Greatest Ultralight Backpacking Pillows [2024] Examined & Reviewed

Sharing is caring!

This can be a gear assessment of the Greatest Backpacking Pillows for 2024.

The standard Backpacking Pillow is likely one of the most neglected gadgets that we take into the backcountry. Most of you is likely to be extra involved concerning the light-weight sleeping mat, ultralight sleeping bag, or a Backpacking Quilt on your massive journey, however for now, allow us to give attention to the light-weight backpacking pillow.

This assessment has been up to date to replicate the long-term use and testing of those backpacking pillows.

How We Examined

All of the Backpacking Pillows on this assessment have been extensively evaluated and researched by the professional writer who has greater than 30 years of expertise in Via-Mountaineering, Backpacking, Mountaineering, and Bike Touring. A number of the Ultralight Pillows had been bought and a few had been equipped by the producer. They’ve been rigorously examined by the writer over a number of years of long-term testing whereas Tenting, Backpacking, Via-Mountaineering, and on Bike Touring Journeys. The analysis, testing, and expertise of the writer have mixed to provide you with the most effective ultralight backpacking pillows for 2024. Learn the Assessment Coverage for additional particulars.

Greatest Backpacking Pillow 2024

Listed here are the Greatest Backpacking Pillows of 2024:

Greatest Backpacking Pillow Total

Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow

Weight: 2.1 oz / 60 grams
Execs:
> A number of sizes and colour choices
> Polyester knit cloth and TPU bladder – high-quality supplies
> Easy inflation in a few breaths
> Contains free storage bag
Cons:
> Hand wash and air dry solely

The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow is the most effective stability between compact measurement, high quality, consolation, and weight.

I used this pillow for a number of journeys and the extra I used it, the extra I appreciated its place on the high of the listing for finest backpacking pillows 2024.

It’s excellent for gram-counters making an attempt to sleep comfortably with out sacrificing an excessive amount of house in your pack. It actually has a really compact packed measurement. It’s formed in such a approach that your head suits into the contours of the pillow. For again sleepers, abdomen sleepers, or facet sleepers this inflatable pillow ought to provide you with an excellent evening’s sleep.

It is available in common, giant, and deluxe sizes. I used and examined the common measurement that’s excellent for anybody wanting an ultralight pillow. It’s lined with a mushy and washable stretch polyester knit that received’t irritate your face irrespective of how delicate your pores and skin occurs to be. I examined this pillow with stubble and a beard and appreciated the consolation and indisputable fact that it was not loud and annoying after I rubbed up towards it.

In case you use the Sea to Summit Sleeping Pad it comes with a locking mechanism to maintain the pillow locked onto the sleeping pad.

The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow is likely one of the finest ultralight backpacking pillows for ultralight thru-hikers.

Greatest Ultralight Pillow – Runner Up

Therm-a-Relaxation Air Head Lite Pillow

Weight: 2 oz / 58 grams
Execs:
> Ultralight
> Machine cleanable
> Very small packed measurement
> Solely a few breaths to inflate the pillow
> Comfortable to the contact and Snug
Cons:
> Not as comfy as a number of the different pillows on this assessment however finest for its measurement and weight

I spent the most effective a part of 2 years utilizing and testing the Therm-a-Relaxation Air Head Lite Pillow. It is vitally just like the Sea to Summit Pillow and they’re so related that there’s little to separate which one is healthier.

The Therm-a-Relaxation Air Head Lite Pillow has a really small pack measurement that’s the lightest backpacking pillow and is kind of comfy. It isn’t as comfy as a number of the different backpacking pillows on this assessment however that’s the compromise an ultralight hiker will make. When testing all of the pillows I discovered the Sea to Summit above and Nemo Filo had barely extra comfy outer materials than this one.

It’s also not as sturdy as another backpacking pillows, so don’t consider utilizing it as a sit pad round camp. It isn’t as comfy because the Nemo choices however doesn’t undergo the sturdiness points that the Nemo Pillow has.

Total, in case you are an ultralight hiker and are on the lookout for an ultralight pillow then think about the Therm-a-Relaxation Air Head Lite Pillow as among the best pillows for 2024.

Most Snug Ultralight Pillow

Nemo Fillo Elite

Weight: 2.8 oz / 80 grams
Execs:
> Versatile sufficient for use for sleeping anyplace
> Machine cleanable
> Lower than 3 ounces in weight
> Virtually as comfy as your pillow at dwelling
Cons:
> Sturdiness points. I’ve had 2 of them changed underneath guarantee within the final couple of years.

