A Guide On How To Buy The Best Camping Pillow In 2021

Whether you are backpacking, hiking, or travelling the best camping pillow ensures that you get quality rest wherever you are. Choosing the best pillow for camping will depend on a number of things including the pillow type and personal preference. Price also plays a major role when deciding which camping pillow to buy.

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Editor’s Pick - The Best Product
#1-THERM-A-REST COMPRESSIBLE PILLOW

This is the best camping pillow I have seen so far. It is a great camping pillow made from quality products. Therm-a-rest compressible pillows come in 6 shades- amethyst, denim, gray, clover, mosaic, and cardinal. You can also buy the pillow in different sizes including small (12” by 16”), medium (14” by 18”), large (16” by 23”), and extra large (16.5” by 27”).


Therm-a-rest compressible pillow suits both travelers and campers. It is made of a polyester outer fabric and the inside is stuffed with quick memory urethane foam. The pillow will puff up within minutes of taking out its case. The best part is that the pillow still maintains its quality even after several washes.

What I Liked


  • Becomes fluffier after every wash
  • Compressible and easy to park
  • Made of memory foam that expands quickly
  • Comes in different sizes and colors

What I Didn’t Like


  • The stitching may be off in some pillows
  • You may have to buy several of the smaller pillows for maximum comfort
  • Larger pillows may be a bit expensive for a first-time camper

Runner Up/Alternative Pick - The Second Best Product
#2 - Coop Home Premium Memory Foam Camping Pillow

Coop Home premium camping pillows are designed to be comfortable and environmentally friendly. They are a cheaper alternative with the same benefits as therm-a-rest pillows. Coop home premium memory pillows are designed with a CertiPUR-US foam that contains zero traces of lead or mercury poisoning.

Give this camping pillow one cold wash then tumble dry it.  When dry, it puffs up really well and suits any adults who are travelling, backpacking, or camping.  This camping pillow can also be used together with your hammock at home. You may also add it as a decoration to your living or study room.

best camping pillow

It folds really well and has a stuff sack that compresses the pillow further. This makes it easy to fit it into your travel bag without taking up a lot of space. 

What I Liked


  • Compact and does not take up much space
  • Can be washed in cold water
  • Includes a stuff sack to save on space while packing
  • Can be used for camping, travelling, or at home
  • Comfortable and environmental friendly

What I Didn’t Like


  • Only comes in one color
  • Has a strong odor of chemicals

Budget Pick - The Best Product with Limited Budget
#3 - TETON Sports Camping Pillow

This TETON camping pillow is value for money to anyone on a tight budget. It is designed with the same technology TETON uses on their sleeping bags. Whether you are camping, backpacking, or travelling, this camping pillow may suit all occasions.

I found this pillow to be extra soft. I would say it is because of the SuperLoft Elite 4 fiber fill that also makes TETON’s sleeping bags fluffy. The pillow’s surface is lined with brushed poly P5 hi-count fabric, which prevents the pillow from sticking to your skin as you sleep on it. An extra double brush finish adds to the pillow softness.

I also like how compact and lightweight this TETON camping pillow is. It measures 30cm by 46cm and fits snuggly into a stuff sack measuring 10cm x 23cm. For anyone who loves backpacking, I would highly recommend this inexpensive camping pillow to them. You can get the pillow in color shades of black, green, grey, and brown. Add a TETON sleeping bag with matching colors and you are set for the outdoors.

When the pillow gets dirty, I just wash it with cold water and hang it under a shade. When it dries up, it gets fluffier.

What I Liked


  • Compact and lightweight
  • Comes with a free stuff sack to pack the pillow
  • Designed with patented technology to make the pillow soft and snuggly
  • Available in different colors
  • Double brushed to make it extra soft

What I Didn’t Like


  • Pillow may be quite tiny for some people
  • Product may not be as firm as anticipated

Upgrade Pick - The Highest Quality Product with High Price
#4 - Sea-to-Summit Aeros Pillow

The Sea-to-Summit Aeros pillow is the most expensive pillow I have seen so far. The pillow is designed with an array of features for maximum comfort, which perhaps explains its high price tag. A sea-to-summit Aeros pillow is inflatable and can be deflated later for storing.

