Sleep is extremely important, especially when you’re out backpacking as you have likely spent the entire day hiking. That is why a decent backpacking pillow often times isn’t really considered a necessity. But rather a need.
Yes, there are always those who suggest you “Use a Stuff sack with some clothes”. But this method doesn’t always work that well, as typically you end up with weird offset lumps that can cause you to sleep with pressure spots throughout your face. To which you will feel the next morning.
Rather than simply suggesting that you use a Stuff sack Stuffed with your Down-Filled jacket that you have been wearing throughout the day. Instead, I prefer to go about this in a different way.
I’d like to provide you with all the options that you have in terms of backpacking pillows, along with what you want to look for in a backpacking pillow has weight and size can I have a large impact have the overall worthiness of the pillow.
Plus I will provide you some recommendations based on what other Backpackers like, along with what I prefer.
What do backpackers Typically Use For Pillows?
Well, when it comes to backpacking obviously weight and size plays a large part on whether or not most will take a specific item or not. Me personally I prefer to save as much space as I can for other much more needed gear when speaking in terms of a backpacking pillow versus say, food or other equally needed items.
However, if you have space, why not include a pillow as it will likely make your rest throughout the night much more rejuvenating.
But the beauty of backpacking is that often times even if you had don’t have space to bring a designated pillow with you, you can do like many, and use what you have.
Many Backpackers will use a simple stuff sack filled with clothing, or some spare clothes wrapped up in a ball. Not super comfortable, however, it gets the job done. Nonetheless, many experienced Backpackers have come to realize comfort is important. That is why many use a designated backpacking pillow.
But that doesn’t mean you have to use a designated backpacking pillow, as often times even the pros have to resort to using other items has pillows.
What Pillow Options Do Backpackers Have
As there are many different options in terms of backpacking pillows on the market today. Here I would like to zoom in on the overall build options you have in terms of backpacking pillows, as well as the pros and cons to each.
1) Stuff-able Backpacking Pillow
So by stuff-able, This is basically a pillowcase that you stuff items such as clothing, or things alike inside. Ideally soft materials. Kind of like the stuff sack idea that many of Backpackers like to use.
Only the difference here is typically the stuff-able pillowcases on the market have also been designed to have a little bit of its own padded layer inside the shell of the case.
The wonderful part about using a stuffable pillowcase for backpacking is the fact that these pillowcases will morphe down into a stuff sack about the size of your fist.
Obviously, this depends greatly on the manufacturer of the product as well as what the product was designed for. But typically these stuffable pillow case options will take up very little space.
Me personally, I’m not much of a fan of these as it can be quite difficult trying to get the proper amount of Loft. As I am a very picky sleeper.
But this an easy option for many and will get the job done. “Here” is one Listed on Amazon that is used by many backpackers. However, I Can’t really recommend it as I’ve never personally used it. But many have, and it seems to be a good option if you’re interested in it.
2) Inflatable Backpacking Pillow
Using air for a pillow is probably the best option most Backpackers have, or at least using a hybrid version like listed below. The major reasoning as to why inflatable pillows are so great is the fact that they require very little space! And typically they don’t weigh much at all.
However one of the major downsides to these inflatable pillows is that they tend to not provide very satisfying support if that makes sense? Basically, they don’t support your head like a regular filled pillow would, well they don’t feel like they support your head that way.
Nonetheless, it is very easy to overcome. And well, inflatable pillows are very easy to adjust. Many of them come with a simple twist valve that allows you to put air in, or let air out when needed. In order to adjust for the right comfort.
“Here” is an example of one listed on Amazon as well. But again I can’t recommend it personally, as I have never used it. But many have and they tend to like this one over the others. This is One I’ll Probably likely get in the future, as I have heard the best things about it from the rest the backpacking community.
Now, to keep in mind when it comes to inflatable backpacking pillows. I worry that you may be thinking by inflatable, that means you’re basically sleeping on a balloon. But this isn’t the case, as typically these pillows come with some sort of insulating layer between the outside of the pillow and the inner air bladder.
But that doesn’t that all inflatable pillows are equipped with an insulating liner, as I have seen a few that basically looks like a balloon that is shaped like a pillow. Even so much so that it is see-through, and could easily be punctured…
But the idea of an inflatable pillow is not quite to that extent, at least in most cases.