Because the best-selling pillow from Nemo’s beloved tenting vary, this up to date model of the Nemo Fillo is designed with brand-new materials and an excellent higher air valve than ever earlier than. Get pleasure from a luxurious sleeping expertise irrespective of the place you might be!

I used and examined this pillow for greater than 200 nights when thru-hiking the Appalachian Path and Te Araroa Path. I discovered the Nemo Filo Elite inflatable air pillow to be very comfy. It comes with a small quantity of Primaloft artificial fill insulation that provides to the general consolation.

This compressible pillow packs down about as small as a lemon however is barely greater than the Sea to Summit or Therm-a-Relaxation Pillows. There’s an built-in stuff sack, in contrast to some others which makes it simpler to pack and retailer it when not in use.

Regardless of all of the constructive issues about this pillow, there are some sturdiness points with this pillow. In the course of the testing of this pillow, I had two of them changed underneath guarantee. Whereas I feel the pillow is tremendous comfy, light-weight, and extra, it definitely has sturdiness points. This has led me to take away it from the highest spot as the most effective backpacking pillow winner!

The Nemo Fillo Elite is a good light-weight backpacking pillow. I used this pillow for a few years and it ticks a number of containers and provides me all of the consolation and assist that I want. It was the principle purpose I moved away from utilizing a stuff sack stuffed with a down jacket for a pillow on backpacking journeys. However sturdiness points have let this pillow down.

Greatest Tenting Pillow

Nemo Filo Tenting Pillow

Weight: 9.2 oz / 260 grams
Execs:
> Very comfy
> Washable exterior cowl
> Nice for facet sleepers
> Add or scale back to quantity of air to regulate the pillow to precisely the way you need it
Cons:
> Slightly heavy for most individuals to take backpacking

The Nemo Fillo Tenting pillow is the most effective tenting pillow for 2024. It’s simply as comfy because the Therm-a-Relaxation Compressible Pillow and weighs virtually the identical however has a smaller pack measurement.

The Nemo Fillo Tenting Pillow is a mixture of comfy foam and air that you simply inflate into the pillow. This hybrid foam and air pillow could be very comfy however just a little too cumbersome for most individuals to think about taking up a backpacking or climbing journey. However when you regard consolation forward of weight then it is a winner. For automobile tenting, it’s an apparent alternative.

The thickness of the pillow may be adjusted by including or eradicating air from the pillow. So it’s straightforward to regulate to your private preferences. Add to that the washability of the suede materials.

Total, the Nemo Fillo Backpacking and Tenting Pillow is likely one of the most comfy tenting pillows for 2024.

Most Snug Tenting Pillow

Therm-a-Relaxation Compressible Pillow Cinch

Weight: 10 oz / 300 grams
Execs:
> Obtainable in small, medium, and enormous
> Machine cleanable
> Makes use of partially recycled supplies 
> Made within the USA
Cons:
> Wants common fluffing

Therm-a-Relaxation compressible journey foam pillow is made within the USA and is good for somebody who desires consolation above all else. The Therm a Relaxation compressible journey foam pillow is additional gentle, regardless of being filled with mushy foam filling, providing the entire comforts of your mattress at dwelling for sleeping nearly anyplace. However in terms of a backpacking pillow it doesn’t pack to a small measurement like a number of the ultralight pillows listed above.

I used this pillow on a few journeys and appreciated the 4 inches of loft and plush assist. I additionally appreciated the brushed polyester cowl which is mushy and supple towards your pores and skin, so even probably the most delicate face can relaxation straightforward on it. This pillow could be an ideal tenting pillow and would even work effectively on airline flights or long-distance bus journeys. A very good mixture of consolation and compact measurement makes it an excellent choice for many backpackers.

A current improve to this new mannequin contains an built-in drawstring and rope lock that retains the pillow good and securely compressed when it’s not in use. So there’s no fear it would come unfastened and re-inflate once you’re on the go. It stays small and the place it must be!

Total, if you need consolation then that is your pillow. The bigger measurement and weight make this finest suited to automobile tenting and in a single day backpacking journeys the place weight and pack measurement should not the primary concern.

Greatest Insulated Pillow

Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow

Weight: 2.5 oz / 70 grams
Execs:
> Extremely-soft and supple with further down high
> Small, unobtrusive air valve received’t interrupt sleep
> Bigger than different backpacking pillows, however nonetheless as small and light-weight
> Twin-layer inner airbag prevents leaking in a single day
Cons:
> Not the most cost effective tenting pillow

Providing an expensive sleeping expertise due to a down pillow high, the Sea to Summit Aeros Down fuses the normal Sea to Summit high quality with added softness and assist, inflating generously to about the identical measurement as a pillow you’d use in mattress.

