Ok, I have yet to find a pillow solution that I can sleep comfortable with in the BW.

I have tried those small flannel pillows you find in the camping sections, no support.

I have been using for the past couple of years a small inflatable pillow, better, but not great.

I know some just stuff their clothes into a stuff sack, not an option too lumpy.

Is there something out there I have missed?

Here's what I use now and am very happy with it. Good size, packs small, and support is adjustable.

ultralight air core pillow

Right now I use the jacket in a stuff sack approach. I checked out Nemo's new pillow at the Outdoor Expo and it really tempted me. It wasn't high enough on my need/want list for me to spend the $40.

Nemo Pillow

I use the thermarest compressable pillow and am very happy.

quote nojobro: "I use the thermarest compressable pillow and am very happy."

Same here.

i use one of those flannel pillows but i put it in a home made polyfluff stuff sack along with the polyfluff pants and pull over i carry in that and have a really big pillow.

quote nojobro: "I use the thermarest compressable pillow and am very happy."

Ditto.

I use one of those neck pillows it works really well in a hammock never tried it in a tent neck pillow#

I have a small down pillow I got a REI some years back. Packs up very small & weighs virtually nothing. Not entirely adequate (for me) by itself. So I fold up my PFD as a base. Just need to have the front (clasps & zippers) of the PFD down. And empty the pockets.

Occasionally I may fold my fleece in between the 2 as well.

TB

I use any soft clothing that doesn't smell too bad yet and wrap them up inside my microfleece jacket, folding and flattening to eliminate lumps and exposed zippers. It's not like the feather pillows at home, but beats carrying any extra stuff.

If you can't use the small camp pillows OR a 'blow up' pillow, I'd say just bring what you're used to. Yes, it'll weigh more and take up some space, but they squoosh down OK. Try shoving it into a compression sack and see how small you can make it :) I, too, would like to bring my pillow from home but I splurged and bought a medium quixote goose down pillow --it was the closest I could get to what I use at home. (A much larger feather pillow from my great grandma, believe it or not)

I am not sure if the small inflatable pillow you tried was the Exped brand or not Corsair but I really like mine. I only inflate it about 25% and wrap a pillow case around it. I see Exped is making one now that is inflatable and full of foam beads. That sounds like it might be worth a try.

I bought three styles and brands of pillows at REI last year, tried them all for a few nights, then returned two and kept the Exped.

BWCA.com member "jb in the wild" was raving about how great his Exped pillow was Sunday morning last fall at wingnight. I thought he was still drunk but I tried one anyway. It turns out I prefer it to my own pillow! I will have to buy jb a drink next weekend at wingnite for recommending it.

As I've mentioned here before, I have a bum neck. As such, I really need a good pillow. Last year I screwed up and took an old flat pillow that I could wad down in the bottom of my bag and paid the price waking to 5 straight days of slamming headaches. This year my tempurpedic pillow makes the trip. I'd gladly carry 10 of them if it will keep me pain free...

quote nojobro: "I use the thermarest compressable pillow and am very happy."

My wife bought one of those. I take it with when she stays at home. :)

bla bla bla bla na na na na bla bla bla na na na (said with fingers in ears)

This is another place I should NOT be reading. My pillowcase from home with extra clothing inside has worked JUST FINE for years I tell you... I do not need a pillow, I do not need a pillow, I do not need a pillow; just like I did NOT need an Exped mat, just like I did NOT need a jello mold, just like I did NOT need a warm weather sleeping bag, just like I did NOT need new pots...

I use those small flannel pillows that you talked about in my hammock. You don't need as much of a pillow because of the lay of the hammock.

We found these ad a Camping & RV Show last year.

http://allnightllc.com/

They compress smaller than a football, or can be squashed into thoese small spaces between other stuff in the pack.

I keep and eye out for a beaver and then catch them and stuff them in pillow case. Make sure you tie it really tight or you will get the crap slapped out of you.

