camping pillow

The Best Camping Pillow

When preparing for a camping trip, most of us will minimize our camping materials and luggage. You want to be comfortable and have everything you need, but at the same time not heavily encumbered, resulting in a camping trip that is harder than it already is being away from home. The compromise between comfort and packing shouldn’t be limited to what you lay your head down on at night, but taking the best camping pillow you can find along can be the difference between a night of well-rested sleep and a stiff neck the next morning.

You’re probably thinking of conventional pillows right now, maybe taking the second pillow on your bed? However, these pillows are not ideal in size and most likely won’t come with a convenient carry bag to compress them. Therefore investing in a good camping pillow will benefit you for years to come due to its not so frequent use. In this 10 best camping pillow article, I have comprised a list of the best available options on the market and things you should consider when choosing a camping or backpacking pillow that fits your needs.

Our Top Pick
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Camping Pillow

The Therm-a-Rest is a great option for a camping pillow because it is compressed and designed to fit into small spaces like backpacks.

Thermarest Compressible Camping Pillow

What’s Important When Buying a Camping Pillow?

Weight

The weight of the pillow all depends on the individual and what they are prepared to carry around. If you’re planning to grab your one-person tent and venture out on an extended hike, then a lighter backpacking pillow is better, of course. However, if you plan to go weekend camping with your car and stay at a campsite, you may opt for a heavier option that provides more comfort.

Size and Shape

The size and shape is probably the most important aspect when choosing a camping pillow. This will affect your mobility and comfort throughout the trip. Generally, if your camping bag is big and you’re already taking many things with you, the smaller option may be the best.

Fabric

The materials used on the outside of the pillow are just as important as it’s what you rest your face upon. Just like with a sleeping bag, a camping pillow actually touches your skin while you sleep, and some people have very specific sensations that they are willing or not willing to tolerate when trying to fall asleep. The fabric should be durable and easy to clean, yet soft and comfortable throughout your stay and maintain its level of quality through multiple future trips.

Warranty

Like every product you buy, you would want value for your money. A camping pillow is no different, and considering you wouldn’t use it as much as a regular pillow, you’d expect it to last some time. Therefore be on the lookout for camping pillows that offer warranties on wear and tear.

Highly Rated Products

Reading product descriptions can make any sleeping pillow seem ideal. However, user reviews are often the truth if many people are saying the same thing. Choosing the best camping pillow should be within your budget but still highly rated and backed up by multiple review experiences.

Multi-functional

Camping pillows may offer more than just a headrest. Some camping pillows provide more options, such as back support and seat cushions. When deciding on the best camping pillow, take into consideration the size, weight, and if it will function for everything you need. A bigger and thicker pillow made with foams will provide a better seat while relaxing than an inflatable one that is more firm and prone to deflate from excess pressure.

Water Resistance

Depending on where and what season you decide to camp, you should consider if the camping pillow you are choosing has some form of water protection. This may include a weatherproof plastic situated at the bottom of the camping pillow or a protective cover made from polyester, cotton, or vinyl.

Different Types of Camping Pillows

There are effectively 3 types of camping pillows on the market.  Each approach has its own pros and cons, and you need to weigh the trade-offs based on your needs and what kind of camper you are. Know what you need? Use the links below to jump to the different types on our list.

The Best Compressible Camping Pillows

Compressible camping pillows are an easy adjustment from your casual sleeping pillow. They are usually filled with poly fiber, foams, down feathers and sometimes a combination of each. Foams usually roll up into small packages and unravel upon release. They take up little space when squished together but can weigh a bit due to the thickness. Polyfiber and down feathers also compress easily and can be spread out into their original shape. They are both lightweight and soft but generally tend to be on the expensive side of camping pillows. Compressible camping pillows, in general, would be a preferable choice for the amateur camper looking to feel closer to home.

1. Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow

  • Material: Polyester & Memory Foam
  • Weight: 7-16 oz
  • Type: Compressible
  • Height: 4″

The Therm-a-rest compressible travel pillow is a camping pillow suited for multiple activities. It serves as a comfortable essential for those looking to travel, hike, take long airplane flights and, of course, go camping. It features a soft foam filling that easily compresses and expands to 4 inches thick for head, neck and back support in planes, cars, tents, and anywhere else you would expect to rest. The pillow foam is sourced from Therm-a-rest mattresses’ upcycled by-product, which is urethane foam, making it very eco-friendly.

