10 Best Backpacking Pillow Side Sleeper 2026 in the United States

The Hikenture Camping Pillow is an ultralight, inflatable pillow designed specifically for outdoor activities like camping and backpacking. It stands out with its durable construction, featuring a thickened TPU bladder to prevent air leaks, ensuring reliability on your trips. The pillow boasts a removable, washable cotton cover, making it comfortable and easy to maintain. The ergonomic design caters to both side and back sleepers, offering good neck and lumbar support, which is essential for a restful sleep in the wilderness.

Additionally, the pillow’s firmness can be adjusted via the valve to suit personal preferences. It inflates quickly with a one-click valve and deflates just as easily, adding to its convenience. Packability is a significant strength, as it compresses down to the size of a soda can and weighs only 159 grams, making it highly portable and space-saving in your backpack. On the downside, hand washing the cover might be a minor inconvenience for some users. The Hikenture Camping Pillow is a practical choice for backpackers and campers who prioritize comfort, durability, and ease of use in their gear.

The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Cinch Camping and Backpacking Pillow is designed for side sleepers who engage in outdoor activities like backpacking. Measuring 14 x 18 inches, this pillow offers a decent size for comfort while remaining relatively lightweight at 10.1 ounces, making it suitable for travel and camping. The use of upcycled sleeping pad foam and a cover made of 60% recycled polyester highlights its eco-friendly design.

The pillow's support can be customized using the cinch cord, which allows you to adjust the firmness to your preference. This is particularly beneficial for side sleepers who need specific support levels to avoid neck pain. Additionally, the insulation layer on top prevents lumps, ensuring a smooth sleeping surface.

The pillow is packable, as it stuffs easily into itself for compact storage, and is machine washable, adding convenience for cleaning after outdoor use. It's important to let the pillow sit open for 24 hours upon first receiving it to restore its loft, and it should be stored uncinched for best performance. While it excels in packability and support, some users might find the initial setup slightly inconvenient. This pillow is ideal for adult side sleepers who prioritize comfort and sustainability while backpacking or camping.

The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow seems like a great choice for backpackers and side sleepers who require comfort and portability. Its small size (12 x 16 inches) and lightweight (9 ounces) make it easy to carry, which is ideal for those on the move. The memory foam fill offers good support for your head and neck, enhancing comfort—a crucial factor for side sleepers.

The soft micro-suede cover adds to the comfort, making it a pleasant pillow to rest on during camping or travel. An added advantage is its versatility; it can be used in various settings including airplanes, hammocks, and cars, and it can even double as a seat cushion if needed. The pillow's packability is excellent as it compresses into a waterproof stuff sack, taking up minimal space in your backpack.

Additionally, its machine-washable cover and the option to wash the entire pillow ensure it’s easy to keep clean. However, some users might find the medium firmness less suitable if they prefer a softer or firmer pillow. Despite its strengths, the memory foam might not provide the same level of support for everyone, especially for those who are used to thicker or adjustable pillows. This camping pillow is a solid choice for someone looking for a compact, comfortable, and versatile pillow to enhance their outdoor sleeping experience.