The camping pillow is perhaps the most underrated component of a backpacking sleep system.
Most car campers, backpackers, and adventurers, particularly newcomers, focus primarily on the sleeping bag and sleeping pad, leaving pillows for last. We’ve even met travelers who would gladly trade these special pillows for regular at-home pillows!
We understand camping and backpacking pillows are relatively new in the world of travel gear and haven’t been universally adopted. However, it is one of the keys to sleeping as comfortably in a tent as you would at home.
Unlike what most campers believe, this component improves your sleep rather than acting as extra luggage. In our opinion, it is totally worth the weight.
Over the years, we have discussed this topic with various camping experts and enthusiasts and tested a great many pillows. Based on our findings, we recommend the best camping pillows in this article to help you sleep better, no matter where you camp.
Please note that as Amazon Affiliates, we earn a commission if you buy something through our links.
The Best Camping Pillows Top 3 Lists
Best camping pillows
- Trekology Aluft 2.0 – Best camping pillow overall
- Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow – Best for side sleepers
- Klymit Pillow X – Best for ultralight backpacking
Jump straight to the camping pillow topic that is in this article 🚣
More Details About the 3 Best Camping Pillows
Pillows from the first list are discussed in detail:
1. Trekology Aluft 2.0 – Best Camping Pillow Over
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
| Pillow Type | Inflatable Ultralight |
| Fill Material | Air |
| Weight | 3.88 oz |
| Compressibility | High |
| Pillow-Lock System | Yes |
Trekology Aluft 2.0 has the 3 Cs campers look for in a pillow – compressibility, compactness, and comfort. It folds down to 5×2 inches into a size smaller than a soda can, which can easily fit into your pocket.
- Compressible
- Compact
- Comfortable
- Improved ergonomic design
- Neck and lumbar support
- Packs down smaller than a soda can
- Easy to inflate and deflate, durable elastic TPU fabric
- Water-resistant
- Perfect for all types of camping
- Backpacking, and hiking
- Propitiatory Dot and Latch design for slippage prevention (rubber anti-slipping dots + detachable latch)
- ideal for back, side and stomach sleepers
- Quick Deflate button
- Not machine washable
- Leaks easily due to material breakdown
- Could be too shallow for some side sleepers
- Not heavy-duty or durable
- Frequent issues with the valve button reported by several users
2. Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow – Best for Side Sleepers
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
| Pillow Type | Inflatable Ultralight |
| Fill Material | Air |
| Weight | 2.5 oz |
| Compressibility | Medium |
| Pillow-Lock System | Yes |
Trekology Aluft 2.0 has the 3 Cs campers look for in a pillow – compressibility, compactness, and comfort. It folds down to 5×2 inches into a size smaller than a soda can, which can easily fit into your pocket.
- Compressible
- Compact
- Comfortable
- Improved ergonomic design
- Neck and lumbar support
- Packs down smaller than a soda can
- Easy to inflate and deflate, durable elastic TPU fabric
- Water-resistant
- Perfect for all types of camping
- Backpacking, and hiking
- Propitiatory Dot and Latch design for slippage prevention (rubber anti-slipping dots + detachable latch)
- Ideal for back, side and stomach sleepers
- Quick Deflate button
- Not machine washable
- Leaks easily due to material breakdown
- Could be too shallow for some side sleepers
- Not heavy-duty or durable
- Frequent issues with the valve button reported by several users
3. Klymit Pillow X – Best for Ultralight Backpacking
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
| Pillow Type | Inflatable Ultralight |
| Fill Material | Air |
| Weight | 1.95 oz |
| Compressibility | High |
| Pillow-Lock System | No |
- Featherweight
- Highly durable
- Soft top
- Puncture-resistant button
- Packs down to the size of a lighter
- Highly portable
- Adjustable height
- Ergonomic self-centering X design for maximum comfort
- Noisy slick surface
- Slippery
- Too much gap between head and pillow
- Small size
Important Aspects to Consider while Buying a Camp Pillow
Affordability
When we say “affordability,” we don’t mean cheap pillows of despicable quality or high-end pillows that cost an arm and a leg. We’re thinking about pillows that are bang for the buck.
