Pillows for Hiking

BySean McKlveen

Best hiking pillows

What’s the key to getting some healthy shit during your nights under the canvas?

Of course a good sleeping bag and sleeping pad helps. A pair of snoring tent mats or an efficient air plug is also recommended. But another thing that can turn your back country bedtime experience from anxious to “too much like home” is the helpless but completely invaluable backpacking pillow.      

In this article, we will introduce you to the best backpack pillows out there. We will also provide all the advice you need to find the best backpacking pillow that will increase your budget, whether you are looking for the ultimate lightweight pillow for hiking or the luxury for front country camping trips.

NEMO Fillo

  • Small and compact luxury pillow
  • MSRP: $ 40
  • Weight: 9 oz.
  • Pillow type: foam / air
  • Pros: Comfortable, soft and warm, auxiliary, standard material, removable foam layer, machine washable case
  • CONS: Heavy, heavy, slippery bottom

Nemo is nothing compared to Fellow. We’ve exhausted ourselves in the search for camping pillows that can compete, and many years later, fellows are still at the top of our list. One of our weekend warrior testers has been using this pillow for five years, and despite some fights with the chewing gum, it is still strong. The pillows have a micro suede cover and foam filler that provides comfort that you can count on. Basically an inflatable pillow, the Fellow is positioned with only a few breaths and has a twist nozzle to release air for custom support. This pillow lacks a packed size (it is about the size of a softball), it complements with a remarkable combination of comfort and support. And since the luggage sack is packed with pillows, you’ll have a few things to look for when packing.

Its above average weight is its main drawback, which prevents Fellows from becoming our first choice on extended backpacking tours. Weight-conscious consumers may find it difficult to justify the half-pound-pack weight of this pillow. And while we like to attach the luggage sack, some testers find it difficult to rely on it. However, those who are not good at scale will enjoy the benefits of fellowship in any outdoor setting.

HEST Pillow

  • LUXURIOUS PILLOW FOR CAMPING & TRAVEL
  • MSRP: $79
  • WEIGHT: 2 lbs. 3.2 oz.
  • PILLOW TYPE: Foam
  • PROS: Comfortable, soft and warm, supportive, quality materials, machine washable
  • CONS: Expensive, bulky, heavy

If you are looking for a way to relax and unwind in your camping or travel efforts, check out the brand new HEST Pillow. It brings home comfort in a compact package that is easy to transport and keep clean. It is almost full size and the cut memory foam fill provides excellent support which is not flattened. At 2 pounds, At 3.2 oz, the HEST pillow is one of the heaviest and largest pillows we’ve ever experienced, so it works best as a luxury pillow for camping and traveling when comfort is preferred.

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium

  • ULTRALIGHT AIR PILLOW WITH SOFT FABRIC ON TOP
  • MSRP (Reg.): $45
  • WEIGHT (Reg.): 2.7 oz.
  • PILLOW TYPE: Air
  • PROS: Ultralight, compact, supportive, good valve
  • CONS: Too firm for some, minimally insulated

The Eros Premium Pillow is our favorite in the C2 Summit’s Eros lineup because it has the perfect balance of comfort and light weight. The premium isn’t as big as the Eros Ultralight, but it does provide great support for side sleepers and has the same incredible high flow valve that makes it easy to clean the air quickly. The Eros Premium feels very similar to the Eros Down Pillow, but costs about $ 20 less, and the fabric feels soft against the skin. The Eros Premium also has a thin layer of synthetic filler on top, which allows for better comfort and breathability. Overall, Eros Premium is a great choice for those who want a very light support with good support and soft surface.

REI Trailbreak

  • COMFY FOAM PILLOW FOR FRONTCOUNTRY CAMPING
  • MSRP (Reg.): $20
  • WEIGHT (Reg.): 10 oz.
  • PILLOW TYPE: Compressible foam
  • PROS: Inexpensive, comfortable, supportive, good height, soft and warm
  • CONS: Bulky, heavy

The REI Trail Brake Pillow is a solid option for camping trips when weight and bulk are not a concern. When it comes to portability, we prefer Therm-A-Rest compressible pillows, as they are lighter and smaller. But trail brakes are a bit more luxurious and cost a bit less. Both of these options are among the most comfortable camping pillows we’ve ever experienced, so it really depends on the activity you’re going to use them for. If you are looking for an ultra portable option that can be tightly packed for travel and backpacking, Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is our biggest choice. If weight and bulk are less of a concern and you prefer a more complete, supportive pillow for camping, trail brakes are a great option.

Sea to Summit Aeros Down

  • ULTRALIGHT AIR PILLOW FILLED WITH A LAYER OF SOFT, WARM DOWN FEATHERS
  • MSRP (Reg.): $60
  • WEIGHT (Reg.): 2.5 oz.
  • PILLOW TYPE: Air
  • PROS: Ultralight, compact, supportive, warm, good valve
  • CONS: Expensive, too firm for some, feels a bit wobbly

The Sea to Summit Eros Down Pillow is an incredibly light backpacking pillow that is padded and more comfortable than the average ultra light pillow. The bottom cushion has a thin layer of cushioning on the top and bottom, which provides some extra comfort and warmth. Although it is one of the most expensive pillows on this list, it is one of the most comfortable pillows in terms of its weight. Right for C2 Summit products, Arrows Down also has an excellent valve system, which allows for easy micro-adjustment. Overall, the Eros Down Pillow is one of the most comfortable choices for extremely light air pillows.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow

STUFF SACK PILLOW THAT’S WATERPROOF, ULTRALIGHT & MULTI-PURPOSE

  • MSRP (Lg.): $50
  • WEIGHT (Lg.): 1.7 oz.
  • PILLOW TYPE: Stuff sack
  • PROS: Ultralight, compact, comfortable, soft and warm, multi-purpose, water-resistant
  • CONS: Requires puffy jacket (preferred) or extra clothing, less supportive than some, slippery underside

The HMG Stuff Sack Pillow is very similar to the Zpacks Dry Bag Pillow listed above, but with a slightly more rectangular shape and a zipper closure on the back side. Weighing just over an ounce and almost nothing, the HMG Stuff Sack Pillow offers a ton of comfort in a small package. You will need to fill this pillow with extra fabric so that the swollen coat will work well. This pillow can also be used as a water bag during the day. HMG Stuff Sack Pillow is very popular and we recommend it for very light backpacking adventures.

Leave a Reply