5 Best Backpacking Pillows For 2024

5 Best Backpacking Pillows For 2024

If you’re shopping around for a new backpacking pillow, you’ll find plenty to choose from. It can get overwhelming trying to shop for a new one, especially online where your options seem limitless. So to help take the guesswork out of it, we put together a list of the 5 best backpacking pillows for this year.

It’s important to note that different people will prefer different styles of pillows. So be sure to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each type. This article (linked here!) is a great place to start because we dig into the benefits of each style of pillow. You can use that guide to determine which type would fit your needs best.

Once you know the type of pillow you are searching for, check out our list below to find the perfect one for you!

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Best Inflatable Backpacking Pillow

What makes inflatable pillows great is how light and compact they are. They are ideal for the backpacker who wants to cut back on pack weight or bulk.  

This pillow is the one that I use on every backpacking trip. It shrinks down small, weighs very little, and is easy to inflate. It’s on the top of our “Best Backpacking Pillows” list for a reason!

Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Pillow

This pillow comes with a latch and anti-slip rubber dots to keep it in place. The ergonomic design provides superior neck and back support perfect for back and side sleepers.

Find it here!

Best Fiber Fill Backpacking Pillow

If you prefer a softer pillow that more closely resembles your pillow at home, a fiber fill pillow would be your best bet. Be warned, these do not shrink down as much as your other options and tend to weigh a bit more. However, the comfort certainly makes up for it.

TETON Sports Camp Pillow

Perfect for stomach sleepers and people who prefer softer pillows. This pillow comes with a poly-flannel, removable pillowcase that is both cozy and easy to wash.

Find it here!

Best Foam Backpacking Pillow

Foam pillows are similar to fiber fill in that they have a similar feel to your pillow at home. Foam pillows are firmer than their fiber fill alternatives and can be compacted down to a smaller size. However, they are still far larger and heavier than an inflatable pillow. This brand is our choice if you want to go the foam route.

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow

This pillow is soft, yet supportive for a variety of sleeping styles. The cover is micro-suede in texture and comes with a water proof, compressing travel bag.

Find it here!

Best Stuffable Backpacking Pillow

A stuffable pillow is like a pillowcase that you shove some clothes into for a makeshift pillow. It’ll be lumpy and potentially stiff depending on the clothing you have on hand, but it’s certainly lightweight!

Therm-a-Rest Trekker Stuffable Pillow

This stuffable pillow is more than just a pillowcase. It’s polyester exterior gives it a smooth and soft feeling. The stuff sack design makes your clothes stay put even if you toss and turn.

Find it here!

Best Hybrid Backpacking Pillow

If you’re looking for a middle-ground between the lightweight inflatable pillow and the soft fiberfill pillow, a hybrid is your best bet. Hybrid pillows are a lightly stuffed fiber pillow with an inflatable air bladder inside. It inflates up to provide good support, then deflates to pack down small.

Klymit Luxe Pillow

Combine the support of air with the soft cushion of polyester fill for the perfect packable pillow. This pillow is much larger than the other options, perfect for someone who moves around in their sleep.

Find it here!

Conclusion

Finding the best backpacking pillows can be tough. There are a lot to choose from and reading through all the reviews can be confusing. Hopefully our favorite choices could help narrow down the options for you.

If you’re shopping around for new gear, be sure to check out our other gear selection guides for finding the right sleeping bag or choosing the best sleeping pad.

_{Cover photo by Ali Kazal on Unsplash}