Given the costs of creating ergonomic designs with best-in-class materials, the best camping pillows are usually expensive. But, campers who do not want to compromise on the quality of their sleep will not compromise on the quality of their pillow, too.
After checking with campers from all walks of life and testing camping pillows from different brands, we recommend the following 3 pillows best for various budgets:
1. MontCampys Air Inflatable Camping Pillow – Best Buy on a Shoestring Budget
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
- A hidden gem for those who sort products according to price
- Compressible
- One-way inflation feature
- Skin-friendly TPU fabric
Dan Liner, a thru-hiker of the Appalachian Trail finds the pillow amazing for the price. His only suggestion is to cover it with warm clothing if you decide to go camping during winters.
2. Hikenture Camping Pillow – Best Value for Money
★★★★★
- Soft, breathable Lycra fabric for the cover
- Inner cotton layer
- Designed for maximum comfort
- Washable foam pillowcase
- Separate air bladder made of leakproof TPU
- Suitable for all sleeping positions
- Lightweight and compact
- Anti-slip silica gel design
JBlue, a pro camper has rated it 5 on 5. He found it comfortable for his three-day camping and said he never had any issue with headaches and neckaches. He has even used it for beach camping for a whole week!
Christian from Germany took it on his camping and sailing expeditions and found the pillow to offer great value for money. It added that its slightly rounded design works perfectly so the head does not slide down.
According to camper Brandin, the pillow is what it says. It blows up easily and is compact. It is also easy to clean. Overall, the Hikenture Camping Pillow is great for anyone on the go.
3. Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow – Best High-end Camping Pillow
★★★★★
- Ultralight (9 ounces)
- Compressible
- Compact design
- Soft foam filling
- Brushed polyester cover
Most camping enthusiasts swear by Therm-a-Rest pillows. Especially where getting a little shut-eye could be a challenge, these pillows come in handy.
According to Alex – a verified buyer on Amazon, the Therm-a-Rest compressible travel pillow is comfier than its inflatable peers. Although it weighs more than 200g and costs higher than most other camping pillows, he finds it closer to a real pillow and hence, more suited for sleep-outs.
List With Camping Pillows Sorted According to Their Price (Prices Last Updated May 2nd 2022)
Comfort
A good camp pillow equals a good night’s sleep during your next outdoor adventure. After all, a well-rested body is best prepared for the long haul, especially, during extended backcountry trips.
Experts recommend the following 5 camp pillows as the most comfortable:
1. Therm-a-Rest Travel Pillow
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
- Soft foam filling
- Ultra-soft brushed polyester cover that is easy on the skin
- Delivers home-like comfort wherever you go
- Packs small, expands big
- Available in a variety of colors
Caro from the United Kingdom calls it a remarkably comfortable pillow while Kiwi Girl from the United States recommends it because it’s well-built.
A user who goes by the name TheBlackSheep has called it the Rolls-Royce of camp pillows, which is suited for every princess who is also a pea sleeper. Judah B from the United States finds it bulky, but very comfortable.
Need we say more?
2. Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow
★★★★★
- Compressible and plush memory foam filling
- Comfortable in any sleeping position
- Washable cover made of soft microsuede
- Lightweight
- Portable
Stephanie Scheller from the United States says she chanced upon this Wise Owl Outfitters camping pillow after extensive research to find something packable and comfortable. She has rated it 5 on 5 and says she would give it 10 stars if she could.
Sarah from the United States calls it the best pillow for side-sleeping campers, travelers, and kids. She being a side-sleeper was hoping to buy a pillow that’s compact, supportive, and resistant to absorbing moisture and dampness. The Wise Owl Outfitters camping pillow met all her expectations.
3. Klymit Drift Camping Pillow
★★★★★
- Shredded memory foam for comfort and support
- Durable dual pillowcase
- Water-resistant outer shell
- Inner pillowcase made of soft jersey cotton
Stephanie Scheller from the United States says she chanced upon this Wise Owl Outfitters camping pillow after extensive research to find something packable and comfortable. She has rated it 5 on 5 and says she would give it 10 stars if she could.
