Do You Take a Pillow Backpacking?

By Anna Duncan

When it comes to backpacking, having the right pillow can make a huge difference in how you sleep and how you feel in the morning. Pillows are an important piece of gear that can help ensure a good night’s sleep so you’re ready for the day’s adventures. Do you take a pillow backpacking?

The answer to whether or not to take a pillow backpacking depends on your individual needs, preferences, and size of your pack. For most people, a lightweight inflatable or air-filled pillow is the best option for backpacking.

Inflatable pillows are lightweight and pack down small, making them ideal for carrying in a backpack. They are also adjustable so you can inflate them to be as firm or soft as you need for comfort.

If space and weight aren’t an issue, then taking a traditional foam or synthetic fill pillow could be an option. These types of pillows are usually more comfortable than inflatable ones but they also tend to be much bulkier and heavier which isn’t ideal when packing light.

Another option is to use clothing items like hats, jackets, or rolled-up sweaters as makeshift pillows. This can save space and weight but may not provide enough support or comfort depending on what type of clothing item is used.

Finally, if none of these options appeal to you then there are folding camping pillows that may work better for your needs. These pillows fold up into small sizes but provide more cushioning than other types of pillows due to their foam filling. They are usually heavier than other types of pillows though so keep this in mind when deciding if this type of pillow is right for you.

Overall, whether or not to take a pillow backpacking will depend on individual needs and preferences as well as the size of your pack. Inflatable pillows offer the best combination of lightweight portability and comfort while traditional foam or synthetic fill pillows may provide more comfort but also add bulk and weight to your backpack.

Other alternatives such as using clothing items like hats, jackets, or rolled-up sweaters can work in some cases but may not provide enough support or comfort depending on what type of clothing item is used. Folding camping pillows can also provide additional cushioning compared to other types of pillows but they tend to be heavier than other options so keep this in mind when deciding if this type of pillow is right for you.

Conclusion: Ultimately, whether or not to take a pillow backpacking will depend on individual needs and preferences as well as the size of your pack.