BEST & WORST CAMP PILLOWS For Camping & Backpacking

[@JustinOutdoors]

No Dans were harmed in the making of this video. I like Dan a lot, we just have a difference of opinion when it comes to camp pillows!

[@taragatorade]

I like that you said that as he gets a lot of hate. Maybe I'm just old like Dan (not quite) but I like those lumpy shredded foam pillows. But this is an amazing analysis. thanks for all the info!

[@jeffpeters5347]

SAVAGE! 😎😎

[@kentrails]

"If you have something inside your head"...... LOL!!!!

[@ronb2008]

That jab at Dan Becker was legendary!!

[@taragatorade]

@@ronb2008 seriously I had to rewind to make sure I heard that right.

[@RegrettablyLongwinded]

That Dan Becker line was BRUTAL 👌

[@Dixy_1989]

Loved it 😂

[@jeffpeters5347]

SAVAGE😎

[@jessicaferguson4273]

😂😂😂

[@karyn4875]

Ouch

[@MoeBergOSS]

Please please use ounces for items over a few ounces. It’s just annoying and dumb to use grams for items over that weight.

[@DanBecker]

The Thermarest compressible cinch pillow the greatest pillow EVER! Join me and the rest of the Dan Beckers of the world! We know a good pillow!!

[@marcad8266]

Actually, I will. Your video on the pillows was pretty convincing and I don't get the reason why the foam would compress the neck. I used to fill a t-shirt with my down jacket and if needed my fleece, but I guess I could use a real pillow outdoor.

[@Trekology]

Hey Justin, Willy from Trekology here! Really feel honored to be featured on your video again! Thanks for continue to recommend our Aluft 2.0 pillow! We do have a new pillow that will hit the market soon! Stay tuned!

[@Tripi-Ando]

I have problems with my trekology pillow in cold weather, it deflates a lot, I really wouldn't like to buy another one.

[@dudeymcduderson]

The Thermarest compressible pillow is easily the best pillow I've used. It makes camping feel like I'm sleeping in my own bed. But each to their own though.

[@queenanne94101]

LOVE my Themarest compressible pillow. Never had a problem with the foam bits totally compressing. It’s A little heavier but it’s more like my real pillow than any other I’ve tried…and sleep matters!! And I totally agree with you about the Klymit. Terrible. Thanks for the thorough review.❤😊

[@ThePotterD]

Thanks Justin. I'm definitely not the pillow virtuoso you are but I've used both the Trekology and Hikenture pillows and much prefer the Hikenture for comfort. I wince at the extra 70g weight though! As a side sleeper I like to half inflate the hikenture and slide my down jacket inside the cover for extra height and comfort. Best comfort in a trekking pillow so far. Have also used my buff as a pillow case for the Trekology and tucked the down jacket inside. That works pretty well too but I find the jacket tends to slip off the edge of the pillow, and the extra foam in the hikenture case (as thin as it is) does seem to make a difference. That said, the Trekology is very good pillow for the price and weight.

[@CBne1997]

I use the trekology, which I love. But, I also put my puffy in the silnylon stuff sack that I carry my quilt in and use that for additional height/comfort.

[@SummitSeeker546]

I had been using the Outdoors Vitals pillow with a pillow case and was reasonably happy with the setup. My only concerns were the weight and the fact it wasn’t secured to the pad and thus moved around a bit too much. For an upcoming aggressive trip requiring an ultra lightweight load I upgraded a variety of key components, ie, pack, tent, & pillow setup. I now use the ZPacks pillow with cord and a buff puff around the pillow for comfort (2.7oz). To add to a luxurious nights sleep I put the sleeves of my down puffy jacket inside the buff puff. I don’t sleep in my jacket and the down sleeves add warm and incredible comfort to the pillow system. Highly recommend it!

[@AJRobinson]

No sponsor, no BS, no mapquest to the like button, to the point, goodbye. This is quite possibly my favorite video on youtube :)

[@bikerider4326]

I just ordered a Sea to Summit pillow based on your video. I am leaving on a 8,000 mile bicycle trip across America leaving April 1! THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!😊

[@MAURITS_METERSMAKER]

Hi Justin. The Cocoon Travel Pillow Ultralight is really comfy. It feels close to a normal pillow. There is also a hyperlight version which is smaller. The Hikenture one you recommended ended up in the bin after one night. The Decathlon Forclaz MT500 inflatable pillow is also a good cheap choice. I have heard a reviewer say he didn’t like it thought and I keep wondering why that is. Hope this helps and thank you for your advise.

