A camp pillow may not be as big of an investment as your sleeping bag or sleeping pad. However, a pillow can make – or break – a good night of sleep, whether you’re camping in the backcountry, in a vehicle, or at a campground. We should know – we’ve spent over 1,000 nights sleeping under the stars, testing more than 30 different models in our pursuit of the best backpacking and camping pillows.
In this guide, we cover options from brands like Therm-a-Rest, Trekology, NEMO, HEST, and more to steer you toward the pillows that are the most comfy, packable, supportive, and easy to use, so you can get your best rest on your outdoor adventures.
And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:
Quick Picks for Backpacking And Camping Pillows
Check out this quick list of our favorite backpacking and camping pillows if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.
Best Backpacking Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium ($55)
Best Splurge for the Campground: HEST Camp Pillow ($74-$119)
Best Budget Camping Pillow: Therm-a-Rest Compressible Cinch ($37)
Best Budget Backpacking Pillow: Trekology Aluft Pro ($22)
Best Minimalist Pillow for Ultralighters: Hyperlite Stuff Sack Pillow ($59)
Best Air/Foam Hybrid Pillow: NEMO Fillo ($45)
Best Backpacking Pillow for Back Sleepers: NEMO Fillo Luxury Elite ($70)
Most Comfortable Large Air Pillow: Exped Mega Pillow ($65)
Most Supportive Camping Pillow: Weekender Gel Memory Foam ($25)
Large Air Pillow with Down Top: Sea to Summit Aeros Down Deluxe ($90)
Best Quilted Air Pillow: Klymit LUXE ($50)
Most Packable Foam Pillow: REI Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow ($25)
Best Down Backpacking Pillow: Western Mountaineering Cloudrest ($82)
What’s new
We’ve been testing several new backpacking and camping pillows on our recent adventures, and there have been some big changes to our list.
- The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium claimed our top spot as the best overall backpacking pillow based on side-by-side testing.
- The HEST Camp Pillow jumped toward the top of our list as the best splurge and the most comfortable camp pillow overall.
- The Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow, Exped Mega Pillow, and Western Mountaineering Cloudrest made our list for the first time.
Camping Pillow Overall Testing Scores
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium
Best Backpacking Pillow
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $55
Weight: 2.8 oz.
Pillow Type: Air
Pros
- Ultralight
- Compact
- Supportive
- Good valves
Cons
- Too firm for some
- Minimally insulated
The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium is one of our all-time favorite air pillows for backpacking since it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and low weight.
At just 2.8 ounces, the Aeros Premium is one of the lightest air pillows on the market, and it also packs down incredibly small. Don’t let its tiny size fool you; this thing packs a ton of comfort. The regular size – our size preference for saving weight on backpacking trips – sits at 4.3 inches high, so it’s got a great amount of loft and support for side sleepers.
That said – when inflated to its full height – the Aeros Premium is pretty firm, and it can start to hurt your ear if you lay on one side for too long. You can easily let out some air to make it a bit squishier, but we still find pillows with foam tops to be more comfortable for side sleeping.
One of our favorite features of the Aeros Premium is the multifunctional valve. The first flap opens up to a one-way valve for quick deflation, and you can also press the center of this valve to make micro-adjustments to the firmness. Opening the second flap reveals the dump valve which makes for quick and easy deflation.
Another unique detail is this pillow’s compatibility with Sea to Summit’s PillowLock system. PillowLock is a set of soft Velcro-like stickers that come with Sea to Summit backpacking sleeping pads. These special tabs latch onto the fabric of the Aeros line of pillows and lock them in place while you sleep. Unfortunately, PillowLock isn’t sold on its own at this time, so you can only take advantage of this feature if you also have a Sea to Summit pad.
Backpackers looking to cut weight without sacrificing support should keep the Aeros Premium at the top of their list. This tried-and-true favorite sits taller than many other ultralight air pillows, and its superb valve makes it easy to dial in your perfect firmness.
HEST Camp Pillow
Best Splurge for the Campground
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $74
Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz.
Pillow Type: Memory foam
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Supportive
- Very durable
- Machine washable
Cons
- Expensive
- Too heavy & bulky for backpacking
The HEST Camp Pillow brings the comfort of home to your frontcountry endeavors. It’s nearly as large as a regular bed pillow, and the shredded memory foam fill provides excellent support that doesn’t flatten out.
At 2 lb. 3.2 oz., the HEST Pillow is one of the heaviest and bulkiest pillows we tested, so it’s not for backpacking. But it’s the perfect luxury pillow for car camping and travel when comfort is a priority.