3) Filled Backpacking Pillow
In my opinion, pillows that are filled from the factory typically aren’t the best her backpacking. As they tend to weigh a lot more and are much bulkier which requires more space use inside your pack.
However, they are typically Quite Comfortable. So I mean, if you can afford the space use filled pillows are probably a decent option as well.
By filled pillows I mean, pillows that are filled from the factory with some sort of insulation in order to give it it’s Loft. Typically these are pretty good for camping as they come with a stuff sack for storage, and weight isn’t much of an issue. But they do tend to weigh a lot and take up a lot of space that is why they are not very ideal for backpacking.
4) Backpacking Pillow Hybrids
Now some pillow manufacturers out there are starting to basically create hybrids of the pillow fill and insulation options listed above. I called them hybrids because they use multiple options in order to achieve Loft.
4.1) Filled & Inflatable
Filled and inflatable, best basically combines the two insulating factors. Typically these pillows will be layered like so: First, you have the outside shell typically called the case. Inside the outer shell, you have a thin layer of fill.
I say “fill”, because any different manufacturers use different insulating materials in order to achieve loft. Then after the fill layer, you then have the air bladder which is housed inside the core of the pillow.
But the orientation of the inner components of the pillow is not always ordered and that orientation, as some hybrids have the “fill” intertwined with the air, which also creates a different sleeping experience.
Overall This creates a more comfortable sleeping experience and allows for adjustability, and space savings when packed into its stuff sack. But not quite the amount of space savings as you would get with a rather more inherently inflatable pillow.
Pillows like “This” one at REI are more along the lines of inflatable hybrids.
4.2) Filled & Stuff-able
This is the filled and stuff-able hybrid. These pillows are designed, with “Fill” from the manufacturer on one side, and a pouch on the back side that you can then stuff items such as clothing into in order to achieve higher loft.
These kinds of pillows work pretty well, however, they don’t quite pack up as well as the other options. But they are better than using a completely filled pillow from the factory, as they don’t have quite the amount of fill.
“Here’s” a link to one that is listed on Amazon that I’ve seen other Backpackers using. And it clearly demonstrates the side that has fill from the factory, as well as the other side that you feel yourself with clothing and other items.
Alternative Pillow Options
We kind of hit on a few of these earlier above, as this often times is what Backpackers have to resort to. Given the limited space many of us have to deal with. But it is better than nothing.
Some of these alternative options likely won’t be anywhere near as comfortable as the list above. However, there are some items you could use as a pillow that you likely will have on hand for other uses at different parts of your trip.
Use A Lightly Stuffed Stuff Sack
By using a stuff sack, and stuffing it with some spare clothes or a jacket you can achieve a makeshift pillow for yourself. This is basically the exact idea we were talking about initially, of placing some clothes and soft material that you may have accessible inside of a stuff sack.
This is simple and easy to do, especially if you were forgotten your pillow. However, it’s not really a concept that is ideal for everyday use on the trail. At least if you have trouble sleeping when you are not very comfortable.
Nonetheless, if you could sleep on bare concrete and be good, turn this option will probably be perfect for you. And will be very ethical as ideally, you want to carry as little as possible when backpacking.
But for those who are picky sleepers such as myself, he may have a hard time trying to get the right amount of Loft or finding a consistent feel.
Use Clothes
So you don’t have a stuff sack to place your clothes in or soft items like the above concept. Simply wrapping your clothing up into a ball can work just fine. However, like above it probably won’t be very comfortable or consistent. But it will definitely prop your head up throughout the night if done correctly.
Use Your Pack
Obviously you typically always will have your bag back with you which can be used as a pillow as well, however, it will probably be pretty tough to find a comfortable way to lay. Because typically backpacks are not consistent in overall shape and structure.
But if you desperately need a pillow it very well could work.
Use The Built-In Sleeping Bag Pillow
You may not need A Pillow, as you sleeping bag may come with a built in Pillow.
The wonderful thing about some sleeping bags is that they come equipped with a built-in pillow, which can very well be a great option for most who are backpacking. As it will require less in order to pack up after a good night’s rest, same goes for prepping for a good night’s rest.
As well, typically a sleeping bag is carried on the outside of a pack. Which will allow for more usable space inside of the pack.
