For side sleepers, a good night’s rest on the trail is non-negotiable. The right backpacking pillow provides crucial support to keep your head, neck, and spine aligned, preventing stiffness and ensuring you wake up ready for the day’s miles. Unlike stomach or back sleepers, side sleepers need a pillow with enough loft and structure to fill the gap between the ear and shoulder, making the choice of pillow a critical piece of gear.
This roundup focuses on pillows that deliver comfort without sacrificing packability. We’ve evaluated a range of styles, from compressible foam to adjustable inflatables, to find options that cater to the specific needs of side sleepers. Whether you prioritize ultralight weight, plush feel, or customizable firmness, one of these nine top picks will help you sleep soundly under the stars.
The Best Backpacking Pillows for Side Sleepers
- Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium
- TETON Sports Camp Pillow for Travel
- Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow
- Coop Home Goods Adjustable Travel Pillow
- Therm-a-Rest Compressible Cinch Camping Pillow
- Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Inflatable Pillow
- Nemo Equipment Fillo Elite Ultralight Pillow
- Klymit Pillow X Inflatable Travel Pillow
- Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow
Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium
The Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium is a top-tier inflatable option that balances comfort and packability. Its soft, brushed knit fabric feels pleasant against the skin, a significant advantage for side sleepers who need a non-abrasive surface. The multi-function valve allows for easy inflation and precise pressure adjustment, letting you customize the firmness to achieve the perfect loft for spinal alignment.
This pillow is designed with technical fabrics that reduce overall weight and resist moisture, making it a reliable choice for various conditions. It packs down remarkably small, fitting easily into any backpack corner. For side sleepers seeking a lightweight, highly adjustable pillow that doesn’t feel like a plastic balloon, the Aeros Premium is a standout selection.
TETON Sports Camp Pillow
The TETON Sports Camp Pillow offers a different approach, providing comfort without any need for inflation. It uses a soft filling that lofts up on its own, creating a ready-to-use pillow that mimics the feel of a traditional bed pillow. This can be a major benefit for side sleepers who dislike the firm, artificial feel of some inflatables and prefer a consistently plush surface.
Its machine-washable design, including the removable pillowcase, makes maintenance simple after dusty or sweaty trips. While it packs slightly larger than an inflatable, its self-inflating nature and reliable comfort make it a favorite for car camping, travel, and backpackers who prioritize a familiar sleeping feel above minimal packed size.
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow
Therm-a-Rest’s Compressible Travel Pillow is filled with soft foam that expands to a generous 4-inch thickness, offering substantial support for a side sleeper’s head and neck. The foam conforms gently to your shape, providing a cushioned feel that is hard to find in the backcountry. It strikes a balance between comfort and portability.
When it’s time to move, the pillow compresses down into a manageable size using its integrated drawstring and cord lock system. This design makes it simple to pack into a backpack or duffel bag. It’s a versatile choice that performs well not just in a tent, but also during plane rides or long car trips, providing home-like comfort wherever you need it.
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Travel Pillow
The Coop Home Goods Travel Pillow brings a popular bed pillow concept to the outdoors. Its key feature is adjustability; you can add or remove the shredded memory foam filling to achieve your ideal loft and firmness. For side sleepers, this means you can ensure the pillow is tall enough to properly support your neck and keep your spine in a neutral position.
CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold certifications provide assurance about the materials’ quality and low chemical emissions. The pillow includes a washable cover and a compressible stuff sack. This option is ideal for those who want complete control over their pillow’s feel and appreciate the contouring comfort of memory foam, even while camping.
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Cinch Camping Pillow
Building on the classic compressible design, the Therm-a-Rest Cinch Pillow adds a clever customization feature. An external cinch cord allows you to tailor the pillow’s firmness and shape. Side sleepers can tighten the cord to create a more supportive, bolstered feel that resists flattening under the weight of the head, improving alignment throughout the night.
This pillow uses upcycled sleeping pad foam for its filling and features a cover made with recycled materials, appealing to eco-conscious adventurers. It provides the same soft, foam-based comfort as the original but with added versatility to fine-tune the support, making it a smart upgrade for those who need a more structured feel.
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Inflatable Travel Pillow
The standard Sea to Summit Aeros Premium is a reliable and lightweight inflatable workhorse. It shares the same comfortable brushed fabric and easy-to-use mini valve as the Premium model, allowing for precise firmness adjustment that side sleepers will appreciate. Its design focuses on core functionality and minimal packed size.
This pillow is an excellent choice for ultralight backpackers and minimalists who want a comfortable sleep surface without extra frills. The technical fabric is durable and handles moisture well. If your primary needs are low weight, small pack volume, and the ability to adjust firmness, this pillow delivers proven performance.
Nemo Equipment Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow
The Nemo Fillo Elite combines air and insulation for a unique feel. An internal I-beam baffled air cell provides structured support that cradles the head, preventing the “balloon” feeling common in basic inflatables. This structure is then topped with plush Zerofiber insulation, creating a soft, comfortable surface that feels more like a traditional pillow.