[@northernswedenstories1028]

As a front sleeper I basically need minimal pillow height to avoid cranking my neck..so I normally just roll with the carinthia travel pillow. Weighs like 130g and synthetic filled. Many people will have issues with it though if they are not front sleepers.

[@Taytay20000]

What would you recommend for stomach sleepers? I find the height of most pillows suit back sleepers…and if you deflate the pillows the baffles don’t quite work and become ballony.

[@dunoripavalan1980]

Thanks a bunch for this; I was just looking for a general which is better compress or inflate style pillow; looks like inflatable wins.

[@kenttheboomer721]

I bought the Trekology 2.0 just over two years ago on Justin Outdoors recommendation. I have not regretted it once. Thanks, Justin.

[@unightie]

I’m telling ya Justin, the Unightie pillowcase can be stuffed with whatever you’ve got to your desired firmness. Pretty ultralight! Pretty comfortable. Tested on A, B, & C of the GDT!

[@NobleKangaroo.]

Great video as always. I really appreciate the raw numbers as I'm a bit of a weight weenie and really try to balance carry comfort with amenities comfort, so to speak. The Nemo Fillo Elite is a great upgrade to the old Nemo Fillo as it's NOT at all as heavy - it's only 2.8oz compared to the old one that's 9.2oz - and the cover is removable and washable (the inner "bag" basically slides out of the cover when deflated). Although it's the only "camp pillow" I've ever really owned (outside of a cheap $15 super heavy compressible pillow off Amazon), it's very comfortable for me. It does deflate if you stop breathing into it, but honestly it's not that hard to just push the valve when you reach the end of your breath or desired fill pressure. Sleep is very subjective and finding something that feels great to everyone is almost impossible.

[@MDubNM]

So for everyone, like me, who does not own a pillow that includes a pad strap...what I do is take a lightweight (and soft) men's large tee shirt and cut off the bottom third to half. I then take the shirt and pull it over the head of my sleeping pad, and then jam my Sea To Summit Aeros in between the shirt and the top of the pad. This keeps the pillow in place all night, and my shirt is much softer than the pillow itself. I've been doing that for about 5 years and it works great. The half shirt is only a few ounces, so well worth it for me.

[@JustinOutdoors]

That's my problem with the shirt, it weighs more than the pillow!

[@MDubNM]

@@JustinOutdoors Just checked my Lighterpack page, 2.8oz for the pillow, 2.7oz for the shirt...just made it! :-) Thanks for the informative video regardless!

[@MAURITS_METERSMAKER]

Good tip about the shirt. But doesn’t it look a bit odd when you wear it the next day 😊

[@GeoKidd]

That sounds like a nice idea, here's a more light-weight (and arguably elegant) solution: take a regular buff/neck scarf, and use it as a pillow cover (you jam the pillow inside the buff). Then, you make your own elastic strap, with a clips/or hook/simple knot that would be the appropriate length, so that it would just "hug" the sleeping pad. And then, put the pillow on the pad, and put the elastic strap through the space between the pillow and the buff you've just put on the pillow. Then loop the strap around the sleeping pad, and it should hold the pillow in place pretty good. I hope I described that decently well - weird hack, but it does work. Happy camping!

[@BackpackingGearNut]

I have around 10 backpacking pillows, and the Nemo pillows have been one of my favorites. I do have to modify them. My exped mega is good, and it has loops for pad straps, but it's too big. If they made it more the width of the trek Ology, it would be extremely light and comfortable, with a height of 4 - 5 inches.

[@supersonicarrow4508]

Trekology pillow was great.. For like a year and a half, after which the inner glued joints gave up and disconnected.. So now it blows up into a sphere. Not really a sign of good quality if you ask me. But as long as it lasted it was all around pretty good.

[@ernest3790]

HAHA I heart Dan Becker 🤣 I picked up a MEC camp deluxe pillow on sale and found it to be of pretty good value.. maybe comparable to the nemo filo? I pack it when I'm car camping or feeling bougie on trail. Would be a fair choice for your Canadian fans to check out. Thanks for another info packed video Justin, can't get enough of your gear focused content!

[@jeffpeters5347]

I’m a side sleeper with VERY WIDE shoulders. I pair a Trekology (for height) with a Nemo Fillo on top (for comfort). Super comfy

[@sueb860]

I purchased the Hikenture pillow last year after one of your reviews...enjoyed it for about 6 months until it developed leaks. Figured it might be user error, so I picked up another one. It developed leaks after the return window had passed. So now I'm almost $40 into 2 pillows that don't last. Used the cover from the Hikenture and covered my Trekology pillow with it. It works, but it's still not the most comfortable. I need something a bit loftier. Asked Santa for a Sea To Summit pillow this Christmas.

