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Camping pillows: inflatable, foam or a spare-clothes bag?
Compare inflatable pillows, filled pillows and clothing bags, and test the height and comfort with your actual sleeping mat.
A camping pillow is a small item that can make a big difference to sleep. Choose it with your sleeping mat and sleeping position in mind, rather than judging it only by packed size.
Compare the three simple options
- Inflatable: compact and adjustable, but shape and firmness matter.
- Foam or filled: often a more familiar feel, with extra packed bulk.
- Clothing in a soft bag: uses gear you already carry, though the shape can shift.
Test the height, not just the softness
Lie on your actual mat. A side sleeper may want more height than a back sleeper, but comfort is individual. Try an inflatable pillow partly deflated before deciding it feels too hard. Check whether it slides off the mat or pushes against the hood of your sleeping bag.
Make a sensible first choice
For car camping, your normal pillow may be the easiest starting point if you can keep it clean and dry. For a walking trip, compare packed bulk with how much better you sleep. I would test a spare fleece in a soft bag before buying another item. With a used inflatable pillow, inspect the valve and seams and leave it inflated long enough to notice a slow leak. Follow its own washing instructions.
Read next: A camping checklist for your first NZ campsite stay.
Sources and photo credit
Information checked 29 September 2026.
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Original photograph; CC BY 2.0. Resized for web display.
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