However the main problem that many people run into in terms of built-in sleeping bag pillows is the fact that typically they don’t provide much support, and they are terrible for side sleepers.
However, if your sleeping bag comes equipped with a pillow, it very well could work just fine for you.
Things To Keep In Mind Before You Purchase
1) Space Cost
Space is probably one of the largest factors to consider when purchasing a backpacking pillow, as space typically is very limited for most backpackers. But on that same note, overall pillow packing shape can be a consideration as well.
Ideal you want one that will fit well inside your pack, or inside one of the pockets. Otherwise, you could end up with unusable empty space due to an oddly-shaped object (such as your pillow).
2) Weight Cost
Weight cost is likely the second biggest thing to consider in terms of backpacking pillows. A pillow that weighs too much could end up taking a lot of energy out of you as you like.
Yes, I get it I mean we’re talking about ounces here basically. What those ounces can add up. If your pillow weighs a little bit more than what it should, same with your sleeping bag, and tent. The overall weight of all those things will then add up significantly and could end up costing you a few pounds extra or more.
Which I mean, in terms of backpacking the idea often times is to shed weight, rather than add it.
So be sure you consider the overall weight cost of your pillow When selecting one for backpacking.
3) Pillow Shape
Pillow shape can impact your comfort level as you sleep, as well as the pillows ability to do what it was designed for (that being, support your head).
For example, if you have just a regular squared pillow that you were trying to use inside of your sleeping bag, it may work fine but it wouldn’t work as well as a pillow that is shaped to fit inside the hood of your sleeping bag. As one that is shaped to fit inside the hood of your sleeping bag will not move. Which will, in turn, provide you with consistent, and expectable support.
But it’s all relative, as really any pillow will work as long as it fits decently inside your sleeping bag (in this scenario). It’s just a matter of how well it will work. But pillow shaped doesn’t stop there, as there are many different pillow shape options. For example the neck pillow, it is shaped and designed for those who are sitting up as they sleep.
It will shape is more about getting the proper pillow for the proper Sleep System or sleeper. As some like to sleep on their side, which will require a pillow with more Loft and different shape.
Keep in mind pillow shape as it will likely impact your overall sleep.
4) Pillow Loft
Pillow loft is basically the difference between a thick pillow and a thin one. A Pillow that is thick typically is refereed to as a pillow with high loft, and a pillow that is thin is often refereed to as low loft. That is, when the pillow is laying flat on a level surface. There Isn’t Really a way to measure loft, as it is really just based on opinion.
However, if you are say a side sleeper? Then a pillow with High loft would likely be a better option for you versus one with low loft. Same is true for the opposite. When it comes to picking out a backpacking pillow, Ideally you would want to select one that has the proper amount of loft, or can be made to have to proper amount based on how you prefer to sleep.
5) Pillow Maintenance & Cleaning
Just like your clothes and other items you wear pillows to tend to get dirty and will require a wash at some point. Ideally, it is best that you get a pillow that will require as little maintenance and care as possible.
For example, a Down filled pillow will tend to get lumpy over time and require a good cleaning. As the oils, sweat, and dirt from your face will likely end up sleeping into the pillow. Causing the fill to Clump up. Same goes for if you were caught in a rainstorm and your pillow gets wet. The down will start to Clump up and not do its job.
For this reason down insulation inside a pillow is not ideal for backpacking, but that’s not to say it won’t work. It simply will just require a little bit more effort in order to maintain.
However, inflatable backpacking pillows tend to be a favored option. As they are typically low maintenance, an easy to care for. Well as long as you don’t get any sharp objects near it, it should be fine.
Conclusion
Typically the best pillow that you can get for backpacking is the one that requires as a little space as possible, weighs as little as possible, and it’s simple to use and maintain.
After doing my research to find all the different pillow options backpackers are using today, I have come to the conclusion that I think its time to get a new backpacking pillow my self… After all the digging I’ve decided I’m going to give the Inflatable “Sea To summit” Pillow a try. I have heard the best things about this one as it is also shaped to fit well in a sleeping bag. Which is ideal for me.
If you’re in the market for a backpacking pillow I strongly suggest you decide strongly based on The topics listed under the “Things To Keep In Mind Before You Purchase” As these are typically the biggest factors to be impacted in terms of Pillow use, and Pillow life.