[@a.e.3323]

I have the Hikenture pillow. I use it with only a "few" breaths of air (half full) or it becomes too tall (as a side sleeper). Find the baffling gets really uneven at that point. Weighs 159 on my scale (incl stuff sack minus the hook to hang it on your pack) Trekology 2.0 might have been the better choice.

[@cubgsan]

Good day to you! I am a grandpa rider on HONDA motorcycle from Japan. Enjoying camping ,touring and upload video. Your pillows video is so nice! Awesome! Full supported ! Have a nice day my friend!

[@brib9716]

The best pillow is the Fillo King. Yes, it's heavy. But it's also 6 inches thick and for manly, broad shouldered side sleepers like me, it's perfect.

[@dereknoto9969]

I have a trekology 2.0 and rei trailbreak compressaible foam piece pillow.I bought a nemo fillo tonight in hopes it would replace my trailbreak but after testing I disappointingly must say I'm keeping my Rei trailbreak pillow in my backpack.Dont like any pillow filled with air but the trekology is imo the most comfortable and best engineered pillow you can buy for the money.Its so small I always keep it with me as a second pillow.

[@JarradShaw]

Justin, I know you have reviewed Trekology’s last two pillows. Have you tried Trekology’s Aluft Pro?

[@TheSilversurfmonkey]

Super grateful for your recommendation on the Trekology pillow a few years back. Comfiest pillow I've tried and bang for buck I don't think you can beat it

[@Farbulus]

I own the Trekology and the Klymit X Pillow. My trekology will not stay attached to my 25in wide pad, and its not nearly as supportive as the X pillow, neither are 'comfortable'. I generally will use 2 pillows in combination though as i'm used to like a 4inch pillow at home. My gf has the Aeros and loves that one but w/o the matching pad it moves around a lot. I have issues sleeping so I try out a lot of sleep systems :D

[@musingwithreba9667]

I love my Trekology pillow, but in cold weather it really needs some insulation! My head just freezes with the cold air in it. I've wrapped my jacket around it, but then the pad straps don't go around my sleeping mat. It's this whole thing...maybe I need that last one you mentioned that I've already forgotten the name of! 🤣🤣🤣 I'm off to check the links in description 😉

[@Lizard08150]

I combine a trekology with a Thermarest compressible pillow on top. Best sleep ever !

[@frogturtle]

just got the trekology aluft 2.0 in the mail. I have narrower shoulders and on my side it felt just right. I tried it with a merino buff pulled over it for a little bit of added softness and (maybe?) a little added warmth…hard to say. I will say while I need to test it more it was comfortable, easy to fill/adjust/deflate, and packs down so freakin small! I’m a fan

[@ryang1295]

Best camping pillow I’ve used is a memory foam one from decathlon around £17. Bit bulky to carry but well worth it for comfort

[@theotheralan5511]

I wish you could get em as they come in super compact little 🧱 bricks, but those big fluffy polyester pillows from Walmart! You can put them in a vacuum bag and suck a couple down to about 15% of their fluffed out size.

[@DDF1408]

Looks like my question was deleted so trying again, wondering why the Hikenture isn't your favorite any longer? Thx!

[@JohnConstantine646]

Alright Justin, you got me! Just ordered a trekology pillow through your link and I hope I'm impressed! I've not been a fan of other inflatables and I currently use thermarest's foam pillow and while you're right, it does compress by morning, it's not been a pancake for me or anything. Hoping to lighten my load (and bulk) with the trekology, without suffering from comfort issues. 🤞

[@ReichenbachEsq]

What about the Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Stretch Pillow?

[@petercannova5026]

of the thinnest what is the coolest I need to keep my head even in the winter near an open window & the AC in summer I sleep on my back so I need a thin pillow @ home I use an Ice pack filled with tap water -- Ice would keep my head cooler BUT it's too hard

[@wolfeadventures]

Love my Trekology pillow. Just needs a washable cover.

[@martinerhard8447]

Can agree on the trekology one...really great pick

[@MariaPerotti]

LOLOLOL That Dan burn!!!

[@thewoundedcrow7846]

Sea to summit aeros premium deluxe is what ive been using for years now. Its light and very large!

[@JCrozier1]

Bought a pillow based on your recommendation. Hope it's good.

[@jonathonphinney7916]

Super heavy, and super expensive, but I just forked out for a Hest pillow. Most comfortable camping pillow I’ve ever used.

[@kyfisher3662]

i have the sea to summit and the velcro attachment is awful, it tape comes off in humid climates. and the velcro can pop off from the pressure if you sit on the sleep pad too fast.