Sarah from the United States calls it the best pillow for side-sleeping campers, travelers, and kids. She being a side-sleeper was hoping to buy a pillow that’s compact, supportive, and resistant to absorbing moisture and dampness. The Wise Owl Outfitters camping pillow met all her expectations.
4. TETON Sports Camp Pillow
★★★★★
- Small size, big on comfort
- Extra soft, brushed poly-flannel fabric for the pillowcase
- Self-lofting poly fiber fill
- No inflating required
- Machine washable
A verified buyer on Amazon who goes by the name 2Krazy2Tell calls the pillow just right. The bottom line for him is comfort, which he found in it.
According to Mark S. – another reviewer from the United States, it’s comfortable and great for hammock camping. Then again, A.E.Nelson, a US-based camper says she and her husband find the TETON sports camp pillow very soft, warm, and comfortable.
Interestingly, all three have one criterion in common – comfort.
5. Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow
★★★★★
- Perfect for all sleeping positions
- Compressible and compact
- Ergonomic design
- Durable elastic TPU fabric on the front
- Anti-slip rubber dots on the back
- Cradled design for minimal movement
- Water-resistant
- Packs down small
C. Robinson from the United States says this is a very comfortable pillow although it is bulkier than what’s advertised. According to Bamba, it is of very good quality and offers great support for sleeping.
US resident Michael’s story is amusing. He’d bought two of these, one for his wife and the other for his daughter, for their Grand Canyon camping trip. He used his pad’s built-in pillow, and while everyone else slept soundly, he ended up using a dray bag.
Size
Backpacking pillows are almost always smaller in size than traditional pillows. Even so, the size you select – small, medium, or large – is of utmost importance.
For instance, a certain brand’s small size may be too small for a car camping trip but ideal for hammock camping. Similarly, another brand’s large size may be difficult to pack and transport.
We previously discussed Alex’s preference for the Therm-a-Rest compressible travel pillow. Even so, he believes the small size is too small and the large size is too large (unless it is used for car camping). According to him, the medium size is ideal.
Yes, the size of the pillow you choose will determine your level of comfort. Before purchasing a pillow for your next camping trip, carefully read the product description.
You may also want to read: Best Think Pillows Online
Weight
For most campers, a pillow is already that extra weight that goes into their sleep system, even if it is meant for added comfort. This is why it is important to keep in mind the weight of the product before buying it.
The natural instinct of any backpacker should be to go for inflatable pillows that are the lightest and most portable. Remember, every ounce matters.
These are the 5 most recommended ultralight backpacking pillows for weight junkies:
1. Klymit Pillow X – 1.95 oz
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
| Weight | 1.95 oz |
- Inflatable
- 30D polyester top
- 75D polyester bottom
- Featherweight
- Rugged durability
- Puncture-resistant
- Packs ultra-small to the size of a lighter
- Adjustable height and pressure
- Self-centering X design
- Perfect for backcountry travel
S. Pace from the US has rated it 5 on 5, adding that it is easy to deflate and super comfortable for the head. According to another reviewer, Everette Graydon the pillow is so tiny it is nearly inexistent. However, most users have complained about the surface being too slick and recommended wrapping the pillow with a cloth.
2. Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight – 2.1 oz
★★★★★
| Weight | 2.1 oz |
- Ideal for fast and light adventures
- Lighter than a deck of cards
- Fits in a shirt pocket when packed
- Scalloped bottom edge for maximum comfort
- Durable TPU air bladder
- Multi-function mini valve for easy inflating and deflating
- Customizable firmness
- Soft, stretch-knit 20D polyester fabric
- Ergonomic shape
Numerous thru-hikers have recommended the Sea to Summit Aeros ultralight pillow. Jennifer Gary from the US brought it for his hiker son and found it to be amazingly supportive. Another anonymous reviewer, who is a thru-hiker, took the pillow for his Pacific Crest Trail hiking, and now it is his favorite.