As soon as stuffed contained in the supplied sack, it’s as small as 5.5 x 3.15 inches, weighing solely 6.7 ounces – that is nothing, permitting you to suit extra vital issues into your bag, like additional underwear and waterproof clothes.

Comfortable, nylon woven high cloth is rapidly and simply inflated, adjusted, or deflated, due to their patented mini Multi-Perform valve, so that you’re able to hit the hay in seconds and simply put it away the subsequent day.

The mix of down and light-weight development makes the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow the most effective down pillow for backpacking. It’s an attention-grabbing mixture that simply appears to work.

Greatest Stuff Sack Pillow

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow

Weight: 1.7 oz / 48 grams
Execs:
> Added consolation from the reversible fleece-lined facet
> Absolutely waterproof
> A number of sizes to go well with you
> Doubles as storage for clear garments or down jackets and so on
Cons:
> “Small” cushion is particularly small – test measurements earlier than shopping for!

Versatile and multi-purpose, the Stuff Sac pillow from Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a two-in-one particular pillow you’ll remorse not buying sooner.

In the course of the day, you may shield and retailer your garments inside – at evening, it’s the proper place to snooze.

Premium development options embody fully-taped seams and a water resistant YKK zipper, 100% waterproof DYNEEMA composite materials, and a reversible, 100-weight fleece lining from Polartec.

Coming in each small and enormous, pint-sized and extra-big campers can get a full eight hours simply, each are made in Maine USA, and weigh lower than 2 ounces, so both approach, you’ll be capable of retailer it in just about any bag.

The most effective ultralight backpacking pillows or ought to I say among the best stuff sack pillows for backpacking.

Greatest Funds Backpacking Pillow

Trekology ALUFT 2.0 Ultralight Tenting Pillow

Weight: 3.9 oz / 110 grams
Execs:
> A number of colorways to select from
> Inflates and deflates in seconds
> Improved ergonomic design with added neck assist
> Superb for again, facet, or abdomen sleepers
Cons:
> Inflation solely – no added foam or padding

Maximizing consolation while minimizing footprint, Trekology’s ALUFT 2.0 is likely one of the most compact, light-weight pillows in the marketplace. As soon as folded, it’s a tiny 5×2 inch, smaller and much squishier than your common soda can.

Enhanced with TPU cloth that’s each sturdy and elasticated, the two.0 model is new and improved for 2021. Not solely is it comfier, however it now boasts water resistance, so you may sleep underneath the celebrities with full peace of thoughts.

The rubber anti-slip gripping dots on the reverse of this intelligent pillow forestall any friction towards your sleeping mat, preserving it held in place all evening lengthy. The built-in latch strap provides additional safety, so your head received’t go bump within the evening!

This is likely one of the finest finances tenting pillows with a great deal of consolation at a finances worth.

Extra Tope Rated Backpacking Pillows

Sensible Owl Outfitters Reminiscence Foam Tenting Pillow

Weight: 11 oz / 312 grams
Execs:
> Tremendous reasonably priced with out chopping corners
> Machine cleanable and dryer pleasant!
> 100% satisfaction assure fulfilled by a USA-based customer support
Cons:
> Can get just a little lumpy, however it’s extremely straightforward to fluff out

The Sensible Owl Outfitters Tenting Pillow is likely one of the most budget-friendly pillows on our listing, you is likely to be questioning why I’m recommending such an inexpensive and cheerful cushion. This unhealthy boy from Sensible Owl Outfitters is what you name an absolute discount buy!

Pairing foamy assist with a mushy, micro-suede cowl, your head feels prefer it’s being cradled by a cloud; being 5 inches thick, it presents superior consolation regardless of coming at a fraction of the price of different backpacking pillows.

Select between three sizes to fit your wants and preferences – even the massive pillow will fold all the way down to a formidable 12×17 inches, simply becoming inside the common rucksack, tote, suitcase… just about any bag you need to use!

This can be a nice tenting pillow for automobile tenting and journey. It doesn’t fold down actually small like the opposite backpacking pillows on this assessment however it’s a finances worth and an amazing finances automobile tenting pillow. As a result of it’s fairly giant it’s the finest backpacking pillow for facet sleepers.

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow

Weight: 2.8 oz / 79 grams
Execs:
> A number of sizes and colours accessible
> Contoured TPU air bladder for spectacular assist
> Artificial lining for an improved airflow
> Silent inflation for these late-night returns
Cons:
> Dearer than different Aeros pillows regardless of minimal variations

Providing each common and enormous sizes to go well with quite a lot of backpackers. The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium assortment is fantastically designed with an ultra-soft brushed polyester knit exterior. 

