10 Best Backpacking & Camping Pillows For Side Sleepers [2025]
/When I backpacked through Central Asia and other parts in Europe, I got everything right except I chose to not bring a pillow which messed up my entire sleep cycle.
The pillow can’t be your makeshift rolled t-shirt but it has to be a quality one with a comfy foam if you’re going for months on the road.
Having a good system set up will help you mimic your bed at home, and they include your sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and a pillow.
Pillows might be easy to overlook, but they can make all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep out on the trail. I’ve tested and reviewed a few here to bring you the 10 best backpacking and camping pillows built for trails in 2022.
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Types of Hiking Pillows
There are many types of backpacking pillows out there, and they each serve the same purpose a little differently. They can be classified into three categories:
Compressible
Compressible pillows are filled with foam, down, fibers, or other synthetic mixtures. If you’re looking for a soft and comfortable pillow to bring with you on a camping trip, then this is the one to get.
It’s very similar to sleeping on the pillow you use at home. Compressible pillows with down tend to be lighter and more expensive.
The downside to this comfortable backpacking pillow is that it is quite heavy, especially if you will be hiking for hours. It also tends to take up more space than an inflatable pillow.
Compressible pillows are often difficult to clean since it is easy for dust and dirt to get inside.
I’d recommend taking this type of pillow with you only if you’re going camping. However, it’s better to take something else with you if you’re backpacking and hiking.
Inflatable
Backpackers tend to prefer inflatable pillows because they are super light, compact, packable, easy to clean, and more affordable.
They are also adjustable since they are filled with air, so you can adjust the pillow’s height and thickness to your liking.
Packing this type of pillow won’t add any extra weight to your backpack, making it a great choice for hikers and outdoor lovers. The only downside is that inflatable pillows are noisier and usually less comfortable.
Hybrid
Hybrid pillows are a combination of inflatable and compressible pillows. They typically have a compressible part while the rest of the pillow is inflatable.
If you want the benefits of both types of pillows, then this is the best option for you. Just be sure not to pick a model that is too bulky.
Here are the best backpacking and camping pillows to take with you on trails.
10 Best Backpacking & Camping Pillows Built For Trails
1. Nemo Fillo Pillow
Starting the list off is one of my favorites, the Nemo Fillo pillow. Nothing says durability and longevity like this pillow does.
It’s made of a microsuede cover and a foam filler that provides plenty of comfort.
It’s an inflatable pillow that activates with just a few breaths, and there’s a twist nozzle that releases air for more customized support.
This pillow is hands down one of my favourites because it’s a good combination of comfort and support.
It’s also super packable since it’s able to squeeze into about the size of a softball. The stuff sack is also attached to the pillow, making it easier to find when packing up camp.
However, if there’s one thing that holds the Nemo Fillo pillow back, it’s that it has an above-average weight. Those who are especially weight-conscious about their backpacks might find it difficult to justify adding another half pound with this pillow.
The pillow can also be a bit difficult to pack into its stuff sack. Overall, those who don’t mind adding a little bit more weight to their backpacks will enjoy the benefits that the Nemo Fillo has to offer in just about any outdoor setting.
Pros
Solid and adjustable support
Comfortable
Very easy to use
Cons
Weight and bulk
2. Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow
The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow is a very versatile pillow that you can take on all of your outdoor adventures, regardless of the climate and temperature, location, or what else you have in your sleep system.
I find this pillow to be the perfect balance between weight and comfort. It comes in a regular size, which I highly recommend for all backpackers, and weighs just under 80 grams.
Another great thing about this pillow is that it’s made of brushed polyester material, making it more comfortable and soft to the touch compared to the material commonly used for bag hoods, dry sacks, and other makeshift pillows.
Between the pillowcase and the air bladder sits a thin layer of synthetic fill, adding to the plushness of the pillow.
If you’re looking for a pillow that does well in different conditions, then this is one to try out. Whether you’re sweaty or in a damp environment, the pillow dries in no time.
You can even hand wash the pillow with a little soap and air dry it.
Pros
Comfortable
Lightweight
Cons
Can be punctured easily
May not be high enough for some sleepers
3. Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow
For those on a budget, I’d recommend getting the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow.
It’s a great bargain for a quality backpacking and camping pillow. You get foamy support with a soft, micro-suede cover for added softness.
It also provides a good level of comfort since it’s about five inches thick.
You can choose between three sizes to suit your needs and preferences. The largest pillow folds down into a more portable 12 x 17 inch size, which can easily be fitted into most bags.
It is not only suitable for camping and hiking but for travelling as well.
While it doesn’t fold down to a size as small as other camping pillows, bear in mind that it does come at a budget price. Because of its size, it’s best for backpackers who are side sleepers.
Pros
Very affordable price point without compromising on quality
Machine washable and dryer friendly
Cons
Can get a little bit lumpy
4. Cocoon Ultralight Aircore Pillow
One of the more unique pillows on this list is the Cocoon Ultralight Air Core Pillow. The two sides are designed to be used in different conditions.