I haven't been able to get a bear or moose into the bag yet, might try a big trash bag.

quote BWPaddler: "bla bla bla bla na na na na bla bla bla na na na (said with fingers in ears)


This is another place I should NOT be reading. My pillowcase from home with extra clothing inside has worked JUST FINE for years I tell you... I do not need a pillow, I do not need a pillow, I do not need a pillow; just like I did NOT need an Exped mat, just like I did NOT need a jello mold, just like I did NOT need a warm weather sleeping bag, just like I did NOT need new pots..."

LOL!

Maybe you should ask the moderators to ban you from the gear forum? Bwahahahahha!!

quote Corsair: "Ok, I have yet to find a pillow solution that I can sleep comfortable with in the BW.

I have tried those small flannel pillows you find in the camping sections, no support.

I have been using for the past couple of years a small inflatable pillow, better, but not great.


I know some just stuff their clothes into a stuff sack, not an option too lumpy.

Is there something out there I have missed?"

I understand completely. What I don't understand are those compressible pillows. They compress when you lay your head down, therefore, what's the point? My solution Corsair, was a chunk of high density foam (think sofa seat cushion) 9"x13"x4". A t-shirt sheet pillow case tops it off. Plenty of support, yet plenty soft.

I picked up a Western Mountaineering Cloudrest Pillow last weekend at the MWM Expo. I haven't tried it yet but I like a down pillow so I expect I'll like this one.

paddling partner tried the thermarest pillow last season and loved it, going to get one for myself!

quote Zulu: "I am not sure if the small inflatable pillow you tried was the Exped brand or not Corsair but I really like mine. I only inflate it about 25% and wrap a pillow case around it. I see Exped is making one now that is inflatable and full of foam beads. That sounds like it might be worth a try.


I bought three styles and brands of pillows at REI last year, tried them all for a few nights, then returned two and kept the Exped.


BWCA.com member "jb in the wild" was raving about how great his Exped pillow was Sunday morning last fall at wingnight. I thought he was still drunk but I tried one anyway. It turns out I prefer it to my own pillow! I will have to buy jb a drink next weekend at wingnite for recommending it."!$/i
Somebody say sumtin' about a drink? I'm all for that. Zulu I do like that pillow from Exped their synmat is the sh!t also. See you in a week bro.

JB

I've used one of these the last few times camping. Super comfortable and great support. Small and compresses well too. Makes a great seat cushion ,what its made for, but even better pillow.

http://www.fleetfarm.com/images/products/small/0000000017481.jpg

Sold at Wal-mart for about $8

I have one of those Exped pillow pumps. Use it to blow up my mat. Gets pretty small and comes with its own stuff sack. I supplement the width by putting it in a fleece stuff sack with my sweater underneath it. Not lumpy at all.

I've never found anything that I like as much as the pillow that I sleep with every night so when I camp, that is what I take. It compresses well enough and does not add much weight and I sleep like a baby.

Wow,

thanks for the tips, think I will have to go to REI and check out the exped pillow

quote Unas10: What I don't understand are those compressible pillows. They compress when you lay your head down, therefore, what's the point?"

Exactly.

quote Winsum45: "

quote nojobro: "I use the thermarest compressable pillow and am very happy."

Ditto."

Double Ditto

i just bought a $4 travel pillow from target. it is just a regular pillow but smaller about 8x15 and it packs down to just bigger than a nalgen if i squish it good. for the $4 it is one of my best cost-to-awesome ratio finds.

ps i need a pillow, i am a side sleeper and get sore enough shoulders on all of the pads in my price range right now so i can at least make sure my head/neck are comfy.

quote snakecharmer: "

quote Unas10: What I don't understand are those compressible pillows. They compress when you lay your head down, therefore, what's the point?"

Exactly."

I switched to a Therm-a-Rest compressible pillow last year (large size) and it was GREAT! I didn't bother rolling it up--I just placed it on the bottom of my portage pack and let it scrunch down under all of my other gear. It does NOT compress down from the weight of your head overnight like it does if you choose to roll it tight to pack.

