Best Backpacking Pillow For Side Sleepers (9 Options You Will Love In 2024)

Looking for the best backpacking pillow for side sleepers? Look no further!

Finding the best backpacking pillow for side sleepers can be a serious game changer for those looking to get some good sleep while exploring the wilderness on a backpacking adventure.

We thoroughly enjoy backpacking and finding the right pillow has definitely made sleeping in the backcountry so much better for the both of us.

After doing several hours of research, we came up with the best list of backpacking pillows specifically designed for side sleeper to enjoy.

Check out our ultimate list below for the all time best backpacking pillow for side sleepers guide!

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Short on time? Check out our quick guide below!

🌟 #1 Pick: Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow – Overall Best Backpacking Pillow for Side Sleepers

• Lightweight
• Compact 
• Easy to inflate and deflate

👉🏼 Check out this link to grab your Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow today!

⭐️ #2 Pick: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow Compressible Memory Foam Pillow – Best Memory Foam Backpacking Pillow

• Memory foam material 
• Machine washable 
• Color and size options

👉🏼 Click here to get your very own Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow Compressible Memory Foam Pillow!

⭐️ #3 Pick: Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow – Best Budget Friendly Backpacking Pillow for Side Sleepers

• Budget friendly
• Lightweight
• Anti-slip design

👉🏼 Be sure to grab your own Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow here!

The Ultimate List of the Best Backpacking Pillow for Side Sleepers Guide

1. Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow

Our favorite backpacking pillow for side sleepers is the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow.

Some of our favorite features about this pillow is how lightweight and compact the design is which makes it easy for transportation and squeezing into your backpacking gear. 

Pros:

• Lightweight – This pillow weighs less than 3 ounces which is huge for those looking to watch their weight while on a backpacking trip
• Compact – We absolutely adore that this pillow rolls up into a small and compact shape which makes it easy to fit into your backpacking gear and does not take up much space at all
• Easy to Inflate and Deflate – The valve that was created for easy inflation and deflation is super easy to use and makes it super quick to blow up your pillow for a nights sleep as well as allows you to quickly deflate when you are ready to pack your bag and get a move on after sleeping in the wilderness
• Multiple Color Options – This pillow does come in a handful of colors including grey, green, purple, and navy which is awesome for those looking for a specific color palette or scheme
• Three Size Choices – You can pick between regular, large, or deluxe which is awesome depending on how big you want your pillow to be 
• Excellent for Side Sleepers – We love that this pillow is thick enough for side sleepers and we love that the shape is incredible for those of us that like to sleep on our sides!

Cons:

• Noisy – Some people have complained that this pillow can be a little noisy if you are trying to adjust your position 
• Small – This pillow is pretty small which makes it excellent for backpacking but it seems people have complained that the surface area is too small to lay on. Be sure to check the product dimensions so that you know what you are getting and consider ordering the large or deluxe if you are worried about the size being too small. 

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to get your Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow!

2. Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow Compressible Memory Foam Pillow

Another fantastic option for the best backpacking pillow for side sleepers is the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow Compressible Memory Foam Pillow. 

We adore the Wise Owl Outfitters brand and highly recommend them for outdoor gear including backpacking pillows and they make one of the best 2 person camping hammocks on the market. 

We specifically love this camping pillow because of its memory foam material, color and size options, and because it is machine washable. 

Pros:

• Memory Foam Material – We absolutely love that this backpacking pillow is made out a memory foam material which provides you with more support and comfort while backpacking or camping
• Color Choices – You can select from a handful of color choices including pink, grey, green, and many others!
• Two Size Options – This pillow is offered in a small or medium size depending on how much surface area you would like for sleeping
• Machine Washable and Dryer Friendly– This pillow comes with a removable cover so that you can easily machine wash it and put it in the dryer afterwards!

Cons:

• A Bit Heavy – The small size is about 9 ounces and the medium is about 11 ounces which is fairly heavy for a backpacking pillow but this is due to the memory foam material which is way more comfortable than most blow up backpacking pillows!
• Takes Up More Space – Due to the memory foam material, this pillow does take up more space than a traditional blow up backpacking pillow which can be annoying for those looking for something extremely compact to put in their backpacking pack 

👉🏼 Be sure to purchase your Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow Compressible Memory Foam Pillow today for your next backpacking adventure!

3. Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow

One of the best budget friendly options for the best backpacking pillow for side sleepers is the Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow.

We absolutely adore the inexpensive price, how lightweight it is, the various color options, and many other features about this backpacking pillow!

