BEST Ultralight Backpacking Pillow? ZENBIVY SoftTop Pillow Review & Setup

[@j3hikes444]

I have the Zenbivy sleeping bag system and use the pillow case (stuffed with my extra cloths) works great.

[@BackpackingGearNut]

I still refer to pillows as a luxury item but at my age, I don’t feel like it is feel like it’s a necessity.

[@suzannestroh3194]

Thank you! Super informative. I’m super fussy about fabrics and cannot stand polyester against my face. Too hot and sweaty. The Nemo Fillo microfleece is the only fabric that has ever felt comfortable. How does the ZenBivy fabric compare to the Nemo microfleece?

[@BackpackingGearNut]

The Nemo microfleece is nice and soft, but the foam rubber or plastic, depending on which pillow you get, is very hot on my head. Which is nice when it’s really cold but not anything above 40°F, and it makes me sweat and is uncomfortable for me when it’s hot. I like the feel of the ZenBivy pillowcase. It’s soft in a different way, but it is breathable and doesn’t make my ear. Feel weird. Also, the way I put the pillow together. It’s either got the down pillow topper or if I’m going ultralight I may use one of my jackets so I’m able to mitigate the sweat.

[@JarradShaw]

Allocate: take your foam topper from the Nemo filo. Similar ideas

[@BackpackingGearNut]

That would work. Probably be very comfortable for most people. The foam is only a half an inch thick, which isn’t tall enough for me. I’m looking for my pillow to be 5 to 6 inches. Take the pressure off my neck. Everybody’s a little different. I know people that love the little 3 inch flatter pillows and for them that’s the perfect height. I would assume they’re a back sleeper, but our bodies are all different.

[@beurnii]

Thanks for the review! Would you say it is better than the nemo fillo? I have the fillo, but I find that it does not have enough height, how does it compare? Thanks :)

[@BackpackingGearNut]

I do think it is better. at this time, this pillow is my favorite because of its modular design.

[@yakesbves3294]

What about adding the bladder of the zenbivy inside the Nemo fillo ? You would then have the choice to inflate two bladders if needed.

[@МаксимЕремин-я6т]

Is it actually necessary to carry a pillow if you carry puffy jacket? Thermarest have a nice pillow case which I found comfortable if I put jacket and my midlayer inside.

[@BackpackingGearNut]

It’s probably not necessary because I haven’t always carried one. I just know for me. I get a really good nights sleep if I use a pillow, that is tall enough to relieve the pressure on my spine. I like the pillowcase that Therma rest offers. Thanks!

[@gumbi8989]

Is this the regular size or the larger one?

[@BackpackingGearNut]

My pillow is the regular size

[@beartechdeck]

Shoulder gap as a side sleeper isn’t a problem for me because I put my arm under the pillow

[@BackpackingGearNut]

👍