Author: Heather Eldridge | Editor: Dave Collins 
Last Updated: February 20, 2023

The best sleep systems for backpacking and camping include a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and a pillow that mimic your bed at home as closely as possible.

While pillows may seem trivial and are often overlooked, they can make all the difference between sleeping like a baby and tossing and turning through the night. We spent countless hours taking afternoon siestas and sleeping under the stars on dozens of backpacking and camping pillows to narrow this list down to the best of the best.

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorite pillows if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

• Comfy & affordable pillow for camping & backpacking: Therm-a-Rest Compressible

• Best stuff sack pillow for ultralight backpacking: ZPacks Dry Bag Pillow

• Luxurious, full-size travel pillow: HEST Pillow

• Compact air-foam hybrid pillow: NEMO Fillo

• Best ultralight air pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium

• Comfy foam pillow for frontcountry camping: REI Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow

• Insulated, ultralight air pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Down

• Multi-purpose backpacking pillow: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow

• Light & washable air pillow for backpacking: NEMO Fillo Elite

• Travel pillow with a warm side and a cool side: Cocoon Ultralight Air Core

What’s Most Important to You in a Camp Pillow?

PRICE - Some of the premium pillows on the market are pricey, but quality sleep is priceless. Your pillow will be with you for years of adventure, so it’s often worth it to spend a bit more for things like comfort, low weight, and durability.

• Best value pillows: ZPacks Dry Bag Pillow, NEMO Fillo & HMG Stuff Sack Pillow

• Best budget pillows: Therm-a-Rest Compressible & REI Trailmade

• Best high-end pillows: HEST Pillow & Therm-a-Rest Air Head

COMFORT - Having a pillow to elevate your head can make all the difference between sleeping like a baby and tossing and turning through the night. Our quality of sleep has greatly improved since we started bringing pillows along on our trips.

• Most comfortable backpacking pillows: Therm-a-Rest Compressible, ZPacks Dry Bag Pillow, HEST Pillow & NEMO Fillo

WEIGHT - Every ounce matters for backpacking, but sleep systems are a place where it generally makes sense to splurge a bit for comfort.

• Best ultralight backpacking pillows: ZPacks Dry Bag Pillow, Sea to Summit Aeros Premium & Sea to Summit Aeros Down

COMPRESSIBILITY - When you have to squeeze everything into a backpack or bike panniers, it’s best to go with an air pillow that packs down small. If luxury and comfort are the ultimate goals (say for car camping), go for something a little cushier.

• Most packable camp pillows: ZPacks Dry Bag Pillow, Sea to Summit Aeros Premium & Sea to Summit Aeros Down

• Best luxury camp pillows: Therm-a-Rest Compressible, HEST Pillow & NEMO Fillo

Best Backpacking & Camping Pillows of 2023

Therm-a-Rest Compressible

COMFY & AFFORDABLE PILLOW FOR CAMPING & BACKPACKING

MSRP (Sm.): $32

WEIGHT (Sm.): 7 oz.

PILLOW TYPE: Compressible foam

PROS: Very comfortable, inexpensive, soft and warm, durable, fun pillowcase patterns

CONS: Bulky, relatively heavy, less supportive than some

BOTTOM LINE: The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is the comfiest of all the pillows we tested. It feels almost like the pillows we use at home, but it’s more compact, and it doesn’t matter if it gets dropped in the dirt. While it’s bulkier than some of the other pillows on our list, we really love the comfort and we become more attached to it with every use. We highly recommend the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow for camping, traveling, and casual backpacking trips. This pillow comes in several sizes, but we prefer the small size to keep weight and bulk to a minimum for backpacking trips.

ZPacks Medium-Plus Dry Bag Pillow

BEST STUFF SACK PILLOW FOR ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING

MSRP (Med.): $55

WEIGHT (Med.): 1.7 oz.