The foam feels lumpy at the beginning but spreads out once the pillow is being used. The Therma-a-rest is approximately 1 pound in weight, making it quite ideal for the ‘lightest’ of packers. The compact design fits into a backpack, suitcase, or duffle, and the drawstring and cord lock keeps the camping pillow tightly compressed when not in use.

Material

The Therma-a-rest compressible travel pillow is made from a strong yet comfortable polyester, which includes its own cover and is soft against the skin. Cleaning is made easy as the pillow is machine washable and may also be wiped down with a damp rag. The pillow feels like most household pillows made from foam and offers excellent support for a respectable price.

It isn’t inflatable, so therefore the pillow isn’t adjustable in size, height, and firmness when taken out but still supplies a comfortable sleep. The Therma-a-rest compressible travel pillow has a simple design but gets the job done. It would be recommended for those first-time adventurers looking to stray not too far from home comfort without breaking the bank and affecting mobility.

Design

Therm-a-Rest gear is designed to endure the rigors of your time in the woods and country. They offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all products, except their electronic devices, which are limited to 2 years. The product is available in Pistachio, BlueBird, Denim, Mosaic, Moon, Gray, Cardinal, Amethyst, Blue Heather, and Lichen. The Therma-a-rest compressible travel pillow is available in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes. The smallest size being 12 x 16 inches, the medium at 14 x 18 inches, the large at 16 x 23 inches, and the extra-large size measuring a generous 16.5 x 27 inches. The pillow is approximately 4 inches high.

Warranty

Therm-a-Rest gear is designed to endure the rigors of your time in the woods and country. They offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all products except their electronic devices, which are limited to 2 years.

What We Like:

  • Machine washable
  • Compressible for convenient storage
  • Light and comfortable
  • Great head and neck support
  • Wide variety of colors and patterns
  • Convenient for travelers

What We Don’t Like:

  • It takes some time to dry when washed
  • Bulky when compressed and stored

2. Teton Sports Camp Pillow

Teton Sports Camp Pillow
  • Material: Polyester & Hollow Fibre
  • Weight: 10 oz
  • Type: Compressible
  • Height: 4″

The Teton Sports Camp Pillow is big on comfort providing an extra soft pillow that is perfect when it’s time to relax, travel and camp. It closely resembles a pillow made for the inside of your bedroom with a traditional design proving to be comfortable and supportive for most sleepers. The pillow is 12 x 18 inches and weighs around 10 ounces.

TETON Sports has designed these camping pillows to match the lining of one or more of their Sports Celsius sleeping bags and has included the stuff sack for easy packing. The camping pillow is compressible in nature and requires no inflating as it lifts up on its own, simply remove the pillow from the stuff sack and its ready to deliver a good night’s sleep.

Material

The Teton Sports Camp Pillow is made with SuperLoft Elite 4-channel fiber also found in their sleeping bags. The Brushed P5 poly-hi count fabric feels cozy against your body and comes in an assortment of colors to fit your preference and style ranging from black, brown, green or grey. Teton Sports guarantee that the pillow shouldn’t lose any of its firmness and loft even though it compresses for packing. The pillowcase is 100% washable flannel with a double-brushed finish for softness. The sturdy stuff sack included is enclosed with a barrel-lock drawstring allowing for easy hanging outside your pack.

From an amateur camper perspective, this is perfect for car camping rather than backpacking where you would be doing a lot of walking around with the pillow. Its rather medium size and weight nature provide a good option for those who might not be going too far into the wild and don’t mind carrying a little extra on the side of the backpacks. If these factors are insignificant to you, this camping pillow makes for a good choice for any situation.

Design

Teton Sports offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty and covers products against defects in materials or workmanship. It excludes normal wear and tear (for example zippers that wear out after extended use) or misuse. They will repair and replace defected items without any additional charges. The inner shell is made from brushed P5 polyester hi-count and the outer shell is 100% brushed flannel with an envelope-style opening. The filling is SuperLoft Elite 4-Channel Hollow Fiber. The Teton Sports Camp Pillow is measured at 12 x 18 inches, is approximately 4 inches high and is available in black, brown, green and grey.

Warranty

Teton Sports offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty and covers products against defects in materials or workmanship. It excludes normal wear and tear (for example zippers that wear out after extended use) or misuse. They will repair and replace defected items without any additional charges.

