Choosing the right pillow for backpacking is important. They are as important as sleeping pads to sleep comfortably after a long hike. If you’re a side sleeper, you would probably need a thick pillow (at least 4 inches) enough to provide support and to keep your spine aligned. You can also combine a lighter and less lofty pillow with an inflatable or make a small, padded pillowcase that you can put an inflatable into or stuff like clothes, etc. Side sleepers commonly prefer pillows with a bit more height to support the neck and shoulder. One of the loftier pillows is the Therm-a-Rest Compressible at around 8 ounces.
Below is a list of top backpacking pillows if you like to sleep on your side.
1. Sea to Summit Aeros
Thickness: 4.3 inches
Weight: 2.7 oz.
Type: Inflatable
Material: Polyester
Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium has a lightweight and compact design. You have an internal bladder that you inflate much like a sleeping pad. Unlike some other inflatable pillows on the market, this has a relatively softer topper. It’s got stretch-knit fabric, which is soft against your skin. It even has a layer of synthetic fill underneath the outer fabric that protects the bladder on the inside but it also makes it plush.
Because Sea to Summit is utilizing its multifunctional valve, you can inflate this and fine-tune the adjustment. So the top part of the valve is the inflated part you can inflate that by mouth or you can use a Sea to Summit pump sack to pump that up. It’s a one-way valve, so when you take breaks blowing it up, the air doesn’t come back out of it. If you’ve overinflated it, all you have to do is push that button there and it lets a little bit of air out at a time.
When you’re ready to pack it down, you have a deflate valve that’s underneath the inflation valve. When you open that it just dumps all the air out of it. So, when you’re ready to pack it up, you just have to compress it down, put it back into the stuff sack, and you’re ready to go.
Pros: The top material is soft and comfy and it feels like a real pillow.
Cons: Prone to punctures, cannot be easily repaired
2. Klymit Pillow X
Thickness: 4 inches
Weight: 1.95 oz.
Type: Inflatable
Material: Polyester
Klymit Pillow X is perfect for those ultralight backpackers who want maximum comfort on their thru-hike or extended backpacking trip but don’t want to add unnecessary weight or bulk to their system. It weighs in at just less than two ounces and packs down super small to about the size just slightly larger than a standard lighter. It’s made of soft and durable 30D face fabric and on the bottom, it’s a 75D fabric. Therefore, you’ve got good durability in the system as well so the likelihood of abrasions or holes, or punctures is minimized with that fabric.
Standard patch kits do work on the fabric although they’re not included with the pillow you would have to get one of those separately. The pillow’s got an interesting design in that X shaping. It’s designed to cradle the head so as you lay on it, it cups the back of your head or the side of your head depending on how you sleep. It helps keep you in place throughout the night so it’s granting a lot of comfort in that way. The pillow inflates super quickly with just two to three full breaths and it has an easy to lock valve and you can bleed some of that air if you want a softer pillow surface
Overall, it’s just a simple pillow. It is super lightweight, packs down small, and it’s great for anyone from ultralight enthusiasts to travelers who want convenience and comfort for their trips.
Pros: Takes only 4 breaths to inflate, indents in the middle so your headrests in it
Cons: Takes some time to learn to deflate properly, full twist valve instead of 1/4 turn
3. Trekology ALUFT 2.0
Thickness: 4 inches
Weight: 3.4 oz.
Type: Inflatable
Material: Polyester/TPU
Trekology ALUFT 2.0 is a small, compact, and lightweight pillow that is great for camping, hiking, and backpacking. When fully inflated, it is very comfortable and provides excellent head or lumbar support. The pillow can be deflated back down in seconds it packs down to 5×2 inches. Due to its small pack size, it can be easily carried out in your backpacking pack or packet for easy access. It weighs around just 3.4 ounces.
The fabric is a durable elastic TPU and it is somewhat water-resistant. The new ALUFT 2.0 has rubber anti-slipping dots on the back to increase friction between your pillow and the sleeping pad. Some straps further prevent your pillow from moving around while you sleep. Also, the pillow is ergonomically designed to provide enhanced neck support for a restful night’s sleep. The pillow is ideal for back, stomach, and side sleepers alike.
