There are a variety of camping pillows in the market, making it tricky to select the right. The best pillow to choose for outdoor use is a lightweight camping pillow.
What should you look out for when choosing a lightweight camping pillow?
It can get overwhelming when packing or planning for camping trips, especially for a beginner, since you don’t know what you will need while away from home.
This article has 9 top-rated lightweight camping pillows as well as all the info you need to know for your great camping.
Table of Contents
Top 9 Best Lightweight Camping Pillow On the Market in 2021
How to Choose the Best Lightweight Camping Pillow For Your Needs?
> Sleeping Styles
Your sleeping style hugely determines the kind of lightweight camping pillow to buy for your comfort and safety.
If you are a side sleeper, get a thick pad to offer support to the head and the neck. For the back sleepers, a thin and low loft pillow will work since most of the weight is applied in the back section.
Overall, when choosing a camping pillow to ensure your head and neck has excellent comfort and support.
> Ease of Use
Choose a pillow that will not give you a hard time when setting up to sleep.
For example, if you opt for an inflatable pillow for camping, ensure it has all the necessary parts to inflate and lock in the air to keep it for a long time.
For the stuff sack pillows, choose a model that is compatible with various filling for convenience.
Easy to Inflate and Deflate – WELLAX Camping Pillow
> Sliding
When choosing any sleeping pillow, make sure the top cover has non slip to hold the head and neck firmly. Staying in a supported form with a pad helps to align the spine in the right position for safety purposes.
> Compressibility
A compressing pillow is comfortable to pack when carrying since you can easily fold it to a more compact size when packing in the car or the bag.
Therefore, if you need a pillow that does not take up too much storage space in the backpack, consider a compressible pillow.
Best Compressible – RikkiTikki Inflatable Camping Pillow
> Comfort
Your comfort when sleeping should be of paramount, even when choosing a lightweight pillow. So, choose a pillow that provides comprehensive support to the head and the neck.
The materials should be comfortable to the skin and ensure the pillow has breathable materials to allow the free airflow.
Best Comfortable – WELLAX Ultralight Camping Pillow
> Face Fabrics
Choose a pillow with natural and breathable fabrics.
This is because the natural materials extend the pad’s durability by preventing staining or sweat accumulation in case you sweat while sleeping.
The pillows with natural fabrics are also easy to clean.
> Size
A camping pillow’s choice may differ with a pad that you choose for home use regarding the size.
However, whichever pillow you want, make sure it has the right size to offer ample support to the head and the neck. Also, make sure the pad is thick enough to support you when sleeping.
Generally, the small size makes it easy for your camping, backpacking. A large one means you need more space to put it. There is an extra-large size which isn’t suitable for a long journey.
Best Small Size for Kids – Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow
> Shape
Choose a camping pillow designed to accompany your sleeping needs while in the woods.
A right camping pillow should have more than one chamber with thick filling to provide excellent support. The pad should have a soft exterior cover with firm fillings.
> Durability
You need a pillow that you can use for all your outdoor camping needs, and therefore choose a pillow with quality material constructions for durability.
From the fillings to the cover, ensure the pad has durable materials.
Why Do You Need A Lightweight Camping Pillow?
A lightweight pillow is the best for camping since it is convenient in terms of packing and use.
The majority of light pillows are foldable to a much compact size for easy preparation in the camping bag, and they are made in small sizes to fit in most sleeping bags.
These pillows are versatile such that you can use them for other outdoor activities like when you go to the beach or hiking.
Top 9 Lightweight Camping Pillow Reviews
The following are the top 9 lightweight camping pillows you should consider.
#1. Best Overall – Trekology Ergonomic Camping Pillow for Backpacking
Pros:
- Compact and Lightweight
- Easy inflation and deflation
- Waterproof and durable
Cons:
- Limited to one person only
This inflatable pillow is the best-rated pillow and has the following unique features.
Its ergonomic design creates quite a comfortable experience, allowing you to sleep anywhere.
Thanks to its TPU fabric, this pillow is known as waterproof and highly durable. Its base has a non-slip material that prevents you from slipping while sleeping.
It is easy to use; you click on a button to inflate the pillow and easily adjust the firmness to your preference. It also has a quick deflate feature that allows you to release air rapidly after use.
All the designs are lightweight and foldable, which makes it perfect to carry easily.
If you are selective in colors, it is available in 5 different colors; orange, black, navy blue, green, and teal blue.