For the ultimate plush setup, we like to pair this pillow with the Exped MegaMat from our list of the Best Camping Mattresses. This dream duo will have you sleeping like a rock and may make you forget all about your bed at home.
The small size is plenty for our needs, but it comes in a medium and large if you’re after maximum luxury. Just keep in mind that the larger sizes cost quite a bit more and will take up more space in your gear storage.
The HEST Camp Pillow is our top recommendation for those who value comfort above all else and for campers who have a hard time catching Z’s when away from their bed at home. Though it’s quite expensive, the high-quality materials and washable cover will keep it adventure-ready for many years of outdoor fun.
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch
Best Budget Camping Pillow
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $37
Weight: 10 oz.
Pillow Type: Compressible foam
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Less expensive
- Very durable
- Machine washable
- Fun pillowcase patterns
Cons
- Bulky
- A bit heavy for backpacking
The Therm-a-Rest Compressible pillow feels almost like camping with the pillow you use at home, but it’s more compact and it doesn’t matter if it gets dropped in the dirt. While it’s bulkier than some of the other pillows on our list, we’d usually rather pack this ultra-comfy pillow than a smaller one that’s less plush.
The Compressible is comprised of a soft polyester cover with upcycled foam chunks inside. It packs into a sleeve on the cover, and the foam can be compressed down to eliminate some of the bulk. When you’re ready to use the pillow, the foam springs back to its original loft shortly after unfolding it. There’s also a drawcord on the cover that can be cinched to tailor the firmness and support to your liking.
The Compressible is CleverHiker Founder Dave Collins’s all-time favorite pillow. He’s used it for some of his most challenging backpacking trips – including multi-day treks through Jasper, Yosemite, and Banff National Parks – because he knows the great night’s sleep he’ll get with it far outweighs the extra ounces and bulk in his backpack.
The Compressible Pillow comes in several sizes for different use cases. We prefer the small size since it cuts out some weight and bulk for challenging backpacking trips, but it’s still large enough to feel luxurious in the frontcountry. Folks who tend to car camp more than backpack might prefer the medium for its larger size and still-reasonable weight, while dedicated glampers will likely find the large to be the best option.
The bottom line is: if you’re looking for a backpacking pillow that will most closely match the feeling of the one you use on your bed at home, this is it.
Trekology Aluft Pro
Best Budget Backpacking Pillow
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $22
Weight: 6.3 oz.
Pillow Type: Air
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Affordable
- Removable cover is machine washable
- Height provides excellent support
- Strap keeps pillow in place
Cons
- Firm feel not for everybody
- Heavy
- Limited packability
The Trekology Aluft Pro is one of the most affordable backpacking pillows on the market, and it’s also one of the most comfortable we’ve tested. This budget-friendly pillow has a surprising amount of premium features that make it feel like a real luxury in the backcountry.
Our favorite detail on the Aluft Pro is the strap that keeps it in place. Nothing’s worse than fighting through the night to keep your inflatable pillow on your pad, so we find that this feature adds a ton of value for very little weight. That said, the strap is removable if you don’t struggle with this and want to save a few grams.
If you’re like us, you sleep like a baby in the backcountry after a hard day of hiking. And snoozing hard can often lead to…drool. The cover of the Aluft Pro is removable and machine-washable, so sunscreen, sweat, and saliva are no problem. You can start each adventure with a fresh, clean pillow.
We absolutely love this model, and have very few downsides to note. Although there are enough users reporting the Aluft Pro leaking air after a few uses that it definitely bears mentioning. One of our gear testers tested this pillow over the course of about a month on the Arizona Trail without incident, and any gear that makes it through the prickly campsites of the AZT is pretty hardy in our view. Still, it’s always best to pack a patch kit and be prepared to perform field repairs if issues arise.
This pillow may be a little heavier and bulkier than some of the truly ultralight air-filled options on this list, but we think most hikers will be very pleased with the comfort and convenience of the Aluft Pro. However, if saving weight and bulk is a priority for you, take a look at the Aluft 2.0. This pillow isn’t as thick and soft as the Pro model, but it’s a couple ounces lighter, considerably smaller when packed, and even more affordable.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow
Best Minimalist Pillow for Ultralight Backpacking
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $59
Weight: 1.7 oz.
Pillow Type: Stuff sack
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Unparalleled packability
- Doubles as waterproof storage
- Fleece lining adds comfort
Cons
- Requires additional clothing for comfort/support
- Crinkley material can be noisy
- Expensive
For hikers who prioritize saving weight above all else, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow is a very comfortable and functional option that serves a dual purpose.