I found this pillow to be quite soft thanks to the 50D polyester knit fabric. The pillow’s design also plays a big part in ensuring maximum comfort on the user. It features curbed baffles inside that contours to the head’s shape. In addition, the bottom edges are scalloped to align with the shoulders and neck. I felt comfortable whether I slept on my back, the side or face up while travelling in a plane. To add to the comfort, the pillow is lined with a synthetic fill. This synthetic fill also helps in making the pillow breathable.

Just a couple of breaths is all you need to fully inflate this pillow. The pillow retails in different sizes as well, from small, medium, large, and extra-large. I would recommend this to the outdoor-loving family that wants to be comfortable as they camp in the wilderness. The pillow deflates for easy storage when not in use.

What I Liked


  • Easy to inflate and use
  • Fits the shape of the head and aligns with the shoulders for maximum comfort
  • Comes in different colors
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Can be deflated to fit into your luggage when travelling

What I Didn’t Like


  • Product may rip at the seams
  • Smaller pillow size may not be suitable for bigger people
  • The air valve may leak and deflate the pillow while in use.

Niche Pick - The Best Blow Up Pillow Product For Camping
#5 -Trekology Ultralight Inflatable camping pillow

This blow-up pillow is compact and ultra-light to carry around. It folds and fits into a carrying case the size of a soda can. In addition, the Trekology inflatable pillow features an ergonomic design for better support of the neck and lumbar when one is resting on it. Trekology ultralight pillow also inflates and deflates easily making it easy to pack for a camping trip or when travelling by blade.

You can buy the Trekology ultralight inflatable camping pillow in different color shades. It currently retails in blue, green, deep blue, brown, pink, and orange. Trekology ultralight camping pillow is ideal for supporting your neck and head when sleeping on your home bed or in a sleeping bag at camp. Alternatively, this pillow can be used to support the back when resting on a chair. The pillows firmness is also adjustable to make it more comfortable. 

What I Liked


  • Ergonomically designed to support the head, neck, and back
  • Compressible and compact therefore will not take up much storage space
  • Lightweight for easy carrying
  • Designed from a strong, durable, and water resistant fabric
  • Affordable for a first time camper

What I Didn’t Like


  • Pillow may be smaller than expected
  • Pillow may not retain air as required
  • Comfort levels may be relative

This camping pillow is ultralight and suits the backpacking life. It compresses to fit a compact carrying bag the size of a soda can. When I had this pillow I loved to stuff it into my sleeping bag case. Takes up less space and inflates within seconds.

Hikenture inflatable camping pillow measures 17 inches by 13 inches by 5 inches when fully inflated. When deflated, it folds neatly to fit a 4inch by 2.4inch carrying case. The pillow weighs 2.8 ounces when fitted into its carrying case. It is ultralight making it suitable for camps, hikes, or backpacking.

You can buy the Hikenture inflatable camping pillow in shades of blue, orange and green. The pillow only needs three puffs to be fully inflatable. The outer fabric feels soft to lie on as it takes up the curve of the head, neck, and the spine. I slept on my back, side and face up, and the pillow still felt comfortable and guaranteed a goodnight snooze.

If I am not camping, I loved to use this pillow indoors. It works as a backrest when sitting on a chair reading a book. The Hikenture inflatable camping pillow also suits a living room setting where it blends in with the rest of the décor.

