How to Choose the Right Backpacking Pillow
When buying your gear for sleeping, you’ll to want to take some time to research your options. Getting a good night’s rest on the trail is important and it’s hard to get that sleep if you’re not comfortable. Having the right backpacking pillow will be a huge help in keeping you comfy at night.
Most backpackers will be diligent in choosing a sleeping mat and bag. After all, those are bulky items that not only significantly impact your sleep but the space and weight of your backpack. However, they often don’t put as much thought into their pillow. Though finding the right sleeping bag and mat may be more of a hands-on process, you shouldn’t just settle for the first pillow you find.
There are a few things you need to consider when choosing a backpacking pillow. Size, weight, comfort and fabric are main factors to keep in mind. With this guide in hand, you can easily sift through the options to find one that will fit your needs.
First things first…
Are Backpacking Pillows Worth It?
I went on my first several backpacking trips without a backpacking pillow. I used a sweatshirt as a pillow, brought a small throw pillow, or went without any head support during those trips. The first trip where I had an actual pillow to use was a major improvement.
Backpacking pillows are not entirely essential. You can get by without one and many people do. However, they are far more comfortable and convenient than your alternatives. If you value a good night’s sleep and personal comfort, getting a backpacking pillow is the way to go.
What to Consider When Choosing a Backpacking Pillow
Comfort
Getting good sleep after a day of backpacking is important and it is hard to sleep well if you’re uncomfortable. When choosing your backpacking pillow, keep in mind the preferences you have for your typical sleeping pillow.
Do you need something that is sturdy and provides a lot of support? If so, an inflatable or hybrid might be best for you. Prefer something that is soft with extra cushion? Then you might opt for a compressible pillow. Don’t just go with whatever is the cheapest or light weight or you might end up with an achy neck.
Size
Backpacking pillows vary in size, but many of them tend to be around 16 x 12 x 4 inches.
This means your pillow will be much smaller than what you are used to using at home. But think about it, it’d be a disaster trying to fit a standard size pillow in your backpack!
There is some variety of sizes available for your backpacking pillow, so you can find one that suits your preferences. However it is important to note that more size means it will take up more space and more weight…Make sure you are prioritizing accordingly.
Weight
As with every piece of backpacking gear, you need to consider the weight of a backpacking pillow before purchasing it. If you are someone who goes on lengthy trips, every ounce on your back matters.
Some types of backpacking pillows are more lightweight than others, we will go over those in more detail later. However, it is important to note that weight within those pillow categories may vary. Different brands or styles of the same pillow can have drastically different weights. The quality of the pillow, its design, and what it is made of all factor into how lightweight a pillow can be. Read the specs on the description to make sure you are getting a light one.
Fabric
Most people don’t bring along a pillowcase for your backpacking pillow. It isn’t entirely necessary and is another thing that takes up space in the backpack. With that in mind, you should consider what fabric your pillow is made of. You’ll want one that you don’t mind pressing your face against.
Look for a pillow that doesn’t have a plastic surface, at least for the side that your face will press against. Plastic can get hot and sweaty on warm nights and may cause skin irritation. If the pillow you have your eyes on is made of plastic, check to see if it has a side with a softer coating. Many high quality pillows will have a soft side.
If you have sensitive skin, perspire a lot in your sleep, or have a pillow made of uncomfortable material you may want to consider a cover. Depending on the brand, there may be a cover designed specifically for it. Otherwise you’ll have to improvise and use a throw-sized pillowcase or a soft t-shirt. Look for a breathable, lightweight fabric such as bamboo or silk that will be gentle on your face.
Types of Backpacking Pillows
Inflatable Backpacking Pillow
Inflatable pillows are ones that you simply blow up like a balloon to your desired fill. You deflate and roll them up every morning to be light and compact in your bag. When setting up your tent, you inflate them once again. These pillows are rather small, so you can easily inflate them in a few breaths.
Pros:
- Packs down to a very small size to help optimize backpack space
- Most lightweight option for backpacking pillows
- Can dry quickly if it gets wet
- Adjust firmness easily by inflating or deflating
Cons:
- Need to use your breath to inflate
- Often made of plastic or synthetic material that can irritate sensitive skin
- Can cause ear discomfort for side sleepers
Compressible Backpacking Pillow
Compressible pillows are designed to be packed into a stuff sack to be a smaller size, then expands when unpacked. These are often made of foam, down or synthetic fills that can swell up to size after being compressed. They take up more space than the other options, but can be more comfortable for someone who prefers softness to their pillow.
Pros:
- Similar comfort to your pillow at home
- Ready to use
- Made of comfortable, soft fabric, not plastic
Cons:
- Heavier and larger than other options
- May be difficult to pack down to minimize size
- Does not dry fast if exposed to moisture
Hybrid Backpacking Pillow
A hybrid pillow is a mix between compression and inflatable pillows. The top or outer layer is compressible with an inflatable bottom to adjust support and height. This gives you the extra cushiony comfort of a typical pillow but takes away some of the bulk by utilizing air chambers. A happy medium if you’re torn between the two.
Pros:
- Outer layer provides comfort that inflatable pillows cant
- Air chambers allow you to adjust support as needed
Cons:
- Lighter than compressible pillows, but heavy compared to inflatable
- Needs breath to inflate and effort to compact it for packing
Stuff Sack Backpacking Pillow
A stuff sack pillow is similar to a pillowcase, but is lightly lined for extra comfort. When you’re ready to use your pillow, stuff this with any bulky clothes you’re not wearing. This is similar to a makeshift pillow you might make with a sweatshirt. However, this adds a degree of comfort by containing your clothes inside the pillow shape and providing a thin layer of cushion.
Pros:
- Pillow is compact and lightweight
- Makes use of items you’re bringing anyway
- Adds a layer of comfort you wouldn’t get by just using a bundled up sweatshirt
Cons:
- Can feel lumpy if you don’t have fluffy gear to fill it with
- Toward the end of your trip, the clothes you use to fill it may be worn and smelly
Going Without a Backpacking Pillow
If you don’t have time to pick up a backpacking pillow before your next trip, don’t fret. You can find a makeshift pillow around your house or inside your backpack.
Using a bundle of soft clothes can work as a last-resort pillow on a backpacking trip. Gather your jacket, sweatshirt, and extra layers and contain them with one of your larger items of clothing. Avoid items that are soiled, stiff, or have zippers on it. This won’t be the most comfortable pillow, but it will give you some head and neck support.
If you’re going on a short trip where you won’t need a lot of gear, you can bring a throw or travel pillow. These will take up more space in your bag, but will provide comfort and support throughout the night.
You can go without any pillow at all, but you’ll probably wake up with an achy neck and back. I don’t recommend sleeping without any head support no matter where you’re spending the night.
Conclusion
Having a backpacking pillow is a great way to ensure you’ll be comfortable when you lay your head down at night. There are a variety of styles and variations to choose from, so you’re guaranteed to find one that fits your needs. These are a great thing to add to your backpack packing list. If you choose to go without one it’s not the end of the world, but you’ll be a whole lot comfier if you did!
Cover photo by Felix M. Dorn on Unsplash
