Camp pillows

[ronin718]

My wife is tired of having her "good pillows" taken out on camping trips, so she's asked me to look into the camp pillows. Both my son and I prefer firm pillows with some substance to them, but at the same time I'd like to get something that compresses down to a reasonable packing size.

Any and all input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[scoutaholic]

From what I have seen there are two types of camp pillows:

The most common type is just a bag that you stuff some clothes into. Depending on what clothes you stuff in there, and how many, you can vary the firmness of the pillow. I don't have one of these, and don't see the point really. If I want to sleep on a bag full of clothes, I can take my own pillow case, or just use a jacket or blanket.

The other type of camp pillow I have seen is an inflatable pillow. These can be inflated to your desired firmness, and then deflated when you are done to pack in reasonably little space. Depending on the material from which it is made, you may want to pack a pillowcase or put it under something. Vinyl can stick to your face if you fall asleep on it. The other thing to consider on this type of pillow is the durability. I had one for a while, but it eventually split the side seam and I couldn't inflate it anymore. I guess that $2 pillow wasn't intended to be used as much as I used mine, and then stuffed in the bottom of a compression sack when not in use.

[ronin718]

There's another version I've seen at Dick's around here that compresses into its own built-in sack. It appears to expand to full pillow size, but I don't know if it'll meet our support requirement. I'm hoping there might be folks out there more familiar with them. I've also heard of a combo compression/inflatable pillow at REI, but again, no personal knowledge.

Thanks, SA. Give a wave to Timp for my wife the next time you get down around the Point.

[Chief J]

I have just recycled some of the older pillows. We picked up some dark colored cases at the dollar store near the house and use some of the old pillows that are no longer on the beds.

Keeps the wife happy,

Chief J

[Mrw]

My kids will use whatever they happen to have on hand - clothes, towel, duffel, pack....

[wagionvigil]

Coleman has a camp pillow

[joat]

Cascade Designs (Thermarest) makes a nice backpacking pillow. The one I have is about 8" x 12" filled with some kind of compressable pillow material. It has a cloth cover. There is a drawstring around the perimeter that when tightened holds the pillow in a tight bundle for backpacking. They make a larger size as well.

[ICanCanoeCanU]

Our troop made pillows a few years back. Joannes sells the foam in all different shapes and sizes. The pillow case to put the foam into is about the easiest item to sew.

One of the adult leaders at the time was an avid seamstress so she brought in a small sewing machine and during 2 meetings each boy had made their very own pillow. Also learned how to operate a sewing machine, which they thought was pretty cool.

[Quailman]

If you're backpacking in any area that gets cold at night, you probably have a down vest or jacket. Just insert it in your sleeping bag stuffsack when setting up.

For non-backpacking situations I just do what Chief J does. Buy a new pillow for mom and ask which 'old' one you can have. Make sure you keep it separate so you don't take the wrong one some weekend.

[ronin718]

We're doing the old pillow thing now, but Mom wants to get things scaled down. I think she's looking towards the future while also looking at the present packing size.

[riverwalk]

Granted, I don't use mine as often as fellow members...but, my inflatable has worked since around '65-'66. And it's dark green, so I like it, haha.

[WVBeaver05]

There are certainly non-inflatable backpacking pillows around. I know a guy a work who uses one, even though he is somewhat minimualistic in his packing. Me, I use whatever is handy (or nothing) without problem (especially in winter when I have large jacket. Be he needs the pillow, so he takes one.

I'm not sure what kind or how firm it is. If I remember, I'll ask him the next time I see him.

YiS

[MDEagle]

My wife is tired of having her "good pillows" taken out on camping trips...

OK, here's what you do. Stand up real tall and say:

"Woman! Listen here! I'll use whatever pillow I want to, and you just learn to live with it. Cause I'm the man of the house, and that's just the way it's going to be! Now put the ballgame on the TV and bring me my supper!"

That should fix your problem. Glad I could help.

Wow, it's a lot easier to write that when my wife is visiting relatives out of state, and I'm safely out of reach!

[riverwalk]

And you better have a good tent to move into!

[wagionvigil]

Just got one and ALps Extreme

[ICanCanoeCanU]

Guess you all know what to get her for the next birthday, Christmas or Mother's Day now don't you?

[ronin718]

My wife is tired of having her "good pillows" taken out on camping trips...

OK, here's what you do. Stand up real tall and say:

"Woman! Listen here! I'll use whatever pillow I want to, and you just learn to live with it. Cause I'm the man of the house, and that's just the way it's going to be! Now put the ballgame on the TV and bring me my supper!"

That should fix your problem. Glad I could help.

Wow, it's a lot easier to write that when my wife is visiting relatives out of state, and I'm safely out of reach!

Yeah, my wife's having a good laugh at you right now. She also reminded me that it wouldn't matter where in the world I was, I wouldn't be safe. Unfortunately, I know it's not an empty threat. The girl is too devious.

[lambeausam]

We have the 8x12 pillows that come with a compression bag. However, if you want to recycle old pillows, but need to reduce the size, stich two rows down the pillow from one long side to the other. Cut between the seams and then you will have two pillows!

Sam