Pros:

• Budget Friendly – We love that you can typically get the Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow for right around $25 or less! This is such an affordable price for such a well crafted and comfortable backpacking pillow!
• Handful of Color Options – You can pick from navy, green, orange, and many other color options depending on your preference
• Lightweight – We adore that this backpacking pillow is less than 4 ounces which is phenomenal for hauling during your backpacking adventures
• Anti-Slip Design – This backpacking pillow comes with an anti-slip design where Trekology placed rubber dots on the bottom of the pillow so that your pillow does not slip and move around at night when it is in use!
• Easy to Inflate and Deflate – It only takes a few short breaths to inflate this pillow and does not take long at all to deflate

Cons:

• Deflates Over Time – Many people have complained that after several usages and over time that this pillow begins to deflate and leak air which can be annoying 

👉🏼 Check out this link to get your own Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow!

4. NEMO Fillo King Pillow

Another fabulous option for the best backpacking pillow for side sleepers is the Nemo Fillo King Pillow.

We specifically love that this pillow was created for side sleepers in mind and that the foam cushion allows for extra support for your neck and head while sleeping. 

Pros:

• Designed for Side Sleepers – NEMO specifically created this pillow for side sleepers to enjoy! We love that the foam material provides extra support for your neck, head, and shoulder while sleeping so that you can have an optimal night’s sleep while backpacking. 
• Integrated Stuff Sack – This pillow was created with an integrated stuff sack so that you can easily stuff your pillow and pack it up so that you can easily fit it into your backpacking gear and keep moving after you have rested
• Two Color Options – We love that you can choose from a blue or grey color depending on your personal preference 
• Multipurpose – NEMO created this pillow for backpacking and camping adventures but we love that this pillow can be used during road trips or on different travel excursions 

Cons:

• Expensive – This pillow is right around $75 which is pretty expensive for a backpacking pillow but foam pillows do tend to be more expensive and the material allows for extra padding and comfort while sleeping in the woods
• Large – This can be a pro or a con depending on how big you want your pillow to be but in general this pillow is pretty large and takes up a bit more room than some other backpacking pillows on the market
• Relatively Heavy – Okay so maybe 14 ounces does not sound like much but compared to other products on the market, this is pretty heavy for a backpacking pillow for side sleepers! Plus, every ounce counts when you are hauling camping and hiking gear up a mountain or through the wilderness. 

👉🏼 Click here to get your Nemo Fillo King Pillow!

5. Exped Mega Pillow

Another great option when it comes to the best backpacking pillows for side sleepers is the Exped Mega Pillow.

We absolutely adore that this pillow is easy to clean and wash. Additionally, we love that Exped is on a mission to make their products climate neutral. 

Pros:

• Washable – We love that this pillow was designed to be washable and easily cleaned which is excellent after using it while sweating in the wilderness
• Sustainability Mission – We adore the fact that Exped is looking to make their products climate neutral and that they are striving to push more sustainability efforts to impact our earth in a more positive manner
• Easy to Inflate and Deflate – This pillow was designed with a great valve that makes it quick to inflate or deflate
• Two Color Options – You can pick from red or green depending on your personal style preference 
• Lightweight – This pillow is about 6 ounces which is pretty great for a backpacking pillow and pretty light for hauling 

Cons:

• Large – Again this probably depends on personal preference and what you are going for but this pillow is pretty large which means it takes up a bit more space in your bag as well as your tent but this could be excellent for those wanting a larger surface area to sleep on!
• A Bit Noisy – This pillow can be a bit noisy when trying to adjust your position at night 

👉🏼 Click here to order your very own Exped Mega Pillow today!

6. Rugged Camp Camping Pillow

Another good option for inexpensive backpacking pillows is the Rugged Camp Camping Pillow.

Some things we adore about this product is the budget friendly price, color choices, and compact design.

Pros:

• Inexpensive – The Rugged Camp Camping Pillow can usually be purchased at right around $20 or less which is phenomenal for a backpacking pillow
• Color Choices – We love that you can pick from a handful of colors including red, orange, green, and many others
• Compact and Lightweight – This backpacking pillow is less than 3 ounces and is tightly compact which is perfect for fitting into your backpacking gear and hauling on an excursion into the wilderness 
• Easy to Inflate and Deflate – It only takes a few quick breaths to inflate this pillow and is fast to deflate as well

Cons:

• A Bit Slippery – This pillow is a bit slippery and your head may fall off it while sleeping 
• May Leak Air After Several Uses – Many people have complained that this pillow begins to deflate and may leak air after a few uses

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to order your own Rugged Camp Camping Pillow!

