Vent: I spent $90 on a fancy camp pillow and it was a huge mistake

I got it for a week long trip in the White Mountains last fall, thinking it would be a big upgrade from my rolled up jacket. After the first night, my neck was killing me. The thing was way too firm and didn't pack down small at all. I ended up ditching it on day three and went back to my old method. Has anyone found a good soft pillow that actually compresses well?

3 comments

3 Comments

charles_chen933mo ago

Remember that time I bought a super expensive sleeping bag that was supposed to be a game changer. It was so stiff it felt like I was zipping myself into a giant potato chip bag. Spent the whole first night listening to the crinkling noise and staring at the stars, wondering why I didn't just use my old reliable one. Sometimes the fancy gear is just fancy, not better. I've had way more luck with a simple stuff sack full of my extra clothes, it molds to your head and costs nothing.

johnthompson3mo ago

Oh man, I feel this in my SOUL. I did the exact same thing with a "premium" inflatable pillow that was supposed to be the best. It felt like resting my head on a half inflated soccer ball, just a weird round lump. Total waste of money. I've been using a cheap fleece pillow case stuffed with my puffy jacket for years now and it's PERFECT.

the_uma1mo ago

Half inflated soccer ball" is exactly right, John. I can't believe they sell those things as "premium" gear. One time I had a buddy who brought one of those inflatable pillows on a hunting trip, he spent the whole night trying to get the air pressure just right. By morning he'd given up and just wadded up his Carhartt jacket under his head. @johnthompson you've got the right idea with the fleece case and puffy jacket trick. Those expensive camping gadgets are like a leaky faucet, they just keep costing you and never work right.