Upgrade your sleep under the stars with the best camping pillows of 2024! We've tested a range of options, from inflatable designs perfect for backpacking to luxurious memory foam pillows ideal for car camping. Find the perfect balance of comfort, portability, and support to ensure a restful night, no matter where your adventures take you. Discover our top picks and say goodbye to sleepless nights in the great outdoors.
The Top 8 Camping Pillows of 2024
Here’s a quick look at our top picks, followed by a more detailed review of each:
Pillow |
Type |
Weight |
Pack Size |
Comfort Features |
Pros |
Cons |
Price Range |
|---|
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow |
Compressible Foam |
7-12 oz (depending on size) |
Varies by size, compact |
Soft, brushed polyester cover |
Excellent comfort, highly compressible, durable |
Can be bulky for ultralight backpacking |
$30-$45 |
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow |
Inflatable |
2.5 oz |
Very small, about the size of a fist |
Curved internal baffles, soft brushed polyester |
Extremely lightweight and packable, comfortable for an inflatable |
Requires inflation/deflation |
$40-$50 |
Cocoon Ultralight Air-Core Pillow |
Hybrid (Inflatable with Fabric Cover) |
4.8 oz |
Small, packs into integrated stuff sack |
Synthetic fill provides extra cushioning, machine washable cover |
Combines the benefits of inflatable and compressible pillows, easy to clean |
Slightly less compressible than purely inflatable options |
$35-$45 |
Nemo Fillo Elite Ultralight Inflatable Pillow |
Inflatable |
3 oz |
Extremely compact |
Integrated stuff sack, baffled design for support |
One of the lightest inflatable pillows available, good support |
Material can feel a bit plastic-y to some |
$50-$60 |
REI Co-op Down Pillow |
Down Fill |
6 oz |
Compresses well |
Down fill provides excellent loft and comfort |
Luxurious feel, warm and comfortable |
More expensive than synthetic options, requires more care |
$60-$70 |
Klymit Luxe Pillow |
Inflatable |
5.8 oz |
Small when packed |
Oversized for more sleeping space, self-centering design |
Larger surface area for comfort, prevents rolling off |
Can take a few breaths to inflate fully |
$45-$55 |
Trekology Ultralight Inflating Travel/Camping Pillow |
Inflatable |
2.8 oz |
Very compact |
Ergonomic design, durable material |
Affordable, lightweight, and packs down small |
May not be as durable as more expensive options |
$20-$30 |
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow |
Compressible Foam |
9.9 oz |
Compact for foam, includes stuff sack |
Memory foam filling, machine washable cover |
Excellent comfort, good value for the price |
Slightly heavier than other options |
$25-$35 |
Detailed Reviews of the Best Camping Pillows
Let's delve into each of these camping pillow contenders in more detail:
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is a classic for a reason. Its soft, brushed polyester cover and filled with upcycled foam scraps provide excellent comfort. While not the lightest or most compact, its durability and comfort make it a worthwhile choice for car camping or shorter backpacking trips where weight isn't a primary concern.
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow
For the ultralight backpacker, the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow is a dream come true. Weighing in at a mere 2.5 ounces, it packs down incredibly small. Its curved internal baffles and soft brushed polyester surface offer surprising comfort for an inflatable pillow. Requires inflation, but the trade-off for weight and packability is often worth it.
Cocoon Ultralight Air-Core Pillow
The Cocoon Ultralight Air-Core Pillow offers a hybrid approach. It combines an inflatable core with a synthetic fill and a machine-washable cover. This blend provides a good balance of comfort, packability, and ease of cleaning. It's a versatile option for various outdoor adventures.
Nemo Fillo Elite Ultralight Inflatable Pillow
Another ultralight contender, the Nemo Fillo Elite boasts an incredibly small packed size and weighs only 3 ounces. Its baffled design provides good support, but the material might feel a little plasticky to some. Still, for weight-conscious campers, it’s a solid choice.
REI Co-op Down Pillow
If you're looking for a touch of luxury in the backcountry, the REI Co-op Down Pillow is a worthwhile splurge. The down fill provides excellent loft and warmth, making it incredibly comfortable. However, down requires more care than synthetic materials and is more expensive.
Klymit Luxe Pillow
The Klymit Luxe Pillow stands out for its oversized design. This larger surface area provides more room to move around and helps prevent you from rolling off the pillow during the night. The self-centering design also adds to its comfort. A great choice for side sleepers or anyone who wants a bit more space.
Trekology Ultralight Inflating Travel/Camping Pillow
For budget-conscious campers, the Trekology Ultralight Inflating Travel/Camping Pillow offers excellent value. It's lightweight, packs down small, and features an ergonomic design. While it may not be as durable as higher-end options, it's a great choice for occasional camping trips.
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow
The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow is a comfortable and affordable option. Filled with memory foam, it provides excellent support and conforms to your head and neck. The machine-washable cover makes it easy to keep clean. A solid choice for car camping or anyone who prefers the feel of memory foam.
Choosing the Right Camping Pillow for You
Ultimately, the best camping pillow for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors like weight, packability, comfort, and budget when making your decision. Whether you prioritize ultralight performance or luxurious comfort, there's a pillow on this list that's sure to help you get a better night's sleep under the stars.
Happy camping!