#2. Best Inflatable – Klymit Lightweight Pillow for Camping
Pros:
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Easy to pack and store
- Easy to inflate
Cons:
- Not available in a variety of colors
The Luxe pillow from Klymit is portable and lightweight. It has the following exceptional features making it an perfect choice for a camping adventure.
It keeps a lightweight, making it ideal for campers, travelers, or anyone looking for a compact pillow. This pillow inflates in 3-5 puffs and collapses into small inches that are easy to transport.
The self-centering design that cradles your head in the center looks quite different, offering adequate support hence ensuring a stable sleep.
With its outer material that is from durable polyester, the pillow becomes softer and more comfortable.
The pillow comes with a big size when inflated a size almost equivalent to your home pillow.
#3. Best Compressible – RikkiTikki Blow Up Lightweight Pillow
Pros:
- Lightweight and highly portable.
- Easy to use
- Easily compressible
Cons:
- Minimal insulation
Rikki Tikki is the compressible pillow that is convenient in packing and portability. It has unique features that make it an ideal choice for camping.
Designed to be lightweight, this one makes it perfect for your backpack while going out for camping. It also has an inbuilt air control system that is quick to inflate and deflate.
As the fabric and air filling tend to work, it can provide a comfortable and durable experience. Its outer cover is removable and is safe for either hand wash or machine wash.
The inflatable camping pillow has an exceptional design that stably cradles your head in the middle for more comfort and has a reliable valve that does not allow air to escape quickly.
It can serve as a sleeping pillow and an inflatable back pillow for the office or car chair.
#4. Best Budget – MARCHWAY Soft Pillow for Outdoor Sports
Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- Quick to inflate and deflate
- Versatile
Cons:
- Straightforward layout
It is an ultra-light pillow that is a perfect choice while camping.
This pillow makes it multi-functional and ideal for you while sleeping or traveling. It has the following unique features.
With its lightweight, it is easy to pack.
The ergonomic design that offers comfortable head and lumbar support make it quick inflate.
Quick to inflate and deflate to inflate this pillow, you need 3-5 breaths, and it takes less than two seconds to deflate it fully.
Made of TPU material, it expresses soft, highly durable, and water-resistant.
The cushion has a technology that enables you to adjust the firmness of the pillow to your preference. It also prevents your head from sliding.
#5. Best Portable – Rest-A-Camp Blow Up Lightweight Pillow for Camping
Pros:
- Compact and ultra weight
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Soft and durable material
Cons:
- Slight noise
Rest-A-camp inflatable is an ideal choice when selecting a camping pillow. The following are its unique features.
The TPU fabric and soft cotton filling mean that it is soft to rest on while on your camping trip.
It is quick to inflate this pillow and takes 3-5 breaths. The cushion is spacious and takes a few seconds to deflate this pillow. It measures a convenient size to fold, pack, and carry.
It has an ergonomic design that offers perfect head and neck support while you sleep and has a secure valve that prevents leakage.
This pillow can serve as a pillow for lumbar support while traveling in a car or offer head support while sleeping.
#6. Best Ultralight – WELLAX Camping Pillow For Neck And Lumbar Support
Pros:
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Small and lightweight
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Not a good fit for big-sized people
Wellax pillow is a compact and light camping pillow that offers perfect neck and lumbar support. The following are the main features that make it a great choice.
This pillow has an improved ergonomic design that ensures proper neck and head support, thus preventing you from neck pain.
The pillow which comes with an elastic PTU material is highly durable and water-resistant. Its premium material also prevents unwanted slipping while sleeping since its base is from a slip resistance fabric.
You just twist and open the air valve and pump in the air. It requires 3-5breaths to increase it firmly. To deflate, you open the bottom flap, and it takes only a few seconds. It is easy to raise.
#7. Best For Kids – Wise Owl Compact Camping Pillows
Pros:
- Available in a variety of colors
- Multipurpose
- Small size for kids
Cons:
- A little firm fabric
Wise owl outfitters are another perfect choice when looking for a lightweight camping pillow. It also has the following great features.
The pillow comes with different sizes, and the smallest size is best for kids. The dimensions make the pillows highly portable.
Its standard size makes it ideal for you as a sleeping pillow or lumbar support. It also features a super-soft foam inside that makes the pillow very comfortable.
These pillows are available in five different colors hence widening your choice.
#8. Best Small – Redcamp Compressible Foam Lightweight Camping Pillow
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Compressible into small sizes
Cons:
- Shake the pillow to restore fluffy
This pillow has a design that suits all types of camping adventures. The following are its features making it a unique choice.
