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Therm-a-Rest Packable Soft Foam Backpacking Pillow

Last updated: October 27, 2022


Since this backpacking pillow is lightweight and compact, you won't have any trouble adding it to your gear. The inner soft foam filling expands to 4-inches thick for added comfort. The cover also happens to be constructed from a brushed polyester, which is nice and smooth against skin.

Therm-a-Rest Packable Soft Foam Backpacking Pillow
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We looked at the top Backpacking Pillows and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Backpacking Pillow you should buy.

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow for Camping, Backpacking, Airplanes and Road Trips, Denim, Medium - 14 x 18 Inches

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow for Camping, Backpacking, Airplanes and Road Trips, Denim, Medium - 14 x 18 Inches
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$48.39

Product Details

Key Takeaway: You'll find this backpacking pillow comes in a choice of 10 prints, including eagle, cranberry, gray mountains and denim.

In our analysis of 64 expert reviews, the Therm-a-Rest Packable Soft Foam Backpacking Pillow placed 6th when we looked at the top 15 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow is a true travel essential. Ideal for anyone seeking sleep and comfort on-the-go, it offers all the support of home bedding in a small, convenient, and lightweight package for camping, plane travel, car trips, backpacking, trekking, and festivals. Easily compressible for packing into a backpack, duffel, suitcase, or tote, the pillow expands into a 4-inch thick, soft and squishy pillow for head, neck, and back support. The brushed polyester cover is soft against skin for cozy comfort, promising sleep and relaxation in places where getting a little shut-eye can be a challenge. Rest comes even easier knowing that the lofty urethane filling is upcycled—the byproduct of Thermarest mattresses, utilizing the waste generated during production. The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow is available in four sizes: Small measures 12 x 16 x 4 inches expanded (13 x 4 x 4 inches compressed) and weighs 7 ounces; Medium measures 14 x 18 x 4 inches expanded (14 x 5 x 6 inches compressed) and weighs 9 ounces; Large measures 16 x 23 x 4 inches expanded (16 x 7 x 7 inches compressed) and weighs 12 ounces; XL measures 16.5 x 27 x 4 inches expanded, (18 x 7 x 7 inches compressed) and weighs 15 ounces. Machine washable. Made in the USA.

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Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Durable fabric that resist scratches and stains in case of a spill or accident.
- BestReviews
The lightweight rectangular pillow compresses down for packing and, when the cord lock is released, it springs into a soft 10.2-centimetre-thick (4-inch-thick) pillow.
- Road Affair
This model does offer incredible simplicity. We like that the stuff sack is built into the design of the pillow. Just roll the pillow up, tuck it into the lip of the pillowcase, and pull the drawstring tight. It also fits snug in every mummy sleeping bag hood we tested it with and didn't move around much in our sleep.
- Outdoor Gear Lab
Wow!!!! This is an amazing pillow!I have now had this for a while, I got it to replace a down REI brand pillow that I thought was neat, but this one seriously blows it out of the water!!! It's perfect for car camping, day trips, overnighters and I say backpacking too (because I'm comfort driven)
- Trailspace
I always like smart design work, and I think it really shows that the company did its research before manufacturing the pillow. Speaking of design, you have a pretty nice selection of colors and patterns to choose from. I went with the classic “denim” color model, but you can choose between denim, poppy, “night sky,” “indigo dot,” and “mosaic.”
- Armchair Empire
This measures at exactly about 42 by 67 centimeters. The impressive thing about it is that it gives you the feeling of being at the comforts of your home.
- The Z9
At its maximum loft, the pillow feels like the perfect size for travel. It’s larger than the pillow offerings on most airplanes but noticeably smaller than a standard-size pillow (which means you won’t be bumping your neighbor).
- Mattress Clarity
It is capable of a loft of four inches when unfolded giving it the ability to adequately support your head, neck, and shoulders as you sleep. The cover is made from brushed polyester that adds to its comfort. Comfort is a key consideration whenever one is shopping for a camping pillow.
- Bedding Pal
The Therm-a-Rest compressible feels the most like a regular pillow and offers excellent comfort for a decent price.
- Compare Outdoor Gear
Therm-a-Rest offers sizes S-XL so you can be sure to get the best size for your application. As well as camping, these would be perfect for travel on a plane, train, or road tripping with the family. They are so similar to home pillows, but can take up far less space when packed when you need it most.
- Adventure Rig
The foam can expand to attain a big pillow or compress to achieve a small-sized pad.
- Best Pillow Sleepers

What reviewers didn't like

Traditional design won't support the neck and head from moving while sleeping.
- BestReviews
It's heavy.
- Outdoor Gear Lab
However, more than a few people ended up with a shredded cover and the foam pieces spilling out all over the place during the initial washing and drying of the pillow.
- Armchair Empire
Sometimes looks bumpy and lumpy.
- The Z9
I did not like that it didn't have a way for me to attach it to a carry-on and I didn't love how lumpy the pillow got after a lot of use.
- Mattress Clarity
Some users found that the fabric tore easily while washing and compressing.
- Bedding Pal
It weighs roughly the same as the Nemo Fillo, but it’s packed size is almost twice as big.
- Compare Outdoor Gear
Not the smallest, most packable pillow out there but for the comfort it is a trade-off
- Adventure Rig
According to some users, the pillow lack durability
- Best Pillow Sleepers

Backpacking Pillow Rankings

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Wise Owl Outfitters Waterproof Machine Washable Backpacking Pillow

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Hikenture Water Resistant Inflatable Backpacking Pillow

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Therm-a-Rest Packable Soft Foam Backpacking Pillow

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WELLAX Ergonomic Tear-Resistant Backpacking Pillow

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TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflating Backpacking Pillow

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MARCHWAY Neck Support Anti-Slip Backpacking Pillow

11. MARCHWAY Neck Support Anti-Slip Backpacking Pillow
RikkiTikki Portable Long-Lasting Backpacking Pillow

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TETON Sports Extra Soft Washable Backpacking Pillow

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HuTools Inflatable Ergonomic Backpacking Pillow

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Rest-A-Camp Inflatable Ultralight Backpacking Pillow

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View our Backpacking Pillow buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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