[@truthntrails]

My first camp pillow ever was the S2S Aeros Premium but I never loved it - I found it a little balloon-y. Next I ordered the Trekology Aluft Dlx - I loved the Pad strap and cover but it wasn't quite high enough for me. So last year, I ordered the Dan Becker special - the Thermarest Compressible Pillow... I wanted to love it because three times a charm but it was SO BULKY in my bag and like you said, is flatter by morning. This year I have bought and will be testing out the Nemo Fillo. I'm glad I'm not the only one who tests pillows like crazy haha. I will def be taking your advice and adding a little shock cord to the Nemo. Here's hoping this is the one!

[@neilarmschlong425]

Hello, how has the nemo fared for you?

[@truthntrails]

@@neilarmschlong425 Honestly, I have really enjoyed it. The best so far - it is a little bulky but I just value sleep enough to make it work

[@neilarmschlong425]

@@truthntrails do you have the normal version or the elite? are you a side sleeper? does the pillow not slide on you?

[@sirsir108]

I like the trekology especially for the price and strap I'm not sure what it is but some nights it's super comfy and other nights it will not work so great for me it's not how much it's been inflated ill play around with that when it's not working well for me (maybe it's just a bad angled campsite) but it's less consistent that I'd like maybe I'll have to give the hikenture one a try one of these days

[@sebastien3351]

One thing I did, was to purchase a half yard of a very soft cotton material, sewed myself a half size pillow case. On my BP trips I simply stuff my sweater into the pillow case and behold, a very soft pillow case.

[@aaronsmith21]

I’ve been thinking about doing this because I’m carrying the warming layers anyways, so it’s a good way to cut weight

[@niesaforster9945]

Have you tried to Naturhike 3D yet? I know it's a space hog and weightier than the majority, but it looks excellent if it does what if looks like it does. Especially for those of us with chronic pain issues.

[@greenpanda7121]

I would try the Trekology as it looks superbly thought out for the price. Nemo's pillows look outstanding but the volume is unacceptable in my pack for hiking. The Aeros Premium is however poor in my opinion, it moves around without the stickers, rustles a lot if you let any air out and feels like an expensive, if warm, balloon. It's better than nothing but not by a lot. Currently using the Thermarest airhead synthetic version and I think it's excellent for side sleepers, super thick and supportive with a great surface material unlike the down version. I find the valve reliable and no issue as air loss is minimal when closing the valve, it's only a couple of breaths anyway. It is compact but at 200g in the large it is not lightweight and rather pricey. Really lacks optional pad straps though

[@Everydaybackpacker]

Great review! I currently use a sea to summit aero lite. It works but I don’t like the texture or inability to secure. I’m going to check out that trekology. Thanks!

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

I have a treckology a Nemo and a sea to summit deluxe the deluxe was the first pillow I ever bought but I'm in between the trekology and the Nemo right now I did the same thing you did made a pad strap for the Nemo that's a great pillow for real

[@MrBBCZ]

Can the Trekology 2.0 be substituted with Naturehike imitation from Aliexpress? Have you tried?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Haven't seen it!

[@takeitoutside9941]

curious why you used the nemo fillo in this video as opposed to the fillo elite?

[@JBC_cat]

This past summer and fall i have been using my Trekology around 3/4 inflated. Under my Thermarest compressible pillow. I find neither thick enough on its own. Plus I find the Trekology pillow is not very comfy . I always get sore ears sleeping on my side. I need a soft pillow. No sleeping on hard balloons for me.

[@filmic1]

Great survey, Justin. I love that Trekology.

[@steveriggio8810]

Hi Justin, love your content! Question- I prefer a much thinner pillow, and with any of the inflatable pillows I’ve tried I’ve woken up with a stiff neck Because for me they are too tall. So I ended up switching to a compressible pillow they are too heavy and I’m trying to get my pack weight down. Is there a thin inflatable pillow out there that you know of?

[@JustinOutdoors]

If you don't need a pad strap, the decathlon pillow is pretty short and comfy. Has a foam topper like the Fillo (but thinner).

[@steveriggio8810]

@@JustinOutdoors thank you for the quick response!! I’ll check it out

[@paddle_hike]

I love the Hikenture pillow ... Great review

[@syindrome]

My aeros pillow was balloon central unless it filled to the max...but then it was too hard to be comfortable :C

[@a_legitimate_salvage]

The Nemo fillo is my go to and I love it

[@jlkartvideos9887]

You can make best pillow with your down jacket (and down pants) and you do not have to buy any pillow and you can save weight.

[@HuckOutdoors]

Where is the Exped Air Pillow XL?