With the Dyneema sides facing out, this is a waterproof stuff sack for your clothing or whatever else you want to keep protected from the elements. But turn it inside out at night to expose the fleece lining, and you’ve got a soft and comfortable pillow.
We find that this pillow is best used in warmer hiking months. Since you need something to stuff inside to give it loft, it’s better in temperatures where you won’t need to sleep in all of your clothes. A down jacket is an excellent way to fill out the pillow, and then you can add other things – like extra socks or base layers – to dial in the firmness.
Of course, you may run into an unexpected chilly night when you do end up wearing all your extra clothes for sleeping, in which case your pillow won’t be very plush. But we’ve found that we usually have a few small things to stuff inside when this happens (like other stuff sacks, a pack towel, or toilet paper roll) to make a passable pillow for the night.
The HMG Stuff Sack Pillow is very similar to the Zpacks Medium-Plus Dry Bag Pillow. Both cost the same, weigh the same, and are great choices, but there are a couple of key differences. The Zpacks pillow is a little longer and made with slightly thicker Dyneema fabric. However, the HMG pillow wins the spot on this list over the Zpacks stuff pillow because the zipper placement is more convenient. The Zpacks zipper is at the very top, so you would need to pull things out to access clothes that are lower down. The HMG zipper splits the pillow about a quarter of the way down, making it more convenient to put small things up top and larger things in the bottom part with quick, easy access to both.
While the HMG pillow is made with a slightly thinner DCF fabric than the Zpacks pillow, we’d say the durability is pretty much a tie. CleverHiker Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, finally reached the end of the road with her HMG Stuff Sack Pillow after about six years and 4,000 miles of hiking. Pretty impressive for a fleece-lined stuff sack weighing less than two ounces.
Though the HMG Stuff Sack Pillow is expensive, the durability makes it worth the cost – it’ll likely outlast many air pillows in the same price range. This is as light as it gets if you want to go minimal without sacrificing comfort.
NEMO Fillo
Best Air/Foam Hybrid Pillow
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $45
Weight: 9.2 oz.
Pillow Type: Foam/Air
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Supportive
- Above-average durability for an air pillow
- Machine washable case
- Integrated stuff sack
Cons
- A bit bulky/heavy for backpacking
- Slippery underside
The NEMO Fillo has been one of the most popular camping pillows on the market for many years because it’s well-made, provides excellent support, and it’s plush enough for the frontcountry while still being reasonably light for the backcountry.
Its soft, removable cover, durable air bladder, and sturdy valve make this pillow a high-quality investment that will really up the comfort on your camping trips. But what really sets the Fillo apart from other air pillows is the thick foam topper. Some air pillows can end up feeling like you’re sleeping on a pool toy, but this layer of foam – combined with the I-beam air chambers and the soft microsuede/jersey cover – make for a much more comfy night’s sleep.
At nine ounces, the Fillo isn’t our first choice for long backpacking trips, but it’s a comfortable option for car camping, travel, and short backcountry adventures. And while it’s also a bit bulkier than many of the pillows we prefer to backpack with, the plush design is worth it for those who prioritize a cozy night’s sleep when hitting the trail for multi-day trips.
For backpacking, we prefer the Fillo Elite Luxury and Fillo Elite listed below for their lower weight and bulk. But you’ll miss out on the cushy foam layer of the standard Fillo and an extra inch of thickness with those alternatives.
Users who will get the most value out of the Fillo are those who are looking for a pillow that feels luxurious for car camping while being light enough for the occasional trek into the backcountry.
More: Nemo Fillo Full Review
NEMO Fillo Elite Wide
Best Backpacking Pillow for Back Sleepers
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $70
Weight: 4.2 oz.
Pillow Type: Air
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Very comfortable for back-sleepers
- Wider than most backpacking pillows
- Integrated stuff sack
- Machine washable case
Cons
- Expensive
- Slippery underside
- A bit heavier/bulkier than UL backpacking options
The NEMO Fillo Elite Wide has become one of our go-tos due to its generous dimensions, soft surface, and low weight.
At 21 inches wide, the Fillo Elite Wide stretches across the entire width of a regular-size backpacking sleeping pad, so you have plenty of room to roll around without coming off the pillow. Backpacking pillows have a tendency to slide off of pads, but we find the extra length usually ensures that at least part of the pillow remains in place for a comfy night’s sleep.
The Fillo Elite Wide sits at three inches high, so it’s not the most supportive option for side-sleepers. But back-sleepers will appreciate that this pillow doesn’t strain your neck by keeping your head too high. CleverHiker Senior Gear Analyst Casey Handley, who is a “rotisserie sleeper” that usually ends up on her back or stomach, tested this pillow over 500 miles of the Arizona Trail, and she found that the width gave her plenty of room to change positions and the height was perfect for providing support while sleeping on her back.