What We Like:

  • Affordable with a Limited Lifetime Warranty
  • Washable flannel pillowcase
  • Available in various colors
  • Includes stuff sack
  • Inflates quickly
  • Comfortable against your skin

What We Don’t Like:

  • Larger Packed Volume

3. Coop Home Goods Camping and Travel Pillow

Coop Camping and Travel Pillow
  • Material: Viscose Rayon
  • Weight: 36 oz
  • Type: Compressible
  • Height: 4″

The Coop Home Goods Camping and Travel Pillow supply extreme comfort allowing you to feel at home. The pillow compresses to 10 long x 6 wide inches when stored in its stuff sack and expands to over twice its size when taken out for use. The stuff sack cover is also waterproof providing protection from all the elements when camping.

The pillowcase is breathable yet sturdy made from bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester. It naturally regulates temperature, ensuring a comfortable sleep, especially for those hot sleepers whether you are by the campfire or traveling high in the sky.

The pillow is also hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant providing a good option for those with sensitive allergies. Inside is the liner which holds all the shredded memory foam. The memory foam is fully adjustable when unzipped from the liner and can be placed in a ziplock back or container. If the loft is too high for you, you can simply remove some foam and adjust it to your sleeping position, be it side, stomach or back.

The case and foam are machine washable and may be done separately. Washing the case provides a quick option for cleanliness whereas the foam will take some time to get dry.

Weighing around 36 ounces, the pillow may be slightly heavy, but given its compressibility, small storage size and feel-at-home comfort, its likely something some may be willing to sacrifice for. The Coop Home Goods Camping and Travel Pillow are available in a white and cream shade, compressible stuff sack colors may vary.

Warranty

The Coop Home Goods Camping and Travel Pillows are handcrafted in Los Angeles, California and are built to be taken anywhere. They are made from CertiPUR-US Certified foam and are therefore environmental sensitive. The foam is devoid of contaminants and ozone depleting materials. Coop Home Goods offers a five-year warranty with the travel and camping pillow option.

What We Like:

  • Machine washable
  • The super soft outer cover is really comfortable
  • The adjustable foam feature allows for practically any sleep position
  • Hypoallergenic and comes with a 100-night trial return policy
  • Dust mite resistant

What We Don’t Like:

  • The pillow does fall a little flat after a couple of nights
  • Heavier option for camping

The Best Inflatable Camping Pillows

Inflatable pillows are great space savers and can be easily rolled up and stored away. The sacrifice is, however, somewhat less comfortable experience as opposed to those with synthetic fibers, feathers, and foams. Inflatable camping pillows may either require you to blow air into the valve, or it may come with a pump. Some issues may arise if the pump requires a power supply and if the user struggles to breathe easily. These camping pillows can be adjusted by the amount of air blown inside. Depending on how firm you’d like your pillow you can release or add more air into the valve.

4. Trekology Ultralight Camping Pillow

Trekology Ultralight Inflating Travel Camping Pillow
  • Material: Polyester & TPU
  • Weight: 2.8 oz
  • Type: Inflatable
  • Height: 4″

The Trekology Ultralight Camping Pillow is small in size but big on comfort. Its improved ergonomic design provides great support for your head, neck, and shoulders. The pillow has enhanced comfort and durability with extra inter-layers added delivering additional cushioning for added head support. It is super compact measuring 5 inches long and 2 inches wide when put into its included stuff sack. When stored away it weighs 2.8 ounces so it’s lighter and smaller than a can of soda.

Height and Weight

The Trekology Ultralight Camping Pillow inflates to a generous 16 inches long, 12 inches wide and 4 inches high, making it ideal for all types of sleepers and providing excellent lumbar support. It’s made with 80% polyester and 20% TPU, which is a stretchy material that is comfortable and not too hard. TPU fabric is also water resistant so whether sleeping in the woods or in your boat on the open seas The Trekology Ultralight Camping Pillow should withstand the elements. The pillow is also designed with a slip-resistant material which prevents your head from moving around while you sleep.

The valve system provides adjustable firmness allowing all sleeping positions to be catered for. The pillow inflates and deflates easily with a simple click of a button. The valve situated at the back side of the pillow may be clicked once to release air, and again to stop air from escaping. It usually takes three to five breaths to inflate and once the valve is clicked the pillow deflates in seconds.