When I first bought it, it was pretty lumpy--even after letting it "decompress" for awhile. I put it inside a pillow case and then ran it through the washing machine and dryer. It was completely expanded after that and very supportive for sleeping.

BW Paddler,

LOl, I hear you, no more "neat" gear.

But if you are side sleeper, you have to have a pillow that works. For me, like others, the thermarest pillow in medium is really nice, perfect actually. I love it, another vote.

I am a side sleeper, but I guess my spare clothes in a pillowcase works for me - yes I have to reshape them in the night or as I turn from side to side, but I don't mind the bumps and I toss in a flannel pillowcase to be soft and cozy.

Clothing inside anything other than a water proof bag will absorb quite a bit of moisture in a damp environment.

Another vote for the ThremaRest pillow from a side sleeper. Practically weightless and love the self contained packing feature. Great bang for the buck.

quote Savage Voyageur: "You don't need as much of a pillow because of the lay of the hammock. "

Ditto - I often use - my towel making it a double duty item

Another plus for hammocks!

I have a small pillowcase modified with a zipper on the open end. I stuff it with my down vest, which I never wear to bed anyway. Makes a great pillow, and I can always use the vest in cold weather. I could stuff it with fleece also, but I like the feel of down.

quote BWPaddler: "I am a side sleeper, but I guess my spare clothes in a pillowcase works for me - yes I have to reshape them in the night or as I turn from side to side, but I don't mind the bumps and I toss in a flannel pillowcase to be soft and cozy."

Same here. A pillowcase can be "built to suit" :) The camp pillows I've seen are too scrawny and compressible for my taste.

quote TuscaroraBorealis: " I have a small down pillow I got a REI some years back. Packs up very small & weighs virtually nothing. Not entirely adequate (for me) by itself. So I fold up my PFD as a base. Just need to have the front (clasps & zippers) of the PFD down. And empty the pockets.


Occasionally I may fold my fleece in between the 2 as well.


TB"

Me too

This is a great pillow. ENO pillow

I love the therma rest pillow. Wouldn't leave home without it.

i use a rock wrapped in my jacket

vinnie

quote vinnie: " i use a rock wrapped in my jacket


vinnie"

hah

i just use a small pillow that compresses into a tiny stuff sack. But usually that's not enough so I use a sweat shirt as well.

quote sterngirl: "This is a great pillow. ENO pillow "

19 OZ. ouch my sleeping bag doesn't weight that much :)

T

I have yet to find the perfect solution of weight and comfort. The large western mountaineering cloudrest, exped pillow pump, small down pillow from home have all been good. I am going to try the exped foam blow up one next. We will see if it works better than others.

T

I was planning on filling a pillow case with all my soft plastics..... Mister Twisters, tubes, etc....just no Gulp or Powerbait!!

quote mwd1976: "Here's what I use now and am very happy with it. Good size, packs small, and support is adjustable.

ultralight air core pillow "

This looks like a good option.
However, I still use an inflatable pillow, wrap my fleece coat around it, and stuff it in a pillow case. This still can get somewhat lumpy especially after the jacket shifts around a bit, but works well enough for me.
I'd get something like MDW1976 shows above if in the market now.

I think I'm going to have to go to REI and take a nap with a couple of different pillows! LOL

Can't do the stuff sack option, tried that, worst sleep for me ever.

Just read through this thread. I always need a pillow too and have tried various options. Most of the options here that include a true pillow are relatively heavy, ~12-19 ounces.

The down pillow listed is very light at 5 oz but down is so compressible that I don't think a small stuff sack with 900 fill down will give much support.

I bought one of these recently. I have not used it yet but I am hopeful. It uses synthetic insulation and has a bit of spring, not as compressible as down. I bought the large size for use in my hammock but you could use it anywhere. It weighs only 5 oz and fits in a small stuff sack.

