Pillows

Recent Pillow Reviews

Forclaz Inflatable Hiking Pillow

The closest to home bed pillow I could ever find: silent, soft, adjustable. Not the lightest or most compact trekking/camping pillow out there, but well worth carrying around for a good and restoring night. A few words on sleeping comfort and camping pillows Different people have different needs, but everyone can benefit from a good night of sleep to restore energy when we’re backpacking, camping or trekking. Sleeping comfort is relative too, and depends on so many factors. When I’m really tired,… Full review

Marmot Strato Pillow

The Marmot Strato Pillow strikes a good balance between minimalism, comfort, and versatility. Background: I've used a variety of inflatable pillows over the years, as well as pillows fashioned out of excess gear (the stuff-sack pillow method). While such an ultralight solution can suffice for a few nights, a long-distance trail of hundreds to thousands of miles requires days and months of restorative sleep.  My backpacking style focuses on lightweight, minimal gear with a priority given to some… Full review

Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow

Nice light luxury item. After 50+ years of backcountry tripping I've never used a pillow per se. The closest I've come is a light microfleece sack to stuff some clothes in as a pillow. The suitability of that approach however, depended on what clothes I had available to use as "stuffing" and often was pretty lumpy in the end. So, after reading some reviews and talking with folks that have tried it, I splurged and tried this one. It weighs almost nothing and takes up negligible pack space. Rectangular… Full review

Feathered Friends Geoduck Down Pillow

Works great if enclosed in a rolled up dry sack or compression bag, otherwise it flattens out and is too slippery to stay in place. I was unhappy with this pillow as the inner part protrudes almost immediately like toothpaste coming out of the tube, which flattens the pillow. Moreover, the fabric was so slippery the pillow kept sliding out from under my head on my sleeping pad. Then it occurred to me to encase the pillow in my sleeping bag’s compression sack. I rolled it up to make the bag tight… Full review

Klymit Cush Seat

A super lightweight pad, that packs down tiny, when you want a little something between your tush and the ground. On most day hikes, I like to have a little something to sit on when I am having lunch or chilling creek-side. For years, I have used a Therm-a-Rest Z-seat, a compact closed cell mat for that. But sometimes, when going fast and light with a small pack, I don't really have space for it. I kept getting emails from Klymit offering the Cush Seat pad "for free. You just pay the shipping."… Full review

Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Stretch Pillow

If 2.9 ounces in your pack is worth a better night’s sleep, then Outdoor Vitals’ Ultralight Stretch Pillow deserves a look. Relatively light. Exceedingly comfortable. As an admitted pillow skeptic I have been made a believer with this product. From my earliest days as a Boy Scout, the one thing I did was stuff clothes in a bag and use it as a pillow. WHY would I do anything else? Well, I have been listening to numerous hiking podcasts this winter, and a recurring theme is that an inflatable… Full review

Exped Air Pillow UL

A very lightweight and compact inflatable pillow that is designed for both back and side sleepers. I have used all three sizes, but use this one (medium) for short trips when I want to keep my pack light and compact. This is the smallest of the range and weighs just 45g. It packs down really small and only takes a couple of breaths to inflate. It fits into a bag and packs down to the size of a packet of tissues. The valve is flat and serves both to inflate and deflate the pillow. There are two loops… Full review

Klymit Pillow X Large

Pillow does not hold air. Not good for long distance backpacking. I did due diligence in reviewing this pillow. The other pillow I have had for my long distance backpacking trips is great, but not large enough. I decided to purchase this Klymit X Large Pillow for an eight-day backpacking trip. It arrived within four days. I immediately took it out of the package and proceeded to blow it up. It took four breaths to blow up. It held the air for a couple minutes, so I thought it was good and deflated. Full review

Therm-a-Rest Down Pillow

The Therm-a-Rest Down Pillow is a useful addition to a luxurious sleep system as long as the user has the right expectations. When paired with an inflatable pillow or clothing, it adds a significant measure of comfort The Therm-a-Rest Down Pillow is a versatile down shell that can be wrapped around an inflatable pillow or clothing to provide a good night’s sleep. The pillow is stuffed with 650 Fill Hydrophobic down and has a cinchable cord that contains the inner padding of the user’s choice. Full review