Design

Trekology offers a one year warranty against all material and workmanship faults. The pillow is available in an assortment of colors and patterns: black, blue camo, green, orange, navy blue, pink and teal blue. If you’re looking for a pillow that is a cheaper option than the Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium, The Trekology Ultralight Camping Pillow might be for you. At almost half the price and similar comfort, this compact and versatile inflatable camping pillow is a good entry-level option.

Warranty

Trekology 1-year warranty

What We Like:

  • Very light and compact
  • Ergonomic Design
  • Light and comfortable
  • Great head and neck support
  • Expands to a generous size
  • Water resistant and slip resistant fabric

What We Don’t Like:

  • Trekology only offers a 1-year warranty

5. Exped Air Pillow UL

Exped Air Pillow
  • Material: Polyester Tricot
  • Weight: 1.6-1.9 oz
  • Type: Inflatable
  • Height: 4.3″

Ultra light-weight and anatomically designed the Exped Air Pillow adds comfort and convenience to your next backcountry outing or trip abroad. This pillow is very lightweight at around 1.6 ounces in medium and 1.9 ounces in large, packing down super small when deflated. It’s made from 20D polyester tricot fabric providing a soft skin touch yet still durable for the outside environments. The material is not very crunchy or loud when moved so it’s not going to disturb you while sleeping.

Design

The Exped Air Pillow has a water-resistant material on the top part of the fabric, so overall it will hold up well against multiple trips and outings. The pillow has a really neat design in that one side is a little thicker than the other, both are curved and naturally shaped. The sides are designed so side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers can get a comfortable night to rest with the pillow. So if you tend to sleep on your side you have an elevated side, whereas those on their stomach and back can make use of the lower side for that more equalized cushion or loft from the ground.

There is only one valve for inflation and deflation, so it’s a very convenient system that offers a self-sealing mechanism. You can open the valve and it does not let any air or pressure out because of the internal valve inside. To inflate or deflate you can simply push or pull on the valve and it will let all the air out. It is recommended pushing the valve in to inflate that way when it’s full of air, it seals itself and you won’t have to worry about rushing to close the valve before air escapes. The pillow takes about two to three breaths to inflate and the valve is situation nice and flat for sleep positioning.

Height and Weight

The Exped Air Pillow is available in the medium at 15 x 10.6 with a height of 4.3 inches, and in large at 18.1 x 11.8 with a height of 4.7 inches. Expedia offers a two-year warranty on the product and guarantees an anti-slip GripSkin honeycomb-pattern coating. The camping pillow also features two eyelets that can be used to attach the pillow to your sleeping pad. A string can be attached to these eyelets and will keep your pillow nice and sturdy while you sleep if you’re more of an active sleeper.

The Exped Air Pillow UL comes in corn yellow and orange, and also includes a holding sack with drawstring the size of a credit card. It serves as a nice light-weight, easy-to-use option making the pillows ergonomic construction ideal for backpackers and travelers providing a far more comfortable experience than traditional inflatable pillows.

Warranty

Exped two-year warranty

What We Like:

  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Water resistant material
  • Elevated side for different types of sleepers
  • Self-sealing valve system
  • Anti-slip GripSkin coating

What We Don’t Like:

  • Doesn’t have a lifetime warranty

6. Klymit Pillow X: Inflatable Camp and Travel Pillow

Klymit Inflatable BackpackingPillow
  • Material: Polyester
  • Weight: 1.95 oz
  • Type: Inflatable
  • Height: 4″

Perfect for those ultra light-weight backpackers who want maximum comfort on their extended backpacking trip, but don’t want to add unnecessary bulk to their system, the Klymit Pillow X is the best companion. This backpacking pillow weighs in at just under two ounces and packs down super small to about the size or just larger than a standard lighter. It has a really soft and durable 30D polyester face fabric with a 75D polyester bottom for a superior puncture, abrasion and tear resistance where it’s needed.

Standard patch kits do work on the fabric, however, they are not included with the pillow and you would need to get one of those separately. The pillow also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Design

The inflated size is 15 inches long, 11 inches wide and 4 inches high. When deflated and packed away it stores at a surprising 4.5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide and 1 inch high, sized specifically for a storage bag which is included. The storage bag maintains the compactness and provides protection while traveling. Klymit suggests that the pillow should be cleaned regularly with warm water and hung dry. It’s not advisable to machine wash and the valve should always be sealed before cleaning.