[@commentsonthetube14]

I sleep with an arm under my pillow and the compressible pillows are the only ones that work for me. All the air ones make my arm fall asleep.

[@3Timothy_4-7]

Can anyone tell me if the Hikenture and Trekology pad straps are interchangeable

[@Sundheden]

I really do love some pillow talk with Justin

[@PoeInTheDitch]

"If you have something inside your head to weigh down the pillow". Shots fired. Lol

[@hawkins5560]

The Klymit pillow is great... if you use it as a sit pad. That's what I use it as. The trekology 2.0 is my pillow of choice, but I have noticed it picks up moisture in cold weather. My face will feel like it is full of slobber if I sleep on my side or stomach, but only in places that are in contact with the pillow. I might try to rig up a pillow case for it.

[@jonsanford2515]

If you slide a Buff over the Trekology, it fits well, and is open on both ends to let the strap through.

[@Rawdilz]

I like my arm under my pillow while I sleep. So I prefer one I can adjust the thickness.

[@LeTubeLookerXXL]

This is the video with information we didn't know we wanted to know

[@supernoodles908]

Most comfy pillow are my clothing and down jacket. I've tried inflating pillow and they're not comfy. I stuff my jacket into itself and warp my clothing. It's very comfy

[@justo316]

The thermarest compressing as I lay on it is my biggest gripe. Very disappointing given how much love it gets. I find the sea to summit foamcore to be a better alternative if you want that"real pillow feel". It's the same size and bulk, but the foam doesn't compress as easily. It also feels much nicer. Ultimately, I have been using a sea to summit Aeros premium deluxe because of the weight and packed size saving. Got a Nemo fillo elite coming to try out though.

[@hermeticallysealed]

you had me at "if you have anything inside your head"

[@UgaFanPolice]

I don't like the ones that blow up. My pillow has one that's small, it stuffs, super comfy, and extremely light weight.

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Oh please send over some snow please 😅

[@bobbroadhurst1648]

Good review

[@shawnr6117]

Lol 😆 another pillow video That Dan Becker line 🤣🤣🤣

[@mrmolester1]

Just curious - what is with the hate of Dan Becker lol?

[@eric55406]

"...If you have anything inside of your head that's gonna weigh down the pillow and compress the foam..."😆

[@magicworldbyjorg]

...cool video keep up the great content.. Thank you…

[@platesweightspeaks]

1:20 IM SCREAMING 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@thomassweeney747]

I can’t use the trekology alone, I can’t use a thermarest compressible alone. Combine the power of both, trekology on the pad, compressible in the sleeping bag and you have outdoor sleep euphoria.

[@higler.]

1:17 OH DAMN LMAO

[@valdemarjrgensen8072]

Remember this is all personal preference guys, so recommendations are not terribly useful. I'm very picky about pillows so have tried many different types. I have absolutely hated every inflatable pillow I have ever tried. Think pad straps is completely pointless. And the best I've tried is sea to summits foam pillow, the foam does not compress over night to any meaningful degree.

[@JV-ko6ov]

I put a rock under my tent where i plan to put my head

[@GrizzleGear]

IMO, the trekology is trash. It's prone to developing pinholes on the underside of the pillow near the valve. It's happened to me with 2 trekology pillows... I'll never buy another.

[@JarradShaw]

Lol! Poor Dan. We all love ya brother

[@wolfeadventures]

@@markcummings6856 😂

[@klang180]

It's all subjective. I tried the Nemo and Trekology and didn't like either and instead have a compressible of the type Justin hates.

[@gogsie59]

I just don't find inflatable pillows comfortable.

[@SnowyAspenHills]

Looks like the Nemo unfortunately has only one loop now.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I had to use the tag as the 2nd loop

[@outdoorgearguy6823]

I'm seeing 🙈a trend: klymit gets poor reviews across the board

[@valdemarjrgensen8072]

oh no klymit made a shit product. Big surprise 😅

[@thommyturtle29]

... might be good for some people like the DBs of the world ... but if you have anything inside of your head ... LMFAO.

[@neemancallender9092]

You have no reason to be rude about another UTuber It does not reflect well on you A mistake

[@timog7358]

haha

[@jbrooks12]

Dan Becker comment seemed uncalled for.

[@willmrx]

I LOL when I heard it. I would enjoy watching a video with both Dan and Justin cracking jokes with each other.

[@swaggytoast5242]

nice. was waiting for this

[@rrsnotyours]

$19.99 REI Co-op pillow...Foam filled and super soft fleece outer...so nice...5 oz....packs down if you pack....maybe by nothing in your head he meant no brainer haha. N0 kick-backs necessary.