3. WellaX Ultralight Camping Pillow – 2.75 oz
★★★★★
| Weight | 2.75 oz |
- Fabric – 80% polyester and 20% TPU coating
- Ergonomic design
- Neck and lumbar support
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Tear-resistant
- Leakproof
- Weatherproof
- Packs down smaller than a soda can
- Comes in 4 colors
- Machine washable
Chris, a pro ultralight camper from the US says out of several inflatable pillows, he found the WellaX Ultralight camping pillow to be just right. Interestingly, he is also a Therm-a-Rest gear user, but someone finds this pillow to be the best of the lot.
4. Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow – 3.88 oz
★★★★★
| Weight | 3.88 oz |
- Compact and lightweight
- Packs smaller and weighs lighter than a soda can
- Fitted with a double-decked air valve
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Durable elastic TPU fabric
- Water-resistant
- Propitiatory Dot and Latch Design for slip resistance
- Rubber anti-slipping dots at the back of the pillow
- Ergonomic design with enhanced neck support
- Ideal for back, side, and stomach sleepers alike
A reviewer who called himself the ‘crazy pilot dude’ says this is an ideal pillow for lightweight campers who look for good neck support. He is into a job that requires him to travel to unimproved areas and sleep on cots, tents, and even on the ground.
According to him, this Trekology pillow is perfect as it packs really small, weighs light, is waterproof, and is super comfortable.
5. CAMPWAY-MIRI Ultralight Inflatable – 3.9 oz
★★★★★
| Weight | 3.9 oz |
- Water-resistant durable elastic TPU fabric cover
- Packs smaller than a perfume bottle
- Improved ergonomic design
- Air valve positioned at the edge for maximum comfort
- Curved in the middle for perfect alignment of the head
- Adjustable height
Shana Robertson from the US has rated the pillow 5 on 5 and found its quality to be excellent. She says its deflate and inflate button is its best feature.
Joseph Simpson, who holds a ‘Vine Voice’ badge on Amazon (awarded to trusted reviewers), says the pillow is comfortable and convenient. ElleNWC, who also holds the same badge, says the product is ultra-packable and surprisingly comfortable.
This one’s got the green light from many!
List with camping pillows sorted according to weight
Compressibility
The degree of compressibility of your camp pillow would depend on the purpose of its use. If you want to squeeze all your travel gear into a single backpack, inflatable pillows that pack down ultra-small should do the job. But, if you’re planning for a car camping adventure, you might want to go for luxury pillows that are bulkier and plusher.
Here are the top 3 recommendations:
1. Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight – Most Compressible Pillow
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
- Ideal for ultralight backpacking and fast travel
- Lighter than a deck of cards
- Packs down to a size that would fit in a shirt pocket
- Easily inflatable and deflatable
- Weighs 2.1 oz when packed
Quack from the UK has rated the product 5 on 5. According to him, the pillow is so light and compact you can leave it inside your sleeping bag pocket until you want to use it. Another reviewer from the UK, Chris Darke has given it 4 stars further adding that the pillow barely takes up space.
An Amazon reviewer who goes by the name ‘travellingbunny’ says the pillow is everything a camping pillow should be and that it retains its shape through many nights. Kirsty, a backpacker from the UK has found the product to be ideal for ultralightweight enthusiasts.
2. Therm-a-Rest Compressible – Best Luxury Camp Pillow
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
- Ideal for road trips, car camping, and slow travel
- Packs small and expands big
- Fill material – chunks of soft foam
- Weighs 9 oz when packed
- Brushed polyester cover
- Machine washable
G. Chang from the US has rated it 5 on 5, calling it the best backpacking pillow. According to him, this pillow beats make-shift rolled-up clothing as well as inflatable pillows. Cazell from the UK says this is the perfect travel pillow. According to her, it might feel odd because of the lumps of foam but is absolutely comfortable to sleep on.
3. Therm-a-Rest Air Head – Best Hybrid Camp Pillow
★★★★★
- Packs small
- Baffled air chamber
- Four inches thick when inflated
- Foam-fill top
- Brushed exterior
- Nonslip fabric
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Weighs 5.2 oz
M. James from the U.S has rated it 5 on 5 and called it a reliable backpacking pillow. While using it, he found that it is leak-proof and stays inflated for up to 9 days approximately. Its bulkiness, however, is its downside.
