A camping pillow, similar to a sleeping bag liner, is one of those items that you don’t necessarily need to camp but once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
An often-overlooked part of your outdoor sleep system, the humble camping pillow can be the difference between sleeping comfortably to spending your night with a stiff and sore neck.
One of the most important things to consider when camping is what kind of pillow you will bring. Do you go for inflatable pillows? Hybrid pillows? Compressible pillows? Camping pillows that fit in your sleeping bag or attach to your sleeping pad? Is an inflatable pillow better for car camping or should you opt for a memory foam camping pillow? Do I mind camping pillows that have synthetic fill? Do I need a camping pillow with a contoured shape?
Camping pillows come in all shapes and sizes, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Inflatable Camping Pillows:
One of the most popular types of camping pillows is the inflatable pillow. Inflatable pillows are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for backpacking or hiking.
Compressible Camping Pillows:
Another popular option is the compressible pillow. These pillows are heavier and bulkier than inflatable pillows, but they are also much more comfortable. However, they can be difficult to pack, making them less ideal for hikes or backpacking trips.
Hybrid Camping Pillows:
Hybrid camping pillows offer the best of both worlds but are often heavier than inflatable pillows but offer more comfort.
When camping, everyone is looking for something different in a pillow.
Some people prioritize comfort and a supportive pillow over everything else, while others are looking for pillows that pack down small or are made of up-cycled or vegan materials.
Down is a great conductor of heat as are memory foam or fleece camping pillows which are good at stopping the cold penetrate through to your head from the ground up.
Equally important is choosing a fabric that has moisture-wicking properties which come in handy in hot and humid climates.
Another key consideration for many hikers and backpackers is packability. A good backpacking pillow is one that packs down small and the lighter the better!
Something larger and more comfortable may be the priority for those car camping so compressible pillows might be a better option.
Ultimately, the best camping pillows will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
That’s why we’ve checked out compressible, hybrid, stuffed and inflatable camping pillows to give you our top recommendations. Whether you like your pillows firm or soft, big or small, we’ve got you covered. So when you’re ready to hit the sack, and snuggle up in your sleeping bag, you can be sure you’ve got the right pillow to crash out on.
Happy camping!
SEA TO SUMMIT AEROS PREMIUM INFLATABLE PILLOW
Best Backpacking Pillow
What Works For Us
The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium inflatable pillow is the perfect camping pillow for backpackers and hikers who want to minimize pack weight but still have the comfort of a soft pillow at the end of a long day.
The mini dual valve system allows you to easily inflate and deflate the pillow, and also adjust the firmness to your liking - all without losing any air. It takes seconds to deflate and packs away easily back into the stuff sack.
The Sea to Summit Aeros is a great choice for those looking for a camping pillow that offers neck and shoulder support and superior loft for side sleepers. It can be quickly and easily inflated and deflated, and has a soft and comfortable surface.
The pillow has a soft brushed knit exterior which makes it comfortable, and for those of us that like to keep our pillows in place, the Sea to Summit Aeros can be paired with Sea to Summit Sleeping pads that have Pillow Lock patches to make sure that your pillow doesn’t push out from under you during the night.
Best of all, it weighs less than 80 grams, so it won't add much weight to your pack - it's one of the best backpacking pillows out there. Give it a try on your next camping trip and we think you'll be a convert!
What You Need To Know
Size: 13.4 x 9.4 inches
Packs to: 3.3 x 2.8 inches
Weighs: 2.80oz (79 grams)
Fill: Polyester
Model: Inflatable
Stuff Sack included
Works in tandem with the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT extreme Sleeping pad - check out our review.
THERM-A-REST COMPRESSIBLE PILLOW (MEDIUM SIZE)
Best Camping Pillow for comfort
What Works For Us
The Therm-a-rest compressible pillow is the most comfortable camping pillow out there. It's soft, warm, and made from durable materials, making it perfect for any cold-weather camping trip and is perfect for car camping where space is not at a premium.
The shape and comfort level mimic a house pillow and although it’s bulkier and heavier than some of the ultralight inflatable options on our list, such as the Big Agnes Ultralight or the Trekology Ultralight Aluft 2.0, it’s worth the extra ounces!
