10 Best Backpacking Pillow Side Sleeper 2025 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 Klymit Drift Camping Pillow is a versatile option designed to provide comfort on outdoor adventures, especially for side sleepers. It features a large size of 23 x 16 x 6.5 inches, which offers ample space for side sleeping but may be considered bulky by some. The pillow weighs 28 ounces, which is relatively heavy for backpacking, potentially adding to the load during long hikes.

The pillow is stuffed with shredded memory foam, providing a balance of softness and support, and allows for foam removal to customize firmness. The material includes a durable 70D polyester ripstop outer shell and a soft jersey cotton inner case, ensuring both longevity and comfort. The outer shell is water-resistant, and the entire pillow is designed to be easy to clean with a removable, machine-washable cover, making maintenance convenient.

When packed, it compresses to a size of 13.5 x 5 x 7 inches, which is compact but not the smallest option available. This pillow is particularly suitable for those who prioritize comfort over ultralight packing and are looking for a durable, supportive pillow for camping. However, it may not be ideal for minimalist backpackers due to its weight and packed size.

The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Inflatable Travel Pillow in Regular size (13.4 x 9.4 inches) is designed for side sleepers who are into backpacking and camping. Weighing just 2.8 ounces, it is lightweight and easy to carry. The pillow features a soft brushed knit exterior, providing a comfortable surface to rest your head on.

A key aspect is its packability, as it compresses down to a compact 3.3 x 2.8 inches, making it easy to fit in a backpack without taking up much space. The mini valve allows for easy inflation and deflation, plus the ability to adjust the firmness for personalized comfort. The curved design offers good support, especially for side sleepers, ensuring a restful sleep even outdoors.

Made from durable 50d Polyester, it can withstand exposure to moisture, making it suitable for various weather conditions. The pillow is also compatible with Sea to Summit sleeping mats via PillowLock patches, preventing it from moving during sleep. On the downside, the pillow must be hand-washed and air-dried, which could be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, while its support may not be adequate for those who prefer firmer pillows, this pillow is a practical choice for campers and backpackers who value portability and comfort.