For this post, I have put together a collection of the best camping pillows currently available. For more buyer guides and top picks, see my ultimate guide on what to take camping.
Our Top Picks
- Best Ultralight Camping Pillow: TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflating Pillow
- Best Luxury Camping Pillow: TETON Sports Camp Pillow
- Best Memory Camping Pillow: Outwell Mermory Pillow
Do you really need a specific pillow for camping?
It might not be the first item on your camping checklist, but anything that can improve your sleep will have a huge effect on how much you enjoy camping.
How We Selected
Over the last few years there has been a great improvement in the camping pillows on the market.
In this article I’ll run through everything you need to consider and highlight some of the best camping pillow options.
Scouring the internet, I’ve picked camping pillows to suit all tastes and budgets. All of my picks have excellent buyers feedback and 4-5/5 star ratings.
For the perfect night’s sleep see my top picks for kids sleeping bags. To keep the tent warm and cosy check my buyer’s guides for a tent carpet and tent heater.
Need a tent? See our guide to the best family tents.
Let’s get cracking!
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
- My top pick for overall comfort.
- This foam pillow is not the lightest or smallest but much more so than taking one from home.
- Made of durable and comfortable polyester this is simple to keep clean.
- Weighs 255g and compresses down to 1/5 of its size.
- Available in other sizes and a multitude of colours.
- Pros: The soft brushed polyester cover for comfort, compactness.
- Cons: Some buyers say it’s quite thin.
- Consumer Score: Very good reviews with 86% of buyers giving this camping pillow 4-5 stars out of 5.
- Retailers: Amazon and eBay.
TETON Sports Camp Pillow
- A comfortable, compact and light camping pillow.
- Soft cover that detaches for washing.
- Comes with a handy drawstring sack.
- You can choose from a variety of plaid designs and colours.
- Pros: The plaid designs, comes in a handy carry sack, washable and no inflating required.
- Cons: Expensive.
- Consumer Score: Really positive reviews with 85% of buyers giving this camping pillow 4-5 stars out of 5.
- Retailers: Amazon and eBay.
Outwell Conqueror Pillow
- Combines excellent compression and inflatable technologies packs down super small
- Expands into a comfortable pillow, about 1/2 or 2/3 of a standard pillow size.
- A different fabric on each side to suit your personal preference.
- Pros: One side of pillow covered with 100 percent cotton, compact.
- Cons: Pricey.
- Consumer Score: Fair reviews with 36% of buyers giving this camping pillow 5 stars out of 5.
- Retailers: Amazon and eBay.
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow Traveller
- If you’re looking for a super lightweight pillow whilst still providing comfort this is an excellent option.
- The pillow weighs only 60g and packs away to a tiny 50x50x80mm.
- There are curved contours and scalloped bottom centres to provide good support for your head and shoulders.
- Doubles up as excellent pillow for a sun lounger.
- Pros: Great for upright travel in a car or plane.
- Cons: Not the best option for camping.
- Consumer Score: Very good reviews with 84% of buyers giving this camping pillow 4-5 stars out of 5.
- Retailers: Amazon and eBay.
Outwell Mermory Pillow
- If you’re after a firmer option then this could be the preferred choice for you.
- It’s a memory pillow with no inflatable or compression option.
- Comes with a handy water repellent carry bag and a washable pillow cover with a cotton feel.
- Pros: Ergonomic, no inflating required, carry bag included, washable.
- Cons: It’s quite firm so may feel too hard for some.
- Consumer Score: Good reviews with 69% of buyers giving this camping pillow 4-5 stars out of 5.
Trekmates Deluxe Pillow
- Best all round value and comfort option.
- It’s a cheap option but offers decent insulation.
- Lightweight at 140g and compacts down into a handy stuff sac.
- Impressive support and machine washable.
- Pros: Affordable, quick drying and soft.
- Cons: Covers aren’t removable.
- Consumer Score: Very good reviews with 76% of buyers giving this camping pillow 4-5 stars out of 5.
TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflating
- Ultra compact option and lightweight, clocking in at only 80g.
