Is there a portable / comfortable pillow suitable for camping / backpacking?

I use my hiking boots in combination with clothing. This may sound uncomfortable, and that may be quite subjective, but I sleep fine like this.

I stuck my shoes in a plastic back to keep the dirt contained. Open side away from my body and not covered by clothing so that the shoes can still ventilate and dry. Then I usually put the clothing that I wear during the day on top of the plastic bag, not covering the top of the shoes.

I find that using my shoes gives me more lift and structure than using just cloths alone. And this doesn't require more space or weight to my backback.

posted over 9 years ago

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Sdry‭

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Here's a few, some are mentioned in comments but I figure I would elaborate.

• Clothes This was mentioned and you noted it wasn't particularly worthwhile on a shorter trip because you don't have many clothes. I typically go ultralight, so my spare clothes are close to nothing but I always have some sort of insulation (unless it's going to be 70+ degrees the whole time). A nice puffy down/syntetic jacket can make for a decent pillow but it doesn't work when you need to wear it at night, which I often do during the winter months. This is my preferred method for most trips.
• Inflatable Pillow These aren't particularly great but I have used an Exped Air Pillow from time to time. It's not thick enough to be easily used in conjunction with thicker pads like the Neo Air or Exped Downmat unless you stack it on top of your pad, and even then isn't particularly thick. My pillow weighs in around 3oz. which can be worthwhile if you really need a better night sleep. It can also be coupled with the jacket pillow for extra comfort.
• Compactable Pillow Many years ago I had a pillow made by Slumberjack that was maybe 1/4 the size of a standard pillow, but was fairly thick and comfortable. I couldn't find the specific pillow in a quick search, but it appears that the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow may be similar. This is the heaviest option, weighing 7-12oz and being a "single-purpose" item as opposed to something like a stuff sak serving multiple purposes on your trip.

I am very biased towards the clothing option. Even prior to going ultralight this is what I did most of the time. My winter weight down hooded jacket has about 2" of loft weighs a mere 12.6oz and does a lot more for me than just give my head a place to rest. Inflatables are decent bang for your pack volume buck but don't have the same levels of comfort as a nice puffy jacket or standard pillow will.

posted almost 12 years ago

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Corey D‭

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Go ultralight and use quart size freezer bags stuffed inside a stuff sack. Not the best, but cheap and light weight. I like the clothes stuffing method, but sometimes they can get damp.

posted over 9 years ago

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GoHikeGo‭

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I have always had this trouble and I find using spare clothes in my sleeping-bags compression sack works the best. Whoever, since I bought a Hammock I sleep comfortably without the need for a pillow.

posted over 9 years ago

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GeistvonPA‭

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I use a down sweater in a stuff sack. It means one less thing to carry, and the down has more loft/comfort than using clothing in a stuff sack. A lot of sleeping bag liner carriers also work as pillow cases by having fleece on one side.

posted almost 12 years ago

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furtive‭

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