One of the problems with the stream-of-reviews format is that there’s not a single place to go for an overview of a particular category of gear as well as brief evaluations of all the candidates. And I emphasize brief because I go through a lot of gear and sometimes I don’t even have to take it out on a trip to know that it isn’t going to work for me. Writing a full “review” in this case doesn’t really apply but on the other hand I still want to capture the fact that a particular product was evaluated.
So today I’m introducing a new feature on the site called Quests where I can consolidate all the experience I have with a particular gear category in one spot. I chose the word quest not just because I’m a nerd but to reflect the ongoing nature of refining gear: every year brings a slew of new models and people’s preferences change over time as well.
Here we go!
(Model/purchase years are given in parentheses)
Reigning Champ: Exped Deepsleep (2020)
The Exped is filled with shredded foam and has an incredibly plush face fabric which is noticeably softer than the Therm-A-Rest compressible pillow that it replaced. The Deepsleep is also 49g lighter and packs down smaller for the same depth. Win-win-win!
I’ve used this on every 2020 trip and have absolutely loved it.
($28.95, 180g in size medium)
Contenders
Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow (2019)
My first crack at foam pillows resulted in a massive boost in sleeping comfort. However, everything has its price: it was 159g heavier and about a hundred times bigger (only a slight exaggeration) than the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight inflatable that it replaced.
($24.95, 229g in size small)
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight (2018)
(picture pending)
Arguably one of the most popular ultralight inflatable pillow models, it still suffers from all the typical problems of inflatables: it’s annoying to get the level of inflation exactly right, it slides around, and it isn’t very comfortable. Newer models of these pillows include S2S’s Pillow Lock System which prevents sliding on appropriately equipped sleeping pads. I had tried adding Seam Grip to the bottom of the pillow to achieve the same effect but it was mostly just absorbed into the face fabric.
I spent years using this pillow but I sure don’t miss it.
($36, 70g in size large)
Exped AirPillow UL (2020)
The king of inflatables, the AirPillow UL features a wedge shape so that you can adjust the height just by rotating it 180 degrees instead of having to adjust the level of inflation. It also has a grippy honeycomb pattern to keep it from slipping around. Although this is probably the best inflatable pillow I’ve ever tried it still isn’t comfortable enough to make me want to switch away from foam.
I have not used this pillow on any trips.
($38.95, 47g in size medium)
Arrowhead Equipment Bear (2020)
Stuffed with Climashield synthetic insulation, the Bear is targeted at hammock campers. I wasn’t aware that pillows could be filled with synthetic insulation so this was a new category to me. Unfortunately I found that the pillow seemed understuffed for the size (didn’t keep my head elevated enough) and the outer material had zero breathability. At only 22g lighter than the reigning champ it isn’t a very competitive entry.
I have yet to use this pillow in the field.
($30, 158g)
Arrowhead Equipment Cub (2020)
The smaller cousin to the Bear, this pillow is stuffed with the same Climashield synthetic insulation and wrapped in a similarly non-breathable cover material. Contrary to the Bear I found the cub to be overstuffed in that it felt too firm and lumpy for the size which is unfortunate because I really dig the pattern. I’m also thinking that maybe synthetic insulation just isn’t nearly as comfortable as shredded foam.
I have not used this pillow on any trips.
($10, 91g)
Carrand Giant Bone Sponge (2020)
Purchased on a whim after reading some random forum post which said you could use this as a pillow after wrapping it in a spare shirt or Buff. I don’t normally carry spare shirts or Buffs but some living room floor testing with a synthetic running shirt as a pillowcase actually showed some promise. The foam is significantly firmer than the shredded foam pillows that top this list which could be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences. Also does double-duty as an actual sponge but I question whether dual use would be wise in this case. Possibly a great ultralight budget pick.
I haven’t used this on any trips yet, but I’m very curious.
($2.97, 25g)