ALUFT 2.0 can be inflated in just 3-5 breaths and it inflates to a generous 16 x 12 x 4 inches. The pillow is quite easy to use with just a click of a button. When you’re done, you can deflate it with the Quick Deflate feature that rapidly releases air after use in only seconds. You can also adjust the firmness to your personal sleep preference.
Pros: Water-resistant, durable, slip-resistant bottom, lightweight
Cons: The air valve gets stiff to operate in cold conditions, prone to leakage
4. NEMO Fillo
Thickness: 4.5 inches
Weight: 9 oz.
Type: Hybrid
Material: Polyester/microsuede
NEMO Fillo is a comfortable hybrid pillow that’s a breeze to use. It has a rectangular design and it features a baffled inflating sack on the bottom, with a layer of memory foam on top, held snugly in place by a mesh net. The outer shell is made of polyester and microsuede. It is a multi-purpose pillow and it can be used for a variety of outdoor activities. It is ideal for weekend camping, car camping as well as short backpacking trips.
Like inflatable pillows, the air valve can be used to adjust the thickness, which made it versatile for the back, stomach, and side sleepers. The pillow has a large surface area for your head to roam around on. Also, you don’t have to worry about it sliding off like most other inflatable options. The top of the outer shell is made of microsuede, which provides great next-to-skin comfort. It is also combined with memory foam so that your head and face gently sink into it.
NEMO Fillo is very easy to use. It has an inflatable element and it works like a compressible pillow. It can be inflated in just 3 breaths. The air valve is designed to make adjusting air levels easy. The stuff sack is built into the design, which also reduces the risk of deflating the whole pillow.
Pros: Great support, easy to adjust thickness, small packed size
Cons: Heavy
5. Therm-a-Rest Compressible
Thickness: 6.75 inches
Weight: 9 oz.
Type: Compressible
Material: Polyester
Therm-a-Rest Compressible is a comfortable foam pillow that provides simplicity and support. The pillow comes in four sizes and it is made of upcycled Therm-a-Rest mattress scraps, encased in a suede-like polyester shell. This pillow is a little heavier than others in our reviews, but this feature makes it a great camping pillow for side sleepers. Its packed size is not very impressive and it limits its uses. Due to its heavy size and large pack size, this pillow may not be ideal for multi-day hiking or backpacking trips.
The comfort offered by this pillow is great even it is the most comfortable of all the pillows on this list. It is thick and soft and it can tolerate turns in the night easily. It is also incredibly soft. The outer shell fabric feels amazing against cheeks and you’ll love it when you lay down on this pillow after a long hike.
There’s an included stuff sack so you easily roll the pillow up, tuck it into the lip of the pillowcase, and then pull the drawstring tight. The pillow is also sleeping bag compatible and it fits snuggly in almost every sleeping bag’s hood. The pillow can be washed in a machine and dried. The exterior fabric is designed in a way that gives the pillow some grip to keep it in place.
Pros: Affordable, easy to use, and comfortable
Cons: Large pack size and heavy
6. Cocoon Ultralight Air Core
Thickness: 4.5 inches
Weight: 3.8 oz.
Type: Inflatable
Material: Polyester microfiber/20D nylon
Cocoon Ultralight Air Core Hood Pillow is designed specifically to use in the hood of your mummy sleeping bag. It has rounded edges so it fits into a hood nicely. It’s inflatable so it packs down super small into its included stuff sack. It’s perfect to backpack with, it’s compressible, and it’s even got synthetic insulation on the inside.
There’s a valve right here you can inflate by mouth and you can adjust the firmness. You’ve got lightweight material on the top, which is soft and the other side has a lightweight fleece. The fleece material feels very soft against the skin and it is very comfortable.
You can put it up into the hood of your sleeping bag if you’re just lying on top of your sleeping bag. Anyone who’s been camping with the pillow knows that sometimes that pillow can get lost at night. It can roll off your sleeping pad but with the rounded edges, it fits up there nicely and just stays put all night long. The pillow packs up super small in its stuff sack and it blows up or inflates fast.
Pros: Dual sides, silk-feel (one side), and a microfiber feel (another side)
Cons: It takes a while to find the right firmness.
7. Exped Ultra Pillow
Thickness: 3.9 inches
Weight: 1.8 oz.
