We all know how important good gear makes a difference in everything we do. Off-roading is no exception. Maybe you’ve had a chance to experience what it’s like to go on an adventure unprepared and you’ve regrated it and swore that you would prepare better next time.
Now if you are going on a day’s worth of trip you would eventually need to sleep. Besides a good roof top tent, you would also need to have a comfortable sleeping pillow so you can get well-rested and prepare yourself for the ongoing adventure that awaits you after waking up.
| Name | Dimensions | Weight |
| Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Inflatable Travel Pillow | Open: 13.4” x 9.4” x 4.3” Packed: 3.3” x 2.8” | 2.8 oz |
| Nemo Fillo Pillow | Open: 17” x 11” x 4.0” Packed: 6” x 4” | 9.0 oz |
| Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow | Open Medium: 14” x 18“ Packed Medium: 10” x 6” Open Small: 12” x 16” Packed small: 9” x 6” | Medium: 11 oz Small: 9 oz |
| TETON Sports Camp Pillow | Open: 12” x 18” Packed: 4” x 7” x 9” | 10 oz |
| Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow | Open: 14” x 18” x 4” Packed: 14” x 5” x 6” | 9 oz |
| Portable Memory Foam Camping Pillow | Open: 16.5” x 7.8” x 5.1” Packed: 8.3” x 5.5” | 17.6 oz |
| Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow | Open: 16” x 12” x 4” Packed: 5” x 2” | 3.9 oz |
Types of Camping Pillows
There are a couple of different types of camping pillows and everyone that is looking to get one is asking themselves, what is the best camping pillow? That completely depends on you and what are you looking for.
Some of the pillows can be lighter in weight and thus minimize the weight in your backpack, some can be easier to pack and put away as they take up less space, and some are just more comfortable than others. Let’s take a look at some of the camping pillow types;
Inflatable Camping Pillows
Most of them might not be as comfortable as you would expect considering that you cannot mold them into your desired shape whilst sleeping. However, these pillows are the lightest ones that you will have.
Besides being very light they also take up almost no space when deflated so you can always pack one with you. To blow up one you would need just a couple of seconds and you are good to go.
Memory Foam Camping Pillows
Now, this is as comfortable as it gets. Some of us already have memory foam pillows at home so why not take them with us on our off-road adventure? You shouldn’t actually take one that’s meant for your bed but there are memory foam pillows that are specifically designed for camping and outdoor adventures.
One downside is that they aren’t that foldable like the aforementioned inflatable pillows so they will take up more space. So, if you do choose this kind of camping pillow you would sacrifice additional space for comfort.
Hybrid Camping Pillows
Hybrid camping pillows pretty much have the best of both worlds. They merge the comfort of a compressible pillow by having a foam layer to it while also saving space by being able to deflate like an inflatable camping pillow.
They can be bigger than regular inflatable pillows however they do add that extra comfort that you will be looking for.
Features to Look for in a Camping Pillow
Comfort
Let’s face it, everyone needs a good night’s sleep in order to replenish their energy levels and be ready for the day that will come. And you won’t be able to do that if you keep turning around all night long adjusting your pillow and waking up with a stiff neck the next day.
That’s why it’s very important to find the right camping pillow for you, the one that will not make you anxious once you wake up. It can however mean that you will have to sacrifice that extra space if you choose the compressible camping pillow instead of the inflatable one.
Size
This completely depends from individual to individual. Everyone has a different camping setup so that means that someone can have more space to carry more things and someone does not. Depending on the space you have in your setup you will choose accordingly.
If you think that the rest of your gear is more important than a bigger pillow then by all means you should keep it that way and simply choose a smaller or a different type of pillow that will be smaller when packed. Inflatable camping pillows are the best option when struggling with space.
Support
As we already said we would look for a pillow that would not make your neck hurt the next day. A camping pillow with good support doesn’t just mean that it is cozy and soft but rather that it supports your head, neck, and spine in a neutral alignment.