For side sleepers, this hybrid design offers the best of both worlds: the adjustable support of an inflatable and the cozy, cushiony feel of a compressible. It packs into an integrated stuff sack that won’t get lost. This pillow is for those who want luxury and superior comfort without carrying a bulky foam pillow.
Klymit Pillow X Travel Pillow
The Klymit Pillow X features a distinctive X-shaped design that contours to the neck and cradles the head, helping to keep it centered throughout the night. This can be particularly beneficial for side sleepers who tend to shift positions. It’s a fully inflatable pillow, allowing you to control the firmness with just a few breaths.
Its major advantage is extreme packability, compressing down to about the size of a lighter. The weight is a mere 3.2 ounces, making it one of the lightest options available. If your top priorities are minimizing weight and space in your pack while still getting contoured support, the Pillow X is a compelling and innovative choice.
Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow
The Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Pillow is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on essential features. It typically includes a soft, brushed polyester cover for comfort and a reliable valve for easy inflation and deflation. These pillows are designed to be compact and lightweight, appealing to weight-conscious backpackers.
For side sleepers, the ability to adjust the air pressure is key to achieving adequate loft. Many models also feature a non-slip bottom to help keep the pillow in place on a sleeping pad. This pillow represents a practical value choice for those who want the benefits of an adjustable inflatable pillow without a high cost.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Backpacking Pillows for Side Sleepers
As a side sleeper who spends a lot of nights on the ground, I can tell you that a good pillow isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for keeping your neck and spine aligned. Choosing the wrong one means a sore neck and a miserable morning. The market is full of options, but for us side sleepers, we need something specific. Here’s what I look for when I’m picking out the best backpacking pillows for side sleepers.
First and foremost, you need height and loft. When you’re on your side, the distance from your shoulder to your ear is significant. A flat, flimsy pillow just won’t cut it. You need a pillow that’s thick enough to fill that gap and keep your head level with your spine. Look for pillows that are at least 3 to 4 inches thick when inflated or fluffed. Some models even have adjustable fill, which is a huge win for dialing in your perfect height.
Stability and shape are next on my list. A round, ball-shaped pillow might work for a back sleeper, but it will roll away from a side sleeper every time. I look for pillows with a contoured shape, a classic rectangle, or ones that have a slight curve to cradle the head. A non-slip bottom or a pillowcase that can be tucked under your sleeping pad is a game-changer to keep it from sliding around all night.
Then, consider the material and feel. The cold crinkle of some inflatable pillows can be a real turn-off. Many now come with soft, brushed fabric tops or removable microfleece covers that feel much more like your pillow at home. If you’re looking at an inflatable, check if it has a foam layer on top for comfort. For stuffable pillows, the softness of the fabric against your face is key.
Finally, never forget the backpacking basics: weight and packed size. Even the most comfortable pillow is useless if you leave it at home because it’s too bulky. The sweet spot is finding that balance between ample support and a compact, lightweight package that stashes easily in your pack. I always check the packed dimensions and weight, aiming for something that disappears into its own sack and weighs well under a pound. Your neck (and your backpack) will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do side sleepers need a special backpacking pillow?
Side sleeping requires more support to bridge the gap between your shoulder and your head. A standard, low-profile backpacking pillow often leaves your neck craned downward, leading to stiffness and pain. A pillow designed with side sleepers in mind provides the necessary height and structural support to keep your head, neck, and spine in a neutral, aligned position throughout the night, which is crucial for recovery on the trail.
Are inflatable or stuffable pillows better for side sleeping?
Both have pros and cons. Inflatable pillows are great because you can adjust the firmness and height to your exact preference, which is a major advantage. Look for ones with a soft top layer or a fleece cover. Stuffable pillows, filled with your own clothes or a soft fill, often feel more natural and conform better to your head’s shape. For me, the best option is often a hybrid—an inflatable core with a layer of foam or a removable stuffable cover for the perfect blend of support and softness.
How do I keep my pillow from sliding off my sleeping pad?
This is a common frustration! The best solution is to choose a pillow with a non-slip bottom, often made from a grippy silicone or rubberized material. Many pillows also come with a strap or loops that allow you to attach them directly to your sleeping pad. If yours doesn’t, a simple DIY fix is to use a small strip of double-sided tape or to tuck the pillow’s corner or its stuff sack under the edge of your pad.
Can I just use my extra clothes in a stuff sack as a pillow?
You absolutely can, and many of us have done it in a pinch. However, for a dedicated side sleeper, it’s rarely ideal. A bundle of clothes tends to shift and flatten out during the night, losing its loft and support. It also means you can’t wear those clothes if it gets cold. A dedicated pillow provides consistent, reliable support that will make a noticeable difference in your sleep quality, making it worth the slight extra weight for most people.
What features are most important for comfort as a side sleeper?
Focus on these three things: Sufficient loft (height), a stable, non-slip base, and a soft, comfortable face fabric. The loft supports your neck, the stable base keeps it in place, and the soft fabric prevents that annoying plastic crinkle or scratchy feeling. When you’re evaluating the 9 best backpacking pillows for side sleepers, these are the core comfort metrics I would judge them by.