Have any of you tried the thermarest pillows. I have used clothes in the past for a pillow but am looking for something more comfortable. Any suggestions?
frank
Pillow - Appalachian Trail
system
#2
I usually opt for a water bottle or my cook set. Somehow though, I always start off with my clothes. One time I woke with my face against a redwood. They’re too heavy though.
tha wookie
system
#3
Sleeping on the hard what ever it helps the back to have the neck in line. We usually use a few ounce hollowfill travel job. Flannel on on side. Packs down to a soda can. Tried the clothes…why stick you face back into your arm pit all night. Some of the travel ones you get at JoAnns are the tube type?, about 8" around of various firmnesses. Find one that when you sleep on your side keeps you spine in line and you’ll do ok for comfort. I’ve seen hikers use a quality ziploc with air too. Or a platapus.
Bushwhack
system
#4
If you save and rinse out the bladder from your favorite box wine, you have an instant pillow. Don’t blow it all the way up, but do cover it with an old cut-down pillow case or some item of clothing when you sleep. :tongue
Lady Di
system
#5
I carried a hammock but I mostly slept in shelters so I used the hammock for a pillow…worked out great.
Tell it like it is
system
#6
The Thermarest pillow is not a bad option. I like how compact it is and how the stuffing expands when you unwrap it. However, I still use a shirt or other clothing under my neck because the pillow just isn’t comfy enough. But the pillow is better than just clothes.
Suvid
system
#7
I’ve seen people skim on a pillow many times in favor of using clothing, a hydration bladder or even using nothing at all. This just like many things is a personal comfort issue. So, I’m not saying what’s best for me will be best ofr everyone out there. Although, I would ask those who skimp on a pillow to forgo a pillow at home on their own bed using a pile of stinky clothing, hydration bladder or using nothing at all. I would imagine it wouldn’t take long before you toss and turn or have an unproductive time at work the following day. You’ve been hiking all day and you deserve something to support your head and neck.
I use a modified Thermarest pillow. It’s the small one and I’ve removed the back pocket sleeve, cord and cord lock. It saved just a bit of weight. Overall, I love this pillow. I’ve been using it for about 9 years. For 4.5 oz it’s a great balance of comfort and weight.
guru
system
#8
“Frog Togs” don’t know how well they work as rain gear but they sure double well as a pillow
deadman
system
#9
I always use my clothes, frogg toggs, spare socks etc, but I put them in a stuff sack (stuff sack from my tent or sleeping bag works great). The more clothes in the sack, the higher or firmer the pillow. If you try it a few times you can get it just right. I’d never try to use a loose pile of clothes because I’m too active at night and I’d have them scattered all over the place and that would be useless. Works for me.
CBiscuit
system
#10
I saw an ultralight website yesterday that suggested using kids’ waterwings from WalMart with a fleece jacket wrapped around one of them. I’m planning to try this next time.
Bob
system
#11
I have a Slumberjack pillow that I was very disappointed with – not enough head/neck support for me (I usually sleep with two pillows). I use the waterwings placed under the pillow in a stuff sack and it works well.
starving musician
system
#12
I have used the waterwings (I always knew them as swimmies) a few times and they work well. For those that don’t know what waterwings or swimmies are, they are those things that parents put on kids arms and inflate so the arms float, the body sinks and the kid drowns. Horrible idea but they do work well for pillows. Each swimmie has four inflatable squares but the first two inflatable squares are sectioned off from the last two. If you cut the swimmie down the middle you are left with two inflatable squares that your head and neck fit very well between.
Prospector