The Zpacks Dry Bag Pillow is an excellent choice for backpacking trips where you need to keep weight to a minimum. This dry bag pillow is very comfortable and warm and doubles as a water-resistant stuff sack during the day. The fleece surface is soft and feels excellent against the skin. The Zpacks Dry Bag pillow comes in medium and medium-plus sizes – we prefer the medium-plus size because it’s a little wider.

If you’re looking for a way to bring more relaxation and comfort to your camping or travel endeavors, check out the HEST Pillow. It brings the comfort of home in a compact package that’s easy to transport and keep clean. It’s nearly full-size and the shredded memory foam fill provides excellent support that doesn’t flatten out. At 2 lbs. 3.2 oz., the HEST Pillow is one of the heaviest and bulkiest pillows we tested, so it works best as a luxury pillow for car camping and travel when comfort is a priority. The regular size is plenty big for our needs, but an even larger Standard Pillow is also available.

The NEMO Fillo has been one of the most popular camping pillows on the market for many years, because its plush foam topper provides excellent support. It’s made of quality materials inside and out, like the removable micro-suede cover, durable air bladder, and sturdy valve. At 9 oz., the Fillo isn’t quite light enough for activities like backpacking, but it’s a comfortable option with a great value for car camping, travel, and short backpacking trips.

The Aeros Premium Pillow is our favorite in Sea to Summit’s Aeros lineup because it has a great balance of comfort and low weight. The Premium isn’t quite as large as the Aeros Ultralight, but it offers great support for side sleepers and has the same fantastic high-flow valve that makes it easy to purge air quickly. The Aeros Premium feels very similar to the Aeros Down Pillow, but costs almost $20 less, and its fabric feels softer against the skin. The Aeros Premium also has a thin layer of synthetic fill on top, which allows for better comfort and breathability. Overall, the Aeros Premium is a great choice for those who want an ultralight pillow with good support and a soft surface.

The REI Trailmade is an excellent and super affordable option that works for just about every kind of trip from travel to backpacking. The foam filling is comfier than an air pillow, and we love that you get to choose between the cozy fleece or the cool polyester side depending on the conditions. We might opt for an even lighter and smaller option like the Zpacks Medium-Plus Dry Bag Pillow on long, challenging backcountry trips. But the Trailmade only weighs 5.25 oz., so it’s totally backpacking-worthy if comfort is a priority. If weight and bulk are less of a concern and you prefer a more full, supportive pillow for camping, the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow might be your best bet, but if you’re looking for ultimate versatility, go with the Trailmade.

The Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow is an incredibly light backpacking pillow that’s more padded and comfy than the average ultralight pillow. The Down Pillow has a thin layer of down cushioning on top, which provides some additional comfort and warmth. While this is among the most expensive pillows on this list, it’s also one of the most comfortable in its weight class. True to Sea to Summit products, the Aeros Down also has an excellent valve system, which allows for easy micro-adjustments. Overall, the Aeros Down Pillow is among the most comfortable choices for ultralight air pillows.

The HMG Stuff Sack Pillow is very similar to the Zpacks Dry Bag Pillow listed above, but with a slightly more rectangular shape and a zipper closure on the backside. Weighing just over an ounce and a half and folding down to nearly nothing, the HMG Stuff Sack Pillow provides a ton of comfort in a tiny package. You’ll need to stuff this pillow with extra clothing to make it fluffy – a puffy coat works well. This pillow can also be used as a water resistant stuff sack during the day. The HMG Stuff Sack Pillow has a lot to love and we highly recommend it for ultralight backpacking adventures.

The NEMO Fillo Elite Ultralight Pillow is a great choice for backpackers who are looking for an ultralight pillow that’s machine washable. With a light layer of synthetic insulation on top and a soft cotton case, the Fillo Elite is more comfortable than most ultralight inflatables. Both the Fillo Elite and its heavier counterpart, the Fillo, are well-designed with integrated stuff sacks that are impossible to lose, removable cases for easy washing, and top-notch valves.

The Cocoon Ultralight Air Core Pillow is unique because the two sides are meant to be used in different conditions. The nylon side is comfortable and cool to sleep on during warm nights, while its microfiber side is warm and cozy on cool nights. We did find that the pillow felt a little wobbly when it wasn’t fully inflated, so it might be better for those who prefer a somewhat firm pillow. The Air Core pillow is the largest of the pillows we tested so it’s a nice option for people who prefer a big pillow with lots of loft. The Air Core is available in 14 x 18 in. and 16 x 22 in. sizes.