Type: Inflatable
Material: Polyester
The Exped Ultra Pillow is a fantastic choice for backpackers and travelers. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack. When deflated, it fits in the palm of your hand. The pillow is made with soft, recycled stretch fabric, which feels smooth and comfortable. Its ergonomic shape supports your head and neck, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. Inner baffles help keep your head centered, preventing unwanted movement. The low-profile FlatValve makes inflation and deflation quick and effortless. You can adjust the height and firmness by adding or releasing air. This lets you customize your comfort based on your needs. The pillow also has fabric eyelets, allowing you to attach it to a sleeping pad. It fits well inside most sleeping bag hoods, keeping it in place all night.
The Exped Ultra Pillow is easy to use and reliable. You can inflate it with a few breaths or an inflation tool. It packs away into a small stuff sack for easy storage. Despite its lightweight design, it is durable and built to last. One user reported using an Exped pillow for 11 years, mainly for backpacking. While it is a bit pricey, the quality and comfort make it worth the investment. This pillow is an excellent choice for those who want a compact and supportive travel pillow.
Pros: The ergonomic shape and inner baffles keep your head centered and supported.
Cons: The pillow is pricey compared to some alternatives.
8. TETON Sports ComfortLite
Thickness: 4 inches
Weight: 12 oz.
Type: Self-inflating
Material: ComforTech Microfiber
TETON Sports ComfortLite is a great little pillow that can be used for camping as well as backpacking. This is a self-inflating pillow and it features a foam core. Also, the top is a microfiber and it provides superior next-to-skin comfort. There’s a rapid inflation/deflation value that can be used to adjust the firmness. If you like sleeping with multiple pillows at home, this is the pillow for you.
Many backpacking pillows are meant to be small and they do not provide sufficient head support. This is relatively a large pillow and if you’re a side sleeper, it would keep your head level. The pack size of this pillow is not very impressive but it is well worth the extra space! It comes with a stuff sack and it compacts down reasonably. When packing it up, you just open the valve and roll up the pillow.
The outer covering of the pillow is made of two types of materials. The orange layer you see is a microfiber cover, which is quite comfortable. The outer cover is also non-slip and it keeps the pillow in place. It does a good job of keeping the pillow where you want it.
Pros: Easy to compact, comfortable, quick to adjust
Cons: Not the smallest backpacking pillow, heavy
9. NEMO Fillo Elite Wide
Thickness: 3 inches
Weight: 4 oz.
Type: Self-inflating
Material: Zerofiber
The NEMO Fillo Elite Wide is a great choice for backpackers who value comfort. It is wider than the original model but still lightweight. The pillow uses 100% postconsumer recycled Zerofiber™ insulation, making it soft and cushioned. An interior baffled air cell helps it keep its shape all night. The 3-inch I-beam baffled air cell adds support and prevents a balloon-like feel. This makes the pillow more stable and comfortable for side and back sleepers. The extra width gives more room to move without adding much weight. It inflates quickly and has a micro-adjustable valve to fine-tune firmness. Deflating it is just as easy, making packing up fast and simple. When rolled up, it becomes as small as a soda can. This makes it easy to carry in any backpack. The integrated stuff sack keeps it compact and protected.
The removable fabric cover is soft, adding to the pillow’s comfort. It is also machine washable, making it easy to keep clean. The fabric is made from recycled materials, which is great for eco-conscious hikers. The pillow is durable and built to last many trips. It provides excellent support and a plush feel without extra bulk. Whether camping or backpacking, this pillow improves sleep quality. A good night’s rest can make all the difference on the trail. NEMO also offers a lifetime warranty, giving extra peace of mind. This shows their confidence in the pillow’s durability. For anyone looking for a compact, lightweight, and comfortable pillow, this is a great option.
Pros: Wide and supportive design provides excellent comfort for side and back sleepers.
Cons: The fabric cover, while soft, can trap dirt and requires regular washing.
10. Exped Mega Pillow
Thickness: 3 inches
Weight: 4.7 oz.
Type: Inflatable
Material: Nylon/polyester/fleece
The Exped Mega Pillow is a fantastic choice for campers who want comfort and support. It is designed to match the plush feel of the MegaMat sleeping pad. The velvety-soft tricot nylon top feels cozy against the skin. A synthetic fleece-insulated cover adds warmth and plushness. The 3D design with vertical sidewalls ensures full edge-to-edge support. Unlike tapered pillows, this one offers a generous sleeping surface. It fits snugly in the hood of most sleeping bags. Small fabric eyelets allow you to attach it to a sleeping pad. The low-profile FlatValve makes inflation and deflation easy. You can quickly adjust the firmness by adding or releasing air. Side, back, and stomach sleepers can all find a comfortable height.