PILLOW TYPE: Stuff sack

PROS: Ultralight, compact, comfortable, soft and warm, multi-purpose, water resistant

CONS: Requires puffy jacket (preferred) or extra clothing, less supportive than some, slippery underside

BOTTOM LINE: The ZPacks Dry Bag Pillow is an excellent choice for backpacking trips where you need to keep weight to a minimum. This dry bag pillow is very comfortable and warm and doubles as a water-resistant stuff sack during the day. The fleece surface is soft and feels excellent against the skin. The Zpacks Dry Bag pillow comes in medium and medium-plus sizes - we prefer the medium-plus size because it’s a little wider.

HEST Pillow

LUXURIOUS, FULL-SIZE TRAVEL PILLOW

MSRP: $89

WEIGHT: 2 lbs. 3.2 oz.

PILLOW TYPE: Foam

PROS: Comfortable, soft and warm, supportive, quality materials, machine washable

CONS: Expensive, bulky, heavy

BOTTOM LINE: If you're looking for a way to bring more relaxation and comfort to your camping or travel endeavors, check out the HEST Pillow. It brings the comfort of home in a compact package that's easy to transport and keep clean. It's nearly full-size and the shredded memory foam fill provides excellent support that doesn't flatten out. At 2 lbs. 3.2 oz., the HEST Pillow is one of the heaviest and bulkiest pillows we tested, so it works best as a luxury pillow for car camping and travel when comfort is a priority. The regular size is plenty big for our needs, but an even larger Standard Pillow is also available.

NEMO Fillo

COMPACT AIR-FOAM HYBRID PILLOW

MSRP: $45

WEIGHT: 9 oz.

PILLOW TYPE: Foam/air

PROS: Comfortable, soft and warm, supportive, quality materials, removable foam layer, machine washable case

CONS: Bulky, heavy, slippery underside

BOTTOM LINE: The NEMO Fillo has been one of the most popular camping pillows on the market for many years, because its plush foam topper provides excellent support. It’s made of quality materials inside and out, like the removable micro-suede cover, durable air bladder, and sturdy valve. At 9 oz., the Fillo isn’t quite light enough for activities like backpacking, but it’s a comfortable option with a great value for car camping, travel, and short backpacking trips.

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium

BEST ULTRALIGHT AIR PILLOW

MSRP (Reg.): $50

WEIGHT (Reg.): 2.7 oz. 

PILLOW TYPE: Air

PROS: Ultralight, compact, supportive, good valve

CONS: Too firm for some, minimally insulated

BOTTOM LINE: The Aeros Premium Pillow is our favorite in Sea to Summit’s Aeros lineup because it has a great balance of comfort and low weight. The Premium isn’t quite as large as the Aeros Ultralight, but it offers great support for side sleepers and has the same fantastic high-flow valve that makes it easy to purge air quickly. The Aeros Premium feels very similar to the Aeros Down Pillow, but costs almost $20 less, and its fabric feels softer against the skin. The Aeros Premium also has a thin layer of synthetic fill on top, which allows for better comfort and breathability. Overall, the Aeros Premium is a great choice for those who want an ultralight pillow with good support and a soft surface. 

REI Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow

COMFY FOAM PILLOW FOR FRONTCOUNTRY CAMPING

MSRP (Reg.): $20

WEIGHT (Reg.): 5.25 oz.

PILLOW TYPE: Compressible foam

PROS: Inexpensive, comfortable, supportive, lightweight, soft and warm

CONS: Heavier and bulkier than some

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Trailmade is an excellent and super affordable option that works for just about every kind of trip from travel to backpacking. The foam filling is comfier than an air pillow, and we love that you get to choose between the cozy fleece or the cool polyester side depending on the conditions. We might opt for an even lighter and smaller option like the ZPacks Medium-Plus Dry Bag Pillow on long, challenging backcountry trips. But the Trailmade only weighs 5.25 oz., so it's totally backpacking-worthy if comfort is a priority. If weight and bulk are less of a concern and you prefer a more full, supportive pillow for camping, the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow might be your best bet, but if you’re looking for ultimate versatility, go with the Trailmade.

Sea to Summit Aeros Down

INSULATED, ULTRALIGHT AIR PILLOW

MSRP (Reg.): $60

WEIGHT (Reg.): 2.5 oz.