A good supporting pillow is the main reason for alleviated neck pain and not just that. A camping pillow as well as a regular pillow with good support will also relieve pressure throughout your whole body so you will feel relaxed and not stiff after you wake up.
Price
As you probably might have guessed the memory foam pillows as well as the duck gown pillows will be more expensive than a blow up pillow for camping. Now that is normal as they use more material and provide more comfort than said inflatable camping pillows.
A good camping pillow is something that you will need and not buying it will not save you a lot of money. A camping pillow is a great addition for any Overlanding trip. Not for nothing many people use them to comfortably sleep inside their roof top tent.
Best Camping Pillow
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Inflatable Travel Pillow
This is a lightweight inflatable camping pillow whose exterior is made of soft brushed knit. It has a multi-functional valve that provides for fast inflation as well as for fast deflation of this camping pillow. When open it is 13.4” x 9.4” x 4.3” big and when packed just 3.3” x 2.8”.
This makes it a great pillow to take with you on your next camping trip or Overlanding as it does not take up a lot of space and it is fairly comfortable considering that it is a blow up pillow. It also weighs just 2.8 oz so you don’t have to worry about increasing your overall cargo weight.
Nemo Fillo Pillow
This is a great camping pillow that has amazing support for your neck as it has eliminated the balloon feeling that most blow up pillows have, it makes a more natural shape that supports your head while sleeping and thus eliminating the stiff neck problem you would get.
It is however an inflatable pillow however it does also have a foam filling which adds to the comfort. It is also a great item to have because once deflated it is the size of a potato and you can store it pretty much everywhere. It weighs 9 oz.
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow
This is a compressible pillow that is made up of polyester and memory foam filling. It is a great item both for plane travel as well as for Overlanding trips. It offers great head support as well as comfort however it is bigger to store than the aforementioned camping pillows.
It is machine washable and you can even wash it without taking the cover off. Just make sure to put it on low temperature when drying it. Apart from being a great pillow, it can also double as a seat cushion.
This is a relatively small pillow however it does offer great comfort. It has cotton filling which makes it a great camping pillow to have especially in cold weather as it will keep your head warm. It is also machine washable with or without the cover.
When open it is 12” x 18” and when packed 4” x 7” x 9” so you can throw it in your backpack and take it with you whether you are going on longer trips or overnight camping adventures
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Camping Pillow
This is a very light, 9 oz, to be exact, compressible pillow that is made out of polyester and has a memory foam fill which is always great for your neck support as well as adding comfort to your sleep. It is a great item to carry during those long flights or even short camping trips.
When open it is 14” x 18” x 4” and when packed it is 14” x 5” x 6”. When it is about to use just shake it and fluff it up and you are good to go. As it is a very compact design you can carry it in a suitcase, duffle bag, or camping backpack, or you can even carry it in your hand.
Portable Memory Foam Camping Pillow
This camping pillow that is made by Cozy Hut is yet another compressible pillow that has a memory foam filling. It has an ergonomic design that prevents neck pain and since it is made out of memory foam you can be sure that you will have a very comfortable experience.
It is a very versatile piece of camping equipment as you can carry this pillow on whatever adventure you are going on. When packed it is just a bit bigger than your hand so you don’t have to worry about space as much.
Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow
This is an inflatable camping pillow that is very lightweight, just 3.9 oz, and when packed it is the size of a potato so it can fit pretty much anywhere. It also has an ergonomic design that will keep your head and neck in place during the night.
As it is only filled with air it does lack a bit of comfort compared to the memory foam pillows however the price is much lower than said pillows. It only takes you a couple of breaths to blow it up and a couple of seconds to let all the air out.
Let’s Wrap it Up
Whether you are going on a long plane trip and you need something to rest your head on or you are going on a longer Overlanding trip you would need a solid pillow to help you rest and prepare you for the next day.
Whatever choice you make it is always better than not having one. Some come at a lower price, some come with more comfort, and some just take up less space in your camping setup. You will choose the one that is right for you.
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