For cooler nights, use the microfiber side for a warm and fuzzy sensation. The nylon side is better for warm nights and will keep you comfortable and cool even while you’re sweating.
I found that the pillow was a little wobbly when not fully inflated, so I’d recommend this to people who prefer something a bit firmer to sleep on.
In terms of size, this is another one of the bigger pillows on this list as it comes in 14 x 18 inch and 16 x 22 inch sizes.
This makes it perfect for people who prefer a big pillow with plenty of loft, but it might not be suitable for those who are more concerned with portability and packability.
Pros
Offers good support
Soft and warm
Double-sided case is machine washable
Cons
Feels a bit unstable and wobbly
Has a slippery underside
Relatively heavy and bulky
5. Klymit Pillow X Inflatable Travel And Camping Pillow
The Klymit Pillow X is an overall well-designed pillow that is supportive, durable, and comfortable, all while remaining ultra-lightweight.
It also keeps your head oriented the right way to achieve good posture and maximum comfort.
You can easily adjust the height and pressure of this pillow by adding or reducing air depending on your preferences.
This automatically raises and lowers the height of the pillow to suit your liking. It also adjusts the firmness.
This pillow measures only 4.5 x 2.5 inches and weighs less than 56 grams. It’s easy to inflate in just one or two breaths and can be packed anywhere in its stuff sack. Best of all is it’s quite affordable.
Pros
Many colour options are available
Designed to keep the head stable during sleep
Lifetime warranty is provided
Cons
Poor grip means it can slip and slide on sleeping mats
6. Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
If comfort is your main concern, then the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is the best one on this list for you.
It’s one of the most comfortable backpacking pillows I’ve tried. I can compare it to the pillows that I use at home, just more compact and resistant to dirt.
This pillow might be a bit bulkier than the others on this list, but it’s worth sacrificing if you’re really prioritizing comfort. It’s perfect for camping, traveling, and casual backpacking trips.
This pillow also comes in several sizes, but I prefer the smallest one since it keeps bulk and weight to a minimum for my backpacking and camping trips.
Pros
Budget friendly
Soft, warm, and very comfortable
Durable
Cons
Could offer more support
Can get bulky
7. Nemo Fillo Elite
Another Nemo Fillo pillow, this Elite version of the pillow is a great choice for anybody who needs a light pillow that is also machine washable.
It has a soft cotton case and a layer of synthetic insulation on top, making it more comfortable than many other inflatable pillows.
For me, both the Fillo and the Fillo Elite are well-designed pillows. They’re easy to use with integrated stuff sacks, removable cases, and valves.
If you like the Nemo Fillo original pillow, then you’ll enjoy its lighter counterpart.
Pros
Ultralight and compact
Offers good support
Machine washable
Cons
Minimal insulation
Can be too firm
Has a slippery underside
8. Exped UL Air Pillow
A pillow that I’ve found to be one of the best in terms of space and weight is the Exped UL Air Pillow.
It’s one of the lightest on this list, making it one of the easiest to pack to the smallest volume.
The only thing I don’t like about the Exped UL Air is that it can be uncomfortable. Despite that, it’s very easy to use, has good support, and is very portable.
If you can live without a pillow-soft surface, then you might like this pillow.
However, it can also run a bit expensive for some, so keep that in mind before making the purchase.
Pros
Packs very small
Ultralight
Cons
Uncomfortable
9. Rugged Camp Pillow
The Rugged Camp Pillow is another budget-friendly option if you’re looking for a lightweight camping pillow.
This is one of the lightest pillows I have ever tried, and it packs itself away into a ridiculously small space. It cradles your head to provide good overall stability and support, too.
However, not everybody might like the feeling of nylon on their face. This pillow is not as comfortable as the others I have listed.
A trick I use to remedy this is to cover the pillow with a clean shirt, but if this is something that bothers you, then other options might be better.
Nevertheless, it’s a great budget, super-compact pillow for ultralight hikers and backpackers.
Pros
Ultra-lightweight
Packable
Cons
Uncomfortable
10. Teton Sports Pillow
Another option that’s a little lighter on the wallet, the Teton Sports Pillow offers a simple and easy-to-use design, which is perfect for new backpackers and hikers.
What’s great about this budget pillow is that it is comfortable and soft while being solid, and it also provides a good amount of support.
This pillow also reminds me of the pillows back at home since it has a cozy-looking flannel design.
It comes with a limited lifetime warranty and you’ll also get great customer service.
However, all these great features come with a downside: the pillow is not very lightweight, and it does not pack small.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive pillow for outdoor activities that don’t require long hikes, then this might be the best pillow for you.
Pros
Soft and comfortable
Comes in a wide range of designs
Cons
Bulky and heavy
Got a preference for these pillows? Share with me which one have you been using while backpacking and camping on trails.
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