PILLOW TYPE: Air

PROS: Ultralight, compact, supportive, warm, good valve

CONS: Expensive, too firm for some, feels a bit wobbly

BOTTOM LINE: The Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow is an incredibly light backpacking pillow that’s more padded and comfy than the average ultralight pillow. The Down Pillow has a thin layer of down cushioning on top, which provides some additional comfort and warmth. While this is among the most expensive pillows on this list, it’s also one of the most comfortable in its weight class. True to Sea to Summit products, the Aeros Down also has an excellent valve system, which allows for easy micro-adjustments. Overall, the Aeros Down Pillow is among the most comfortable choices for ultralight air pillows.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow

MULTI-PURPOSE BACKPACKING PILLOW

MSRP (Lg.): $59

WEIGHT (Lg.): 1.7 oz.

PILLOW TYPE: Stuff sack

PROS: Ultralight, compact, comfortable, soft and warm, multi-purpose, water resistant

CONS: Expensive, requires puffy jacket (preferred) or extra clothing, less supportive than some, slippery underside

BOTTOM LINE: The HMG Stuff Sack Pillow is very similar to the ZPacks Dry Bag Pillow listed above, but with a slightly more rectangular shape and a zipper closure on the backside. Weighing just over an ounce and a half and folding down to nearly nothing, the HMG Stuff Sack Pillow provides a ton of comfort in a tiny package. You’ll need to stuff this pillow with extra clothing to make it fluffy - a puffy coat works well. This pillow can also be used as a water resistant stuff sack during the day. The HMG Stuff Sack Pillow has a lot to love and we highly recommend it for ultralight backpacking adventures.

NEMO Fillo Elite

LIGHT & WASHABLE AIR PILLOW FOR BACKPACKING

MSRP: $60

WEIGHT: 3 oz.

PILLOW TYPE: Air

PROS: Ultralight, compact, supportive, soft, good valve, integrated stuff sack, machine washable case

CONS: Expensive, too firm for some, air bladder feels fragile, slippery underside, minimally insulated

BOTTOM LINE: The NEMO Fillo Elite Ultralight Pillow is a great choice for backpackers who are looking for an ultralight pillow that’s machine washable. With a light layer of synthetic insulation on top and a soft cotton case, the Fillo Elite is more comfortable than most ultralight inflatables. Both the Fillo Elite and its heavier counterpart, the Fillo, are well-designed with integrated stuff sacks that are impossible to lose, removable cases for easy washing, and top-notch valves.

Cocoon Ultralight Air Core

TRAVEL PILLOW WITH A WARM SIDE & A COOL SIDE

MSRP: $37

WEIGHT: 6.7 oz. (14 x 18 in. size)

PILLOW TYPE: Air

PROS: Soft and warm, supportive, double-sided machine washable case

CONS: Slightly bulky, relatively heavy, feels a bit wobbly, slippery underside

BOTTOM LINE: The Cocoon Ultralight Air Core Pillow is unique because the two sides are meant to be used in different conditions. The nylon side is comfortable and cool to sleep on during warm nights, while its microfiber side is warm and cozy on cool nights. We did find that the pillow felt a little wobbly when it wasn’t fully inflated, so it might be better for those who prefer a somewhat firm pillow. The Air Core pillow is the largest of the pillows we tested so it’s a nice option for people who prefer a big pillow with lots of loft. The Air Core is available in 14 x 18 in. and 16 x 22 in. sizes.

Honorable Mentions

The following pillows didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. In this section we’ll try to briefly highlight each pillow’s main strengths and explain why it didn’t make the cut. And you never know, maybe one of these pillows will be the right fit for you.

• Exped Down Pillow - a warm and comfy option but we ultimately prefer the similar, but less expensive Therm-a-rest Compressible or Air Head

• Therm-a-Rest Air Head - durable air pillow with a cushy foam layer

• Klymit Luxe - the most durable air bladder of all the pillows we tested, but we found the x-shaped air bladder baffles to be a little odd for side sleeping

• Trekology Ultralight - very inexpensive and offers good height/support, but not as stretchy/soft as the Therm-a-rest Compressible and the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight

Which Pillow Type Is Right For You?

