Best Ultralight Backpacking Pillows 2023

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This is a gear review of the Best Backpacking Pillows for 2023.

The humble Backpacking Pillow is one of the most overlooked items that we take into the backcountry. Most of you might be more concerned about the lightweight sleeping mat, ultralight sleeping bag, or a Backpacking Quilt for your big trip, but for now, let us focus on the lightweight backpacking pillow.

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How We Tested

All the Backpacking Pillows in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has more than 30 years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, Hiking, and Bike Touring. Some of the Ultralight Pillows were purchased and some were supplied by the manufacturer. They have been rigorously tested by the author while Camping, Backpacking, Thru-Hiking, and on Bike Touring Trips. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the best ultralight backpacking pillows for 2023. Read the Review Policy for further details.

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Best Backpacking Pillow 2023

Here are the Best Backpacking Pillows of 2023:

• Best Backpacking Pillow Overall: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
• Best Backpacking Pillow Runner Up: Therm-a-Rest Air Head Lite Pillow
• Most Comfortable Ultralight Pillow: Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow
• Best Camping Pillow: Nemo Fillo Pillow
• Most Comfortable Pillow: Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow
• Best Insulated Backpacking Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow
• Best Stuff Sack Pillow: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow
• Trekology ALUFT 2.0 Ultralight Camping Pillow
• Big Agnes Q Core Deluxe Inflatable Travel Pillow
• Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow
• Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow
• Klymit Pillow X Inflatable Travel And Camping Pillow

The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow is the best balance between compact size, quality, comfort, and weight.

I used this pillow for several trips and the more I used it, the more I appreciated how this pillow should be at the top of the list for best backpacking pillows 2023.

It is ideal for those gram-counters out there trying to sleep comfortably without sacrificing too much space in your pack. It really has a very compact packed size. It is shaped in such a way that your head fits into the contours of the pillow. For back sleepers, stomach sleepers, or side sleepers this inflatable pillow should give you a good night’s sleep.

It comes in regular, large, and deluxe sizes. I used and tested the regular size which I found to be perfect for anyone wanting an ultralight pillow. It is covered with a soft and washable stretch polyester knit that won’t irritate your face no matter how sensitive your skin happens to be. I tested this pillow with stubble and a beard and appreciated the comfort and fact that it was not loud and annoying when I rubbed up against it.

If you use the Sea to Summit Sleeping Pad it comes with a locking mechanism to keep the pillow locked onto the sleeping pad.

The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow is one of the best ultralight backpacking pillows for ultralight thru-hikers.

I spent the best part of 2 years using and testing the Therm-a-Rest Air Head Lite Pillow. It is very similar to the Sea to Summit Pillow and really they are so similar that there is little to separate which one is better.

The Therm-a-Rest Air Head Lite Pillow has a very small pack size that is the lightest backpacking pillow and is quite comfortable. Obviously, it is not as comfortable as some of the other backpacking pillows in this review but that is the compromise an ultralight hiker will make. When testing all the pillows I found the Sea to Summit above and Nemo Filo had slightly more comfortable outer material than this one.

It is also not as durable as some other backpacking pillows, so don’t think of using it as a sit pad around camp. It is not as comfortable as the Nemo options but does not suffer the durability issues that the Nemo Pillow has.

Overall, if you are an ultralight hiker and are looking for an ultralight pillow then consider the Therm-a-Rest Air Head Lite Pillow as one of the best pillows for 2023.

As the best-selling pillow from Nemo’s beloved camping range, this updated version of the Nemo Fillo is designed with brand-new fabrics and an even better air valve than ever before. Enjoy a luxury sleeping experience no matter where you are!

The Nemo Filo Elite inflatable air pillow is certainly comfortable. It comes with a small amount of Primaloft synthetic fill insulation that adds to the overall comfort. I used this pillow for more than 200 nights when thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail and Te Araroa.

This compressible pillow packs down about as small as a lemon but is slightly bigger than the Sea to Summit or Therm-a-Rest Pillows. There is an integrated stuff sack, unlike some others which makes it easier to pack and store it when not in use.

Despite all the positive things about this pillow, there are some durability issues with this pillow. I have had two of them replaced under warranty in the last couple of years. While I think the pillow is super comfortable, lightweight, and more, it certainly has durability issues. This has led me to remove it from the top spot as the best backpacking pillow winner!