For the uninitiated, a hybrid camp pillow straddles the line between an inflatable pillow and a compressible foam pillow. It usually comes with a layer of foam topped by an air bladder.
Hybrid pillows offer benefits that are similar to ultralight air pillows. However, they are way more comfortable. On the other hand, such pillows tend to be bulkier, although not as bulky as foam pillows.
Camping Conditions
Different camping pillows come with different durability.
Some pillows might be suited for an overnight adventure while others are purpose-built for the long haul. Some pillows might be great for summer camping, but not be up to scratch during winters. Some pillows might endure normal wear and tear but fail miserably in extreme weather.
Your camping conditions, including the duration and weather conditions, would determine the type of pillow you need to buy. Here are some recommendations:
1. Wisemen Outdoors Ultralight – Best Pillow for Overnight Camping
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
- Sturdy anti-slip ripstop fabric
- Leak-resistant
- Water-resistant
- U-shape design for head or lumbar support
- Packs small
If you’re a one-off camper and looking to sleep under the stars just for a night, this is the perfect pillow for you. It is easy on the wallet, inflatable, ultralight, and gets the job done.
KS Wong from the United States who has used it for 6-8 scouting and family campouts says it offers the best value for money in inflatable camp pillows. Crafter Al, who is also from the United States, recommends it for all campers. Another buyer, NickkiF says it works great for hammock camping.
2. Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down Pillow – Best Heavy-Duty Pillow for Long Haul Camping
★★★★★
- Packs small
- Inflatable and lightweight
- Baffled air chamber
- Removable brushed polyester cover
- Non-slip fabric
- Down fill
Pro-campers often swear by Therm-a-Rest camping pillows, especially if they need them for the long haul. These pillows are known for their durability and firmness when inflated. This down pillow in particular has been recommended by many.
Danielle Dawn from the United States calls the pillow pretty rad. Moulton L. calls it perfect in every way. According to him, you can inflate and deflate as much as you want for that desired comfort level.
3. Ballast Beach Pillow – Best Pillow for Camping in Extreme Weather
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
- Doesn’t blow away in strong wind
- Inflatable
- Ideal for coastlines as well as campsites
- Soft, weather-resistant fabric
- Plush padded top
- Easy to inflate
- Packs small
Sydney Loeschen from the United States finds the pillow easy to use and super comfy. Chris Stankis thinks it is perfect for beach camping. A user who goes by the name Cool94 initially bought it to use at the beach, but now uses it as a lumbar support in his office chair, too. He even recommends it for sitting comfortably on a plane!
Anti-Slip Design
So, you’ve had a great day at the camp and now are ready to retire into your tent? The last thing you want is a pillow that keeps slipping out from under your head. Wouldn’t it put a dampener on this otherwise amazing trip?
This is why when you buy a backpacking pillow, part of your focus should also be on whether it comes with anti-slip features. Has it been designed to never slide out? Does it have anti-slip rubber dots? Is there a pillow-lock system in it? Get these questions answered before you make a purchase.
Experts recommend the following pillow for slip-free sleep:
1. Hikenture Inflatable Pillow – Best Pillow with Anti-Slip Rubber Dots
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
- Silica gel anti-slip strips at the bottom
- Compact and lightweight
- Perfect for all sleeping positions
- Leakproof
- Durable Lycra fabric
- Replaceable Thickened TPU liner
- Reinforced welded seams technique
- Easy to inflate
- Available in multiple colors
Stephanie Gallagher from the United States says the non-slip pads are a nice touch. A user by the name of Real Patriot says the anti-slip strips make this pillow great for hammock camping. He highly recommends adding it to your travel arsenal.
2. Trekology Aluft Deluxe Pillow – Best Pillow with Detachable Elastic Pad Strap
★★★★★
- Detachable pad strap
- Compact and lightweight
- Removable, washable foam cover
- Breathable, durable fabric
- Air-tight core for durability
- Curved bottom
- Supportive baffling
- Two-way valve system
S N from the United States says it’s a comfortable pillow. He is particularly stoked about the removable elastic strap. Another buyer who goes by the name Lone Crow Adventures says he loves the pillow as it is soft against the face and the strap keeps it in place.
