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Backpacking/climbing pillow for side sleepers?

Original Post
Kai Larson · · Sandy, UT · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 441

Any side sleepers out there with a lightweight, inflatable pillow that they like?  

Right now, the best pillow I've found is a coiled climbing rope.  I've tried some lightweight inflatable pillows for backpacking, but they don't provide enough support for side sleeping.

Gregory H · · So, CA · Joined May 2018 · Points: 0

I had good luck in the past using a partially full 6L Dromedary, but those things weigh a ton if you are counting grams.

I currently use a Nemo Fillo Elite, but it is not thicc enough on its own to be comfortable for side sleeping. My solution is to carefully fold my puffy jacket into a pillow topper, and then use my sun hoodie as a pillowcase, which allows me to use the sleeves/hood/shirttails to tie on the backside. If the pillow construction is well executed I sleep pretty well. When i'm in the tent I always tell myself that I am going to make a small pillowcase to replace the sun hoodie, and i always forget until I am hurriedly packing for the next trip. Le sigh.

Hopefully someone has a better solution for Kai and I!

sandrock · · Colorado Springs, CO · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 200

I have the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow and it is horrible for side sleeping. I feel like it's a never ending search for a comfy but light pillow

Jacob B · · Berkeley, CA · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 6

I've been pretty happy with an R1+down jacket in the sleeping bag stuff sack, though that's dependent on not needing them for warmth while sleeping...

James C · · Seattle, WA · Joined Sep 2014 · Points: 147

I use the Exped Air Pillow size M for side sleeping. Has become a standard part of my sleep system.

Granite Grant · · Manitou Springs, CO · Joined Jan 2021 · Points: 0

What do you suggest for a side sleeping pad?

Sam Cook · · phoenix · Joined Jun 2018 · Points: 40

My side sleep backpacking set up is a 

Neoair xlite inflatable pad.

 1 yard of soft fleece that I got on sale at a fabric store, folded up to the right height for a pillow

It's also great for cowboy camping as you can put a flap of it over your face to keep bugs off you while you sleep. 

And a Costco down throw blanket with a home sewn foot box that I use for a quilt. 

This has served me well section hiking hundreds of miles of the azt. 

Sean Peter · · IL · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 105

I’ll often put an exped inflatable pillow UNDER my neo-air to create an upward slant to my pad. Then use folded up jacket or whatever is in the clothing stuff sack as a pillow on top of that. It kills that wobbliness that those inflatable pillows have and gets high enough for side sleeping. 

Chris M · · Eatonville, Wa · Joined Jan 2021 · Points: 27

I use my boots or shoes under my sleeping bag, that allows me to push my neo air 1/2 down for my knees. If I am to hot the down jacket beanie gloves will go on top in my bag. I can only side sleep. 

Jason EL · · Almostsomewhere, AL · Joined Jan 2021 · Points: 0

I've been using a Sea to Summit Aeros, and have been quite happy with it.  Weighs something like 3oz and stuffs to the size of a D cell battery.

Adding a thin retention string isn't a bad idea because of winds and stuff.

drew A · · Portland, OR · Joined Oct 2018 · Points: 6

I use a short section of xlite sol under my feet and a 3/4 neoair for my torso. Then I put my backpack under the upper part of the neoair. That slants me up a bit. 

For a pillow: my puffy or r1 goes in a stuff sack. Much better than an inflatable. 

If the neoair pops and I can't fix it, at least I have that piece of foam pad to get me by. 

C J · · Sac Valley, CA · Joined Jun 2017 · Points: 0

Have a horrible back (will need a fusion) and previously broken neck, so I have to sleep on my side if I hope to sleep at all.  So far the best pillow I've found is Sea-2-Summit Aeros, best pad I've found is Big Agnes Air Core.  

Brent Monfort · · Menomonie, WI · Joined May 2020 · Points: 0

I use a Thermorest foam pillow on top of an inflatable.  I'm going to sew up a pillow case to hold both together.  It's not the lightest, and the Thermorest doesn't pack down for crap, but the quality of sleep I get makes up for all the short comings.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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