The Klymit Pillow has an interesting self-centering design in the ‘X’ shaping. It is designed to cradle, so as you lay on the pillow it steadies the back or side of your head depending on how you sleep. The pillow inflates very quickly with just two full breaths and has an easy to lock valve at the corner. The valve also allows you to release some pressure, letting you adjust the volume inside for a softer pillow surface.

The X design makes this pillow very suitable for sleeping in a camping hammock as well. Probably not a coincidence from a company who also happens to have a hammock in their product line.

Overall it’s just a simple inflatable pillow that’s super lightweight and packs down tiny. The Klymit Pillow X is great for anyone, from ultra light-weight enthusiasts to travelers who want convenience and comfort for their trips. If you’re a hunter or fisher looking for a seat cushion to accompany you, the pillow is also durable enough not to pop. It is currently available in four colors and patterns: coyote-sand, king’s desert shadow, teal, and red.

Warranty

Klymit limited lifetime warranty.

What We Like:

  • Ultra Lightweight
  • The X design helps keep head in the center
  • Stores away very small
  • Well-constructed, sturdy and feels really durable
  • Convenient for travelers

What We Don’t Like:

  • A Full twist valve instead of ¼ turn

7. Big Blue Mtn Ultralight Backpacking Inflatable Camping Pillow

Big Blue Mtn Ultralight Backpacking Pillow
  • Material: Polyester
  • Weight: 3.9 oz
  • Type: Inflatable
  • Height: 4″

The Big Blue Mtn Inflatable pillow comes in a portable compact bag and includes a carabiner clip which can be attached to your backpack. The pillow measures around 5 inches at most when deflated and put into the holding bag which has a drawstring on it to keep it secure when not in use. It is, therefore, one of the most compact pillows in this article. The Big Blue Mtn Inflatable pillow is also sold as a two pack and comes in a range of bright colors including green, orange, and teal. It has a soft velvety feel on the top and a more rugged texture at the bottom so it stays in one place.

Height and Weight

The Big Blue Mtn Inflatable pillow is slightly larger than other popular camping pillows measuring at 17 x 12 x 4 inches when inflated, providing ample support for your head and neck. On the back of the pillow is a valve which takes 5 to 10 full breaths to inflate, no pump or electronic equipment needed. The pillow also deflates pretty easily and no real additional pressure is needed once you reopen the valve. When packing the pillow away it is easiest to fold it lengthwise and roll it towards the valve side of the pillow. When rolled up correctly it should fit into the palm of your hand, easily slide into the compression sack and finally seal with the drawstring.

Material

The Big Blue Mtn Inflatable pillow is ultralight weighing in at less than 2.9 ounces with the holding bag making it the lightest option for those long distance hiking trips. It is made from comfortable brushed polyester sweat resistant fabric and TPU coating which feels smooth on the face and neck. The pillow has no chemical odor or plastic smell which can be experienced by inflatable products. The Big Blue Mtn Inflatable pillow is also multi-functional and can be used for the beach, a road trip, backpacking and on the airplane. The washing instructions advise no machine wash, simply immerse the product in soapy water with the valve closed to prevent water from going inside the bladder.

Design

Once the product has been thoroughly cleaned, squeeze the excess water out of the fabric and hang it up to air dry. The Big Blue Mtn Inflatable pillow is a great choice for those looking for an extremely light carry option which requires minimal space. The Inflatable pillow measures at 17 x 12 inches when inflated and around 5 inches when packed away and stored in its carry bag. The Big Blue Mtn website states that the pillow should provide years of service if instructions are followed clearly. If you are unhappy with your product you may contact them and they will replace all gear failures free of charge. It is made from brushed polyester sweat resistant fabric with TPU coating. The product is available in teal, orange and green

Warranty

The Big Blue Mtn website states that the pillow should provide years of service if instructions are followed clearly. If you are unhappy with your product you may contact them and they will replace all gear failures free of charge.