Hikers looking to shave off a few grams may find the standard Fillo Elite to be a good middle-ground between weight and comfort. It’s only 15 inches wide (a full six inches less than the wide model), but it weighs in at just 2.8 ounces and packs down smaller. While there’s less room to wriggle around on the Fillo Elite, those who tend to stay stationary through the night will likely prefer this lighter and less expensive version.
With a light layer of synthetic insulation on top and a soft jersey case, the Fillo Elite Wide is more comfortable than most other inflatables. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s well-designed with an integrated stuff sack that’s impossible to lose, a removable case for easy washing, and a top-notch valve.
Exped Mega Pillow
Best Backpacking Pillow for Back Sleepers
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $65
Weight: 6 oz.
Pillow Type: Air
Pros
- Supportive air baffles
- Large sleeping surface
- Soft face fabric
- Camping/backpacking versitility
Cons
- Average weight & packability
- No dump valve for fast deflation
- Expensive
Much like the brand’s famous sleeping pads, the Exped Mega Pillow leans into comfort and support to give backpackers and campers a luxury sleep experience. This is a comfy pillow by air pillow standards with an extra-large sleeping surface covered with a velvety face fabric and softened by a thin top layer of insulated padding. For Gear Analyst Jory Brass, this was the coziest air pillow in our latest testing lineup, based on several nights of side-by-side comparison testing at high-desert campsites across New Mexico. The Mega Pillow also edged other large air pillows in support, thanks to its 4.7 inch height – but just by a slim margin. At the same time, it is lighter and more packable than you might expect, dropping into a range where we’re comfortable recommending this pillow to both car campers and backpackers.
Still, this is an expensive pillow. Also, it’s not an obvious choice for ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers since its weight and packed size are more average than exceptional. Plus, a luxury air pillow is still an air pillow – and our gear analysts often prefer foam pillows over air pillows when comfort is the end game.
However, we’re happy to add the ExPed Mega Pillow to our list of recommended camping pillows. With relatively strong scores in comfort, packability, support, and ease of use, this inflatable pillow will appeal to many backpacking and camping enthusiasts who want a pillow that adds some creature comforts on top of the advantages of an air pillow. In the end, the Mega Pillow makes mega sense for car campers and backpackers who don’t mind paying a premium for excellent comfort and support in a moderately packable package.
Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Most Supportive Camping Pillow
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $25
Weight: 1 lb. 1.8 oz.
Pillow Type: Memory foam
Pros
- Great comfort for firm pillow people
- Very supportive pillow
- Affordable
Cons
- Firmness not for everybody
- Heavy
- Limited packability
Results from our most recent pillow testing ranked the Weekender Gel Memory Foam Camping Pillow at the top for support and was amongst the cheapest pillows on our list.
We now understand why it’s a top choice on Amazon – and one of the best buys for camping pillows. If you’re a fan of firm, supportive pillows, it’s hard to top this pillow’s dense block of memory foam with a gel treatment that keeps sleepers cooler overnight.
Our side-sleeping tester swooned over this pillow’s neck support as the memory foam conformed under every contour of his head and neck. Back sleepers may also like this support – if they prefer a firm pillow – but this is a potential dream pillow for many side sleepers, who generally prefer a thicker, more supportive pillow.
By the same token, the Weekender will be firmer than most people’s pillows at home, that dense memory foam making this pillow too heavy and bulky for backpackers. This is an absolute beast of a pillow – which narrows down its market considerably to travelers and campground campers who care a ton about support and don’t mind a pillow that weighs a ton.
We love this pillow’s price, but it’s also one of the most polarizing pillows we reviewed. It’s a poor pick for backpackers and lovers of soft, fluffy pillows while providing top value for car campers, overlanders, and van-lifers who have the space to splurge on a rock-solid, highly supportive memory foam pillow.
Sea to Summit Aeros Down Deluxe Pillow
Large Air Pillow with Down Top
CleverHiker Rating: 4.2/5.0
Price: $90
Weight: 6.7 oz.
Pillow Type: Air
Pros
- Great support
- Large sleeping surface
- Comfortable
- Backpacking/camping versatility
Cons
- Average weight & packability
- Could be too tall for back sleepers
- Expensive
The Sea to Summit Aeros Deluxe Down pillow is one of our favorite lightweight air pillows, but it doesn’t skimp on comfort. It is noticeably more padded and comfy than the average ultralight option.
