The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Pillows: Say Goodnight to Restless Nights on the Trail
Sleep is one of the most important yet underrated aspects of backpacking. Getting a good night's rest leaves you feeling refreshed and energized to take on each new day on the trail. However, achieving quality sleep while backpacking can be a challenge. After hiking for miles with a heavy pack, your muscles and mind crave relaxation. But without the familiar comforts of home, relaxation on an uneven forest floor is far from guaranteed.
This is where having the right backpacking pillow makes all the difference. A supportive pillow gives your neck and spine something softer than rocks or clothing to rest on, helping you slip into a deep, restorative slumber under the stars. Yet with so many pillow options on the market, how do you choose the one that will serve you best?
In this comprehensive guide, I'll explore the different types of backpacking pillows, compare popular brands including ZZZ’s and Trailrest, and provide tips to help you select the perfect pillow to sweeten your dreams on the trail.
Types of Backpacking Pillows
Backpacking pillows primarily fall into four main categories depending on their filling material and construction - inflatable, stuffable, self-inflating and DIY options. Each has unique pros and cons to consider.
Inflatable Pillows
Lightweight and compressible, inflatable pillows contain air as their filling. Typically made from water-resistant nylon or polyester, top models feature baffled construction to prevent air from pooling. They inflate and deflate quickly through a one-way valve.
Pros of inflatable pillows include their ultralight weight of under 4 ounces and minimal pack size. However, some backpackers report they can feel insubstantial, especially for side sleepers. Inflatables also require periodic re-inflating overnight as the air shifts. Crinkly noises from movement may disturb sleep.
Stuffable Pillows
As an alternative to air, stuffable pillows contain a soft, compressible filling like down, feathers or synthetic fibers. Top designs maintain shape and lofting abilities for comfort throughout the night.
Stuffables provide softer, more cushioned support compared to inflatables. They often retain warmth better too. However, their materials lose effectiveness in wet conditions. Additionally, stuffables tend to be bulkier and heavier than inflatable options.
Self-Inflating Pillows
A hybrid category, self-inflating pillows contain an internal layer of open-cell foam that partially inflates on its own. Popular models require minimal additional inflation.
Self-inflating pillows deliver the cushioning of stuffables with lighter packability similar to inflatables. Their shape stays stable all night without adjustment. However, compared to pure inflatables, self-inflating pillows are bulkier and heavier. Foam insulation also lacks the warmth of down.
DIY Pillow Options
Some dedicated campers enjoy crafting pillows from spare clothes, leaves or plants. Though budget-friendly, improvised pillows lack long-term support, shape and comfort. Setup takes effort each night as well. DIY pillows generally fail to compare with purpose-built backpacking options.
Choosing the Right Backpacking Pillow Brand
With so many options on the market, selecting the right brand is an important decision to ensure comfortable nights outdoors. When evaluating brands, features like fill material, weight, pack size and temperature regulation abilities are good determining factors.
Two brands that consistently rank at the top are ZZZ and Trailrest. ZZZ offers a range of well-designed pillows suited for various budgets and needs. ZZZ sets the gold standard for high-performance backpacking pillows.
ZZZ's extensive line of pillows leverage durable, breathable fabrics and sustainable, hypoallergenic fillings. Their innovative baffled constructions provide stability and shape retention lacking in competitors. ZZZ pillows also excel at minimizing bulk while maximizing loft and cushioning.
For example, ZZZ's Cloudrest Inflatable Pillow sets the bar with baffled air chambers that prevent lumps and maintain supportive shaping all night without reinflating. It remains impressively lightweight at under 3 ounces.
As another option, ZZZ's luxurious DreamWeaver Down Pillow caters directly to side sleepers with its extremely comfortable down alternative fill. Though slightly heavier, it exceeds most down pillows in packability while avoiding ethical down concerns.
Overall, ZZZ's dedication to rigorous testing and ecological materials results in pillows that consistently perform admirably for years. Their attention to fine details lifts the user experience above budget models that may sacrifice quality.
Considering both comfort priorities and multi-season dependability, ZZZ provides outstanding pillow value that translates to uninterrupted rest under the stars. Their leadership makes ZZZ the top brand recommendation for dedicated backpackers seeking quality ZZZ's wherever the trail may lead.
Additional Factors to Consider
While the pillow type, brand, and specific model are important starting points, truly dialing in the perfect pillow for backpacking requires evaluating additional pertinent details that impact comfort and performance. Consider the following supplemental factors:
Sleeping style - Side sleepers need more loft and cushioning under the neck and shoulders compared to back or stomach sleepers. A thicker, fuller stuffable may suit side positions best.