What I Liked


  • Compact and lightweight to carry around
  • Comes in different colors to pick from
  • Made from a soft comfortable material
  • Compact and lightweight to carry around Can be used both indoors and the outdoors
  • Inexpensive to buy for first time campers

What I Didn’t Like


  • May not be as big as expected
  • Air may start leaking after several uses

This is one of the few blow-up pillows I have seen that address the problem of air leaks. Moon lence inflatable camping pillow has a special valve system that cuts the back flow of air. This ensures the pillow remains firm in the period you will be using it.

Moon lence inflatable camping pillow is available in three colors; blue, green, and orange. It is possible to purchase this particular pillow in its old as well as new design. However, I would advise that you go with the new design which has more features that address the common problems associated with blow up pillows.

The fabric on the backside of the Moon Lence pillow has a mate lining. This adds friction to the pillow preventing it from sleeping as you rest your head or back on it. The pillow’s ergonomic design takes the shape of your head or back to boost comfort. Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to throw the pillow in a backpack and go for an outdoor adventure.

Moon Lence blow-up pillow is also made from an elastic TPU fabric. This prolongs the shelf life of the pillow at the same time making it breathable.

What I Liked


  • Compact and ultralight to suit the backpacking adventures
  • Comes in different colors
  • Inflates fully with only three puffs
  • Has a two-way valve mechanism to prevent air leaks
  • Ergonomically designed for comfort
  • Cheap to buy

What I Didn’t Like


  • May not be as big as expected
  • Older models have issues of air leaks
  • The valve cover may feel tough to open

One thing that stands out about the Mersuii push camping pillow is how easy it is to inflate it. It has two knobs on either side which are used to inflate the pillow. This eliminates the need to tirelessly plow into the pillow to achieve the required firmness.

Mersuii push camping pillow is ideal for camping or travelling. The pillow’s inner bladder is lined with a strong PC fabric that protects the pillow from puncturing. The outer fabric is velvety which feels soft to the skin and adds to the comfort. Mersuii push camping pillow is ergonomically designed to take up the shape of the head, neck or lumbar. You can also adjust the inflation levels to suit your comfort needs. When deflated, the Mersuii camping pillow fits into a 7inch by 7.5inch carrying case. This is compact enough to fit into a backpack or travel suitcase.

I imagine how convenient this blow up pillow would be to use in public. I can quickly inflate it just by simultaneously pushing the knobs on both ends. When not in use, I only have to open the air valves and press the pillow to release all the air. I no longer have to endure embarrassing stares or make awkward sounds when trying to inflate the pillow with my puffs.

What I Liked


  • Self inflates. No need to blow into the valves
  • Compact and lightweight. Ideal for backpacking or air travels
  • Outer fabric made of velvet to make it soft
  • Ergonomically designed to adjust to the body’s shape
  • Can be used for camping, backpacking, travelling, at home, or in the car

What I Didn’t Like


  • Only comes in one color
  • Valves may start leaking after repeated use

This, by far, is the most compact camping pillow I have reviewed. When deflated, XHJD camping pillow fits into a carrying case the size of my palm. When inflated, the pillow puffs up to a 16inch by 10.5inch surface large enough to hold my head when sleeping. I always throw this convenient camping pillow into my sleeping bag when having an outdoor adventure.

Like most high-end blow up pillows, this particular also has an ergonomic design. It allows the pillows foam to take up the shape of the head or back as you rest on it. To add to the comfort, the pillow has an elastic TPU fabric which is also durable. Whether you are stopping for a rest through the woods or taking a 5-hour flight, this pillow offers the much needed comfort.

Unfortunately, this particular camping pillow only comes in one color shade. Nevertheless, it is a decent enough pillow for the price and will serve you for years. I have used this pillow inside tents, on my living room couch, or out in the picnic reading a book. When not in use, the pillow deflates down to 2.8ounc fabric that folds easily and fits into a palm-size carrying case.