The pillowcase is also patterned, adding a bit of fun to your camping experience. Plus, the foam is made from fully recycled materials, making it a great choice for environmentally-conscious campers.
This square-shaped pillow is light and easily packable, thanks to its built-in stuff sack. It quickly expands to a plush 4-inch thickness, providing you with the perfect place to rest your head at night. Whether you're car camping or backpacking, this is one of the best camping pillows to give you a good night's sleep!
What You Need To Know
Size: 14” x 18” x 4” (expands out to a 4" thick pillow)
Weighs: 9oz (260grams)
Fill: Foam
Shape: Square
Model: Compressible
Integrated Stuff Sack
For a more in-depth look at the Therm-a-rest Compressible pillow, check out our Gear Review.
NEMO FILLO
Best Hybrid Camping Pillow
What Works For Us
The Nemo Fillo is the best hybrid camping pillow on the market. It offers the comfort of a compressible pillow with the ability of inflatable pillows to adjust the firmness of your pillow to your liking with the twist nozzle air valve.
This rectangular hybrid camping pillow is made with a plush micro-suede outer cover and a thick, dense layer of memory foam, making it extremely comfortable and the large surface area for your head prevents the pillow from slipping out from under you in the middle of the night.
The pillow is deployed in just a couple of seconds, and with its twist nozzle feature, you can customize the air level without deflating the whole pillow.
We found that it's a little on the heavy side for a hybrid camping pillow, but it's perfect for car camping or short backpacking trips. And because it's so versatile, it's also great for caravaning or using on a flight.
This is one of our top choices for a hybrid pillow and it merits it's price tag and it's place as one of the best camping pillows for comfort, support and ease of use.
What You Need To Know
Size: 17" x 11" x 4"
Weighs: 9oz (260grams)
Fill: memory foam
Model: hybrid
Shape: Rectangular
Integrated Stuff Sack
WISE OWL OUTFITTERS CAMPING PILLOW
Best Camping Pillow on a Budget
What Works For Us
The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow is a great pillow on a budget.
This comfortable pillow features cushioned memory foam for optimal neck and head support. Plus, it has a micro-suede cover that's soft and warm and soft on your face.
Not to mention, it expands out to a generous size, maybe not to the 5" indicated, but it certainly plumps out to give plenty of loft making it perfect for car or weekend camping trips where space is not necessarily at a premium.
It packs down back into its waterproof stuff sack with little effort and plumps back out again quickly. Best of all, the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow is machine washable for easy care.
What You Need To Know
Size: 12” x 16” (M) or 14” x 18” (L)
Weighs: 9oz (260grams) or 11oz (311grams)
Fill: memory foam
Model: compressible
Shape: Rectanagular
Waterproof Stuff Sack
TREKOLOGY ULTRALIGHT PILLOW ALUFT 2.0
Best Ultralight Camping Pillow
What Works For Us
If you are looking for an ultralight, ultra-comfortable and super quick inflate and deflate camping pillow then the Trekology Ultralight Pillow fits the bill! And at a really reasonable price!
This versatile pillow is perfect for backpackers, hikers and campers who want a pillow that easily packs down to a small size. The Aluft 2.0 pillow folds down to just 5 x 2 inches, less than the size of a can of soda, making it one of the most compact camping pillows on the market.
It only takes a few seconds to inflate or deflate thanks to the built-in "click of a button" mechanism - this allows you to customize how firm or soft you want your pillow, depending on your preference to give you the neck support you need.
It's made of durable, water-resistant elastic TPU fabric, and features an anti-slip grip texture on the underside to keep it in place all night long. The semi-circular design provides good neck support, and the elastic snap-on design means the pillow stays put all night long.
For an extremely reasonable price, this pillow packs a punch and is well worth the money.
What You Need To Know
Size: 16” x 12” x 4”
Weighs: 3.09oz (110grams)
Packs to: 5” x 2”
Model: Inflatable
Shape: Semi-circular
Stuff Sack
This pairs well with the Trekology Aluft UL80 Inflatable Sleeping Pad - check out our in-depth review.
