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10 Best Backpacking Pillow Side Sleeper 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow - Camping Essentials and Travel Pillow for Airplanes, Camping, and Travel - Memory Foam Washable Pillow - Small/Medium

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,221
Size
Support
Packability

Most important from
10830 reviews

Size
Not the best choice for serious hikers due to its bulkiness and space requirements in the backpack.
Support
The first travel pillow that stayed in place all night, leading to the best camping sleep in years.
Packability
Compact and easy to pack, but requires effort to roll up and fit into its compression sack.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,221
Size
Support
Packability

Most important from
10830 reviews

Size
Not the best choice for serious hikers due to its bulkiness and space requirements in the backpack.
Support
The first travel pillow that stayed in place all night, leading to the best camping sleep in years.
Packability
Compact and easy to pack, but requires effort to roll up and fit into its compression sack.
#2

Hikenture Camping Pillow with Removable Cover - Ultralight Inflatable Pillow for Neck Lumbar Support - Upgrade Backpacking Pillow - Washable Travel Air Pillows for Camping, Hiking, Backpacking (Black)

Rating
9.7
Size
Weight
Material

Most important from
10360 reviews

Size
The pillow packs down to a tiny size, making it easy to carry along with all your other camping gear.
Weight
This is one of my favorite backpacking purchases. It is extremely tiny, light, and comfortable.
Material
The removable cover is made of a soft, durable material that feels great against your skin and is easy to clean.
Packability
The pillow packs down to a tiny size, making it easy to carry along with all your other camping gear.
Ease of Cleaning
The removable cover is made of a soft, durable material that feels great against your skin and is easy to clean.

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.

Rating
9.7
Size
Weight
Material

Most important from
10360 reviews

Size
The pillow packs down to a tiny size, making it easy to carry along with all your other camping gear.
Weight
This is one of my favorite backpacking purchases. It is extremely tiny, light, and comfortable.
Material
The removable cover is made of a soft, durable material that feels great against your skin and is easy to clean.
Packability
The pillow packs down to a tiny size, making it easy to carry along with all your other camping gear.
Ease of Cleaning
The removable cover is made of a soft, durable material that feels great against your skin and is easy to clean.
#3

NEMO Equipment Fillo Backpacking & Camping Pillow - One Size - Goodnight Gray

Rating
8.5
Support
Ease of Cleaning
Size

Most important from
759 reviews

Support
The combination of foam and adjustable inflation offers a customizable fit that suits side sleepers perfectly.
Ease of Cleaning
Despite initial concerns about a chemical smell, thorough airing and washing completely eliminate it.
Size
It strikes a great balance between compactness and comfort, folding neatly for storage without sacrificing support.

The Nemo Equipment Fillo Backpacking Pillow is designed with side sleepers in mind, offering a soft yet supportive feel thanks to its combination of a 3-inch I-Beam baffled air cell and thick luxury foam. This design helps avoid the typical puffed-up, balloon feeling of many inflatable pillows, providing a more natural shape that supports your head and neck comfortably. Weighing just 9.1 ounces and packing down very small in its integrated stuff sack, it’s easy to carry without adding much bulk or weight to your backpack.

The pillow comes with a machine-washable recycled microfiber cover, which not only keeps it clean and fresh but also adds a cool, comfortable touch against the skin. Inflating the pillow is quick and simple, taking only a few seconds, which is handy after a long day of hiking. The rectangular shape suits most sleeping positions but is especially good for side sleepers who need a bit more thickness and firmness.

One consideration is that while the pillow is soft and comfortable, it might not provide as much firm support if you prefer a very solid pillow. Also, since it’s a one-size option, it may not perfectly fit everyone’s personal preference for pillow size. This pillow is a great choice for backpackers or campers looking for a lightweight, compact pillow that balances softness and support, easy maintenance, and quick setup.

Rating
8.5
Support
Ease of Cleaning
Size

Most important from
759 reviews

Support
The combination of foam and adjustable inflation offers a customizable fit that suits side sleepers perfectly.
Ease of Cleaning
Despite initial concerns about a chemical smell, thorough airing and washing completely eliminate it.
Size
It strikes a great balance between compactness and comfort, folding neatly for storage without sacrificing support.

Buying Guide for the Best Backpacking Pillow Side Sleeper

Choosing the right backpacking pillow is crucial for ensuring a good night's sleep while on the trail, especially for side sleepers. A good pillow can provide the necessary support and comfort, helping you wake up refreshed and ready for the day's adventures. When selecting a backpacking pillow, consider factors such as size, weight, material, and support to find the best fit for your needs.
SizeThe size of the pillow is important because it affects both comfort and portability. A larger pillow can provide more support and comfort, especially for side sleepers who need extra height to keep their spine aligned. However, a larger pillow may be bulkier and take up more space in your backpack. Smaller pillows are more compact and easier to carry but may not provide enough support. Consider how much space you have in your backpack and how much support you need when choosing the size.
WeightWeight is a critical factor for backpackers who need to keep their gear as light as possible. A lightweight pillow can make a big difference in your overall pack weight, making it easier to carry your gear over long distances. However, lighter pillows may sacrifice some comfort and support. Look for a balance between weight and comfort that suits your needs. If you prioritize a lighter pack, opt for an ultralight pillow, but if comfort is more important, you might be willing to carry a slightly heavier pillow.
MaterialThe material of the pillow affects both comfort and durability. Common materials include foam, inflatable, and hybrid options. Foam pillows offer good support and comfort but can be bulkier and heavier. Inflatable pillows are lightweight and compact but may not be as comfortable or durable. Hybrid pillows combine foam and inflatable elements to offer a balance of comfort and portability. Consider your comfort preferences and how much space you have in your pack when choosing the material.
SupportSupport is crucial for side sleepers who need to keep their head and neck aligned with their spine. A pillow with good support can prevent neck pain and ensure a restful sleep. Look for pillows that are specifically designed for side sleepers, with extra height and firmness to provide the necessary support. Test different pillows to see which one offers the best support for your sleeping position. If you often switch positions, a pillow with adjustable support might be a good option.
PackabilityPackability refers to how easily the pillow can be compressed and stored in your backpack. A highly packable pillow can save space and make it easier to organize your gear. Inflatable pillows are typically the most packable, as they can be deflated and rolled up into a small size. Foam and hybrid pillows may be less packable but can still be compressed to some extent. Consider how much space you have in your backpack and how important packability is to you when choosing a pillow.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning is an important consideration, especially for longer trips where your pillow may get dirty. Some pillows come with removable, washable covers, which can make cleaning easier. Others may be made from materials that can be wiped down or spot cleaned. Consider how easy it is to clean the pillow and whether it will require special care. A pillow that is easy to clean can help you maintain hygiene and extend the life of the pillow.

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