No greater than a bottle of ibuprofen when you’ve popped it within the supplied stuff sack, it weighs lower than three ounces, which is about the identical as a pack of playing cards. That is excellent for individuals who don’t suppose they’ve room for a pillow of their bag!

Merely inflated in a most of seven breaths, in addition to swiftly deflated or adjusted utilizing the patented Multi Perform Valve, it’s up and operating in seconds after which down once more even quicker, for even the busiest of budding vacationers.

The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium stepped up their sport in terms of light-weight tenting pillows. This is likely one of the finest.

Extra Pillows for Backpacking and Mountaineering

Here’s a listing of another pillows that both virtually made it to the listing of pillows or are but to be examined.

• Cocoon Hyperlight Air Core Pillow: The Cocoon Hyperlight Air Core Pillow is a light-weight inflatable pillow that packs up small however not fairly as small as a number of the Aeros vary.

Backpacking Pillow Comparability Desk

Consolation

If it doesn’t softly cradle your head, both utilizing foam, air inflation, or one other methodology of padding, then it doesn’t meet the essential standards of being an honest pillow. You might need a choice for a specific texture or materials.

A number of the comfy pillows are lined in neoprene whereas others have a rougher exterior cloth – relying on how you’re feeling about texture and whether or not your pores and skin is delicate, you would possibly need to think about when you’ll be capable of quiet down on high of it before you purchase.

There are a few several types of backpacking pillows and every is completely different in terms of consolation.

The inflatable pillows have the benefit of permitting the pinnacle to sink into the pillow relying on how a lot air is inside.

Foam pillows are normally set and unable to be modified which generally is a good factor for a cushty pillow.

Stuff sack pillows may be adjusted by including extra clothes to the stuff sack to fill it up. It may be reasonably annoying to sleep on a stuff sack pillow when the jacket inside is filled with zips.

Packed Measurement

In case you’ve been backpacking earlier than, you’ll be effectively conscious of this already. Area is an important commodity in your backpack, the vast majority of which you’re going to need to reserve for extra vital climbing gear.

The smaller and flatter a pillow may be made, the higher. Some are designed to roll up as small as a pair of socks inside their carrying pack, so when you’re in need of room it might be price valuing measurement over every part else. Inflatable pillows are the most effective compressible pillows for the burden.

Probably the most ultralight of the pillows on this assessment is concerning the measurement of a lemon and weighs 2 ounces or much less.

Pillow Measurement

The dimensions of the pillow, as soon as it has been unpacked or blown up, will likely be one other vital consideration. In case you are a facet sleeper it’s your decision one thing just a little thicker than somebody who’s a again sleeper.

Weight

As a normal rule, the bigger the pack measurement of the pillow the heavier it is going to be. Most ultra-lightweight pillows want air to inflate the pillow. Most add a small quantity of weight by including a layer of suede or fleece to make it extra comfy.

Sturdiness

Even when you’re not going very far, you need this pillow to outlive being repeatedly shoved in and yanked out of your bag, rubbing up towards your entire different stuff, and presumably getting leaked on or scratched up – it might undergo rather a lot!

Aiming for a fabric that’s in a position to stand as much as extra misery than the common pillow will expertise, constructed with temperature modifications, staining or spillages and different tough stuff typically is your finest wager to verify it lasts the entire journey.

Protecting Your Pillow Clear

Accidents occur. When one thing sticky explodes contained in the bag, or your nighttime drooling will get uncontrolled, you’re going to need to give your pillow a radical cleansing to get it again to its authentic comfy situation.

This will likely be a lot simpler and faster for you if the pillow may be machine-washed! It doesn’t matter if it’s dryer pleasant as air-drying is cheaper anyway, however simply with the ability to toss it right into a washer once you get an opportunity is a helpful comfort.

Ease of Use

No person desires to spend ten minutes messing round assembling a pillow earlier than they will fall asleep, particularly when you’ve been out adventuring all day. These merchandise that want you to make use of all of the air in your lungs should not a backpacker’s pal.

Prioritize choosing up a pillow that may have you ever snoozing in seconds. You would possibly spend a few additional bucks on it, however your extremely drained backpacking self from the long run will thanks for splashing that money.

Worth

The value is likely one of the many issues to think about when buying a climbing pillow. The nice-quality pillows on this assessment are reasonably priced and worthy of consideration. Admittedly, a number of the pillows are a bit expensive however they’re normally ones stuffed with down or high-quality foam.

Conclusion

Listed here are the most effective pillows for backpacking and climbing in 2024:

Incessantly Requested Questions

Sharing is caring!