The Nemo Fillo Elite is a great lightweight backpacking pillow. I used this pillow for many years and it ticks a lot of boxes and gives me all the comfort and support that I need. It was the main reason I moved away from using a stuff sack filled with a down jacket for a pillow on backpacking trips. But durability issues have let this pillow down.

The Nemo Fillo Camping pillow is the best camping pillow for 2023. It is just as comfortable as the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow and weighs almost the same but has a smaller pack size.

The Nemo Fillo Camping Pillow is a combination of comfortable foam and air that you inflate into the pillow. This hybrid foam and air pillow are very comfortable but a little too bulky for most people to consider taking on a backpacking or hiking trip. But if you regard comfort ahead of weight then this is a winner. For car camping, it is an obvious choice.

The thickness of the pillow can be adjusted by adding or removing air from the pillow. So it is easy to adjust to your own personal preferences. Add to that the washability of the suede material.

Overall, the Nemo Fillo Backpacking and Camping Pillow is one of the most comfortable camping pillows for 2023.

Therm-a-Rest compressible travel foam pillow is made in the USA and is ideal for someone who wants comfort above all else. The Therm a Rest compressible travel foam pillow is extra light, despite being stuffed with soft foam filling, offering all of the comforts of your bed at home for sleeping just about anywhere. But when it comes to a backpacking pillow it does not pack to a small size like some of the ultralight pillows listed above.

I used this pillow on a couple of trips and liked the four inches of loft and plush support. I also liked the brushed polyester cover which is soft and supple against your skin, so even the most sensitive face can rest easy on it. This pillow would be a perfect camping pillow and would even work well on airline flights or long-distance bus trips. A good combination of comfort and compact size makes it a good option for most backpackers.

A recent upgrade to this new model includes an integrated drawstring and cord lock that keeps the pillow nice and securely compressed when it’s not in use. So there’s no worry it will come loose and re-inflate when you’re on the go. It stays small and where it should be!

Overall, if you want comfort then this is your pillow. The larger size and weight make this best suited to car camping and overnight backpacking trips where weight and pack size are not the number one concern.

Offering a luxurious sleeping experience thanks to a down pillow top, the Sea to Summit Aeros Down fuses the traditional Sea to Summit quality with added softness and support, inflating generously to about the same size as a pillow you’d use in bed.

Once stuffed inside the provided sack, it’s as small as 5.5 x 3.15 inches, weighing only 6.7 ounces – this is basically nothing, allowing you to fit more important things into your bag, like extra underwear and waterproof clothing.

Soft, nylon woven top fabric is quickly and easily inflated, adjusted, or deflated, thanks to their patented mini Multi-Function valve, so you’re ready to hit the hay in seconds and easily put it away the next day.

The combination of down and lightweight construction makes the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow the best down pillow for backpacking. It is an interesting combination that just seems to work.

Versatile and multi-purpose, the Stuff Sac pillow from Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a two-in-one special pillow you’ll regret not purchasing sooner.

During the day, you can protect and store your clothes inside – at night, it’s the perfect place to snooze.

Premium construction features include fully-taped seams and a water-resistant YKK zipper, 100% waterproof DYNEEMA composite fabrics, and a reversible, 100-weight fleece lining from Polartec.

Coming in both small and large, pint-sized and extra-big campers can get a full eight hours easily, both are made in Maine USA, and weigh less than 2 ounces, so either way, you’ll be able to store it in pretty much any bag.

One of the best ultralight backpacking pillows or should I say one of the best stuff sack pillows for backpacking.

Maximizing comfort whilst minimizing footprint, Trekology’s ALUFT 2.0 is one of the most compact, lightweight pillows on the market. Once folded, it is an absolutely tiny 5×2 inch, smaller and far squishier than your average soda can.

Enhanced with TPU fabric that’s both durable and elasticated, the 2.0 version is new and improved for 2021. Not only is it comfier, but it now boasts water resistance, so you can sleep under the stars with full peace of mind.

The rubber anti-slip gripping dots on the reverse of this clever pillow prevents any friction against your sleeping mat, keeping it held in place all night long. The integrated latch strap adds further security, so your head won’t go bump in the night!