There are pros and cons to every type of camping pillow. Here are the main categories of backcountry pillows and some quick links to our top recommendations.

Stuff Sack Pillows are ultralight and excellent for backpacking, but they require a puffy jacket or other soft clothing to give them loft. They can be very comfortable with the right stuffing, but depending on what you fill them with, they can also be hard or compress too much. Our top picks: ZPacks Medium Dry Bag Pillow & HMG Large Stuff Sack Pillow

UL Inflatables Pillows are lightweight and can stand alone, holding their shape and offering good height and support for side-sleepers. But inflatable pillows can also feel unstable and wobbly at times. In addition, ultralight air pillows tend not to be nearly as soft and comfy as other pillow types, and may be hard on the ears after a few hours. Our top picks: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium & NEMO Fillo Elite

Compressible Pillows are made of materials that expand, like shredded pieces of foam. They’re often very comfortable and mimic home pillows closely, but they also tend to be much bulkier and heavier than stuff sack pillows and ultralight inflatables. Our top picks: Therm-a-rest Compressible & HEST Pillow

Hybrid Pillows use a combination of components, usually an air bladder topped with a layer of foam or down insulation. They share the same height and support benefits of ultralight air pillows, but they’re typically much more comfortable. That said, they also tend to be heavier and bulkier. Our top picks: NEMO Equipment Fillo & Therm-a-Rest Air Head

Critical Considerations

SLEEPING STYLES - Size, shape, warmth, and surface all come together to determine how comfortable a camping pillow is. Look for one that compliments the position you like to sleep in, accommodates your size, and satisfies your preferences for softness or firmness. Side sleepers commonly prefer pillows with a bit more height to support the neck and shoulder, while back sleepers might prefer softer, lower-profile pillows.

TEMPERATURE - Just like it’s important to have a sleeping pad that insulates you from the cold ground, it’s key to have a pillow that protects your head and face from the cold night air. Especially if you go for an inflatable, consider that the air temperature will penetrate through the baffles of the pillow and transfer to your body. Having a barrier of insulation (like fleece, down, or foam) between your head and the air chamber will keep you a lot warmer and more comfortable. Similarly, you’ll want to choose a pillow that has a comfortable fabric surface that will wick away sweat and keep you cool on warm summer nights.

SLIDING - A pillow that keeps sliding out from under your head can be really annoying and disturb your sleep, and that’s a common annoyance with backpacking/camping pillows. But there’s an easy fix! Some pillows have tabs on the sides to attach an elastic cord that will secure around your pad, or you can use a few inches of adhesive velcro to create your own pillow-lock system. Simply adhere the soft side (loops) to your pad and the rough side (hooks) to the underside of your pillow being careful to line them up right. And voilà, your pillow will stay put much better.

QUIETNESS - Unfortunately, some of the lightest pillows are also the noisiest due to the crinkly materials they’re made from. While Dyneema and plastics may be ultralight, it can be like trying to sleep with your ear pressed up against a potato chip bag. Everyone shifts and moves some during the night and it’s likely you’ll hear some rustling no matter which pillow you choose. If you’re a particularly fidgety sleeper, you may want to choose accordingly or bring earplugs for your tentmate.

WASHABILITY - Dirt and grime are part of the backpacking/camping lifestyle and many just learn to live with it. But for more fastidious hikers, there are pillows with removable cases that can easily be machine-washed with your clothing after each trip. Down pillows require a bit more care as dirt, sweat, hair oils, and drool can eventually cause them to lose their loft, but it isn’t difficult to rejuvenate them with a little know-how. Check out our tutorial on How to Wash a Down Coat for some pro tips.

Need More Gear Advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

• 10 Best Hiking Shoes

• 10 Best Backpacking Tents

• 10 Best Sleeping Bags

• 10 Best Sleeping Pads

• 10 Best Backpacking Packs

• 10 Best Backpacking Stoves

• CleverHiker Top Gear Picks

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

• Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.

• We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.

• We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.

• We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.

• We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

• We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.

• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

More Information

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Thanks for reading and happy trails!