This pillow has a thin layer of down cushioning on top that provides some extra comfort and warmth, but it’s also what makes it a bit spendier than many others. That said, we think the Aeros Down is worth the cost for its quality build. CleverHiker Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, has spent more than 75 nights in the backcountry – including her thru-hikes of the Colorado Trail and Long Trail – with the Down Pillow, and it’s still going strong.
Like the Aeros Premium, the Aeros Down also has an excellent valve system. The first flap conceals the one-way inflation valve that allows for easy micro-adjustments, and the second opens up the dump valve for effortless deflation.
Hikers looking to shave every gram possible without sacrificing the comfort and support of an air pillow can’t go wrong with the Aeros Down Pillow.
More: Sea to Summit Aeros Deluxe Down Full Review
Klymit Luxe
Best Quilted Air Pillow
CleverHiker Rating: 4.2/5.0
Price: $50
Weight: 7 oz.
Pillow Type: Air
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Large sleeping surface
- Supportive for side sleepers
Cons
- No outstanding features
- Heavy & limited packability
- Moderately expensive
The Klymit Luxe pillow is highly recommended for backpackers who prioritize comfort. This large, supportive pillow is heavier and bulkier than the pillows we usually take for long backpacking trips, but the tradeoff is a really comfortable air pillow.
At 22 inches long and 12.5 inches wide, the Luxe is one of largest backpacking pillows on our list. It’s also one of the thickest with a whole 5.5 inches of loft. When you consider the dimensions, the weight and packed size are actually a lot more impressive.
We firmly believe that if your backpacking pillow isn’t comfortable, it’s wasted weight and space anyway. So we’re willing to carry the Luxe into the backcountry over an ultralight option for its significant boost in comfort.
Though the Luxe is far from affordable, we think it’s actually a pretty fair price for what you’re getting. You’d pay the same for a smaller, lighter pillow that maybe isn’t as comfortable. And if you’re going to be spending the same amount of money, it’s definitely worthwhile to consider trading in the weight savings for added comfort.
Like many modern camp pillows, the Luxe comes with a removable cover that can safely go through the washing machine. What makes this cover a bit unique, though, is the snap closure on the end that hides away the valve stem. This small detail eliminates any chance of the valve interfering with your sleep, and we’ve really come to appreciate it.
Car campers and backpackers alike will love the Klymit Luxe for its balance of comfort, weight, and price. Those who don’t mind carrying a little extra weight and bulk in exchange for more comfort should stop the pillow search here.
More: Klymit Luxe Full Review
REI Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow
Most Packable Foam Pillow
CleverHiker Rating: 4.2/5.0
Price: $25
Weight: 5.4 oz.
Pillow Type: Compressible foam
Pros
- Comfort of a foam pillow
- Fits inside mummy bag hoods
- Smallest packed size for foam camping pillows
- Machine washable
- Affordable
Cons
- Average comfort
- Foam scraps feel chunky
- Lacks support of comparable foam pillows
- Larger packed size than backpacking air pillows
The REI Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow is an affordable option that slips inside the hood of a mummy sleeping bag for all-night comfort that stays put. This pillow is plush enough for camping, light enough for backpacking, and packable enough for travel, so it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a do-it-all pillow.
We find the foam filling of this pillow to be comfier than many air pillows since it’s not as firm and conforms to your body shape. It isn’t the most comfortable foam option on our list, but it is lighter and more affordable, so it’s a solid option for budget-conscious hikers. And you can always shift the shredded foam fill around to customize the shape.
One of the best features of the Trailmade is the innovative cover. It has a cozy fleece side and a cool polyester side, so you can flip it to optimize comfort, depending on the conditions. When you’re ready to pack up in the morning, the foam pillow compresses into the cover to save space in your backpack. And once you’re back home, pop the whole thing in the washing machine.
We tend to opt for a lighter and smaller pillow on long, challenging backcountry trips. But the Trailmade only weighs 5.25 ounces, so it’s totally backpacking-worthy if comfort is a priority.
Western Mountaineering Cloudrest Pillow
Most Packable Foam Pillow
CleverHiker Rating: 3.9/5.0
Price: $82
Weight: 5.0 oz.
Pillow Type: Down
Pros
- Highly packable
- Soft face fabric
- Below average weight
Cons
- Limited support
- Average stuffed size
- Expensive
The Cloudrest Pillow is packed with premium down, lightweight, and expensive – no surprise for a Western Mountaineering product. The Cloudrest Pillow stands out for its 800-fill power down, which lets it pack down smaller than its stuffed size. That down also doles out a different kind of comfort than the air pillows and foam pillows we’ve reviewed. It’s relatively light and airy – listed at 5 oz – with a soft face fabric and minimalist support. If you prefer flatter pillows, you might like the sensation of sleeping on high-loft duck down, which compresses to the point that your head is just off the ground.