One great feature is the removable air core, which allows for easy cleaning. Just deflate, detach, and remove the cushion. The cover can be hand-washed and air-dried. When not in use, the pillow packs down to a compact 3.5 x 5 inches. It’s lightweight and easy to carry. The soft fabric and adjustable firmness make it much better than a wadded-up puffy jacket. However, the valve design could be more comfortable for inflation. Despite this minor issue, it remains a luxurious, cozy, and practical camping pillow. It’s perfect for those who value comfort outdoors.
Pros: Super soft fabric feels cozy and comfortable against the skin.
Cons: Valve design could be more comfortable for inflation.
Backpacking Pillows for Side Sleepers: Comparison Table
| Pillow | Thickness | Weight | Type | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea to Summit Aeros | 4.3 inches | 2.7 oz. | Inflatable | Polyester |
| Klymit Pillow X | 4 inches | 1.95 oz. | Inflatable | Polyester |
| Trekology ALUFT 2.0 | 4 inches | 3.4 oz. | Inflatable | Polyester/TPU |
| NEMO Fillo | 4.5 inches | 9 oz. | Hybrid | Polyester/microsuede |
| Therm-a-Rest Compressible | 6.75 inches | 9 oz. | Compressible | Polyester |
| Cocoon Ultralight Air Core | 4.5 inches | 3.8 oz. | Inflatable | Polyester/nylon |
| Exped Ultra Pillow | 3.9 inches | 1.8 oz. | Inflatable | Polyester |
| TETON Sports ComfortLite | 4 inches | 12 oz. | Self-inflating | ComforTech Microfiber |
| NEMO Fillo Elite Wide | 3 inches | 4 oz. | Self-inflating | Zerofiber |
| Exped Mega Pillow | 3 inches | 4.7 oz. | Inflatable | Nylon/polyester/fleece |
How to Choose a Backpacking Pillow for Side Sleepers?
Below are a few things to keep in mind while choosing a pillow for your backcountry adventures. The pillow you choose should provide enough head support with comfort throughout the entire night, not only when you first lie down on it.
Types of Pillows
There are four basic categories of backpacking pillows: compressible, inflatable, hybrid, and stuffable. Each has its pros and cons when it comes to weight, support, height, comfort, ease of use, and pack size.
- Compressible: These pillows are filled with down feathers, synthetic fibers, foam, or a combination of these. They are soft and much like your real pillow from your bedroom. They are also more comfortable and easy to use than other types.
- Inflatable: Inflatable pillows are all filled with air and they are the lightest options available. You need to blow in air through a valve to use one. You can also adjust the thickness and firmness by letting air out through the valve. When deflated they’re the smallest in size and take up very little space in your backpack.
- Hybrid: Hybrid pillows have the characteristics of both inflatable and compressible pillows. They feature a compressible top layer, which provides comfort, and an inflatable bottom side to increase support while reducing its packed volume.
- Stuffable: This is a relatively new type of pillow. These are lightly padded and can be stuffed with things like clothes, jackets, or extra socks. They provide great support and comfort without adding any extra bulk.
Types of Sleepers
Everyone sleeps differently, but there are three main sleeping positions; i.e. back, stomach, and, side. Getting the right level of comfort from your pillow is important because your sleeping style plays a very critical role in waking up at night.
Thin pillows are great for stomach sleepers because they do not need a lot of support, while on the other hand, side sleepers need a thick and supportive pillow to keep their head level with the spine when lying on their side. Back sleepers need moderate support – a little more than stomach sleepers and less than side sleepers.
Conclusion
A pillow can play a major role in a good night’s rest in the woods. Choose a pillow according to your sleeping style. If you’re a side sleeper, get a pillow that is thick enough (at least 4 inches thick) and supportive. The pillow should be able to keep your spine aligned while you’re lying on your side. Choosing the right one would increase the quality of your rest and reduce aches and pains. We hope these reviews help you choose which pillow will keep you happy in the backcountry.
