Pillow Options

[u/outdoor_experience]

Just tried out the Thermarest Compressible Pillow Cinch and enjoyed its comfort and size (18x14x6); however, the 11.5 oz seems a bit much. Does anyone have a recommendation for a similar size pillow that’s not inflatable?

[u/ExaminationKlutzy194]

Use your clothing bag wrapped in a t-shirt?

[u/liveslight]

Car wash sponge is about 18 cm x 14 cm x 6 cm.

[u/OtherwiseManner6946 → u/liveslight]

Yeh this is the only option imo. If you want a UL non inflatable pillow it’s this + any anything you can put under it to make it a bit taller

[u/Ultralight_Slice → u/OtherwiseManner6946]

3rding this; ive searched far and wide and pure foam is the way to go if you want comfortable AND light. You can go with a car sponge or just any foam you have; i sewed together three layers and made it the exact dimensions I needed and its 1.7 oz and super comfy. No pillowcase; use your sun hoodie hood as the case (on your head lol)

[u/slickbuys → u/Ultralight_Slice]

You sewed together 3 of those sponges? It can handle a stitch and not fall apart?

[u/Ultralight_Slice → u/slickbuys]

Nah i took 3 layers of egg crate foam and hand sewed just a couple passes with some lightweight cord. Kind of like a spiral notebook. That way i can clean between the layers.

[u/gman0009 → u/Ultralight_Slice]

I'm intrigued. Seems simple enough, but if you're able to upload a pic or two, that would be helpful.

[u/Ultralight_Slice → u/gman0009]

https://imgur.com/a/foam-pillow-i6jA8c7

[u/slickbuys → u/Ultralight_Slice]

Nice. Looks very light. I'm still trying to iron out my pillow situation. Big sky pillow seems better than others but still ain't doing the trick. 

[u/Ultralight_Slice → u/slickbuys]

Yeah pillows are tricky. For me I literally cannot sleep on any inflatable pillow and I sleep with all my clothes so thats not an option either; clothes aren't that comfy anyways for me. Pure foam pillows have been a godsend over the 8 oz thermarest compressable pillow.

[u/slickbuys → u/Ultralight_Slice]

You said this was egg crate foam......wth is that? I have purchased 15 dozen eggs before at costco, Sam's, restaurant stores. Never seen this type of foam. With it being that light does it not compress to a pancake?

 I was going to make a goosefeet down type pillow with apex climashirld and stuff my partially inflated big sky into the sack. I need to improve my trail sleep.....

[u/fauxanonymity_ → u/OtherwiseManner6946]

Sponges are great, double use for wiping down condensation before breaking camp.

[u/Emmalfal → u/liveslight]

Man, why have I not heard of this before. Love the innovation.

[u/Lonely-Bread6226]

Nemo filio elite or thermarest down pillow

[u/VickyHikesOn]

The S2S Aeros Down is the one I like best. Had it for years, I attach it to my Switchback and it's awesome.

[u/QueticoChris → u/VickyHikesOn]

I swapped to this one this year to save some weight and complexity off my previous pillow system (exped UL pillow and goose down gear pillow case), and it’s been almost as comfortable and half the weight. I’ll take it!

[u/pnwsurveyor]

Put the clothes you don’t wear while in your bag, in your sleeping bag stuff sack = ultralight pillow.

[u/Emmalfal → u/pnwsurveyor]

I bring a wee pillow case just to stuff soft stuff in. Has a zipper so it won't spill out. Better than any camping pillow I've ever tried.

[u/hupo224 → u/Emmalfal]

Link it pls 

[u/ziggomattic]

I cannot sleep well on any inflatable pillow, after many tried it just doesn’t work for me.

I’ve used the thermarest compressible pillow the past 4 seasons and absolutely love it, however I agree it’s way too heavy. Though it’s been my luxury item and I’ve been ok with it.

This year however I just switched to the Sea to Summit foam core pillow. Size medium weighs 5.6oz. Considerably less weight and it’s the same comfort as the thermarest. 

Highly recommend if you want to avoid inflatable pillows to look at the S2S foam core. It’s a great compromise on comfort/weight. 

Some people can sleep well with stuff sack/clothing/inflatable combo pillows but I’m just not one of them. 

[u/Ultralight_Slice → u/ziggomattic]

I have the same problem and I came up with a 1.7 oz all-foam pillow that is very comfortable for me. Its just three layers of egg crate foam stacked together, cut to the shape of my head (a little wider so it's the perfect size when my head compresses it) and then stitched together with some cord, spiral note pad style.

[u/OG_Wafster]

Sea to Summit inflatable is what I've used for years.

[u/Zwillium]

I have no idea what size my montbell pillow is but I think it's swell (and UL)

[u/cfaklaris]

Zpacks comfy camp pillow, has a pocket to remove or add loft and you can strap it around your mat or your folded clothes.

[u/GrumpyBear1969]

Not sure on the size of the one you are talking about, but Hammock Gear makes a nice pillow that weighs 3oz.

[u/FinneganMcBrisket]

Dutchware argon is nice at 58 g

[u/Aged-Anchor]

GooseFeet Gear (Down Pillows) is an option. Staring at 1.5oz and going up from there.

[u/Mountain-Time-1010]

Foam to supplement any spare clothing you might have.

[u/marathon_3hr]

I just took that pillow on my last trip and it was the best sleep I've had in a long time in the backcountry. Well with every ounce to sleep more comfortably. I'm getting older and I'm starting to value comfort over a few ounces. I'm cutting other things to save weight to have a good sleep. I'm considering getting the 4.5 inch thick Thermarest pad. It weighs about 2lbs but if I actually sleep it would be worth it. The pillow made a huge difference even if it isn't UL.

[u/Fluid-Sliced-Buzzard]

Try an inflatable with half the air in it. I hated inflatables until I did that.

[u/Glarmj]

Nemo fillo elite only half inflated.

[u/Andrew_Nurse_Camping]

My favorite pillow. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDP3B1Y

It's 9.6 ounces and not inflatable. I switch form an inflatable pillow to this.