However, this pillow’s biggest strength is also its biggest weakness. Down can compress so much under the head and neck that it doesn’t provide as much cushioning and support as the other pillows in this guide. It is especially noticeable if you’re a side sleeper. As much as we love Western Mountaineering’s premium materials, it makes sense why there aren’t many down backpacking pillows on the market.
Most likely, the Cloudrest Pillow is the best down pillow around. However, it’s not the comfort splurge we hoped it might be – unless you’ve been searching for a flatter camp pillow. However, If you’ve had enough of ultralight air pillows, this might be a light and packable alternative that provides a very different sleep experience than other pillows on this list.
Product Comparison Table
| oSort | Product | CleverHiker Rating | Price | Weight | Pillow Type | Comfort | Weight & Packability | Support | Ease of Use | 0 |
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium View at REI View at Amazon 
|
4.7/5.0 | $55 | 2.8 oz. | Air | 4.3 | 4.9 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 1 |
HEST Camp Pillow View at REI View at Amazon
|
4.7/5.0 | $74 | 1 lb. 3 oz. | Memory foam | 4.9 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 2 |
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch View at REI View at Amazon 
|
4.5/5.0 | $37 | 10 oz. | Compressible foam | 4.8 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 3 |
Trekology Aluft Pro View at Amazon View at Trekology
|
4.5/5.0 | $22 | 6.3 oz. | Air | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4 |
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow View at Hyperlite Mountain Gear View at Garage Grown Gear
|
4.5/5.0 | $59 | 1.7 oz. | Stuff sack | 3.8 | 5.0 | 3.5 | 4.7 | 5 |
NEMO Fillo View at REI View at Amazon |
4.5/5.0 | $45 | 9.2 oz. | Foam/Air | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.1 | 6 |
NEMO Fillo Elite Wide View at Amazon View at NEMO |
4.5/5.0 | $70 | 4.2 oz. | Air | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 7 |
Exped Mega Pillow View at REI View at Amazon |
4.4/5.0 | $65 | 6 oz. | Air | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 8 |
Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow View at Amazon |
4.3/5.0 | $25 | 1 lb. 1.8 oz. | Memory foam | 4.7 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 9 |
Sea to Summit Aeros Down Deluxe Pillow View at REI View at Amazon |
4.2/5.0 | $90 | 6.7 oz. | Air | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 10 |
Klymit Luxe View at Amazon View at Klymit |
4.2/5.0 | $50 | 7 oz. | Air | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 11 |
REI Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow View at REI |
4.2/5.0 | $25 | 5.4 oz. | Compressible foam | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.7 | 12 |
Western Mountaineering Cloudrest Pillow View at Backcountry View at Western Mountaineering |
3.9/5.0 | $82 | 5.0 oz. | Down | 4.0 | 4.6 | 3.8 | 4.7 |
|---|
How We Test & Methodology
We outlined what we look for in the best backpacking pillows, including comfort, weight and packed size, support, and ease of use. We take every pillow on our list backpacking for a minimum of seven nights to identify the benefits and limitations that impact sleep quality.
COMFORT
We evaluate the pillow’s material composition and texture, looking at how the fabric and the type of pillow – foam, synthetic, air, or hybrid – contribute to overall comfort.
Pillows with soft, brushed fabrics that offer an outstanding skin feel as well as sweat, condensation, and moisture-wicking properties lead this category because these features keep the pillow dry and comfortable. Top performers for comfort usually have ergonomic designs and are highly adjustable for firmness. W test features like inflation systems and prioritize pillows with contoured shapes that work well in any sleeping position.
We also use these pillows for months and years to assess their long-term durability and performance, and how well they maintain that comfort level over time.
WEIGHT & PACKABILITY
To measure the weight and packed size of pillows, we spent many nights in the backcountry, field testing each model and looking at how well each pillow fits within the limited space of a backpack. We measure each pillow’s initial weight and dimensions to understand how packable and portable they are.
Through rigorous compressibility tests – rolling, compressing, and shoving them into our backpacks – we determine how tightly each pillow can be packed and how well it integrates with other gear. We scrutinize the materials used and the style of pillow – inflatable versus compressible foams – with winners offering lightweight yet durable fabrics and fills that keep the overall weight low.
SUPPORT
To understand how supportive backpacking pillows are, we conduct detailed assessments while on overnight trips over many months. We sleep on our backs, sides, and stomachs to learn how well each pillow keeps proper spinal alignment and reduces pressure points, preventing discomfort and promoting restful sleep for all sleeping styles. We also consider the materials used in construction, prioritizing pillows that offer both support and durability without compromising on weight or packability.