What I Liked


  • Lightweight and easy to carry around
  • Inflates to a firm pillow with only 5 puffs
  • Ideal for camping, hiking, travelling, or driving
  • Compresses down to fit a palm-size carrying case
  • Made of durable fabric

What I Didn’t Like


  • Only comes in one color
  • Pillow size may not suit bigger bodies
  • A bit expensive compared to other inflatable pillows in its range

Whether you are camping or hiking through mountains, the TNH inflatable camping pillow is designed to make you comfortable at all times. Like most high end inflatable pillows, it features an ergonomic design to provide maximum support for the head and neck. When deflated, the TNH camping pillow folds to fit a carrying case the size of your palm.

To address the issue of air leaks, the TNH inflatable pillow has a pneumatic valve. The valve stops back flow of air ensuring the pillow stays firm throughout the night. With a few puffs, the pillow inflates to a firm form that will support your neck, head and even lumbar. The pillow’s fabric is made from military grade cotton. This silky knitted fabric ensures the pillow is breathable and does not stick to your skin when you lay your head on it. 

What I Liked


  • Easily inflatable
  • Ergonomically designed to support neck and head
  • Compact and lightweight to carry around
  • Made from military grade cotton that is breathable and does not stick

What I Didn’t Like


  • A bit expensive compared to other options
  • Size may not be as big as expected

Buying Guide: How To Choose A Camping Pillow

best camping pillow

There are several things to consider when buying a camping pillow. Two things you have to think about are; what type of camper are you, and the type of pillow you wish to purchase. Your sleeping habits also play a big part in determining the type of camping pillow to buy.

Types Of Campers

Before buying a camping pillow, consider what kind of a camper you are. There are two types of campers; car campers and backpack campers.

Car Campers


best camping pillow

Car camper have the luxury of carrying camping pillows of any size. Your ultimate goal is to get a pillow that provides all the comfort and support you need.

The weight and physical size of the pillow are two things you do not worry about when car camping. You may also want a rugged pillow that will withstand all the abuse it is subjected to; especially for the frequent car camper.

Backpackers


For backpackers, size and weight of the pillow does matter. The type of camping pillow you buy should compress down to a size that does not take a lot of backpack space. 

Lightweight camping pillows are also ideal because they help keep the backpack weight down. The market is now full of camping pillows that fold down to the size of a beer can.

Types Of Pillows

When buying camping pillows, you may also want to consider the type of pillow itself. There are three types of camping pillows on the market. These are compressible pillows, inflatable pillows, and hybrid pillows.

  • COMPRESSIBLE PILLOWS
  • Inflatable pillows
  • Hybrid pillows

Compressible camping pillows are stuffed with synthetic foams, down feathers, or synthetic foams. It may also have a combination of either material. Compressible pillows are known to be softer and more comfortable to sleep on. You only have to take them out of their stuff sack and they puff up in minutes. Compressible pillows are hand washable as well and they get fluffier with every wash.

Sleeping Habits

best camping pillow

Finally, your sleeping habits also determine what type of camping pillow to buy. Do you sleep on your back, side, face down? Whichever position you sleep in, your biggest concern is whether your spine is aligned properly at all times. An ideal camping pillow should take up the shape of your body, no matter the sleeping position, for maximum comfort.

Conclusion

best camping pillow
  •  As mentioned before, choosing the best pillow for camping involves considering several factors including the type of camp you’ll be staying in, type of pillow you want, and your sleeping habits. Therm-a-rest camping pillows are a clear winner here because they fill the slate for the best pillows for camping. Therm-a-rest camping pillows come in different sizes to suit both the car camper and backpackers.
  • The pillow is compressible meaning it is the most comfortable to use whether camping or travelling. Therm-a-rest camping pillows are also designed to be ergonomic and can comfortably hold the neck and head. They also get fluffier with every wash.
Lucas Bryant
 

Hi, I’m Lucas Bryant and fishing is one of the most important parts of my life. I usually go fishing with my friends and have many fishing competition. That why I like to research and create many tips to get more fishes to win a race. I hope my experience will be useful for you.

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