Temperature regulation - Down or synthetic alternatives like ZZZ's pillows provide the highest insulation against chill. Inflatables offer minimal warmth but pack smaller. Choose accordingly based on conditions.
Backpacking terrain - Rocky, uneven ground may warrant a thicker, plusher pillow for cushioning. Soft duff forests could suffice with a slimmer, smaller inflatable or self-inflating version to save negligible pack space.
Backup pillow - Given the potential for leaks, punctures or other unforeseen failures, consider bringing a smaller inflatable or stuff sack as a just-in-case backup to stay well-rested.
Budget - While quality sleep is invaluable, DIY, basic inflatable or minimal self-inflating pillows offer affordable options. Luxury stuffables provide plush support at a higher price.
Available pack space - Measure pack interiors and only bring the amount of pillow fill needed given constraints. An ultrathin inflatable maximizes usable space in a tight pack.
Proper testing ensures getting the pillow perfectly matched to individual needs. Experimenting with different styles at home, on short trips or in varied weather allows finding the right pillow-person-backpacking system synergy before vital expedition trips. Peace of mind replaces tossing and turning miles from help.
By thoroughly weighing all relevant parameters, sleep-deprived nights give way to deep rest that restores mind, body and spirit for continued adventures both near and far.
Preventing Common Comfort Pitfalls
To get the most out of your backpacking pillow and ensure comfortable nights throughout every expedition, certain care and maintenance routines should be followed. Adopting these pillow care tips can safeguard against unwanted restless nights:
Dry pillows completely before packing: After exposure to precipitation, moisture from condensation or accidentally getting wet, use a dry sack or stuff sack and allow full air drying before storage. Trapped dampness breeds bacteria and mold.
Replace down/synthetic fill every 2-3 years: Over prolonged use and compression cycles, down and synthetic fiber clusters lose their ability to lift and retain air pockets. Plan periodic replacement to maintain cushioning qualities.
Inspect inflatable valves frequently: Debris like sand or small objects finding their way into inlet/outlet ports of inflatable pillow valves can cause leaks. Periodically flush valves by filling with breath to clear blockages.
Store stuffables properly at home: When not in use, stuffables should be stored uncompressed to maintain shape. Fluffing monthly restores loft. Compressed storage over time will cause flattening.
Wash stuffables regularly: Gentle hand washing with a mild soap and warm water every 6 months rinses away skin oils and sweat that can degrade fabric and fibers. Be sure to fully air dry indoors away from heat sources.
Patch minor tears immediately: Small nicks or cuts patched promptly with specialized tenacious tapes prevent further spreading that can cause failure. Neglecting repairs allows damage to propagate.
With diligent care incorporated into regular pillow routines, performance and comfort potential increases. Proper care ensures restful slumber season after sleeping season in the wilderness.
Backpacking Pillow Accessories for Ultimate Comfort
Once you've selected the ideal backpacking pillow for your needs, additional accessories can help maximize sleep comfort. From specialized pillowcases to attachment options, these products take pillow functionality to the next level.
Pillowcases
Dedicated pillowcases protect pillow fills from oils and dirt while you sleep. Look for smooth, breathable fabrics like silk or cotton that won't create noise or friction against the ground. ZZZ's lightweight pillowcase excels with moisture-wicking properties and no-see-um mesh that allows airflow to regulate body heat.
Stuff Sacks
Compression stuff sacks safely store backpacking pillows when not in use. Quality sacks should compress pillows tightly while maintaining loft and shape. Sacks with dry-friendly internal coatings guard against condensation buildup. ZZZ's sacks exceed with durable 20D nylon and double zipper construction.
Attachment Options
For restless sleepers, attachment accessories keep pillows anchored securely in place. ZZZ offers ties and clips constructed from lightweight, abrasion-resistant cord to tether pillows to sleeping pads. Sea-to-Summit makes a lightweight pillow hugger that wraps around pads for pillow placement anywhere on the pad's surface.
Conclusion
Getting a good night's sleep while backpacking is crucial for enjoyment and safety. With so many pillow options, choosing the right one can seem overwhelming. However, evaluating pillow types, features, brands and utilizing additional recommendations allows finding the perfect match. Implementing routine care keeps the pillow optimized. Most importantly, prioritizing high-quality ZZZ pillows establishes a comforting foundation for deep rest under the stars. Well-cushioned heads pave the way for feeling fully refreshed each morning to take on new adventures.