- Compresses down to the size of a can of coke.
- Handy storage bag supplied.
- Easy to inflate in 5 breaths with a double valve mechanism.
- Available in seven colours.
- The material may not be to everyone’s tastes but you can always wrap preferred material around it.
- Contours to provide stability for your head position.
- Not a whole load of room compared to a standard pillow.
- Pros: Comes in various colours, easy to inflate, compact, storage bag included.
- Cons: Mostly good reviews, but some buyers mention it can slowly deflate.
- Consumer Score: Excellent reviews with 90% of buyers giving this camping pillow 4-5 stars out of 5.
- Retailers: Amazon and eBay.
What To Consider Before Buying A Camping Pillow
Comfort
The number one consideration and the reason for this guide.
Although there is a strong element of personal preference, such as the material that you would like to rest your head on.
Weight
This shouldn’t be a huge issue with camping pillows and only a real consideration if you are backpacking with all your camping equipment.
Pillows tend to weigh from 2 to 9 ounces. Camping pillows are a lot lighter than taking your favourite pillow from home.
Shape
Again, there will be a subjective element to this.
If you’re a sleeper that moves around a lot, you may wish to choose a more ergonomic design that keeps your head in position.
Size
Important for both storage and head space.
Unless space is at an absolute premium you don’t want to choose a pillow that offers very little dimension for your head to move through the course of a night.
Support
Choosing a pillow’s support that best matches your own sleeping habits will ensure you get good night’s sleep.
Depending on your preference you should look at the loft or height of the pillow and how much firmness is maintained through the course of a night.
Compressibility
This factor is not important to car campers.
If space is at a premium you want to look at a balance between a pillow that provides excellent comfort but also compresses down and takes up as little space as possible.
Durability
Your new camping pillow should last a lifetime.
Modern materials mean you can purchase ultra strong inflatable components.
Price
As ever, some of the best camping pillows can get pricey.
We do think spending £5-15 extra is a small price to pay for what might be far superior night’s sleep.
FAQ’s Camping Pillows
Yes, as they will help you to get a good night’s sleep. They are usually lightweight and compact, so won’t take up too much room in your packing.
Yes, they can be very comfortable and most inflatable camping pillows are covered in soft fabric and are an ergonomic shape.
Different pillows have different requirements, so check manufacturers guidelines. Some can be machine washed for convenience, others may need to be hand-washed in soapy water.
Cheap Camping Pillows & Today’s Bestsellers
Final Thoughts
My overall top pick is the Trekology Ultralight Inflating Pillow as it is compact and lightweight, easily inflatable and has a contoured shape for a comfortable nights sleep.
I hope you found this article on the best camping pillows helpful. If you think I have missed any or have any suggestions for future camping articles, comment below.
Thanks,
Nicola
Last Updated: March 2022
- Added ‘How We Selected.’
- Updated Top Picks.
- Updated Image.
- Added internal link.
- Added Pros/Cons on all products.
- Added Consumer Scores.
- Added FAQ’s.
- Added Alternative Retailer.
- Added Final Thought.
- Moved OOS To Bottom.
Camping Buyer’s Guides
Help ease your shopping with our in-depth buying guides for your next camping purchase.
Camping Furniture (Chairs, Tables, Sofas)
Sleeping (Camp Beds, Sleeping Bags)
Cooking / Kitchen
Tents
Roof Racks & Bags
More Camping Products / Guides
Your Camping Checklist
There’s something you always forget when packing for a camping trip. Use our handy camping checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important.
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Get more out of your next adventure in the great outdoors with these 24 brilliant camping hacks.
FiNeWaY Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow (Set of 2) (currently unavailable)
- Another strong memory foam option.
- These alternative bamboo options are super soft, even more so than cotton.
- Smaller than the standard pillow and firm.
- They are very comfortable and breathable.
- Comes in a set of two.
SHO YOUR PILLOW! (currently unavailable)
- If you’re after something with a louder design this is your pillow.
- It’s self inflating and could be an excellent option for festivals.
- Comes with a handy carry bag.
- Good portable option as it deflates very small.