7. Hikenture Camping Pillow with Removable Cover

The Hikenture Camping Pillow with Removable Cover is another excellent option for a budget friendly backpacking pillow for side sleepers!

We love the affordable price, washable cover, and ergonomic design.

Pros:

• Affordable – You can typically get this pillow for right around $20-$26 which is awesome for a backpacking pillow
• Multiple Color Options – This pillow comes in green, black, blue, and many other colors to pick from depending on your preference
• Washable Cover – We love that this backpacking pillow allows you to wash the cover which is perfect for after several sweaty usages out in the woods
• Ergonomic Design – This pillow was created to have more shape to it in order to accommodate back, side, and stomach sleepers and is not just flat like many other backpacking pillows 
• Easy to Inflate and Deflate – We love that this pillow is easy to inflate and deflate because no one wants to spend a significant amount of time filling up their camping pillow during an outdoor backpacking trip

Cons:

• Leaks Air After Several Usages – Many people have complained that this pillow begins to deflate and leak air after several usages
• Noisy – Some have complained that this pillow can be noisy when adjusting your sleeping position at night

👉🏼 Click here to purchase your Hikenture Camping Pillow with Removable Cover!

8. Teton Sports Camp Pillow

Another great option for backpacking pillows on the market is the Teton Sports Camp Pillow!

We cannot recommend the Teton Sports brand enough for outdoor gear. Not only do they make incredible backpacking pillows but they also make one of our favorite tents for desert camping! 

When it comes to the Teton Sports Camp Pillow, we specifically love that this pillow and pillowcase can be washed which is a phenomenal feature for camping and backpacking gear.

Additionally, we adore the budget friendly price and unique flannel print. 

Pros:

• Washable – We love that both the pillow and the pillowcase can be washed which is an awesome feature for camping gear that tends to get sweaty and dirty while in use
• Budget Friendly – This backpacking pillow is under $20 which is fantastic for camping gear
• Unique Flannel Print – You can pick from three different unique flannel designs which is awesome and different compared to other pillows which are typically solid colored for backpacking
• Teton Sports Product – We love Teton Sports and highly recommend their products to everyone! They are known for thoughtfully curating each product and they have a great support team that is there to help you with any issues or questions regarding their products

Cons:

• Small – Many people have complained about how small this pillow is. Be sure to read the product description so that you know what you are purchasing ahead of time!
• Thin – Some have complained that this pillow is pretty thin and that they wish it would have been made thicker which can be annoying for sleeping in the wilderness on uneven surfaces 

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to get your own Teton Sports Camp Pillow today!

9. Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow for Camping

The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow for Camping is another great option on the market for backpacking pillows.

We love that this pillow is designed for multipurpose use including camping, backpacking, traveling, and so much more. 

Pros:

• Multipurpose Use – This pillow is designed for traveling, camping, backpacking, and so much more! We love that this pillow can be your go-to choice for any of life’s adventures!
• Size Options – You can pick from small, medium, or a large option which is awesome depending on how much surface area you want and how much space you want the pillow to take up 
• Foam Material – This pillow is made out of a thick foam material which was crafted to help support your neck, head, and shoulder for optimal sleep while on the go

Cons:

• A Bit Heavy – Depending on what size you purchase, this pillow is a bit heavy due to its memory foam material 

👉🏼 Check out this link to purchase your Therm-a-Rest Compressible Camping and Backpacking Pillow!

FAQs About The Best Backpacking Pillow for Side Sleepers

What do backpackers use for a pillow?

Backpackers typically use any sort of compact, lightweight, backpacking pillow that is designed specifically for backpacking, hiking, camping, or travel adventures.

Are backpacking pillows worth it?

Backpacking pillows are completely worth it! Not only do they help you sleep tremendously better while out in the wilderness but they are specifically designed for camping too so they are lightweight, compact, and durable.

What is the best camping pillow for side sleepers?

The best camping pillow for side sleepers is the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow. We cannot recommend this camping pillow enough and we have been using it for years!

What pillows are best for camping?

We recommend buying a pillow that is lightweight, durable, and easily washable for camping. Any of the 9 we mentioned above are excellent options.

Our favorite camping pillow overall is the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow because it is excellent for backpacking, hiking, and traditional camping.

For those looking for the best car camping pillow that is a bit more heavy but very comfortable due to its memory foam material, we highly recommend the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow Compressible Memory Foam Pillow.

We hope you enjoyed this article on the best backpacking pillow for side sleepers!

For similar posts, be sure to check out our articles on the best backpacking routes in Colorado and the best electrolytes for hiking! Happy Backpacking!