BIG AGNES AXL ULTRALIGHT INFLATABLE PILLOW
Best Lightweight Backpacking Pillow
What Works For Us
If you're looking for an ultra-lightweight and compact camping pillow, the Big Agnes AXL is a great option. Weighing in at just 50 grams, it's one of the lightest camping pillows on the market.
This inflatable semi circular camping pillow has a 4-way stretch nylon fabric that is durable and tear-resistant, and it's also heat-reflective to keep your head or face from overheating in hotter climates. It's not as luxurious as the Nemo Fillo or the Therm-a-Rest but the nylon fabric does have a soft touch to it, and considering how light the pillow is, we felt it should have a place on our list!
The single port 2-way valve makes inflation and deflation quick and easy, and the micro release button lets you adjust the pillow's firmness to your preference. It can be paired with the sleeping pockets in the Big Agnes sleeping bags and sleep systems as well as being used as a standalone pillow.
Whether you're a backpacker, hiker, or glamper, this is a great choice for anyone who wants a light and comfortable pillow.
What You Need To Know
Size: 16” x 10”
Weighs: 1.60oz (50grams)
Model: Inflatable
Shape: Semi circular
Stuff Sack
Best Camping Pillows Buyers Guide: What you need to Consider:
It can be tough finding the perfect camping pillow. You want something that is comfortable, but also lightweight and easy to pack.
Camping can be a lot of fun, but it's definitely more enjoyable when you're well-rested. That's why it's important to bring a good camping pillow with you on your trip.
We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions on the best camping pillows to help choose the right ones for your camping needs. With this resource, you'll be able to find the best camping pillow for your next camping trip in no time and be secure in the knowledge that you will get a good night's rest!
Which camping pillow is best?
For the best camping pillows, you'll want to consider a few factors.
Camping pillows can be either inflatable or non-inflatable, and there are pros and cons to each. Inflatable pillows are usually more comfortable, but they can be noisy and take up more space. Non-inflatable pillows tend to be smaller and lighter, but they might not be as comfortable.
Another factor to consider is the loft, or how thick the pillow is. A thicker pillow will provide more support for your head and neck, but it will also take up more space.
Are you looking for a car camping pillow or backpacking pillows? If you are backpacking, you may want to choose an inflatable camping pillow as opposed to
When choosing camping pillows, it's important to find one that's comfortable for you. Everyone has different sleep requirements so base the decision on what suits you best and what type of camping you are planning on doing if space and weight are an issue such as an ultralight backpacking pillow. It's also worth checking if your pillow pairs with your sleeping bag or sleeping pad.
Do you need a pillow while camping?
It depends on how comfortable you want to be!
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to bring a pillow while camping. The first is comfort: if you're looking to get a good night's sleep possible, then bringing your own pillow is definitely the way to go.
Another factor to consider is weight and space: every extra item you pack adds weight and takes up room in your backpack, so if you're trying to travel light, it might be worth considering foregoing the pillow altogether.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference - some people can't sleep without a pillow, others don't mind sleeping on the ground with just a sleeping bag.
Are inflatable pillows comfy?
Yes! Inflatable pillows are incredibly comfortable. They conform to the shape of your head and neck for optimal support, and they're perfect for car camping, backpacking, hiking and glamping. Plus, they're easy to store and transport.
They’re available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that’s perfect for you. Plus, they’re affordable and easy to clean – just machine-wash the cover and air-dry the pillow itself.
How do you attach a camping pillow to a sleeping pad?
There are a few different ways to attach a camping pillow to a sleeping pad. One way is to use straps that go around the pillow and the sleeping pad. Another way is to use loops on the pillowcase that fit over tabs on the sleeping pad. Sleeping pads often have loops or clips that allow you to fasten the two together. Whichever method you choose, make sure that the attachment is secure so that the pillow does not move around during sleep.
Thank you for following along on our camping pillow journey. We hope that by providing this in-depth look at the different types of camping pillows available, as well as what to consider when making your purchase, you feel confident in selecting the best camping pillow for your needs. Be sure to check out the price of the camping pillow you select by tapping the green button below. Thanks again for reading!
Happy Camping!
