The Best Camping Pillows for Summer Camping in 2024.
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Like a good sleeping pad and sleeping bag, a comfortable camping pillow can make all the difference in your outdoor sleeping experience. Whether you're backpacking through the mountains or car camping by the beach, the right pillow ensures you wake up refreshed and ready for the day. Here are my top picks for the best camping pillows of 2024.
Best Camping Pillows:
Best Overall: NEMO Fillo
Best Lightweight: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight
Best for Side Sleepers: Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
Best for Backpacking: Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe
Best for Budget: Trekology Ultralight
Why Not Use My Pillow From Home?
Using a pillow from home for camping might seem convenient, but it's not ideal. Home pillows are usually bulkier and less durable, making them hard to pack and susceptible to moisture and dirt. Camping pillows are designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to clean, providing comfort while being travel-friendly. They often have features like inflatable cores or compressible foam to save space in your pack and ensure a good night's sleep outdoors. The bottom line is that it is just more sanitary and practical.
Choosing the Right Camping Pillow.
When selecting a camping pillow, consider the following:
Comfort: Look for pillows with enough cushioning and support.
Weight: Lightweight pillows are essential for backpacking.
Packability: Ensure the pillow packs are small for easy transport.
Durability: Choose a pillow made from rigid materials that can withstand regular use.
It comes to testing to find the right fit for you, like a good mate, partner, or BFF.
Best Overall
NEMO Fillo: The NEMO Fillo perfectly combines comfort, compactness, and durability. This pillow features an inflatable air core with a thick layer of luxury foam, providing excellent support and softness. It's also covered with a washable microsuede cover, making it easy to keep clean. The Fillo packs down small and comes with its stuff sack, making it ideal for backpacking and car camping.
NEMO Fillo / Photo from REI
Price: $44.95
Color: Abyss and Goodnight Grey
Best Lightweight
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight: The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight is the best choice for those who need to keep their gear light. Weighing just 2.1 ounces, this pillow is incredibly light and compact yet offers good support and comfort. It inflates quickly with just a few breaths and deflates just as easily. The brushed 50D polyester knit is soft against the skin and durable enough for regular use.
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight / Photo from REI
Price: $44.95 – $64.95
Colors: Aqua Blue, Grey, and Sea Foam
Sizes: Regular, Large, and Deluxe
Best for Backpacking
Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe: The Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe is an excellent choice for backpackers seeking a combination of lightweight design and comfort. This pillow features a four-way stretch nylon fabric for a soft touch and a quilted air core that provides excellent support. It’s incredibly light, packs down small, and includes a micro-adjust valve for personalized comfort.
Price: $49.95
Colors: Gibraltar Sea
Sizes: One Size
Best for Side Sleepers
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow: The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is perfect for side sleepers who need extra cushioning. Filled with upcycled foam from the Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad manufacturing process, it offers a plush and supportive surface. It compresses down for easy packing but expands to provide ample support for your head and neck, ensuring a comfortable sleep. Plus, they have cute patterns.
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow / Photo from REI
Price: $31.95 – $46.95
Colors: Fun Guy, Pine, Stargazer, and Topo Wave Sage
Sizes: Small, Medium, and Large
Best for Budget
Trekology Ultralight: The Trekology Ultralight pillow is a fantastic choice for campers on a budget. It’s incredibly affordable yet offers excellent comfort and support. This inflatable pillow is lightweight and packs down to the size of a soda can, making it perfect for backpackers. Its ergonomic design ensures neck and head support, providing a good night's sleep at a fraction of the cost.
Trekology Ultralight / Photo from Amazon
Price: $19.99
Colors: Black, Green, Navy Blue, Orange, and Teal Blue
Conclusion: Camping Comfort for Your Noggin.
Nighttime comfort for your noggin when you go backpacking or camping is pretty important. The right camping pillow can make all the difference between a dreamy night's sleep and waking up with a stiff neck. Whether you're seeking the luxurious feel of the NEMO Fillo, the budget-friendly support of the Trekology Ultralight, the ultralight convenience of the Sea to Summit Aeros, or the side-sleeper-friendly Therm-a-Rest Compressible, there's a perfect pillow out there for everyone. Sweet dreams, campers.
Where to Buy:
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight: REI
Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe: Amazon
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow: REI
Trekology Ultralight: Amazon