This is one of the best budget camping pillows with loads of comfort at a budget price.

The Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe is one of the most popular pillows from Big Agnes, ideal for backpacking, camping or travel. Fusing all of the best sleeping pad technology with added coziness that even sensitive skin can cope with, it’s a worthy investment.

The outer fabric is nylon and has a four-way stretch and a soft-touch finish molds to your head so there’s no “ballooning” or any pressure points as with other travel pillows. Plus, integrated heat reflective technology allows you to stay warm without becoming uncomfortable.

A minimalist, offset construction allows for a lighter pillow that still offers continuous comfort and stability throughout the night. The low-profile single-port valve means immediate deflation, with a subtle adjustment button for quick changes!

This is one of the largest backpacking pillows in this review yet it is still lightweight.

The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow is one of the most budget-friendly pillows on our list, you might be wondering why I’m recommending such a cheap and cheerful cushion. This bad boy from Wise Owl Outfitters is what you call an absolute bargain purchase!

Pairing foamy support with a soft, micro-suede cover, your head feels like it’s being cradled by a cloud; being five inches thick, it offers superior comfort despite coming at a fraction of the cost of other backpacking pillows.

Choose between three sizes to suit your needs and preferences – even the large pillow will fold down to an impressive 12×17 inches, easily fitting inside the average rucksack, tote, suitcase… pretty much any bag you want to use!

This is a great camping pillow for car camping and travel. It does not fold down really small like the other backpacking pillows in this review but it is a budget price and a great budget car camping pillow. Because it is quite large it is the best backpacking pillow for side sleepers.

Offering both regular and large sizes to suit a variety of backpackers. The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium collection is beautifully designed with an ultra-soft brushed polyester knit exterior. 

No bigger than a bottle of ibuprofen once you’ve popped it in the provided stuff sack, it weighs less than three ounces, which is about the same as a pack of cards. This is ideal for those who don’t think they have room for a pillow in their bag!

Simply inflated in a maximum of seven breaths, as well as swiftly deflated or adjusted using the patented Multi Function Valve, it’s up and running in seconds and then down again even faster, for even the busiest of budding travelers.

The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium really stepped up their game when it comes to lightweight camping pillows. This is one of the best.

With an innovative, self-centering Klymit X design, your head is always perfectly oriented even as you sleep when you pack the Klymit Pillow X for your trip. It’s supportive, durable, ultra-light, and most importantly, very comfortable.

Height and pressure can be instantly adjusted by adding or releasing air to suit you. This raises and lowers the height of the pillow, as well as modifying its firmness, providing your most customizable sleep yet whilst on the go.

Decreasing to an ultra-compact 4.5 x 2.5 inches and weighing less than two ounces, you can inflate it in just one or two breaths and pack it pretty much anywhere. Plus, it fits in the hood of a mummy bag to store securely when not in use. Lightweight and cheap hiking pillow.

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More Pillows for Backpacking and Hiking

Here is a list of some other pillows that either almost made it to the list of pillows or are yet to be tested.

• Cocoon Hyperlight Air Core Pillow: The Cocoon Hyperlight Air Core Pillow is a lightweight inflatable pillow that packs up small but not quite as small as some of the Aeros range.
• Exped Air Pillow: The Exped Air Pillow is small and lightweight and will be reviewed for the list very soon.
• Sierra Designs DriDown Pillow: Sierra Designs DriDown Pillow is nice and soft and comfortable but there are lighter options out there for similar comfort.

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Comparison Table: Backpacking Pillows

Brand	Weight	Type	Dimensions (Inches)
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow	2.1 oz	Inflatable	14.2 x 10.2 x 4.7
Therm-a-Rest Air Head Lite Pillow	2.0 oz	Inflatable	15.5 x 11 x 4
Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow	2.8 oz	Inflatable	15 x 11 x 3
Nemo Fillo Pillow	9.2 oz	Inflatable & Foam	17 x 11 x 4
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow	10.1 oz (Regular)	Foam	18 x 13 x 6
Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow	2.5 oz (Regular)	Inflatable & Down	13.4 x 9.4 x 4.7
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow	1.7 oz	Stuff Sack	17 x 12
Trekology ALUFT 2.0 Ultralight Camping Pillow	3.9 oz	Inflatable	16 x 12 x 4
Big Agnes Q Core Deluxe Inflatable Travel Pillow	3.1 oz	Inflatable	20 x 14 x 4.75
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow	11 oz	Foam	18 x 14
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow	2.7 oz (Regular)	Inflatable & Synthetic Fill	13.4 x 9.4 x 4.3
Klymit Pillow X Inflatable Travel And Camping Pillow	2.5 oz	inflatable	15 x 11 x 3.5