US resident C. M. S. believes the strap is a genius idea. However, many verified buyers feel it’s not a great pillow for side sleepers.
Washability
What’s camping and backpacking without some dust, dirt, and grime? Add your sweat, hair oil, dandruff, and drool to that and it becomes all the more appalling. But, it’s part and parcel of the fun whether you like it or not.
Some learn to live with it while others simply look for easy-to-clean camping gear such as pillows with removable covers that can be machine-washed.
The campers with whom we interacted have recommended the following pillows for adventurers who are cleanliness freaks (yes, that sounds odd, we know).
1. Wise Owl Outfitters Pillow – Best Machine-Washable Compressible Camping Pillow
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
- Machine washable
- Dryer friendly
- Comes with a removable cover
- 100% polyester
- Memory foam fill material
- Versatile and comfortable
- Compact and lightweight
Karen Levin Bauersfeld from the United States says this pillow saved him when he had to survive 4 flights, a week in the car, and a lot of sitting. Its only downside, he believes, is its low longevity. Another buyer JCS says it’s a great pillow and that she even washed the cover before use without any trouble.
Environment-Friendliness
Are you a responsible adventurer? Do you focus on buying products that are environment-friendly or at least manufactured in a sustainable way? Let’s start with pillows. Here are the recommended best:
Therm-a-Rest Backpacking Pillow – Fabric and Fill Made of Upcycled Material
Therm-a-Rest goes that extra mile in manufacturing sustainable camping gear. The foam fill in its pillows is mostly sourced and upcycled from the leftover foam that goes into manufacturing sleeping pads.
Furthermore, 60% of the fabric for the ultra-soft polyester covers comes from recycled materials. That’s what we call going green!
Read: 17 Creative Ways to Recycle Old Pillows
No Noise
Sleeping with your ears pressed against crinkly, rustling fabric isn’t the best experience when you’re out there camping. No matter how small your pillow packs down or how compressible it is, if it’s noisy, maybe it’s not worth buying, especially if you are a light sleeper.
Here are the three best recommendations:
1. Hikenture Ultralight Camping Pillow with Removable Cover
★★★★★
PillowHunters Choice
- Soft, skin-friendly outer surface made of breathable cotton
- Inner woven polyester layer for added comfort
- Zero noise when turning over
James M. Chitwood from the United States, who is a regular user of Hikenture gear, says this pillow dismisses the need for two camping pillows – something pro campers would know. There are two reasons. Firstly, the pillow is large enough to support the head as well as the neck. Secondly, it is quilted and cradles the head softly.
2. Klymit Drift Camping Pillow
★★★★★
- 95% polyester, 5% cotton cover
- Soft jersey cotton for inner pillowcase
- Shredded memory foam fill
- Easy to clean and water-resistant
Roberts Bushcraft from the United States finds the pillow super comfortable because of its memory foam fill and quietness rolled on it. Tim calls is a perfect choice and adds that it meets every expectation and exceeds a few. According to him, it’s lofty, quiet, supportive, comfortable, lightweight, and packable.
3. ZOOOBELIVES Down Filled Pillow
★★★★★
- 100% pure white down
- Soft, fluffy, noiseless
- Removable cover
- Small in size, big on comfort
- Versatile use
Zorella from the United States bought this pillow for a trip into deep wilderness and found the material to be soft. Another reviewer on Amazon calls it great for stomach sleepers.
10 Best Brands for Travel Pillows
- Trekology
- Therm-a-Rest
- Sea to Summit
- Klymit
- Nemo
- Wise Owl Fitters
- TETON Sports
- Hikenture
- Rugged Camp
- Gear Doctors
I’m a certified massage therapist who is passionate about the science of sleep and how pillows affect the human body, especially the upper and lower back area. Currently, I am exploring how and where pillows can be best utilized in our daily life – both when lying down and sitting. Other than that, I’m a side sleeper who has a thing for memory foam pillows.
Thanks for this article! It made the research on camping pillows a lot easier!
Glad you like it. 😊