Snoring Bear Pillow

Real use rocks as pillows. I've always wadded up my fleece into a sleeve. This year I will go stuff sack method, still don't have a great method.

After reading this thread, I bought a couple Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillows in size Medium at Gander Mt. Tried it in the house, seems awesome. Then found them on sale ($16 for the med. size) at Sunny Sports...

Picked up two more. Now me & the boys'll be snoozin' soundly in the woods this summer!


Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillows Deal

Ok, I broke down and ordered an Exped pillow from REI. A bit on the pricy side, but my neck needs it.

Should be here tuesday. The video on REI's web-site (no thanks to bogs) was pretty convincing too (Like anything from REI needs convincing)

Hope to report after next week that it was the right decision! (if not bogs, I will find you!)

Got my Exped pillow on Saturday.

Here is a review without actually taking it into the wilderness yet.

Blows up as advertised-two maybe three breaths if you really want it topped off.

Packs down to the size of a large pill bottle will easily stuff into the side of the pack into an air pocket. Weighs next to nothing.

Contour for the neck is a nice feature. Was easy to deflate slightly if necessary for softer feel.

Comes with repair kit with glue, instructions and three pieces fabric per side (6 total) for in field repairs. Seems to be well made so not sure how likely it will get a leak if cared for properly.

Hard to say if it will work for side sleeping really well. The contours could help, but if you have wide shoulders like me not sure it has the elevation. Could always prop it up some.

Cover not as soft as expected but workable. I can always cover in a fleece or make a small polarfleece case for it if needed.

Kind of excited to use it. Will definitely work better than my thermarest pillow and packs really, really small. I'm happy with the purchase so far.

I second the Cocoon Ultra Light Air Core Pillow, haven't seen anything that folds up smaller, yet still comfortable (and I'm a Pillow freak).
$ 25.00 at REI, but they usually go fast. Venture to say that it's not too rugged (haven't used it much yet), but I have other Cocoon products and they all work very well!

Buy a box of wine, ditch the cardboard, drink the wine, re-inflate the bag and use for pillow. Works great for pillow, but for another reason suffered a headache in the morning. LOL

As in other thread, The Exped is my choice as well. I do add a flannel cover for comport. It packs up very small. The best I have yet to find or use as well.
Boppa

Wow, is this thing small. I will report back on the Exped when I return!

Ok,

Used it for my trip a week ago and here are my thoughts.

At first It wasn't very comfortable at all, turns out It was just filled too much. Let some air out and felt better.

I will inevitably move to my side at some point in the night, and I would have to wake up and readjust.

Overall It's not the holy grail of pillows I was looking for, but so far it's the best I have used.

The packing size can't be beat.

On a scale of 1-5:

Packing size: 5
Comfort side sleeping: 3.5
Back sleeping: 4.5

quote Beaverjack: "

quote Winsum45: "

quote nojobro: "I use the thermarest compressable pillow and am very happy."

Ditto."

Double Ditto"

Ditto ditto?

I use it as a seat cushion as well.

My bigger problem was when the pillow would slide out of place during the night. I'm now real happy with my REI 'dog bone' pillow:

http://www.rei.com/product/763637/rei-self-inflating-travel-pillow?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-763637&mr:trackingCode=FD6312F7-7FAF-DE11-93DB-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

Packs real small, self inflating, stays in place, light weight and more comfortable than a lot of them that I have tried.

quote brdubya69: "Buy a box of wine, ditch the cardboard, drink the wine, re-inflate the bag and use for pillow. Works great for pillow, but for another reason suffered a headache in the morning. LOL"

Nice.
I bring a lightweight flannel pillow case and stuff it with softer clothes.

quote fitgers1: "

quote brdubya69: "Buy a box of wine, ditch the cardboard, drink the wine, re-inflate the bag and use for pillow. Works great for pillow, but for another reason suffered a headache in the morning. LOL"

Nice.
I bring a lightweight flannel pillow case and stuff it with softer clothes."

It's the sensible thing to do :)