It is lightweight and easy to inflate and deflate. You can conveniently carry it in your pockets or your backpack.
Made from a soft and comfortable material, this one is soft and comfortable. It also features fluffy and flexible, offering your more cozy feeling while using it.
The outer cover is removable, making it convenient to clean.
This pillow creates ideal support for your head and back. It can also suit as a lumbar support pillow or sleeping pillow.
#9. Best for Support – Wise Owl Inflatable Pillow With Multiple Colors
Pros:
- Convenient and comfortable
- Smart air valve
- Quick to inflate and deflate
Cons:
- Suitable for short backpack trips
The following offers cheap budget options for someone who is going out for camping adventures. This lightweight camping pillow has some of unique features.
It features highly portable and easy to pack since its ideal size and material make it ideal packable and convenient while using it.
It has a quick air valve that holds the air in until you want to let it out. That means it is easy to inflate and deflate. Just inflate with at most five puffs and take a few seconds to deflate.
With an ergonomic design, it offers perfect body alignment support. So, try out the lightweight camping pillow that will support and cradle you.
Which Type of Lightweight Camping Pillow Is Right For You?
> Inflatable Pillows
Inflatable camping pillows are lightweight pillows ideal for people who don’t want to tag multiple gears and items for a camping trip.
The inflatable pillows save vast storage spaces when packing as they can be deflated and folded to a much smaller size to pack in the car or bag.
The inflatable pillows are also versatile as you can use them to support the head while sleeping or as a seat while at the camping site.
Best Inflatable – Klymit-Luxe Camping Pillow
> Compressible Pillows
When it comes to total comfort when sleeping, the compressible pillows are a perfect choice for campers.
These pillows are made with fabric material that allows breathability for comfort when sleeping in hot areas.
The pads are foldable to smaller sizes for packing, and majority models come with carrying bags for storage and transportation.
Best Compressible – RikkiTikki Camping Pillow
> Hybrid Pillows
The hybrid pillows are a bit expensive as compared to other models due to their features and designs. The hybrid pillows are made with adjustable styles to fit the user’s needs and use.
This is a pillow that you can share with someone by adjusting the length. These pillows are infused with ventilated gel sides to offer comfort to the head while allowing the free airflow for breathability.
The hybrid pads have a pillow cushion that is fitted in between two layers of gel ventilations.
FAQ
Q1 How Do You Wash a Camping Pillow?
The cleaning process for the camping pillows is determined by material construction.
Most of these pillows are compatible with machine washers considering they are light and small in sizes to fit in the machine.
But, if your pillow has feather materials, consider using warm water and hands to clean.
Use the rubbing method to clean such pads.
Q2 Should I Get an Inflatable Pillow or Stuff Sack One for Camping?
The stuff sack pillows and inflatable pillows are two different models of pads.
The inflatable pillows are meant to be filled with air to create a comfortable support surface to support the head when sleeping. The inflatable pillows have valves for locking in the air after filling.
The stuff sack pillows have pillow cover form in which you add your preferred fillers. If you are going camping, you can improvise the stuffing items using clothes or a jacket.
Although both pillows require filling when making a comfortable supporting pillow, the fillings used are different.
Best Stuff Sack – Tebery Lightweight Camping Pillow
Q3 Are Camping Pillows and Travel Pillows the Same?
Although the travel pillows and camping pillows may have a few differences, these pillows also have huge similarities.
− Lightweight
Both the travel and the camping pillows are made in a lightweight design for easy packing and carrying them with other essentials.
− Compact designs
These pillows are small in sizes for convenience when carrying either in the camping bags or with hands.
− Fillings
The camping and travel pillows are made with varying fillings to suit different customer’s needs. Some models are inflatable, while others are made with foam fillings.
− Affordable
Camping and travel pillows are quite affordable. The prices range from 20 to 50 dollars depending on the type of fillings and the design.
Q4 Do You Need a Camping Throw Pillow?
Camping throw pillow means camping themed pillow used to decorate your room, tent, or hammock.
This type of decorative throw pillow outdoors makes it ideal to provide support for your neck or back. You can take one for joyful travel time as well as leave it on your sofa.
Best Throw Pillow – FELENIW Decorative Camping Themed Pillow
Conclusion
Lightweight camping pillows are unique pillows designed for outdoor or travel use. Check out the above information to guide you in choosing the best lightweight camping pillow for your next adventure.
The above reviews are the top 9 lightweight camping pillows that you can consider when buying one.
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