easiest to pack in your luggage that you can find. But if you're looking for the most comfortable sleep experience possible, you're better off bringing your favorite pillow from home.
Are backpacking pillows machine washable?
It depends on the pillow. Most backpacking pillows are machine washable, but there are a few that aren't. Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions before you wash it.
Washing a backpacking pillow is pretty simple. Just place it in the washer with cold water and laundry detergent and let it cycle through. You can then either air dry it or put it in the dryer on low heat.
However, you'll want to avoid putting a backpacking pillow in the dryer if you have one of the down-filled models, as this could damage the feathers and make your pillow less effective.
How to make a pillow firmer without a washer/dryer?
There are a few ways to make a pillow firmer without using a washer or dryer. One way is to place the pillow in the freezer for a few hours. This will help to firm up the pillow and make it more comfortable to sleep on.
Another way is to put the pillow in the sun for a few hours. The heat from the sun will help to firm up the pillow. A third way is to use a vacuum cleaner to suck out some of the stuffing from inside the pillow. This will make it firmer and more comfortable to sleep on.
What is the most comfortable backpacking pillow?
There is no one perfect pillow for everyone, as comfort is subjective. However, we think the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow is a great option for most people. It's lightweight, easy to pack, and provides good support for the head and neck.
What other type of gear is good to bring when backpacking?
A good sleeping pad is key, as is a compressible pillow. A sleeping bag hood can be a real bonus, especially if it's cold out.
A sleeping pad helps keep you insulated and comfortable on the ground. It also helps protect you from the cold and dampness of the earth below. Compressible pillows are much more comfortable than using your backpack or jacket as a pillow, and they take up very little space in your pack. Sleeping bag hoods help keep your head and neck warm, which can be essential on cold nights.
What is a stuff sack pillow?
Stuff sack pillows are a type of pillow that is made from a lightweight, compressible fabric. It can be filled with various materials, such as down, feathers, or synthetic insulation.
An integrated stuff sack pillow is a great option for backpacking or camping because it is lightweight and easy to pack. It can also be used as a travel pillow or for extra padding when sleeping on hard surfaces.
The Best Backpacking Pillows For You?
So, what’s the best backpacking pillow for you? It depends on your needs and preferences. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite backpacking and camping pillows above and provided links to where you can check prices and read more reviews. Be sure to click on the buttons above to learn more about each option before making your final decision. Happy backpacking!