What We Like:

  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Has no plastic odor
  • Inflates and deflates very quickly
  • Easy to wash and clean
  • Available in bright neon colors
  • Good Warranty

What We Don’t Like:

  • Not as soft as compressible foam pillows

8. Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium

Sea to Summit Camping Pillows
  • Material: Polyester
  • Weight: 2.9 – 3.7 oz
  • Type: Inflatable
  • Height: 5″

Design

The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium camping pillow is at the higher end of inflatable pillows. Weighing in at 2.8 ounces it is by far one of the most or the most comfortable ultralight pillows on the market. The inside of the camping pillow consists of a TPU air bladder, a synthetic fill and a soft 50D brushed polyester cover. It comes in two colors ranging from blue to green with a grey outline on the top of the pillow where you would rest your head. The pillow is also available in two sizes, regular measuring 14 x 10 inches and large which is around 16.5 x 11.5 inches. Both options are 5 inches high and provide great stability for your neck throughout the night.

Material

Most inflatable pillows can make you feel like you are resting your head on a beach ball, but with the Aeros Premium, this is not an issue. The Aeros Premium has curved baffles, which provide excellent support and creates contours that cradle your head in a good position while sleeping. The synthetic fill is a lot lighter and thinner than memory foam found in compressible pillows, but still adds a lot of comforts. Another great feature of the fill material is its ability to stay away perspiration while you sleep, leaving your pillow smelling clean for longer.

Sea to Summits inflation valve allows you to easily inflate your camping pillow with 2 to 3 breaths without any air escaping in the process. The Aeros Premium packs away easily, and unlike some backpacking pillows that are difficult to put into their sack, the Aeros has no issue. Overall its best features are its light weight and its minuscule packed size, which when deflated and packed into its sack is approximately the size of an apple.

The pillow is very easy to use and comfortable for most people with enough space to move around while sleeping. The outer fabric is soft, durable and feels soothing on your skin providing all the essentials for a good night rest. Sea to Summit offers a lifetime warranty for customer satisfaction. The pillow is hand washable and air dries, machine wash is not recommended. If you’re looking for a very light pillow that is on the higher end of inflatable pillows, the Aeros Premium might be just for you.

Warranty

Sea to Summit offers a lifetime warranty on their camping pillows.

What We Like:

  • Very comfortable and supportive
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Inflates and deflates within seconds
  • Tiny deflated size for easy storage
  • Drawstring bag included
  • Lifetime warranty

What We Don’t Like:

  • More Expensive
  • Noisy when moving around

9. Wellax Ultralight Inflatable Pillow

Wellax Ultralight Camping Pillow
  • Material: Nylon and TPU
  • Weight: 2.75 oz
  • Type: Inflatable
  • Height: 4″

The Wellax Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow is perfect for any occasion. Whether in transit or the woods this lightweight and storage friendly pillow will award you with a comfortable sleep. The pillow has been built upon four pillars: light, compact, comfortable and durable. The result is an ergonomically designed pillow with shapely support that can be packed away into a neat small stuff sack.

Design

Once inflated with 3 to 5 breaths, depending on the level of firmness you want, the pillow expands to a 16-inch length, 12-inch width, and 4-inch height. It weighs around 2.8 ounces making it extremely lightweight and even more compact when it is deflated and stored in its stuff sack at 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. It is constructed from nylon and a strong, durable, water-resistant TPU fabric. The ergonomic design features a U-shape, which ensures the best neck and head support for back, side and stomach sleepers. If you are struggling to fix your posture, the Wellax Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow can also be used as a backrest while you are sitting and working at your desk.

Material

The high-quality nylon and layered TPU fabric enhances the smoothness and softness of the camping pillow. It is water-resistant and heat-resistant so you can enjoy it under any sleeping condition. The back of the pillow is made from a slip-resistant material preventing the pillow from sliding around while you sleep. Wellax has included a sleeping mask with the pillow, which is made from 100% top quality silk offering the breathable, cool relaxation feeling of soothing masks found at the world’s premier spas. The pillow fabric is also machine washable and should be done while the valve is closed.

The valve system is very similar to the Trekology Ultralight Camping Pillow system, whereby it is a push mechanism that prevents air from escaping and is released by pushing the almost button-like valve in. The Wellax Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow comes in blue, purple, green and orange. This pillow is yet another compact and affordable inflatable pillow option, with the added benefit of an included sleeping mask.

Warranty

Wellax provides a six-month warranty and a no-risk purchase guarantee. The no-risk purchase guarantee allows you to try the product, and if you are not satisfied you may return it, no questions asked.