EASE OF USE
Easy-to-use pillows are fast to set up and require only a couple of steps, so we start by addressing the inflation and deflation mechanisms and discuss how intuitive and efficient they are for adjusting pillow firmness.
We evaluate setup and pack-down to be sure pillows are straightforward to deploy at camp and easy to stow away when on the move. We look for pillows with features like integrated stuff sacks and storage pockets to understand how practical they are for organizing and using the pillow when setting up camp. We also consider how easy a given pillow is to clean and maintain, noting materials that are convenient to wipe down or machine wash.
Why Trust CleverHiker
With more than 1,000 nights sleeping outdoors, the CleverHiker team knows a thing or two about comfort in the wild. Gear Analyst Jory Brass developed his gear chops at Appalachian Outdoors and honed them as a Gearhead® Expert and copywriter at Backcountry. He’s written copy for 5,000 outdoor products and logged more than 15,000 trail miles since getting serious about hiking in 2011.
For this review, he tested the backpacking pillows over several nights in New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness and a section of the Continental Divide Trail. He evaluated the camping pillows at dispersed campsites across the Chihuahuan desert, Sandia Mountains, and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. On top of testing each pillow individually, he also spent multiple nights playing musical pillows – changing pillows every hour or two to compare them side by side.
Analysis & Results
Rest easy and keep scrolling to find out which pillows are the best when looking at comfort, support, weight and packability, and ease of use.
VALUE
Performance is crucial for our backpacking and camping pillows, but we also look for models that offer long-term value. From cost-effective picks to high-end features that warrant a premium price, we only add the best pillows to our guide so everyone can find their perfect fit.
The best value pillows are the Therm-a-rest Compressible for campers and the Trekology Aluft Pro for backpackers. These models offer above-average performance for lower-than-average prices.
We also like the REI Trailmade and Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow as low-cost models with some nice benefits, such as good packability for a foam pillow (REI Trailmade) and outstanding support (Weekender).
At the same time, the best value for you also depends on your sleeping style and style of camping. For example, the REI Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow is a low-cost model that’s potentially good for both camping and backpacking. However, it’s not necessarily a good buy for campers who need significant support, especially side sleepers. The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow and the Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillows have more value for those who prefer a thicker pillow or need more neck support.
COMFORT
The HEST Pillow is our top pick for comfort – it’s not only one of the most ergonomic pillows we tried, but it’s also soft and supportive. Its soft memory foam core offers stellar neck and head stabilization for excellent alignment all night long and the contoured shape and plush outer fabric make it as cozy as camp pillows come. The Therm-a-rest Compressible Cinch is another camping pillow that levels up comfort with its soft, compressible foam.
Also on the podium is the NEMO Fillo, for its unique combination of an air bladder and luxury foam. It feels softer than the average inflatable pillow and gives more support than the typical foam pillow.
If you’re a backpacker who sleeps on your back, the NEMO Fillo Luxury Elite might be the most comfortable pillow on our list for your sleeping style. On the flip side, weekend warriors who prefer a thicker, firmer pillow might fall for the Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow.
WEIGHT & PACKABILITY
If you’re looking for the lightest, most packable backpacking pillows on the market, you’ll want to consider the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow, Sea to Summit Aeros Premium, and NEMO Fillo Luxury Elite. Each one features materials and construction aimed at reducing overall weight and packed size.
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow is a unique, dual-purpose option. It’s essentially a zippered stuff sack with a fleece lining that you turn inside out to serve as a pillow at night – simply stuff it with extra clothes to your desired firmness. You can either roll it up during the day or turn it inside out again and use it as a gear sack.
The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow stands out for its combination of inflatable and synthetic cushioning that is very supportive yet packs down incredibly small. Thinner and wider than the Aeros pillow, the Elite Luxury version of the NEMO Fillo weighs four ounces and stuffs into a tight sack that easily fits in the palm of your hand.
SUPPORT
Generally speaking, inflatable pillows provide the most support in the world of backpacking and camping pillows. Their air pressure helps hold up campers’ heads and necks more than compressible foam pillows. Thicker air pillows we tested, such as the Exped Mega Pillow, Sea to Summit Aeros Down Deluxe, and Klymit LUXE are great options.
