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Top 7 Best Camping Pillows

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedNovember 6, 2024

Recreation is one of the most important means to have fun and explore nature and camping is one of the most popular recreational activity. Whether the activities consist of catching fish in the lake while camping, or roasting a hot dog over a campfire, getting a good night’s rest is indeed important and camping pillows are what you need.

When researching for the best camping pillows, we took time and looked at comfort, portability, and durability in order to give you the most effective ones. Whether this is your first time camping or the hundredth, we have listed down the best pillows that you can take with you.

Top 3 Best Camping Pillows

  1. Vaverto Small Memory Foam Pillow for Travel and Camping
  2. HEST Camping Pillow
  3. TETON Sports Camp Pillow

Camping pillows can give the essential support and padding for a good night’s sleep while camping. If you are ready to upgrade your camping pillows, here are some of the best products that you can purchase on the market. Read on!


Vaverto Small Memory Foam Pillow for Travel and Camping

Editor's Choice

Vaverto Small Memory Foam Pillow for Travel and Camping

The Vaverto Small Memory Foam Pillow is perfect for camping/traveling as it supports the neck, shoulder, back, and head. Easy on the go because it is hypoallergenic, lightweight and comes with a carry case. It’s a wise decision when it comes to comfort and ergonomics as well as the ability to carry it around.

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For a comfortable and convenient pillow for your camping and traveling needs, count on the Vaverto Small Memory Foam Pillow.

Pros

  • The memory foam technology offers support for the back, neck, shoulders, and head
  • It is lightweight and comes with a carry case
  • The pillow is made with hypoallergenic materials

Cons

  • The pillow may have a slight odor upon first use
  • The pillow is not machine washable

It was only recently that we got to use the Vaverto Small Memory Foam Pillow in a camping trip and I am glad to say that it worked great in terms of comfort. The memory foam offered a lot of support to our necks and our head and we liked the use of hypoallergenic materials as we both are allergic.

The pillow was also very easy to pack and take with us on our trip due to its lightweight and the inclusion of the carry case. Since it was not machine washable, this was a little disappointing but as we had realized, it is quite easy to spot clean the pillow when necessary.


HEST Camping Pillow

HEST Camping Pillow

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If you are looking for a comfortable camping pillow that you can easily carry with you on your camping trips then perhaps, the HEST Camping Pillow is for you.

Pros

  • The travel cover allows the pillow to be stuffed into a smaller size
  • It uses the combination of shredded enhanced memory foam and polyester, which provides you the support of your favorite home pillow
  • The stretch woven nylon sleep surface work for all sizes of heads and all the positions people could sleep in

Cons

  • Some users might prefer a firmer pillow
  • The zipper can get on your face if you use the pillow sideways

We got to test the HEST Camping Pillow in our latest camping trip and it did the job as we expected it would be. A sham is made from the blend of shredded enhanced memory foam and polyester to give the comfort of your favorite home pillow. Through using the temperature resilient memory foam our heads were comfortable throughout the night; besides, the pack-into-itself feature made it easy to keep the mattress clean.

The sleep surface incorporated of the woven nylon material stretch to fit any sizes of heads and the various sleeping positions of different people implying that the present invention is suitable for all kinds of sleepers. We also loved the design of the pillow and some of the features that associatively came with it such as a travel cover which is designed to accommodate the pillow but it can be zipped to a smaller size to pack clean surface during travel time.


TETON Sports Camp Pillow

TETON Sports Camp Pillow

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For those who are in search of a comfortable and small-sized pillow for your hiking, trekking, or car travel, TETON Sports Camp Pillow is the real deal.

Pros

  • The pillow is extra soft
  • The pillow lofts up on its own
  • It is washable, designed to be taken anywhere

Cons

  • It may not be ideal for those who prefer a larger pillow
  • The pillow could be firmer for some users

The TETON Sports Camp Pillow is soft, which makes it quite comfortable to use. I liked the fact that I could easily wash and dry, and it folds into a compact ball, which means is portable.

It integrates with the lining of one or more TETON Sports Sleeping Bags which I guess could be a plus if you’re trying to have some uniformity in your camping gear.

All in all, the TETON Sports Camp Pillow is one of the best camping pillows that any camper would love to use during their outdoor activities.


Nappler Camping Pillow

Nappler Camping Pillow

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If you are in search of a comfortable and portable camping pillow, Nappler Camping Pillow is what you need.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Sweat-resistant design
  • Hypoallergenic materials

Cons

  • Cover is a bit thin
  • Takes time to get used to

Nappler Camping Pillow is made from a blend of 40% bamboo derived viscose rayon combined with the 60% polyester, which helps in the provision of breathability and ease of compression. The pillow is also self-inflatable, making it ideal for a camp, a hike, or a backpack trip.