What We Like:

  • Ultra lightweight and stores easily
  • U-shape head design supports the neck
  • Inflates within 2 to 3 breaths
  • Slip-resistant material
  • Includes a sleeping mask and stuff sack
  • Two-way valve system prevents air from escaping

What We Don’t Like:

  • Plastic odor the first time it is opened
  • A little noisy when moving around

The Best Hybrid Camping Pillows

Camping pillows which are a mixture of inflatable pillows and compressible pillows are considered the hybrid option. They are a combination of both types offering more advantages, but still leaning toward a mid-range price. Hybrid camping pillows are often regarded as the best-rated pillows on the market. They are not as comfortable as a pure compressible camping pillow, but still, provide enough support and mobility to make most people happy. Hybrid camping pillows usually offer a compressible layer of foam, synthetic fibers, or feathers as a top layer and an inflatable center to increase size and firmness.

10. Nemo Fillo Inflatable Travel Pillow

Nemo Fillo Inflatable Travel Pillow
  • Material: Microsuede & Memory Foam
  • Weight: 9 oz
  • Type: Hybrid
  • Height: 3″

The Nemo Fillo travel pillow is a soft and yielding camping pillow that brings a new level of comfort to your adventure camping experience. It’s a hybrid air pillow that inflates in just two breaths and is substantial enough for side sleepers. Inside is a little air bladder that on top of it has a one-inch layer of memory foam and is covered with a soft machine washable microsuede that gives the ultimate sleeping experience. The hybrid design offers a fantastic compromise for folks who want the comfort of a compressible pillow yet the adjustability of an inflatable one.

The Nemo Fillo travel pillow is 9 inches long, 6 inches wide and packs up super small only weighing 9 ounces. The camping pillow is available in a variety of colors and patterns ranging from moss green, sapphire stripe to sunrise stripe. The product also comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and materials.

Instructions

To inflate the Nemo Fillo travel pillow the first thing you would need to do is to locate the red inflation valve found on the corner of the pillow. You need to make sure it’s in the open position, which allows for a twist and pull motion. Finally blow into the valve twice, push down, twist again and make sure it’s in the locked position assuring no air can escape. To deflate the Nemo Fillo and pack it up, first go back and find the red valve opening it up and push all the air out. Now the Fillo has a little compartment that has a stuff sack built in, so you’re going to pull the stuff sack out and bend the sides of the pillow slowly enclosing it.

The integrated stuff sack works wonders and since it’s joined to the cover you never have to worry about losing it. Once you have stuffed the entire pillow inside you can pull the drawstring and that’s it.

The Nemo Fillo infuses luxury foam with air insulation, making it fully customizable to your desired height and firmness. Once folded up and ready for storage, the pillow is smaller than a water bottle, allowing you to not sacrifice packing space for comfort. The Fillo is definitely a hybrid appealing to all tastes of the camping pillow market, ensuring customer satisfaction for all.

Warranty

A lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and materials.

What We Like:

  • Very comfortable
  • Machine washable cover
  • Small storage size
  • Integrated stuff sack
  • Lifetime warranty

What We Don’t Like:

  • More Expensive

Camping Pillow Buyer’s Guide

Sleeping position

Size, surface, and shape all determine how comfortable your camping pillow is. When deciding on which option to buy, pay close attention to one that suits your sleeping style. Side sleepers will generally prefer a firm pillow with a higher loft. The loft allows your spine to stay in neutral alignment while preventing neck pains in the morning. The Coop Home Goods and Exped Air camping pillows serve as good suggestions. Back sleepers will be comfortable with a pillow that is thinner, yet medium-firm, resulting in their heads not being raised too high, but still maintaining a straight spine.

Differences of Pillows

The Nemo Fillo Inflatable Travel Pillow would be a worthy example of a pillow that has an adjustable thickness to complement the height of the pillow and the user’s neck. Finally, stomach sleepers would probably only need very light support. The risk of sleeping on your stomach with a high pillow is relatively high for neck pain. The sleeping pillow needed would definitely need to be an adjustable kind similar to back sleepers.

The Big Blue Mtn Ultralight Backpacking Inflatable Camping Pillow would be a great choice for its size. The pillow will offer ample support for both your neck and head while keeping your neck straight. Stomach sleepers would, therefore, need a pillow that is adjustable, but long and wide enough to keep their head, neck, and back aligned while sleeping.