We also like the NEMO Fillo Pillow – with its combination of air pressure and foam making it both supportive and comfortable. However, the Weekender Pillow tops our support rankings: it’s a thick pillow made with dense, resilient memory foam that compresses around the contours of your head and neck for best-in-class support. If you’re looking for firmer, thicker pillows for support, start with these standouts
EASE OF USE
Pillows aren’t as complicated as many categories of outdoor gear. However, not all valves are created equally, and some of the pillows in our test require some gymnastics to stuff or multi-step processes to unpack and repack.
The simplest pillows of the bunch are the Weekender Gel Memory Foam and Western Mountaineering Cloudrest Pillows. Further, we love the Sea to Summit’s simple, multifunctional valves – which make it easy to inflate, adjust the pressure with a finger, and deflate the pillow instantly with the dump valve. Overall, most of the pillows on our list are easy to use, especially if you test them out at home before heading to your campsite.
How to Choose a Backpacking Pillow
BACKPACKING & CAMPING PILLOW TYPES
There are pros and cons to every type of camping pillow. Here are the main categories of backcountry pillows and some quick links to our top recommendations.
Stuff Sack Pillows
Stuff sack pillows are ultralight and excellent for backpacking, but they require a puffy jacket or other soft clothing to give them loft. They can be very comfortable with the right stuffing, but depending on what you fill them with, they can also be hard and compress too much.
UL Inflatable Pillows
Ultralight inflatable pillows weigh next to nothing and hold their shape to offer good height and support for side-sleepers. If you choose an air pillow, make sure to figure out the firmness that works best for you. Over-inflated air pillows can be a bit unstable, difficult to keep in place, and hard on the ears after a few hours.
Compressible Pillows
Compressible pillows are made of materials that expand, like shredded pieces of foam. They’re often very comfortable and closely mimic the pillows we use at home, but they also tend to be much bulkier and heavier than stuff sack pillows and ultralight inflatables. We usually choose these types of pillows for car camping, but a small one can also be a real game-changer for backpacking.
Hybrid Pillows
Hybrid pillows often consist of an air bladder topped with a layer of foam or down insulation. They share the same height and support benefits of ultralight air pillows, but they’re typically more comfortable. These pillows are heavier and bulkier than ultralight air pillows, but they’re often lighter and more compact than compressible pillows.
SLEEPING STYLES
Size, shape, warmth, and surface all come together to determine how comfortable a camping pillow is. Look for one that complements the position you like to sleep in, accommodates your size, and satisfies your preferences for softness or firmness. Side sleepers commonly prefer pillows with a bit more height to support the neck and shoulder while back sleepers usually prefer softer, lower-profile pillows.
TEMPERATURE
Just like it’s important to have a sleeping pad that insulates you from the cold ground, it’s key to have a pillow that protects your head and face from the cold night air. Especially if you go for an inflatable, consider that the air temperature will penetrate through the baffles of the pillow and transfer to your body. Having a barrier of insulation (like fleece, down, or foam) between your head and the air chamber will keep you a lot warmer and more comfortable. Similarly, you’ll want to choose a pillow that has a comfortable fabric surface that will wick away sweat and keep you cool on warm summer nights.
SLIDING
A pillow that slides out from under your head is really annoying and all too common of a complaint for backpackers. Thankfully, gear designers have developed a few solutions!
Some pillows have tabs on the sides to attach an elastic cord that will secure around your pad or you can use a few inches of adhesive velcro to create your own pillow-lock system. Simply adhere the soft side (loops) to your pad and the rough side (hooks) to the underside of your pillow – being careful to line them up right. And voilà, your pillow will stay put much better.
QUIETNESS
Unfortunately, some of the lightest pillows are also the noisiest due to the crinkly materials they’re made from. Although Dyneema and plastics may be ultralight, they can feel and sound like sleeping on a potato chip bag.
Everyone shifts and moves some during the night and it’s likely you’ll hear some rustling no matter which pillow you choose. If you’re a particularly fidgety sleeper, you may want to choose accordingly or bring earplugs for your tentmate.
WASHABILITY
Dirt and grime are part of the backpacking/camping lifestyle and many just learn to live with it.
For more fastidious hikers, there are pillows with removable cases that can easily be machine-washed with your clothing after each trip.
Down pillows require a bit more care as dirt, sweat, hair oils, and drool can eventually cause them to lose their loft, but it isn’t difficult to rejuvenate them with a little know-how. Check out our tutorial on How to Wash a Down Coat for some pro tips.
Conclusion
Why rough it when you can rest easy? A pillow that balances comfort, weight and packability, support, and ease of use will help you wake up without a kink in your neck and hit the trail without excess weight and bulk in your pack. Whether you prefer an inflatable, compressible, or hybrid design, picking the right pillow for your next adventure will make every night’s rest as refreshing as the day’s adventure.
