11 Best Camping + Travel Pillows to Help You Rest Easy
Whether you're sleeping in the backcountry or flying into Singapore, these compact pillows will help keep you rested and relaxed for your next adventure.
It's hard to get that quality, in-your-own-bed sleep when traveling or camping — especially when camping. You don't have your comfy mattress, perfectly-plush pillow or cozy comforter to help lull you to Dreamland. Since you can't haul your mattress on vacation, make sure you have a quality travel pillow to help you catch some Z's no matter where you are.
Our Top Camping Pillow Picks
When shopping for a top-notch camping pillow, there are a few things to look for: compressibility, weight, fabric, comfort and price. Squeezing everything into a single backpack makes high compressibility and weight a big deal, so look for an air pillow that folds down small. If you're camping in the summer, you may want to look for a pillow with a comfortable surface that will wick away sweat and keep you cool. And while some of the best camping pillows can be on the pricier side, it's definitely worth it to stay rested on busy, adventure-filled trips.
The gold standard for ultralight backpacking pillows, the Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow fits in the palm of your hand when packed. It comes in regular (14-inches across) and large (16.5-inches across) sizes, and its ingenious valve makes inflating and deflating quick and easy.
Nemo's Fillo Pillow uses both foam and inflation to create comfort you can dial into your liking. This nine-ounce pillow packs down to the size of a water bottle and features a microsuede cover that is machine washable.
The TETON Sports ComfortLite is self-inflating, weighs 12 ounces and expands to 18 inches across. The soft microfiber surface makes for a comfortable sleep whether you’re on the trail or the plane.
Another respected name in the world of resting, Klymit’s Quilted Inflatable Camping Pillow combines their X design that keeps your head centered on the pillow with a machine-washable soft cover for easy turnarounds from both camping trips and public transportation.
Outdoor Vitals' Ultralight Stretch Pillow weighs just 2.6 ounces, packs down to fit in your pocket and is still sturdy enough to be used as a seat. Its 30D stretch nylon conforms to your head like a regular pillow, and its valve makes inflating and deflating a breeze.
Our Top Travel Pillow Picks
Neck support is the single most important feature to look for in a travel pillow. Whether you're in a car, plane or train, a supportive pillow that allows you to sleep upright will make all the difference. You may even be able to get some quality shut-eye on that long-haul flight or cross-country road trip.
Incorporating an internal brace within its soft wrap, the Trtl Pillow supports your head and neck and keeps your head from nodding when sleeping upright in a seat. The padded fleece exterior swaddles your head and is machine washable. It weighs only half a pound and can easily attach to suitcases and backpacks.
Keep cool with the Cabeau Evolution Cool that is ergonomically designed to support your head while incorporating vents to allow air circulation. The pillow’s removable cover is machine washable, too.
J-Pillow’s unique design supports your chin and neck, keeping your head in a comfortable sleeping position on long flights. A snap fastener attaches to luggage, and the pillow is machine washable.
Turn off the lights and check out until arrival with Grand Trunk’s Hooded Neck Pillow. A blackout hood is incorporated into the memory foam neck pillow with a soft fleece cover, allowing you to pull the drawstrings to block out any light and creating your comfortable cocoon of solitude and sleep.
From the makers of the famous Ostrich Pillow, the Ostrich Pillow Mini Travel Pillow slips over your hand like a mitt, or you can pass your forearm through for resting against windows or on seatback trays. Made with a soft viscose and elastomer shell and filled with microbeads, this unique pillow allows a variety of positions for the best rest possible when traveling.
BCOZZY's unique design comfortably wraps around your neck, supporting your chin and head in any direction to prevent neck kinks. Its valve allows inflation in two or three breaths and quickly deflates. The pillow rolls up to the size of a soda can and has a machine-washable cover.
