Looking for a good camping pillow but overwhelmed with the gazillion choices out there? Worry no more as we help you break down different categories in choosing the best camping pillow in the market.
The best camping pillow should provide adequate support and comfort whether you camp, stay inside a car through the night or hike. Having a small, ultralight camping pillow makes a huge difference and most of the pro campers would agree. There are many high-quality portable camping pillows in the market, but it is very important to consider certain key factors which will make a significant difference in choosing the a pillow that suits you best.
Camping Preferences
The type of camping adventure and sleeping habits will determine the type of pillow you need. Comfort level, weight and size of the pillow will vary depending on how you camp whether it’s outdoor camping or backpacking. People who camp outdoors in campsites or parks can large inflatable camping pillows, whereas those who are hiking and backpacking are usually limited by the weight they can carry. Luxury camping pillows that provide the best comfort level are heavier and those which are light in weight provide only a certain degree of comfort.
Hikers/Backpackers
The hikers’ preference will be completely different to those of car campers because they carry all their gears in one backpack and therefore, space is crucial. Backpackers should look for a more comfortable and compact camping pillow. Pillow size and weight are equally important, so check for all these factors before purchasing your camping pillow. There are many backpacking pillows for side sleepers which you should check out.
Car Campers
Car camping is one of the most common, popular and most convenient way to spend your camping adventure outdoors. This allows campers to carry a more luxurious pillow for the adventure experience. Therm-A-Rest compressible pillow is one of the best car camping pillows for car campers. It is one of the plush pillows you can find in the market and it offers excellent comfort. Car campers will be able to carry this heavyweight super-sized pillow easily.
How to choose the best pillow for camping?
Camping pillows come in different shapes, sizes and materials. All pillow manufacturers always claim that they are the best camping pillow providers, but you important factors have to be considered. A pillow that provides comfort and perfect posture to your head throughout the night is the best pillow of them all. The pillow should easily be setup and maintained. Weight, size and dimensions also play major roles in shortlisting the best camping pillow.
Camping pillows are of three different types – compressible camping pillow, inflatable camping pillow and hybrid camping pillow. Each and every single one of these pillows have their own unique characteristics. Compressible pillows are filled with foams, synthetic fibers and down feathers. Inflatable pillows, as the name indicates, are pillows that are inflated with air. Hybrid pillows is a mix of the other two types of pillows, with a compressible upper layer and an inflatable bottom layer.
Types of Camping Pillows
Once you’ve determined which kind of camper you are, the guide below will help you choose the best camping pillow for your adventure. Understanding and considering all the different types of camping pillows and their characteristics will give you an idea on which kind of pillow will be perfect for your trip.
Compressible Camping Pillow
These are camping pillows that are filled with synthetic materials – foam or feathers and in some cases a perfect blend of the two materials. They are lightweight and they occupy less space. Compressible pillows are firm, meaning, they give the head sufficient support. The main disadvantage associated with compressible pillows is that they may flatten after a long time of use, bringing some discomfort. Also, they tend to be bulky.
Air Pillows:
Inflatable Camping Pillow
Inflatable pillows such as our ALUFT PRO Inflatable Camping Pillow are designed to provide comfort and support while sleeping in the outdoors. They are specifically designed to be lightweight, portable, and easy to use. Inflatable pillows are filled with air that is manually pumped or inflated via a built-in valve for quick setup. The air pressure can be adjusted according to the sleeper's desired level of comfort and firmness. Additionally, many camping pillows have an ergonomic shape for increased neck and back support. Some models (like our Aluft Pro Pillow) also feature adjustable straps that allow the user to attach them easily to their sleeping bag or tent walls. Most inflatable pillows come with a durable ripstop fabric cover that prevents punctures from sharp objects in the ground, as well as moisture resistant coating, making them suitable for use in all weather conditions. Furthermore, they can easily be deflated and packed away after use - making them an ideal choice for campers who wish to travel light and stay comfortable while enjoying the outdoors.
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Self Inflating Camping Pillows
Self Inflating camping pillows are more of a straightforward choice because they are easy to use and more comfortable than other types. The foam in a self-inflating pillow adds to its weight, which should be considered. Pillows that require you to fill air in it will seem to be more of a practical option, but these pillows are cumbersome to inflate and their internal section could be easily infected by bacteria. Our Self Inflating Camping Pillow is suitable for all travel and adventure activities.
Hybrid Camping Pillows
Hybrid camping pillows combine the advantages of both compressible and inflatable pillows. They are designed to have the compressible side on top with inflatable side at the bottom to primarily provide support during sleep or rest.
Other Factors:
Level of comfort – Comfort levels offered by a pillow should be one of the first and most important factors to consider. The level of comfort offered by a camping pillow can be evaluated based on the size, materials used and its firmness. Compressible pillows offer the best comfort. Inflatable pillows offer the least comfort of all pillow types. The only drawback of compressible pillows is that, the firmness of it will reduce with time.
Check out this blog post by Gear Hungry if you want to find out 2021's most comfortable camping pillow.
Shape and size – The level of comfort you get from a pillow will vary depending on its dimensions. Head and neck support is very important and the pillow you buy should deliver excellent support overall. A good night’s sleep can be achieved only if the pillow fits your head size. Pillows that are compact in dimensions will be perfect for backpackers.
User friendly – Compressible pillows are the most user-friendly ones of them all, followed by hybrid and inflatable. If you are looking for a stress-free pillow overall, the compressible is the right choice for you.
Material – Durable and supple material based pillows are the best. Pillows manufactured using breathable material components are highly durable. High quality material based pillows are costlier but more durable than low cost pillows.
Weight – Since camping usually involves a lot of traveling and trekking, it is prudent to go for a light weight pillow. A heavy pillow is cumbersome to carry around, not to mention it’s not the only item you will be packing in your camping bag. However, if you still need a heavy pillow, go for it. Maybe just have enough storage space and reduce foot travels. Backpackers usually go for lightweight camping pillows. Car campers and RV outdoor campers need not worry about the weight of camping pillows since they can carry heavier ones with them.
Cost – All this cannot be complete without mentioning the cost of the pillow. Some pillow are just too expensive – especially the luxury models – to be bought just for a mere one week camping. However, don’t look to save too much, invest in a camping pillow that will keep you warm and comfortable at night.
Pillows for Different Types of Sleepers
Another important aspect for choosing the best pillow is to determine the type of sleeping habits you have should not be overlooked. Even though each of us has a unique sleeping position, we can safely generalized our sleeping positions into 3 subcategories – back, side sleepers, and the ones who sleep on their stomach.
Stomach sleepers don’t need a lot of support and will find flat and thin pillow an ideal choice. Pillows offering medium support will be more than enough for those who sleep on their back.
Camping pillow for side sleepers should be thick and supportive enough to keep the head leveled with the spine when lying on the side, giving you maximum comfort. If you're a side sleeper, you can check out this blog post by to learn more about camping pillows that are ideal for you.
Inflatable pillows come in different customizable options and are much cheaper when compared to compressible type of pillows. Price should not be the sole deciding factor when buying your pillow. Comfort and support should be the key deciding factors.
Conclusion:
There is a vast variety of camping pillows in the market – ranging from luxurious to affordable types. Choosing the best camping pillow comes down to determining exactly what you need – and looking for a camping pillow that delivers exactly that. However, keep the time of the year, weight, and material used in mind while purchasing a new camping pillow.
If you're still not sure and are questioning yourself as to why get a camping pillow, then do read this blog post titled "Do I need a camping pillow?" by Decide Outside.