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Comfort

If it doesn’t softly cradle your head, either using foam, air inflation, or another method of padding, then it does not meet the basic criteria of being a decent pillow. You might have a preference for a particular texture or material.

Some of the comfortable pillows are covered in neoprene whereas others have a rougher external fabric – depending on how you feel about texture and whether your skin is sensitive, you might want to consider if you’ll be able to settle down on top of it before you buy.

There are a couple of different types of backpacking pillows and each is different when it comes to comfort.

The inflatable pillows have the advantage of allowing the head to sink into the pillow depending on how much air was inside.

Foam pillows are usually set and unable to be changed which can be a good thing for a comfortable pillow.

Stuff sack pillows can be adjusted by adding more clothing to the stuff sack to fill it up. It can be rather annoying to sleep on a stuff sack pillow when the jacket inside is full of zips.

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Packed Size

If you’ve been backpacking before, you’ll be well aware of this already. Space is a vital commodity in your backpack, the majority of which you’re going to want to reserve for more important hiking gear.

The smaller and flatter a pillow can be made, the better. Some are designed to roll up as small as a pair of socks inside their own carrying pack, so if you’re short of room it could be worth valuing size over everything else. Inflatable pillows are the best compressible pillows for the weight.

The most ultralight of the pillows in this review is about the size of a lemon and weighs 2 ounces or less.

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Pillow Size

The size of the pillow, once it has been unpacked or blown up, will be another important consideration. If you are a side sleeper you may want something a little thicker than someone who is a back sleeper.

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Weight

As a general rule, the larger the pack size of the pillow the heavier it will be. Most ultra-lightweight pillows need air to inflate the pillow. Most add a small amount of weight by adding a layer of suede or fleece to make it more comfortable.

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Durability

Even if you’re not going very far, you want this pillow to survive being repeatedly shoved in and yanked out of your bag, rubbing up against all of your other stuff, and possibly getting leaked on or scratched up – it could go through a lot!

Aiming for a material that’s able to stand up to more distress than the average pillow will experience, constructed with temperature changes, staining or spillages and other rough stuff in general is your best bet to make sure it lasts the whole trip.

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Keeping Your Pillow Clean

Accidents happen. When something sticky explodes inside the bag, or your nighttime drooling gets out of control, you’re going to want to give your pillow a thorough cleaning to get it back to its original comfortable condition.

This will be much easier and quicker for you if the pillow can be machine washed! It doesn’t matter if it’s dryer friendly as air-drying is cheaper anyway, but just being able to toss it into a washer when you get a chance is a useful convenience.

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Ease of Use

Nobody wants to spend ten minutes messing around assembling a pillow before they can go to sleep, especially if you’ve been out adventuring all day. Those products that need you to use all the air in your lungs are not a backpacker’s friend.

Prioritize picking up a pillow that will have you snoozing in seconds. You might spend a couple of extra bucks on it, but your incredibly tired backpacking self from the future will absolutely thank you for splashing that cash.

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Value

The price is one of the many things to consider when purchasing a hiking pillow. The good-quality pillows in this review are affordable and worthy of consideration. Admittedly, some of the pillows are a bit pricey but they are usually ones filled with down or high-quality foam.

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Conclusion

Here are the best pillows for backpacking and hiking in 2023:

• Therm-a-Rest Air Head Lite Pillow
• Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow
• Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
• Nemo Fillo Pillow
• Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow
• Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow
• Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow
• Trekology ALUFT 2.0 Ultralight Camping Pillow
• Big Agnes Q Core Deluxe Inflatable Travel Pillow
• Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow
• Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow
• Klymit Pillow X Inflatable Travel And Camping Pillow

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Frequently Asked Questions

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