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Post by scapegoat on Jan 22, 2016 19:53:31 GMT -8
I've always just used whatever squishy gear I could summon up as a pillow but seeing all these pillow gear options available in the shops now I wonder if there's a particular camping specific pillow that may be worth it's weight. I've developed neck and back issues in the last few years and had to hunt down just the right pillow for home. Anyone have any luck or experience with stuff that's on the market now or even some old BP tricks?
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Post by Lonewolf on Jan 23, 2016 4:48:33 GMT -8
Look around, there really are a lot of options. I quit using a stuff sack because they're so slick and picked up a small fleece pillow case that I put clothes in. I usually put in whatever coat or pullover I'll be using first thing in the morning.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Jan 23, 2016 4:56:16 GMT -8
Some of my jackets pack into a pocket, and I use that. Otherwise, as TDale and LW point out, there are various options. If you go for a stuff sack get one that's not crinkly and noisy. Also, some seem to do a better job of retaining heat, which can make you more comfortable in cold weather. I have one of these, but never use it anymore. It's good, but kinda bulky even when compressed (takes up more room in my pack). If you think it would work for you I'd be willing to part with it - it's just taking up room in my closet.
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Post by trinity on Jan 23, 2016 5:38:23 GMT -8
I used an Exped Pillow for quite a few years, and was very happy with it. It bit the dust this past summer, and just to try something new I replaced it with the Aeros Ultralight, which I find just as comfortable and a tad smaller and lighter. Exped also makes a lighter weight version of their pillow. You won't go wrong with any of these. Many people consider a pillow a luxury item, but I find it to be a pretty big improvement in comfort for a mere 2 ounces.
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Post by dirthurts on Jan 23, 2016 5:57:05 GMT -8
The one luxury item I carry is a legit pillow. These days I'm using the Thermarest Compressible Pillow (medium). I have some old injuries that ache when I'm not well supported, and it does the trick. It packs pretty big, and it's a bit heavy, but it's way better than wadding up clothes.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Jan 23, 2016 5:57:28 GMT -8
Your sleeping style will dictate to some extent what kind of pillow will work for you. Like TDale I'm a side sleeper so need a taller pillow to keep my head in alignment with my spine than a back sleeper would need. My solution works extremely well for me and is extremely light. I have a MonkeyPillow, a backpacking pillowcase that weighs less than 2 oz. One side is a light fleece in your choice of color/pattern, the other an ultralight material like silnylon. The large size is the biggest backpacking pillow I've found at 19x13. Straps go around your sleeping pad to keep it in place. I put a FlexAir pillow inside, which is an inflatable designed as a disposable hospital pillow, weighs less than 1 oz. That forms a foundation/base. I only inflate it about halfway so it lays flat. Then I stuff inside my down puffy, which I'm carrying anyway. This provides some sink-in comfort, but because the FlexAir is taking up some of the volume inside the pillowcase the down puffy is a bit compacted, so it provides some firm support rather than squishing flat as down can do. The result for me is a pillow that is much lighter, much larger, much more comfortable, packs down smaller, and is less prone to slip out of place than any other approach I've tried.
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Post by hikerjer on Jan 23, 2016 6:07:38 GMT -8
Exped inflatable here. Been very happy with it.
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markskor
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Post by markskor on Jan 23, 2016 9:11:41 GMT -8
Happy with my Montbell UL (2.4 oz) blow-up pillow - google it
usually stuffed inside a down vest...pretty plush!
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mk
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Post by mk on Jan 23, 2016 9:31:38 GMT -8
Side sleeper here with neck/back/shoulder issues. I, too, use a Therm-a-rest compressible pillow. Worth it's weight and bulk to me for the support. I can't count on having clothes for a stuff sack pillow because I oftentimes sleep in just about all I have with me. Not to mention I don't want my "pillow" coming apart. Or the smell ...
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 23, 2016 10:14:01 GMT -8
I put a FlexAir pillow inside, which is an inflatable designed as a disposable hospital pillow, weighs less than 1 oz. I'm going to check this out. I use a water bag, which is supposedly a dual-use item, but in fact is an extra that would be used only for a dry camp, and not really necessary even then. It weighs more than 1 oz.
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almostthere
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Post by almostthere on Jan 23, 2016 11:15:55 GMT -8
I have an Exped Pillow Pump and a THermarest NeoAir pillow. When using the Synmat, I take the Pillow Pump. Anything else I take the other pillow. Side sleeper -- I used to try using the jacket in a stuff sack but find that backpacking clothing compresses too much and nylon crawls away/oozes out from under. The pillows are firm enough and have a less slick surface than a stuff sack, and stay put (at least until I get up to pee).
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Post by scapegoat on Jan 23, 2016 12:41:36 GMT -8
Flexair? I'll buy that for a dollar I'll probably start with that and maybe eventually try an Exped version from my local store.
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markskor
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Post by markskor on Jan 23, 2016 12:52:19 GMT -8
RE: FlexAir pillow No valve - you insert/ push in a straw. Works OK for a few nights, then doesn't anymore, and no way to field fix. Suggest looking elsewhere...better options available. just my 2¢
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Post by scapegoat on Jan 23, 2016 13:42:36 GMT -8
Thanks, markskor -at least it's cheap and may give me an idea if heading in the direction of inflatable pillows is the direction I should take. I'm considering sewing up a custom polyfill or foam rectangle to place on top of the existing gear pillow I've used -maybe it will keep if from compressing into a rock in the night.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Jan 24, 2016 5:29:39 GMT -8
I have over 30 nights on the same FlexAir and still going strong...
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