Temperature

Depending on where you’re planning your camping trip it is important to think about how your pillow regulates hot and cold temperatures. If the pillow is an inflatable one, consider that the temperature will be absorbed through the interior of the product and whatever that may be, will transfer to your body. Having an added barrier of fiber like the Teton Sports Camp Pillow or memory foam found in the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow will keep you a lot warmer and more comfortable.

Similarly, you would want a sweat resistant fabric like those found in the Big Blue Mtn Ultralight Backpacking Inflatable Camping Pillow for warmer climates. The trick of deciding which pillow best represents your future camping experiences would be one that is comfortable in feeling yet suitable for the region’s climates you will most likely travel in.

Compressibility

Throughout the article, we have spoken about pillow sizes and compressibility. The smaller the camping pillow can be stored away, the better. If you are going on a long journey, choose a pillow that can be packed away into a stuff sack that requires minimal space. If you are willing to carry the extra weight for added comfort, choose a compressible pillow made from foams. The decision is really how much you are willing to carry and how far you will stray from the conventional bedroom pillow. For the more serious adventurers’ pillow weight and size must be compact and functional, however what about the amateur camper. Those who aren’t regulars but want to save on space yet have their home luxury pillow feeling.

The answer could lie with options like the Nemo Fillo Inflatable Travel Pillow. Hybrid pillows offering compressibility, the comfort of a foam pillow, and the adjustability of an inflatable one. Luckily we have listed a range of the best camping pillows to certainly satisfy everyone’s demands.

Washability

Dirt and dust are all part of the camping experience. Some pillows are machine washable, whereas others can only be hand washed and air-dried. If you are going to venture through muddy and sandy conditions, some consideration should be taken for the material your pillow is made from if you are not too keen on a dirty pillow. Depending on the materials your camping pillow is made from, these materials will result in how frequently your pillow needs to be cleaned.

Compressible camping pillows containing fiber, down, and foam will require a bit more care as dirt, drool, and sweat can eventually cause them to lose their loft. The pillow’s interior would also be more susceptible to bad smells compared to an inflatable one. Sometimes comfort can be more than how soft your pillow is, but also its freshness and the feeling of putting your head on something clean at night.

Price

Everyone wants value for money, but sometimes the casual camper doesn’t want to overspend if he or she isn’t going to use their camping pillow very often. However, spending an extra $5 to $10 dollars on a quality product is a worthwhile investment for a good night’s sleep and a pain-free neck. This article has highlighted a wide range of camping pillows that are budget-friendly, but also supply the comforts and features of the higher-end side of camping equipment.

Some of the most compact and light pillows come with the disadvantage of being rather noisy at night. The crinkly materials that are sometimes used in inflatable pillows might make some rustling as you move around while sleeping. Obviously, this shouldn’t be a worry if you are in your own tent, but if you are sharing a space consider bringing earplugs for your tentmate.

Replacing

With good upkeep, your camping pillow can last for years. Many companies specify a limited lifetime warranty, which means the pillow is under guarantee for as long as the product is being manufactured. One must not be confused that the pillow is warranted for your ‘lifetime.’ The question is, therefore, when should you ask for a replacement? In regards to compressible pillows when the pillow is no longer evenly filled and the insides aren’t evenly distributed.

If you are waking up with neck and shoulder pain this is a clear indication that the pillow is no longer performing to its best. Inflatable pillows may not contain memory foam or fiber, but a slow puncture may result in a deflated pillow in the morning. Whatever the defect may be, make sure you don’t postpone your product exchange so you can avoid paying additional costs.

Conclusion

The great outdoors allows you and your friends to go for many adventures. When you are far away from home, good sleep is essential to fully enjoy sleeping under the stars. Packing for your trip, finding the right camping mattress, sleeping bag and equipment are all factors that contribute to your overall experience. One essential component that shouldn’t be overlooked is finding the right kind of camping pillow to suit your specifications.

Whether you are looking for comfort and something close to home, a compressible pillow may be the perfect option, or if you’re interested in packing very light and saving on space, an inflatable pillow might be up your alley. Whatever you decide, our camping pillows best list should have something to tickle your fancy. Now go out there, enjoy your trip and don’t forget your flashlight.

Our Top Pick
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Camping Pillow

The Therm-a-Rest is a great option for a camping pillow because it is compressed and designed to fit into small spaces like backpacks.

Thermarest Compressible Camping Pillow
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