10 Best Backpacking Pillow Side Sleeper 2025 in the United States

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.

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 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.