see also:

• bushwalking in Australia
• keeping warm when camping or hiking
• better sleeping when camping - sleep naked or not?
• how to sleep comfortably and healthier at 7deg C without a sleeping bag
• tips for better sleeping when camping
• sleeping mats for hiking
• air beds, mattresses and stretchers for camping

• a suitable pillow and mattress or bed is an important component of getting a good night's sleep
• whilst one can use clothing as a pillow, it does not usually provide a great quality sleep - there are a range of “stuff bag” options in which you place a puffy jacket
• height is an important factor especially for side sleeping which is how most of us sleep most of the time:
  • height should allow your neck to remain straight when side sleeping and not be bent down or upwards
  • men with broad shoulders will probably need around 4“ height
  • women with narrow shoulders will probably need around 3-3.5” height
• a critical factor is the baffling and how well it prevents ballooning when you put your head on it, even when partly deflated (eg. Nemo Fillo, Trekology and Hikenture are great)
• in Winter or cold conditions, some insulation is very useful but avoid those which are noisy when you move (eg. Thermarest)
• ability to strap it to your mattress to avoid it slipping off is handy (eg. Nemo Fillo or Hikenture)
  • Sea to Summit pillows can velcro on to Sea to Summit air mats but this is a proprietary concept which means you can't mix and match brands
• ability to remove and wash the cover may be important for some
• for hikers, weight and size become important factors
• a comfortable fabric surface that will wick away sweat and keep you cool on warm summer nights is nice
• most pillows are air inflatable with just a few breaths and there are a variety of valve systems available:
  • double flap valve
    • open 1st flap to inflate and open both flaps to deflate - perhaps the best and simplest system and is used in most Sea to Summit pillows
  • twist valve
    • these can be a little cumbersome (eg. Thermarest) but some also have a push system to close the valve quickly whilst inflating and then you lock it by twisting (eg. Nemo Fillo)
  • button valve
    • these have a central button which when half pressed allows inflating and when fully pressed allows deflation (eg Trekology)

• Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
  • very comfortable but big, heavy thus mainly fro car camping, and can be less supportive than some pillows
  • small sized version may be OK for hiking
• HEST pillow
  • almost like a home pillow for car camping
  • too big and heavy for hiking

• Hikenture
  • $AU59
  • removable soft cotton cover with detachable elastic straps to anchor to mattress
  • contoured shape - although this does force your neck to be fully rotated when sleeping on your stomach which may be an issue for those with neck problems
  • 4.7“ fully inflated height will suit most people as it retains a nice baffle when partly deflated for lower heights
  • button valve system
  • 160g, 17”x12“ (44x31cm) and packs to 5”x3“ (similar to a ring pull drink can)
• Nemo Fillo
  • one of the most popular pillows for car camping and relatively short hikes but also one of the heaviest as it has a thick foam padding
  • twist/push valve; rectangular design; stuff sack is attached to the pillow
  • 4” height, edges less tall; can attach straps;
  • machine-washable pillow cover
  • 260g, 17“x11”, packs to 6“x4”
  • $AU69
• Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down Pillow
  • comfortable, not too heavy for hiking
• Sea to Summit Aeros Down
  • has a layer of down for more padding, comfort and warmth than basic S2S Aero pillows, but still not great baffling / ballooning

• Trekology 2.0
  • kidney bean contoured shape; perhaps the perfect size for a pillow;
  • 3.5“ height in middle and about 1” higher on sides - although this does force your neck to be fully rotated when sleeping on your stomach which may be an issue for those with neck problems
  • great baffling system; rubber anti-slipping dots to increase frictions between your pillow and the sleeping mat.
  • no insulation so cold in winter
  • no cover, bit too noisy
  • 110g; 16“ x 12” folds to 5“x2”;
  • $AU24
• Trekology Deluxe
  • nice but at only 3“ height will only be usable for those with narrow shoulders
• Nemo Fillo Elite
  • ultralight version but only 3” height which means best for those with narrow shoulders
  • stuff sack is a bit too small to pack it away easily
• Sea to Summit Aero Premium
  • nice double valve system and light but not great baffling
  • its light weight makes it one of the best for extended hiking trips
• Sea to Summit Aero Premium Deluxe
  • much larger version but baffling and ballooning is worse
  • nice double valve system and light but not great baffling