The Nappler Camping Pillow uses no allergens that most traditional down-filled pillows have. The pillow also has memory foam that is ventilated in order to fully guarantee utmost comfort and support.

The Nappler Camping Pillow also has another fantastic selling point that is it is sweat-resistant. The fibers in the cover are thermo-regulating and control temperatures: they capture heat when it is cold, and release it when it is hot keeping a comfortable temperature for the night.


Gehannah Travel Pillow

Gehannah Travel Pillow

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For a good camping pillow with both portability, and comfort, count on the Gehannah Travel Pillow.

Pros

  • The cooling-warm pillow cover offers a luxurious feel
  • It is versatile and can be used for different outdoor activities
  • The memory foam filling is CertiPUR-US certified

Cons

  • It may be too firm for some users
  • It may not be as compact as some inflatable pillows

The material used in the construction of this pillow proved to be extremely comfortable and since it was made of memory foam it surpassed the comfort of the previously used cotton and inflatable pillows.

However, it is also slightly less durable than some other camping pillows, so you should be rather careful with it. All in all, we recommend the Gehannah Travel Pillow for any camping lovers who desire a comfortable and supportive camping pillow to improve their travel quality.


Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow

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For a highly functional, comfy, and foldable camping pillow, our pick goes to the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow.

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable
  • The pillow's cushioned memory foam is wrapped in a soft, micro-suede cover
  • Machine washable and dryer friendly

Cons

  • May not be firm enough for some users
  • May be a bit bulky for ultralight backpackers

The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow is made of memory foam which is comfortable for head and neck to stay on. We also liked that it folded down small into its little waterproof carry bag – that bit of convenience is always noteworthy in a product like this.

It is slightly larger than some bottles and can be a bit heavy for some people. Overall, anyone in the market for a good camping pillow with excellent portability should give the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow a shot.


Klymit

Klymit

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When it comes to choosing a comfortable and very usable camping pillow the Klymit Drift Camping Pillow is a sure match.

Pros

  • The shredded memory foam offers an ideal balance of support and comfort
  • The pillow packs down small for easy portability
  • The water-resistant outer shell is easy to clean

Cons

  • The memory foam pieces may shift around during use
  • The pillow is a bit expensive

The Klymit Drift Camping Pillow is very comfortable sturdy. The memory foam proved to be ideal because it offered comfort and firmness as well.

The outer skin of the pillow was highly water resistant and did not have any leakage problem. Cleaning was also very easy. We also liked how the pillow could easily be compressed for travelling as we stored it in our backpacks.

Overall, we recommend any camper who wants a comfortable multi-hiking pillow suitable for the wild to get the Klymit Drift Camping Pillow.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best camping pillow, there are some factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Material

The material of the pillow is a crucial factor to consider. You need a pillow that not only provides comfort but also one that will last long, and one that can easily be washed. Some of the popular materials that are used in manufacturing camping pillows include; memory foam, down and synthetic. Memory foam provide comfort and support but it is usually heavy. Down is less heavyweight, compactible and a little less tough compared to synthetic fills. Synthetic fills are cheaper, and much easier to look after than memory foam or down, though generally not as comfortable.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the pillow is another vital consideration. People have different size and shape of heads. Some persons will opt for a bigger size for firm support while others opt for a product of smaller size so that they can pack it easily. Another factor of a pillow is also the shape of the pillow that determines the comfortability and the support. There are pillows that are shaped to give adequate support to the neck and head.

Weight and Packability

Weight and packability is an essential aspect to consider. In choosing the right pillow, it is important that it is lightweight and easily compressed, so that it can occupy less space in your backpack. Some pillows are designed with their own stuff sack for the convenience involving storing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best inflatable camping pillows available?

Some of the best inflatable camping pillows include; the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow, NEMO Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow and Aeros Pillow Premium by Sea to Summit.

How do I choose the right camping pillow for my needs?

To choose the right camping pillow, it is necessary to consider the size and weight of the pillow, the material used, the comfort level and support, and inflation/exhalation functionality.

What makes the HEST camping pillow stand out from other options?

The HEST camping pillow is ideal, lightweight, and comfortable for travelers because it comes with a microfiber cover that is soft and it also has a unique strap system that makes it easier for the traveler to adjust the posture they want by just pulling.

Is the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow a good choice for backpackers?

Yes,the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow is indeed one of the backpackers’ favorite products as it is very light and small, and at the same time, comfortable and insulating.

What are the key features of the Thermarest Pillow for camping?

The Thermarest Pillow for camping is comfortable, lightweight and packs down small. It features a foam that is easily contracted to provide just the right amount of support.

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